Search Results (28)

Background/Objective: Early pregnancy loss is often caused by chromosomal abnormalities, necessitating accurate diagnostic tools. While product of conception (POC) chromosomal testing is commonly used, it can be limited by culture failure or an inability to obtain fetal tissue due to spontaneous expulsion. Cell-free fetal DNA (cff DNA) analysis provides a non-invasive alternative; however, its effectiveness in early pregnancy loss, particularly in cases where fetal components are still minimal, has not been fully established. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of pre- and postoperative cff DNA analysis for detecting fetal aneuploidy by comparing the results to those of POC chromosomal testing. Methods: In this single-center prospective cohort study, 50 women undergoing manual vacuum aspiration for pregnancy loss before 12 weeks of gestation were enrolled (February 2022–December 2024). Cff DNA analysis was performed on maternal blood samples collected pre- and postoperatively. The primary outcome was concordance between the cff DNA and POC results. Sensitivity, specificity, and factors affecting concordance were also assessed. Results: Eight participants were excluded due to unsuccessful POC culture (n = 3), suspected maternal tissue contamination in the POC sample (n = 1), mosaicism (n = 3), or triploidy (n = 1), resulting in 42 evaluable cases. Preoperative cff DNA analysis showed 88.1% concordance with POC (sensitivity 86.4% and specificity 90.0%). Postoperative analysis showed 78.6% concordance (sensitivity 72.7% and specificity 85.0%). Conclusions: The Cff DNA analysis of preoperative and postoperative maternal blood samples showed generally good concordance with conventional POC chromosomal testing in detecting fetal aneuploidy in early pregnancy loss. Full article

Urolithiasis is one of the most burdensome urinary tract conditions with a prevalence ranging from 1% to 20%. Approximately half of the patients experience a recurrence, while 10% face multiple stone episodes. Long before the advent of surgical treatment options, herbal therapy, or phytotherapy, had been used for both the prevention and management of urolithiasis. Recently, interest in phytotherapy has been rekindled due to the limitations associated with modern urolithiasis treatment, the limited options for conventional medical therapy, and the added cost of interventions for stones. While research on phytotherapy is still limited, it is ongoing and is yielding promising results. In order to capture the current trend in phytotherapy for urolithiasis, we performed a narrative review from data collected and synthesized from electronic databases, with a specific focus on randomized human studies. Our analysis revealed that the use of various herbal medicines and phytotherapy, either as mixtures or as sole plant extracts, in urolithiasis is on the rise and is mainly utilized as complementary therapy to conventional treatment. Although most studies demonstrate the effectiveness of phytotherapy in reducing stone size and facilitating stone expulsion, several questions regarding specific dosages, mechanisms of action, drug interactions, treatment duration, and types of stones that respond to phytotherapy remain unanswered. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge surrounding the role of phytotherapy in urolithiasis and to determine its role as a primary or complementary treatment alongside traditional treatment options. Ultimately, further research is essential to clarify the abovementioned unresolved issues, overcome the existing challenges, and optimize the best possible phytotherapy strategies and timing for dissolving specific types of stones with these regimens. Full article

