scholarly journals How to make a protostome

2012 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claus Nielsen
Keyword(s):  
Adult Stage ◽  
Morphological Evolution ◽  
Anterior Part ◽  
Nerve Ring ◽  
Cerebral Ganglia ◽  
New Information ◽  
Planktotrophic Larvae ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Apical Ganglion

The origin and radiation of the major metazoan groups can be elucidated by phylogenomic studies, but morphological evolution must be inferred from embryology and morphology of living organisms. According to the trochaea theory, protostomes are derived from a holoplanktonic gastraea with a circumblastoporal ring of downstream-collecting compound cilia (archaeotroch) and a nervous system comprising an apical ganglion and a circumblastoporal nerve ring. The pelago-benthic life cycle evolved through the addition of a benthic adult stage, with lateral blastopore closure creating a tube-shaped gut. The archaeotroch became differentiated as prototroch, metatroch and telotroch in the (trochophora) larva, but was lost in the adult. The apical ganglion was lost in the adult, as in all neuralians. Paired cerebral ganglia developed from the first micromere quartet. The circumblastoporal nerve became differentiated into a pair of ventral nerve cords with loops around mouth (the anterior part of the blastopore) and anus. Almost all new information about morphology and embryology fits the trochaea theory. The predicted presence of a perioral loop of the blastoporal nerve ring has now been demonstrated in two annelids. Alternative ‘intercalation theories’ propose that planktotrophic larvae evolved many times from direct-developing ancestors, but this finds no support from considerations of adaptation.

scholarly journals The Diverse Calpain Family in Trypanosomatidae: Functional Proteins Devoid of Proteolytic Activity?

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 299
Author(s):  
Vítor Ennes-Vidal ◽  
Marta Helena Branquinha ◽  
André Luis Souza dos Santos ◽  
Claudia Masini d’Avila-Levy
Keyword(s):  
Proteolytic Activity ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Current Therapy ◽  
Calcium Dependent ◽  
Administration Routes ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Open Question ◽  
Calpain Inhibitors

Calpains are calcium-dependent cysteine peptidases that were originally described in mammals and, thereafter, their homologues were identified in almost all known living organisms. The deregulated activity of these peptidases is associated with several pathologies and, consequently, huge efforts have been made to identify selective inhibitors. Trypanosomatids, responsible for life-threatening human diseases, possess a large and diverse family of calpain sequences in their genomes. Considering that the current therapy to treat trypanosomatid diseases is limited to a handful of drugs that suffer from unacceptable toxicity, tough administration routes, like parenteral, and increasing treatment failures, a repurposed approach with calpain inhibitors could be a shortcut to successful chemotherapy. However, there is a general lack of knowledge about calpain functions in these parasites and, currently, the proteolytic activity of these proteins is still an open question. Here, we highlight the current research and perspectives on trypanosomatid calpains, overview calpain description in these organisms, and explore the potential of targeting the calpain system as a therapeutic strategy. This review gathers the current knowledge about this fascinating family of peptidases as well as insights into the puzzle: are we unable to measure calpain activity in trypanosomatids, or are the functions of these proteins devoid of proteolytic activity in these parasites?

scholarly journals Circadian Deregulation as Possible New Player in Pollution-Induced Tissue Damage

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 116
Author(s):  
Mascia Benedusi ◽  
Elena Frigato ◽  
Cristiano Bertolucci ◽  
Giuseppe Valacchi
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Environmental Stressors ◽  
Common Mechanism ◽  
Particulate Matters ◽  
Circadian Misalignment ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Peripheral Clocks ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Almost All

Circadian rhythms are 24-h oscillations driven by a hypothalamic master oscillator that entrains peripheral clocks in almost all cells, tissues and organs. Circadian misalignment, triggered by industrialization and modern lifestyles, has been linked to several pathological conditions, with possible impairment of the quality or even the very existence of life. Living organisms are continuously exposed to air pollutants, and among them, ozone or particulate matters (PMs) are considered to be among the most toxic to human health. In particular, exposure to environmental stressors may result not only in pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases, but, as it has been demonstrated in the last two decades, the skin can also be affected by pollution. In this context, we hypothesize that chronodistruption can exacerbate cell vulnerability to exogenous damaging agents, and we suggest a possible common mechanism of action in deregulation of the homeostasis of the pulmonary, cardiovascular and cutaneous tissues and in its involvement in the development of pathological conditions.

