Miniaturization and morphological evolution in Paleozoic relatives of living amphibians: a quantitative approach

Paleobiology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Celeste M. Pérez-Ben ◽  
Rainer R. Schoch ◽  
Ana M. Báez
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Morphological Evolution ◽  
The Body ◽  
Size Reduction ◽  
Adult Size ◽  
Structural Modifications ◽  
Functional Efficiency ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Stem Lineage

AbstractMiniaturization has been defined as the evolution of extremely small adult size in a lineage. It does not simply imply the decrease of the body size but also involves structural modifications to maintain functional efficiency at a strongly reduced size. Miniaturization has been proposed as a key factor in the origin of several major tetrapod clades. Current hypotheses propose that the living amphibians (lissamphibians) originated within a clade of Paleozoic dwarfed dissorophoid temnospondyls. Morphological traits shared by these small dissorophoids have been interpreted as resulting from constraints imposed by the extreme size reduction, but these statements were based only on qualitative observations. Herein, we assess quantitatively morphological changes in the skull previously associated with miniaturization in the lissamphibian stem lineage by comparing evolutionary and ontogenetic allometries in dissorophoids. Our results show that these features are not comparable to the morphological consequences of extreme size reduction as documented in extant miniature amphibians, but instead they resemble immature conditions of larger temnospondyls. We conclude that the truncation of the ancestral ontogeny, and not constraints related to miniaturization, might have been the factor that played a major role in the morphological evolution of small dissorophoids. Based on our results, we discuss the putative role of miniaturization in the origin of lissamphibians within Dissorophoidea.

scholarly journals Biomechanical trade-offs bias rates of evolution in the feeding apparatus of fishes

2011 ◽  
Vol 279 (1732) ◽  
pp. 1287-1292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roi Holzman ◽  
David C. Collar ◽  
Samantha A. Price ◽  
C. Darrin Hulsey ◽  
Robert C. Thomson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Morphological Evolution ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Phenotypic Evolution ◽  
Genetic Constraints ◽  
Functional Systems ◽  
Rates Of Evolution ◽  
Trade Offs

Morphological diversification does not proceed evenly across the organism. Some body parts tend to evolve at higher rates than others, and these rate biases are often attributed to sexual and natural selection or to genetic constraints. We hypothesized that variation in the rates of morphological evolution among body parts could also be related to the performance consequences of the functional systems that make up the body. Specifically, we tested the widely held expectation that the rate of evolution for a trait is negatively correlated with the strength of biomechanical trade-offs to which it is exposed. We quantified the magnitude of trade-offs acting on the morphological components of three feeding-related functional systems in four radiations of teleost fishes. After accounting for differences in the rates of morphological evolution between radiations, we found that traits that contribute more to performance trade-offs tend to evolve more rapidly, contrary to the prediction. While ecological and genetic factors are known to have strong effects on rates of phenotypic evolution, this study highlights the role of the biomechanical architecture of functional systems in biasing the rates and direction of trait evolution.

scholarly journals Morphological evolution of Cuban super heavyweight boxers, 1976-2014

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 312-318
Author(s):  
Wiliam Carvajal Veitía ◽  
Sofía Alberta León Pérez ◽  
María Elena González Revuelta ◽  
Yanel Deturnel Campo
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Morphological Evolution ◽  
Skinfold Thickness ◽  
The Body ◽  
Morphological Attributes ◽  
International Trends ◽  
Sitting Height ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Scientific Value

Objective: To evaluate the morphological changes of Cuban super heavyweight boxers, more and less successful, through the period 1976-2014. Material and method: Thirty super heavy boxers, who were members of the Cuban national teams in the period 1976-2014, were compared; The strategy consisted of separating the group in the periods 1976-1989, 1990-1999, 2000-2009 and 2010-2014. Sixteen anthropometric dimensions were recorded (weight, height, sitting height, six skinfold thickness, five girths and two breadths), from which the body composition and the somatotype were obtained. The data were analyzed applying the Analysis of variance (ANOVA). The conglomerate analysis based on the Euclidean distance was used in order to evaluate the correspondence between physical development and sports performance. A discriminant analysis was carried out in order to analyze the contribution of the anthropometrical variables to the variance of different clusters. Results: Most of the anthropometric dimensions and indicators showed significant differences, having an impact on the increase in adiposity, body fat and endomorphy (p <0.05), as well as the decrease in the indicators dependent on height (p <0.05). The analysis by conglomerates, as well as the study of the Migratory Distances of the somatotype, showed that the Olympic medalist boxers differed in terms of the characteristics of body composition and in terms of the intensity of the somatotype changes in the period 1976-2014. Conclusions: The Cuban boxer of the super heavyweight category showed a wide range of morphological demands, but these were framed within the international trends of professional boxers. The morphological attributes of the Olympic medalists differed from each other, and from the rest of the boxers investigated over time. These results provide anthropometric data of high scientific value, both for selection and for medical control of training.

