Early synapsids neurosensory diversity revealed by CT and synchrotron scanning

Non-mammaliaform synapsids (NMS) represent the closest relatives of today's mammals among the early amniotes. Exploring their brain and nervous system is key to understanding how mammals evolved. Here, using CT and Synchrotron scanning, we document for the first time three extreme cases of neurosensory and behavioral adaptations that probe into the wide range of unexpected NMS paleoneurological diversity. First, we describe adaptations to low-frequency hearing and low-light conditions in the non-mammalian cynodont Cistecynodon parvus, supporting adaptations to an obligatory fossorial lifestyle. Second, we describe the uniquely complex and three-dimensional maxillary canal morphology of the biarmosuchian Pachydectes elsi, which suggests that it may have used its cranial bosses for display or low-energy combat. Finally, we introduce a paleopathology found in the skull of Moschognathus whaitsi. Since the specimen was not fully grown, this condition suggests the possibility that this species might have engaged in playful fighting as juveniles-a behavior that is both social and structured. Additionally, this paper discusses other evidence that could indicate that tapinocephalid dinocephalians were social animals, living and interacting closely with one another. Altogether, these examples evidence the wide range of diversity of neurological structures and complex behavior in NMS.

Applying genomic approaches to delineate conservation strategies using the freshwater mussel Margaritifera margaritifera in the Iberian Peninsula as a model

Effective conservation actions to counteract the current decline of populations and species require a deep knowledge on their genetic structure. We used Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) to infer the population structure of the highly threatened freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera in the Iberian Peninsula. A total of 130 individuals were collected from 26 locations belonging to 16 basins. We obtained 31,692 SNPs through Genotyping by Sequencing (GBS) and used this dataset to infer population structure. Genetic diversity given as observed heterozygosity was low. Pairwise F_ST comparisons revealed low levels of genetic differentiation among geographically close populations. Up to 3 major genetic lineages were determined: Atlantic, Cantabrian and Douro. This structure suggests a close co-evolutionary process with brown trout (Salmo trutta), the primordial fish host of this mussel in the studied area. Some sub-basins showed some genetic structuring, whereas in others no intrapopulation differentiation was found. Our results confirm that genetic conservation units do not match individual basins, and that knowledge about the genetic structure is necessary before planning recovery plans that may involve relocation or restocking. The same reasoning should be applied to strictly freshwater species that are sessile or have restricted dispersal abilities and are currently imperiled worldwide.

Clearance and persistence of Escherichia coli in the freshwater mussel Unio mancus

The excessive use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of resistant bacteria, mainly from the Enterobacterales group, with high pathogenic/zoonotic potentials that can lead to problems in public health. The increasing presence in freshwater ecosystems highlights the need to evaluate potential sentinel species as risk indicators for both ecosystem and human health. The freshwater mussels provide several ecosystem services, may represent potential sentinel species due to their ability to filter water and retain both organic and inorganic particles. We tested the capability of U. mancus to retain Escherichia coli as a model bacterial organism. Under experimental conditions, the mussels could clear suspended E. coli, facilitating its rapid elimination from water within the first 24 h after exposure. The species also presented a maximum retention time of 4 days. We also provide allometric equations correlating the filtering capacity with the length and the weight of mussel body parts often used in biometric studies. We provide a first assessment of the potential of the bivalve Unio mancus to act as a sentinel species for the detection of Enterobacterales and demonstrate the ability to act as a water cleaner.

GHB614 × T304-40 × GHB119 × COT102 Cotton: Protein Expression Analyses of Field-Grown Samples

Food and feed safety assessment is not enhanced by performing protein expression analysis on stacked trait products. The expression levels of six proteins in cotton matrices from four single cotton events and three conventionally stacked trait cotton products are reported. Three proteins were for insect control; two proteins confer herbicide tolerance; and one protein was a transformation-selectable marker. The cotton matrices were produced at three U.S., five Brazil, and two Argentina field trials. Similar protein expression was observed for all six proteins in the stacked trait products and the single events. However, when two copies of the bar gene were present in the stacked trait products, the expression level of phosphinothricin acetyl transferase herbicide tolerance was additive. Conventional breeding of genetically engineered traits does not alter the level or pattern of expression of the newly introduced proteins, except when multiple copies of the same transgene are present.