This study analyzes the award-winning documentary film Searching for Rodakis, directed by Kerem Soyyilmaz, produced in 2023. The aim of this study is the historic comprehension and analysis of this filmic narrative in the field of social–semiotic literacy and its utilization in historical studies for approaching issues of conflict in modern history, otherness, collective experience and trauma, and collective memory. The research material is the documentary Searching for Rodakis (produced by Denmark, Turkey 2023; screenplay/director, Kerem Soyyilmaz; duration, 57’), which received the following awards: Adana Golden Boll FF 2023 Turkey | Best Documentary, Thessaloniki International Doc. Festival 2023 Greece, Greek Film Festival Los Angeles 2023 USA, and Istanbul Documentary Days 2023 Turkey. As regards the historic context, the year of production, 2023, coincides with the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Lausanne, where Turkey’s current borders were set and the “population exchange” legally sealed, i.e., the violent expulsion of 400,000 Muslims, citizens of Greece, many of whom spoke only Greek, and 200,000 Orthodox citizens of Turkey, who in the majority spoke Turkish. At the same time, the Treaty of Lausanne ratified and finalized the expulsion of approximately one million Orthodox who were forced to leave the Ottoman Empire, as well as 120,000 Muslims who had fled Greece since the beginning of the Balkan Wars (1912–1913). About two million people were deported and lost their citizenship and property, in the context of “national homogeneity” (which connotes an ethnic cleansing), with the official states ignoring the criticisms of lawyers and academics who spoke of violations of constitutional rights. Mohammedan Greeks, estimated at around 190,000 as early as 1914, based on ecclesiastical statistics in the Pontus region, did not receive attention from the provisions of the Treaty of Lausanne, even though linguistically and culturally (origin, customs, culture and traditions) they did not differ in any way from the Orthodox Greeks. In Turkey, there was general indifference to the thousands of desperate people who arrived, with the exception of a few academics and the Lausanne Exchange Foundation. The filmic scenario is as follows: as a Greek tombstone of unknown origin is discovered underneath the floorboards in an old village house in Turkey, an almost forgotten story from the country’s creation unravels—the forced population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1923. The engraved Greek letters tell of a woman, Chrysoula Rodaki, who died in 1887. Thus the search for her descendants begins. It leads director Kerem Soyyilmaz to local archives, where his own family’s role in history is laid bare; to abandoned ghost towns, and through the memories of older villagers—all while Soyyilmaz meets massive support for his quest from Greeks on the other side of the border. The stone becomes a portal to the past—and for a while, the trauma becomes redeemed when the previous owners of the village house return. Searching for Rodakis is a movie that reconnects people, culture, and the stories that were discarded in order to build a strong, nationalist state—told through the director’s personal experiences. The research questions, as they arise from the cinematographic material itself, are as follows: How is the historical memory of traumatic events of the previous century, such as the exchange of populations according the Treaty of Lausanne, recorded in the cinematographic narrative? What are the historical sources? To what extent did the origin, ethnicity, and geographical location of the narrators as participants influence the preservation of historical memory and the historical research? What are the criteria of the approach of the creator, and what are the criteria of the participants? Methodologically, we apply historic and socio-semiotic analyses in the field of public and digital history. The results: The types of historical sources found in filmic public discourse include the oral narration of testimonies, of experiences and of memories, as well as the director’s historical research in state archives, the material cultural objects, and the director’s digital research. Thus, historic thematic categories occur, such as the specific persons and actions in Turkey/Greece, actions on-site and in online research, and the types of historical sources, such as oral testimonies, research in archives, and objects of material culture. Sub-themes such as childhood, localities and kinship also emerge. These cinematic recordings of biographical oral narratives as historical and sociological material help us understand the political ideologies of the specific period, between the years 1919 and 1923. The multimodal film material is analyzed to provide testimonies of oral and digital history; it is utilized to approach the historical reality of “otherness”, seeking dialogue in cross-border history in order to identify differences, but above all the historic and cultural similarities against sterile stereotypes. The historic era and the historic geography of the Greek and Turkish national histories concern us for research and teaching purposes a hundred years after the Treaty of Lausanne which set the official borders of the countries. Full article

We aim to investigate whether chemical inhibition of NRF2 transcriptional activity (TA) influences distal colon contractions, particularly in an age-dependent manner in females, and whether it impacts oestrogen receptor signalling in female mice. This study was performed on 3 and 6-month-old female mice treated with ML385 (30 mg/kg) or a vehicle for 7 days (i.p.). The colon functionality was verified with a colon bead expulsion test; serum samples were collected for oestradiol levels, and colon samples were stored for various histological analyses. The results show that the seven-day treatment of ML385 significantly downregulated TA (p < 0.05) and impacted its contractility. Additionally, young females treated with ML385 exhibited an increase in goblet cell number and significantly increased ERα, but not ERβ, especially in older mice. It is worth noting that the basal level of the membrane oestrogen receptor GPR30 was higher in older mice within the epithelial layer, and ML385 treatment led to a downregulation of GPR30 in 6-month-old mice. In summary, ML385 decreases NRF2 TA in the colon and impacts its contractility and goblet cell numbers. Additionally, NRF2 TA influences the expression of oestrogen receptors in the colons of female mice. Full article