scholarly journals The Role of Ozonized Erythrocytic Mass Transfusion in the Restoration of Myocardial Morphological Changes during Blood Loss (Experimental Study)

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 27-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. A. Boyarinov ◽  
I. S. Simutis ◽  
V. O. Nikolsky ◽  
A. V. Deryugina ◽  
L. V. Boyarinova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Loss ◽  
Saline Solution ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
The Body ◽  
Circulating Blood Volume ◽  
Ringer’S Solution ◽  
Mass Transfusion ◽  
Wall Specimen ◽  
Thiopental Sodium

Purpose.To evaluate the role of ozonized erythrocytic mass transfusion in the restoration of damages in the architectonics of myocardium microvasculature and cardiomyocytes in case of a severe blood loss.Materials and Methods. Two batches of experiments were conducted, 17 white outbred rats in each. The animals were anesthetized with thiopental sodium (25 mg/kg). Blood loss was caused by taking 3ml of blood from the tail artery of rats, which is 35% of the circulating blood volume. One hour after the blood loss, transfusion of autoerythrocytes with normal saline solution and Ringer’s solution infusion in 1:1 ratio was performed in the control batch. In the experimental batch, 3 ml of autoerythrocytes treated with ozonized saline solution with ozone concentration of 2 mg/l and 3 ml of Ringer’s solution (1:1 ratio) were administered to rats. Erythrocyte mass was prepared from 3 ml of the autoblood harvested from the animals 3 days before the experiment. On a post-transfusion day5, in both batches and in five intact animals, hearts were removed following the intraperitoneal thiopental sodium injection (100 mg/kg). The left ventricle wall specimen from each heart was removed for examination. Histologic sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The preparations were visually examined and morphometric studies were performed using microvisor Vizo-103.Results.It has been established that administration of ozonized erythrocyte for severe blood loss correction limited the decrease in numbers of capillary profiles and their diameters, formation of mixed and hyaline thrombi fully or partially occluding microvascular lumens, major hemorrhages and reduction of variation of nuclear profiles, decreased perivascular, pericellular, perinuclear, and endonuclear edema of myocardial tissue, cardiomyocyte overcontruction zone, and their ruptures.Conclusion.The positive trends for microcirculation indices, vascularization density and myocardial edematization as prognostic markers in assessing potential posthypoxic rehabilitation of damaged tissues upon blood loss correction with ozonized erythrocyte mass might be explained by the antihypoxic, antioxidant, and detoxifying actions of ozone on erythrocytes and/or its metabolites (ozonides) in the body post-transfusion. 

scholarly journals Burrowing below ground: interaction between soil mechanics and evolution of subterranean mammals

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (162) ◽  
pp. 20190521
Author(s):  
Angelo Rosario Carotenuto ◽  
Federico Guarracino ◽  
Radim Šumbera ◽  
Massimiliano Fraldi
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Evolution ◽  
Soil Mechanics ◽  
The Body ◽  
Mathematical Treatment ◽  
Body Sizes ◽  
Anatomical Adaptations ◽  
Below Ground ◽  
Subterranean Mammals ◽  
Complex Phenomena

The evolution of species is governed by complex phenomena in which biological and environmental features may interact dynamically. Subterranean mammals dig tunnels whose diameter minimizes energetic costs during excavations and display anatomical adaptations in order to burrow structurally stable tunnels according to specific features of the soil. These animals weight from less than 50 g up to 1–2 kg, and dig tunnels with diameters from 3 to 15 cm. The use of allometric laws has enabled these data to be correlated. However, since tunnels need to be stable with respect to the geomechanical characteristics of the resident soils, a mathematical treatment linking the admissible dimensions of tunnels to the environment here suggests a mechanically grounded correlation between the body mass of subterranean mammals and the maximum dimensions of tunnels. Remarkably, such theoretical findings reflect very well the empirical allometric relationship and contribute to explain the wide differences observed in body sizes of subterranean mammals. In this respect, a far from ancillary role of environmental mechanics on the morphological evolution of subterranean mammals can be hypothesized.

The Role of Hyperhomocysteinemia in the Development of Changes in the Lungs

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-59
Author(s):  
Inga Samborska ◽  
Oleksandr Kovalchuk ◽  
Sharmila Fagoonee ◽  
Tetyana Falalyeyeva ◽  
Oleksandr Maievskyi
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Collagen Fibers ◽  
The Body ◽  
Ultrastructural Changes ◽  
Endothelial Lining ◽  
Gas Metabolism ◽  
Inflammatory Processes ◽  
Old Rats ◽  
Experimental Group