scholarly journals The Austrian Osteopathic Practitioners Estimates and RAtes (OPERA): a cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick L.S. van Dun ◽  
Lorenzo Arcuri ◽  
Johan Verbeeck ◽  
Jorge E. Esteves ◽  
Francesco Cerritelli
Keyword(s):  
Median Number ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Cervical Region ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Treatment Techniques ◽  
New Information ◽  
Almost All ◽  
English Opera

Abstract Background: Since the previous survey of the osteopathic profession in Austria was almost a decade ago, an update was necessary. The Osteopathic Practitioners Estimates and RAtes (OPERA) project was developed as a Europe-based survey, whereby an updated profile of the profession not only provides new data for Austria, but also allows for a clear comparison with other European countries. Methods: A voluntary, online-based, closed-ended survey was distributed across Austria in the period between April and August 2020. The original English OPERA-questionnaire, composed of 52 questions in seven sections, was formally translated in German and adapted to the Austrian situation. Recruitment was performed through social-media and an e-based campaign.Results: The survey was completed by 338 individuals, of which 239 (71%) were female, and the median age was 40-49 years. Almost all respondents had preliminary healthcare training, mainly in physiotherapy (72%). The majority of respondents were self-employed (88%) and working as sole practitioners (54%). The median number of consultations per week was 21-25 and the majority of respondents scheduled 46-60 minutes for each consultation (69%). The most commonly used diagnostic techniques were: palpation of position/structure, palpation of tenderness and visual inspection. The most commonly used treatment techniques were cranial, visceral and articulatory/mobilisation techniques. The majority of patients estimated by respondents consulted an osteopath for musculoskeletal complaints mainly localised in the lumbar and cervical region. Although the majority of respondents experience a strong osteopathic identity, only a small proportion (17%) advertise themselves exclusively as osteopaths. Conclusions: This study represents the first published document to determine the characteristics of the osteopathic practitioners in Austria using large, national data. It provides new information on where, how, and by whom osteopathic care is delivered. The information provided may contribute to the evidence used by stakeholders and policy makers for the future regulation of the profession in Austria.

Establishing a New Information Paradigm

2011 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 18-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dail DeWitt Doucette
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Evolutionary Process ◽  
Scientific Discipline ◽  
Arts And Humanities ◽  
New Information ◽  
Chinese Association ◽  
Academic Information ◽  
Complex Forms ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Beijing China

This paper suggests a new information paradigm and recommends the establishment of a new academic and scientific discipline, or a metaphysics of information, to be built on the premise that information is also a part of all the universes, elements, systems, and conditions. Therefore, it is also an integral part of all the other individual disciplines and sciences. It is essential to look beyond the limitations of how humans use and perceive information, or even how other living organisms use information. It is proposed that information is in a continuous and dynamic evolutionary process that ranges from simple to complex forms, at every level, across all scientific and academic domains, as well as being a significant element in everything that exists. Information is a trigger mechanism, an emphasis and a nutrient, not only for information activities, but also all physical, and biological elements, systems and activities. Each existing discipline has within it a significant core informational element, which helps formulate and define that discipline. The science of information will bring together core science and academic information elements to correlate, compare and assemble a combined theoretical base. This new discipline should coexist equally with traditional scientific and academic categories such as physical, social science, arts, and humanities. It should not compete with or replace other disciplines but should stand alongside them and assist them to build comparisons and consolidations amongst multiple disciplines regarding information theories, methodologies, practices—by adding new perspectives, resources, and developments. This paper is adapted from a presentation to the Fourth International Conference on the Foundation of Information Science, held in conjunction with the Chinese Association for Artificial Intelligence at the Huazhiong University of Science and Technology in August 2010 in Beijing, China.

scholarly journals BCSExplorer: a customized biosynthetic chemical space explorer with multifunctional objective function analysis

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Tian ◽  
Ling Wu ◽  
Le Yuan ◽  
Shaozhen Ding ◽  
Fu Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Space ◽  
Function Analysis ◽  
Supplementary Information ◽  
Bulk Chemicals ◽  
Toxicity Analysis ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Almost All ◽  
New Generation ◽  
Rule Library