This article examines how media outlets create a “border spectacle” (De Genova 2013) in schools, which contributes to the criminalization and deportability of undocumented immigrant students. Using content analysis, we studied n = 30 news articles that covered an incident in 2017 where two undocumented young men were accused of sexual assault and rape of a young woman in the school they all attended. This paper builds on the “school-to-deportation pipeline” by suggesting that, in addition to the zero-tolerance behavioral policies established by schools and teacher’s racist behaviors, the media coverage of alleged criminal acts also play a role in the expulsion and criminalization of undocumented students. The analysis of the news articles highlights four types of media frames employed to criminalize the young men involved in the case prior to these allegations being addressed by a court of law: (1) immigrant youth as sexual predators; (2) immigration as a correlation to a criminal act; (3) parents as the real victims of the case; and (4) sexual assault victims as collateral damage. Each of these media frames are built on xenophobic tropes that have historically facilitated the marginalization of Black and Latinx people, but in this case, it specifically targets undocumented young men. Collectively, the four media frames exemplify how media create a “border spectacle” in schools, manufacturing a moral hysteria to further marginalize and criminalize undocumented youth. We argue that, as a result of schools becoming border spectacles, undocumented young people’s fear of feeling targeted based on their “illegality” is intensified, and their sense of inclusion is hindered in an often thought to be safe and inclusive space for undocumented young people. Full article

Background: Chronic constipation (CC) is one of the most common disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI). The management of CC requires specific skills due to its complex and multifactorial pathophysiology and its multistep treatment. The aims of this study were to evaluate the availability and the use of diagnostic tools for CC in Italy and the therapeutic management of CC by Italian gastroenterologists (GEs). Methods: A survey was conducted during the 28th meeting of the Italian Federation of Digestive Disease Societies (FISMAD; Rome, Italy, 11–14 May 2022). The survey explored the presence of a clinic dedicated to DGBIs, the availability and the use of specific diagnostic tools, the routine use of digital rectal examination (DRE), and the therapeutic approach to CC by Italian GEs. Results: The survey was taken by 236 GEs. The most significant results were that 42% of respondents had a clinic dedicated to DGBI in their institute; DRE was regularly performed by 56.8% of GEs when evaluating a CC patient; young GEs (≤40 years) performed DRE less frequently than older ones (p < 0.001); anorectal manometry was available to 44.3% of GEs; balloon expulsion test (BET) was available to 19.1% of GEs; GEs with a clinic dedicated to DGBI had more frequent access to anorectal physiology testing (p < 0.001); diet and lifestyle advice were the most frequently prescribed treatments; and fiber and macrogol were the second and third most prescribed treatments, respectively. Conclusions: The survey provides an interesting picture of CC management by Italian GEs. The results are in line with previous data collected about 10 years ago among Italian GEs (“CHRO.CO.DI.T.E study”); DRE is still rarely performed by Italian GEs (particularly by young GEs). The availability of anorectal physiology testing is still limited, and BET, which could be easily performed in everyday clinical settings, is rarely performed. Lifestyle suggestions, macrogol and fiber are the preferred treatment, as recommended by all guidelines. These results will be useful to identify as yet unmet educational needs and critical issues to improve CC management. Full article

Ovarian cancer remains a leading cause of death among gynecological cancers, largely due to its propensity for peritoneal metastasis and the development of drug resistance. This review concentrates on the molecular underpinnings of these two critical challenges. We delve into the role of exosomes, the nano-sized vesicles integral to cellular communication, in orchestrating the complex interactions within the tumor microenvironment that facilitate metastatic spread and thwart therapeutic efforts. Specifically, we explore how exosomes drive peritoneal metastasis by promoting epithelial–mesenchymal transition in peritoneal mesothelial cells, altering the extracellular matrix, and supporting angiogenesis, which collectively enable the dissemination of cancer cells across the peritoneal cavity. Furthermore, we dissect the mechanisms by which exosomes contribute to the emergence of drug resistance, including the sequestration and expulsion of chemotherapeutic agents, the horizontal transfer of drug resistance genes, and the modulation of critical DNA repair and apoptotic pathways. By shedding light on these exosome-mediated processes, we underscore the potential of exosomal pathways as novel therapeutic targets, offering hope for more effective interventions against ovarian cancer’s relentless progression. Full article