Exploring synergies between transit investment and dense redevelopment: a scenario analysis in a rapidly urbanizing landscape

Like many urban areas around the world, Durham and Orange counties in North Carolina, USA are experiencing population growth and sprawl that is putting stress on the transportation system. Light rail and denser transit-oriented development are being considered as possible solutions. However, local agencies and stakeholders are concerned the light rail may worsen housing affordability and have questioned whether investment in both light rail and dense redevelopment are necessary to achieve community goals. We developed an integrated system dynamics model to quantitatively explore the outcomes of these land use and transportation options across multiple societal dimensions. The model incorporates feedbacks among the land, transportation, economic, equity, and energy sectors. This paper uses the results of four model scenarios, run between 2000 and 2040, to address two main questions: (1) what role does redevelopment play in capturing the socioeconomic benefits of transit infrastructure investment? And (2) how do redevelopment and light-rail transit interact to affect housing and transportation affordability? We find that transit investment and dense redevelopment combine synergistically to better achieve the goals of the light-rail line, including economic development, mobility, and compact growth. However, housing affordability does worsen in the combined scenario, as transportation-cost savings are not sufficient to offset the rise in housing costs. We emphasize that model users may input their own assumptions to explore the dynamics of alternative scenarios. We demonstrate how spatially-aggregated systems models can complement traditional land use and transportation models in the regional planning process.

The Oral Microbiome in Health and Its Implication in Oral and Systemic Diseases

The oral microbiome can alter the balance between health and disease, locally and systemically. Within the oral cavity, bacteria, archaea, fungi, protozoa, and viruses may all be found, each having a particular role, but strongly interacting with each other and with the host, in sickness or in health. A description on how colonization occurs and how the oral microbiome dynamically evolves throughout the host's life is given. In this chapter the authors also address oral and nonoral conditions in which oral microorganisms may play a role in the etiology and progression, presenting the up-to-date knowledge on oral dysbiosis as well as the known underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms involving oral microorganisms in each condition. In oral pathology, oral microorganisms are associated with several diseases, namely dental caries, periodontal diseases, endodontic infections, and also oral cancer. In systemic diseases, nonoral infections, adverse pregnancy outcomes, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes are among the most prevalent pathologies linked with oral cavity microorganisms. The knowledge on how colonization occurs, how oral microbiome coevolves with the host, and how oral microorganisms interact with each other may be a key factor to understand diseases etiology and progression.

Microsurgical anatomy of the lower basilar artery

This study was designed to study the microvascular anatomy of the basilar artery between the superior cerebellar artery and the vertebrobasilar junction (i.e. the lower basilar artery). Twenty unfixed brains were injected with silicone rubber solution and studied with a Zeiss OPMI microscope. The length of this segment of the basilar artery was 28.1 + 1.35 mm and its course was straight in 9 (45%) brains, curved in 7 (35%) and tortuous in 4 (20%). The total number of perforators found in 20 brains was 340 with an average of 17 per brain. Of these, 118 (34.7%) were median and 222 (65.2%) were lateral. Median branches had a mean length of 5.8 + 1.25 mm, whereas left and right lateral branches had a mean length of 16 + 1.25 mm and 16 + 1.58 mm respectively.

The Role of the Gut Microbiome on Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is estimated to affect nearly 500 million people worldwide and cardiovascular (CV) disease is a major cause of death in this population. However, therapeutic interventions targeting traditional CV risks are not effective at lowering the incidence of CV events or at delaying the progression of the disease in CKD patients. In recent years, disturbances of normal gut microbiome were recognized in the pathogenesis of diverse chronic diseases. Gut dysbiosis is being unraveled in CKD and pointed as a nontraditional risk factor for CV risk and CKD progression. The most often reported changes in gut microbiome in CKD are related to the lower levels of Bifidobacteriaceae and Lactobacillaceae and to higher levels of Enterobacteriaceae. Although metagenomics brought us an amplified vision on the microbial world that inhabits the human host, it still lacks the sensitivity to characterize the microbiome up to species level, not revealing alterations that occur within specific genus. Here, we review the current state-of-the-art concerning gut dysbiosis in CKD and its role in pathophysiological mechanisms in CKD, particularly in relation with CV risk. Also, the strategies towards prevention and treatment of gut dysbiosis in CKD progression will be discussed.

Hydrogen peroxide-induced secondary necrosis in conidia of Aspergillus fumigatus

Aspergillus fumigatus conidia have been linked to severe aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients. Recently, the cytotoxic effect of secondary metabolites from A. fumigatus conidia was reported. In the present work, a methodology used to detect cell death markers in fungal hyphae was adapted to study conidia cell death. Additionally, the mechanism of H2O2-induced cell death was studied in A. fumigatus conidia for the first time. Data presented in this work reveal that the H2O2-induced conidial cell death was associated with a marked increase of TUNEL- and PI-positive cells. It is therefore suggested that conidia cell death occurs in a dose-dependent manner through a secondary necrosis mechanism. The knowledge of conidia cell death machinery may provide insights into the molecular mechanism of conidia-mediated toxicity to the respiratory tract and may pave the way for improved therapeutic approaches against A. fumigatus conidia-mediated diseases.