Abstract Summary The biosynthetic ability of living organisms has important applications in producing bulk chemicals, biofuels and natural products. Based on the most comprehensive biosynthesis knowledgebase, a computational system, BCSExplorer, is proposed to discover the unexplored chemical space using nature’s biosynthetic potential. BCSExplorer first integrates the most comprehensive biosynthetic reaction database with 280 000 biochemical reactions and 60 000 chemicals biosynthesized globally over the past 130 years. Second, in this study, a biosynthesis tree is computed for a starting chemical molecule based on a comprehensive biotransformation rule library covering almost all biosynthetic possibilities, in which redundant rules are removed using a new algorithm. Moreover, biosynthesis feasibility, drug-likeness and toxicity analysis of a new generation of compounds will be pursued in further studies to meet various needs. BCSExplorer represents a novel method to explore biosynthetically available chemical space. Availability and implementation BCSExplorer is available at: http://www.rxnfinder.org/bcsexplorer/. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Studies on the Abundance, Distribution and Feeding Habits of some West African Mosquitos

1933 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 493-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Kerr
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Small Region ◽  
West African ◽  
Extensive Search ◽  
New Information ◽  
Tree Holes ◽  
Fallen Leaves ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Breeding Place ◽  
Made In

Almost all of the studies here reported were made in one small region, so that very little new information was secured on the ranges of the species of mosquitos under consideration.Our investigations regarding breeding-places were limited to a few species. Aëdes vittatus was found occasionally breeding in tree-holes in Ibadan. Aëdes irritans adults were taken at Ibadan, which is so far inland that this species must sometimes breed in places other than crab-holes at the edges of salt or brackish water. We did not, however, find the larvae of this species at Ibadan. The favourite breeding-place of Eretmopodites chrysogaster was found to be small collections of water in fallen leaves (especially those of cocoa trees) lying in moist and densely shaded places. Because of the abundance of Mansonia africana in places practically free from Pistia, we conclude that in the vicinity of Lagos it must breed abundantly on other plants. The long flight range of this species was taken into consideration in arriving at this conclusion. An extensive search failed, however, to reveal these plants. M. uniformis, also abundant in the vicinity of Lagos, does not breed there upon Pistia, but an extensive search failed to reveal its breeding-place.

scholarly journals Involvement of Various Enzymes in the Physiology and Pathogenesis of Streptococcus suis

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 143
Author(s):  
Chengkun Zheng ◽  
Man Wei ◽  
Mengdie Jia ◽  
ManMan Cao
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Suis ◽  
Infection Process ◽  
Swine Industry ◽  
Serine Threonine Kinase ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Threonine Kinase ◽  
Severe Infections ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Almost All

Streptococcus suis causes severe infections in both swine and humans, making it a serious threat to the swine industry and public health. Insight into the physiology and pathogenesis of S. suis undoubtedly contributes to the control of its infection. During the infection process, a wide variety of virulence factors enable S. suis to colonize, invade, and spread in the host, thus causing localized infections and/or systemic diseases. Enzymes catalyze almost all aspects of metabolism in living organisms. Numerous enzymes have been characterized in extensive detail in S. suis, and have shown to be involved in the pathogenesis and/or physiology of this pathogen. In this review, we describe the progress in the study of some representative enzymes in S. suis, such as ATPases, immunoglobulin-degrading enzymes, and eukaryote-like serine/threonine kinase and phosphatase, and we highlight the important role of various enzymes in the physiology and pathogenesis of this pathogen. The controversies about the current understanding of certain enzymes are also discussed here. Additionally, we provide suggestions about future directions in the study of enzymes in S. suis.

scholarly journals The effects of repetition frequency on the illusory truth effect

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aumyo Hassan ◽  
Sarah J. Barber
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Repetition Frequency ◽  
Processing Fluency ◽  
Fake News ◽  
Theoretical Understanding ◽  
The Real ◽  
Truth Effect ◽  
New Information ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Illusory Truth Effect