Retained placenta (RP) affects lactation and fertility in dairy cows and causes economic losses to the dairy industry. Therefore, screening for early warning of this disease is important. This study used multi omics techniques to reveal the metabolic differences of dairy cows before RP onset and to find potential warning markers. Fecal samples and serum samples of 90 healthy Holstein cows were collected 7 days pre-calving; 10 healthy and 10 RP cows were enrolled according to normal expulsion of fetal membranes after calving. Fecal samples were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics analysis, while plasma was analyzed using targeted metabolomics. Pathogenic bacteria levels increased in the intestines of cows with RP compared to those in healthy cows. Lipid metabolites constituted the largest proportion of differential metabolites between feces and plasma. Six potential warning markers for RP in cows were identified, including two fecal microbiomics markers (Oscillospiraceae UCG-005 and Escherichia-Shigella), one fecal untargeted metabolomics marker (N-acetylmuramic acid), and three plasma targeted metabolomics markers (glycylcholic acid-3 sulfate, 7-ketolithocholic acid, and 12-ketolithocholic acid). These biomarkers can predict RP occurrence in the early perinatal period. These results lay a theoretical foundation for early nutritional intervention and pathogenesis research in dairy cows. Full article

In recent years, there have been important breakthroughs in the exploration for sandstone-hosted uranium (U) deposits in the Louzhuangzi district of the southern Junggar Basin. Between 2020 and 2023, a medium-sized sandstone-hosted uranium deposit production area was identified in the region. Only a few investigations have been conducted at the Louzhuangzi U deposit, including those analyzing its geological–tectonic evolution, basic geological features, hydrogeology, and ore-controlling factors. It is generally believed that uranium mineralization at the Louzhuangzi U deposit is controlled by a redox zone. Organic matter (referred to as OM hereafter) consisting of bitumen and carbonaceous debris is very common in the uranium ores (especially in high-grade ores) at the Louzhuangzi U deposit. However, the characteristics of the OM and its contribution to uranium’s mineralization have not been studied in detail. In this study, OM-rich U-ores, altered sandstone, and barren sandstone samples were collected for petrography, mineralogical, micro-spectroscopy, carbon, and sulfur isotope studies. The results of this study show that the distribution of U minerals and metal sulfides (pyrite, sphalerite, etc.) was strictly controlled by bitumen at the Louzhuangzi U deposit. The bitumen may have been formed by hydrocarbon-rich and U-rich ore-forming fluids, which were formed after hydrocarbon generation and expulsion in the underlying Jurassic coal-bearing source rocks. The fluids contained U, Zn, Fe, and other metal elements, which migrated together and then precipitated into the oxidized Toutunhe Formation sandstone through cracking and differentiation processes. Therefore, the results indicate that migrated hydrocarbons were involved in U mineralization, in addition to oxidation–reduction processes, in the Louzhuangzi district, south of the Junggar Basin (China). Full article

The Paleogene system of the Zhuyi Depression exhibits a pronounced mechanical compaction background. Despite this compaction, remarkable secondary porosity is observed in deep clastic rocks due to dissolution processes, with well-developed hydrocarbon reservoirs persisting in deeper strata. We conducted a comprehensive study utilising various analytical techniques to gain insights into the dissolution and transformation mechanisms of deep clastic rock reservoirs in the steep slope zone of the Lufeng Sag. The study encompassed the collection and analysis of the rock thin sections, XRD whole-rock mineralogy, and petrophysical properties from seven wells drilled into the Eocene. Our findings reveal that the nature of the parent rock, tuffaceous content, dominant sedimentary facies, and the thickness of individual sand bodies are crucial factors that influence the development of high-quality reservoirs under intense compaction conditions. Moreover, the sustained modification and efficient expulsion of organic–inorganic acidic fluids play a main role in forming secondary dissolution porosity zones within the En-4 Member of the LF X transition zone. Notably, it has been established that the front edge of the fan delta, the front of the thin layer, and the near margin of the thick layer of the braided river delta represent favorable zones for developing deep sweet-spot reservoirs. Furthermore, we have identified the LF X and LF Y areas as favourable exploration zones and established an Eocene petroleum-accumulation model. These insights will significantly aid in predicting high-quality dissolution reservoirs and facilitate deep oil and gas exploration efforts in the steep slope zone of the Zhuyi Depression. Full article

Parturition is the final and essential step for mammalian reproduction. While the uterus is quiescent during pregnancy, fundamental changes arise in the myometrial contractility, inducing fetal expulsion. Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling is fundamental for these events. The gelatinases subgroup of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP2 and MMP9, participate in uterine ECM remodeling throughout pregnancy and parturition. However, their loss-of-function effect is unknown. Here, we determined the result of eliminating Mmp2 and/or Mmp9 on parturition in vivo, using single- and double-knockout (dKO) mice. The dystocia rates were measured in each genotype, and uterine tissue was collected from nulliparous synchronized females at the ages of 2, 4, 9 and 12 months. Very high percentages of dystocia (40–55%) were found in the Mmp2^−/− and dKO females, contrary to the Mmp9^−/− and wild-type females. The histological analysis of the uterus and cervix revealed that Mmp2^−/− tissues undergo marked structural alterations, including highly enlarged myometrial, endometrial and luminal cavity. Increased collagen deposition was also demonstrated, suggesting a mechanism of extensive fibrosis in the Mmp2^−/− myometrium, which may result in dystocia. Overall, this study describes a new role for MMP2 in myometrium remodeling during mammalian parturition process, highlighting a novel cause for dystocia due to a loss in MMP2 activity in the uterine tissue. Full article

Athenian ostracism has long captured democratic imaginations because it seems to present clear evidence of a people (demos) routinely asserting collective power over tyrannical elites. In recent times, ostracism has been particularly alluring to militant democrats, who see the institution as an ancient precursor to modern militant democratic mechanisms such as social media bans, impeachment measures, and lustration procedures, which serve to protect democratic constitutions from anti-democratic threats. Such a way of conceptualizing ostracism ultimately stems from Aristotle’s “rule of proportion,” or the removal of “outstanding” individuals in a polity who threaten to disturb the achievement of communal eudaimonia (Aris. Pol. 1284^a). However, this way of interpreting the institution only presents a truncated view, one which is overly centered on the ultimate expulsion of an individual from the polity, rather than on its broader contextual telos—the transformation of the ostracized individual and of the community. To move past this simplified view, this paper considers all elements of ostracism with equal force, and argues that ostracism offered a shared opportunity and shared space for all members of the polis—citizens, non-citizens, and elite members alike—to reform the character of the subject individual and to instill and reaffirm democratic values in the community. Full article

Border pushbacks, including at the European Union’s external borders and by countries such as Australia, Mexico, Turkey, and the United States, are common—and in fact have become a new normal. These border policing or other operations aim to prevent people from reaching, entering, or remaining in a territory. Screening for protection needs is summary or non-existent. Pushbacks violate the international prohibitions of collective expulsion and refoulement, and pushbacks of children are inconsistent with the best interests principle and other children’s rights standards. Excessive force, other ill-treatment, family separation, and other rights violations may also accompany pushback operations. Despite formidable obstacles such as weak oversight mechanisms, undue judicial deference to the executive, and official ambivalence, domestic court rulings and other initiatives show some promise in securing compliance with international standards and affording a measure of accountability. Full article