AbstractRepeated information is often perceived as more truthful than new information. This finding is known as the illusory truth effect, and it is typically thought to occur because repetition increases processing fluency. Because fluency and truth are frequently correlated in the real world, people learn to use processing fluency as a marker for truthfulness. Although the illusory truth effect is a robust phenomenon, almost all studies examining it have used three or fewer repetitions. To address this limitation, we conducted two experiments using a larger number of repetitions. In Experiment 1, we showed participants trivia statements up to 9 times and in Experiment 2 statements were shown up to 27 times. Later, participants rated the truthfulness of the previously seen statements and of new statements. In both experiments, we found that perceived truthfulness increased as the number of repetitions increased. However, these truth rating increases were logarithmic in shape. The largest increase in perceived truth came from encountering a statement for the second time, and beyond this were incrementally smaller increases in perceived truth for each additional repetition. These findings add to our theoretical understanding of the illusory truth effect and have applications for advertising, politics, and the propagation of “fake news.”

Morphology and biology of Prionospio patagonica (Annelida: Spionidae) from Chile

2006 ◽  
Vol 86 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasily I. Radashevsky ◽  
Mauricio Díaz ◽  
Carlos Bertrán
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Part ◽  
Small Cells ◽  
Brown Pigment ◽  
Southern Chile ◽  
Short Oesophagus ◽  
Anterior Position ◽  
Planktotrophic Larvae ◽  
Anterior Segments ◽  
The Right ◽  
Red Eyes

Prionospio patagonica inhabits temporary silty tubes intertidally and shallow subtidally in brackish water estuarine environments in southern Chile. The species is gonochoristic with the female:male ratio being close to 2:1. Females and males release gametes into water. Pelagic planktotrophic larvae were caught in the plankton in the River Valdivia estuary in October–November and in March. Development of the adult morphology is described and illustrated beginning from the 2-chaetiger larval stage. One pair of lateral eyes first appears in the early larva, and shortly after that the right median eye develops. The left median eye appears after settlement, in juveniles with 10–11 segments. Developed 6-segment larvae have three dark red eyes, short palps of equal length, no nototrochs, one pair of small cells with grasping cilia on the pygidium, a small ciliated pit, gastrotrochs on segments 2–6, long serrated bristles in notopodia, adult capillaries in noto- and neuropodia on segments 2–5, single hooks in both rami on segment 6, and one pair of provisional papillae on the pygidium. A ventral buccal bulb is present below the short oesophagus and two pairs of provisional protonephridia are present in segments 1 and 2. The wall of the anterior part of the midgut has a characteristic brown pigment. The 6-segment larvae, about 400 μm long, settle and undergo gradual metamorphosis. In adults, hooks are gradually lost from noto- and neuropodia but sabre chaetae appear from segment 7 and retain their anterior position as growth proceeds. Up to 14 pairs of cirriform branchiae develop from segment 2, and three adult cirri appear on the pygidium. The afferent and efferent arms of each branchial blood loop are interconnected by capillary loops. A greenish heart body is present in the main dorsal blood vessel in anterior segments. Up to 21 pairs of metanephridia develop in anterior sterile segments, beginning with segment 4. Transparent gonoducts are present in fertile segments.

Control of Enzymatic Activities by Magnetite Nanoparticles

2006 ◽  
Vol 950 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Zhou ◽  
Marie-Eve Aubin-Tam ◽  
Kimberly Hamad-Schifferli
Keyword(s):  
Magnetite Nanoparticles ◽  
Reaction Rates ◽  
Rnase A ◽  
Enzymatic Activities ◽  
Covalent Interaction ◽  
Comparison Results ◽  
Frequency Magnetic Field ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Different Levels

ABSTRACTEnzymes are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions, participating in almost all processes in the cell to achieve significant reaction rates and serving a wide variety of functions inside living organisms. Here, we intended to control enzymatic activities by applying external radio frequency magnetic field (RFMF) through nanosized antenna. Ribonuclease A (RNase A), which is a relative small protein that cleave single-stranded RNA, was conjugated to magnetite nanoparticles (NP) by non-covalent interaction. The diameters of Fe3O4 nanoparticles are less than 10nm. External RFMF was applied, and the enzymatic activities of RNase A were tuned at different levels by varying the frequencies and incubation times. Comparison results by using water bath were also presented.

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