Affected by the complex mechanism of organic–inorganic interactions, the generation–retention–expulsion model of mixed siliciclastic–carbonate sediments is more complicated than that of common siliciclastic and carbonate shale deposited in lacustrine and marine environments. In this study, mixed siliciclastic–carbonate shale from Lucaogou Formation in Junggar Basin was selected for semi–closed hydrous pyrolysis experiments, and seven experiments were conducted from room temperature to 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 450, and 500 °C, respectively. The quantities and chemical composition of oil, gases, and bitumen were comprehensively analyzed. The results show that the hydrocarbon generation stage of shale in Lucaogou Formation can be divided into kerogen cracking stage (300–350 °C), peak oil generation stage (350–400 °C), wet gas generation stage (400–450 °C), and gas secondary cracking stage (450–500 °C). The liquid hydrocarbon yield (oil + bitumen) reached the peak of 720.42 mg/g TOC at 400 °C. The saturate, aromatic, resin, and asphaltine percentages of bitumen were similar to those of crude oil collected from Lucaogou Formation, indicating that semi–closed pyrolysis could stimulate the natural hydrocarbon generation process. Lucaogou shale does not strictly follow the “sequential” reaction model of kerogen, which is described as kerogen firstly generating the intermediate products of heavy hydrocarbon compounds (NSOs) and NSOs then cracking to generate oil and gas. Indeed, the results of this study show that the generation of oil and gas was synchronous with that of NSOs and followed the “alternate pathway” mechanism during the initial pyrolysis stage. The hydrocarbon expulsion efficiency sharply increased from an average of 27% to 97% at 450 °C, meaning that the shale retained considerable amounts of oil below 450 °C. The producible oil reached the peak yield of 515.45 mg/g TOC at 400 °C and was synchronous with liquid hydrocarbons. Therefore, 400 °C is considered the most suitable temperature for fracturing technology. Full article

Nine samples collected from the Upper Cretaceous Second White Speckled Shale Formation at the Highwood River outcrop in southern Alberta were geochemically characterized for their oil contents, physical states, and chemical compositions. Cold extraction was performed on 8–10 mm and 2–5 mm chips sequentially to obtain the first and second extractable organic matter (EOM-1 and EOM-2), while Soxhlet extraction was performed on powder from previously extracted chips to obtain the third extract (EOM-3). EOM-1 can be roughly regarded as free oil and EOM-2 is weakly adsorbed on mineral surfaces, while EOM-3 may represent the oil strongly adsorbed on kerogen. While both extraction yields and Rock-Eval pyrolysates differed from their original values due to the evaporative loss during outcropping, there was a generally positive correlation between the total EOM and total oil derived from Rock-Eval pyrolysis. EOM-1 was linearly correlated with Rock-Eval S₁, while the extractable S₂ content was well correlated with the loss of TOC, suggesting that TOC content was the main constraint for adsorbed oils. A bulk composition analysis illustrated that EOM-1 contained more saturated hydrocarbons, while EOM-3 was enriched in resins and asphaltenes. More detailed fractionation between the free and adsorbed oils was demonstrated by molecular compositions of each extract using quantitative GC-MS analysis. Lower-molecular-weight n-alkanes and smaller-ring-number aromatic compounds were preferentially concentrated in EOM-1 as compared to their higher-molecular or greater-ring-number counterparts and vice versa for EOM-3. Fractionation between isoprenoids and adjacent eluted n-alkanes, isomers of steranes, hopanes, alkylnaphthalenes, alkylphenanthrenes and alkyldibenzothiophenes was insignificant, suggesting no allogenic charge from deep strata. Strong chemical fractionation between saturated and aromatic hydrocarbon fractions was observed with EOM-1 apparently enriched in n-alkanes, while EOM-3 retained more aromatic hydrocarbons. However, the difference between free and adsorbed state oils was less dramatic than the variation from shales and siltstones. Lithological heterogeneities controlled both the amount and composition of retained fluids. Oil that resided in shales (source rock) behaved more similar to the EOM-3, with diffusive expulsion leading to the release of discrete molecules from a more adsorbed or occluded phase to a more free phase in siltstones with more connected pores and/or fractures (reservoir). Under current technical conditions, only the free oil can flow and will be the recoverable resource. Therefore, the highest potential can be expected from intervals adjacent to organic-rich beds. The compositional variations due to expulsion and primary migration from source rocks to reservoirs illustrated in the present study will contribute to a better understanding of the distribution of hydrocarbons generated and stored within the shale plays. Full article