Background: In recent years, attention of the scientific community has been drawn to the study of the role of homocysteine in the pathology of diseases in general and the respiratory system in particular. Violations of the synthesis and disposal of homocysteine are the cause of its excessive accumulation in the body, which subsequently leads to damage to all organs and systems. Methods: We conducted this study on 64 white non-linear rats of 6-8 and 24-26 months old rats, which were divided into two control and experimental groups during the experiment. The study of ultrastructural changes in the lungs of rats was performed using an electron microscope. Results: The results of the conducted study show that all the animals of the experimental group, corresponding to 32 (50%) cases, possess conspicuous morphological changes in the structure of the lungs. : The specific features of mature animals were the narrowing of the alveolar space of the part of the alveoli and the increase in the number of macrophages in them. Partial desquamation of capillary endothelial lining and a slight increase of collagen fibers in interalveolar membranes were observed compared to control animals. A characteristic feature for older animals was the growth of connective tissue, predominantly collagen fibers, which led to pneumosclerosis. The thickening of the aerogemic barrier was also detected, and the endothelial lining was intermittent or desquamated. Conclusion: Mature animals of the experimental group were characterized by activation of inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, due to increased production of macrophages and, as a consequence, the launch of the humorous link of immunity, while in old rats were determined by fibrosis, disorders of the trophic and gas metabolism, as well as damage to the endothelium part of lungs.

scholarly journals Seasonal Tidal Dynamics in the Qiantang Estuary: The Importance of Morphological Evolution

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dongfeng Xie ◽  
Zheng Bing Wang
Keyword(s):  
River Discharge ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Morphological Evolution ◽  
Sediment Accumulation ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Tidal Range ◽  
Tidal Dynamics ◽  
Bathymetric Data ◽  
Bed Erosion

Despite the increasing number of studies on the river-tide interactions in estuaries, less attention has been paid to the role of seasonal morphological changes on tidal regime. This study analyzes the seasonal interplay of river and tide in the Qiantang Estuary, China, particularly focusing on the influences of the active morphological evolution induced by the seasonal variation of river discharge. The study is based on the high and low water levels at three representative stations along the estuary and daily river discharge through 2015, an intermediate flow year in which a typical river flood occurred, as well as the bathymetric data measured in April, July and November, 2015. The results show strong seasonal variations of the water level in addition to the spring-neap variation. These variations are obviously due to the interaction between river discharge and tide but can only be fully explained by including the effect of morphological changes. Two types of the influences of the variation of the river discharge on the tidal dynamics in the estuary can be distinguished: one is immediately induced by the high flow and the other continues for a much longer period because of the bed erosion and the following bed recovery. Tidal range in the upper reach can be doubled after the flood because of bed erosion and then decrease under normal discharge periods due to sediment accumulation. Over a relatively short term such as a month or a spring-neap tidal cycle, there exist good relationships between the tidal range, tidal amplification in the upper reach and the tidal range at the mouth, and between the hydraulic head over the upper and lower reaches. Such relationships are unclear if all data over the whole year are considered together, mainly because of the active morphological evolution.

scholarly journals Drug-Induced Lysosomal Impairment Is Associated with the Release of Extracellular Vesicles Carrying Autophagy Markers

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (23) ◽  
pp. 12922
Author(s):  
Krizia Sagini ◽  
Sandra Buratta ◽  
Federica Delo ◽  
Roberto Maria Pellegrino ◽  
Stefano Giovagnoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
The Body ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
Amiodarone Treatment ◽  
Lysosomal System

Amiodarone is a cationic amphiphilic drug used as an antiarrhythmic agent. It induces phospholipidosis, i.e., the accumulation of phospholipids within organelles of the endosomal–lysosomal system. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-enclosed structures released by any type of cell and retrieved in every fluid of the body. EVs have been initially identified as a system to dispose cell waste, but they are also considered to be an additional manner to transmit intercellular signals. To understand the role of EVs in drug-induced phospholipidosis, we investigated EVs release in amiodarone-treated HEK-293 cells engineered to produce fluorescently labelled EVs. We observed that amiodarone induces the release of a higher number of EVs, mostly of a large/medium size. EVs released upon amiodarone treatment do not display significant morphological changes or altered size distribution, but they show a dose-dependent increase in autophagy associated markers, indicating a higher release of EVs with an autophagosome-like phenotype. Large/medium EVs also show a higher content of phospholipids. Drugs inducing lysosomal impairment such as chloroquine and bafilomycin A1 similarly prompt a higher release of EVs enriched in autophagy markers. This result suggests a mechanism associated with amiodarone-induced lysosomal impairment more than a connection with the accumulation of specific undigested substrates. Moreover, the implementation of the lysosomal function by overexpressing TFEB, a master gene regulator of lysosomal biogenesis, prevents the amiodarone-induced release of EVs, suggesting that this could be a feasible target to attenuate drug-induced abnormalities.

scholarly journals The Role of Chemical Factors in the Inflammation and Infection of Cervico-facial Actinomicosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (12) ◽  
pp. 3620-3633
Author(s):  
Aurel Nechita ◽  
Mihai Constantin ◽  
Cristian Budacu ◽  
Gheorghe Raftu ◽  
Cristina Popa
Keyword(s):  
Dental Anxiety ◽  
The Body ◽  
Structural Modifications ◽  
Dental Problem ◽  
Human Sample ◽  
Reflex Reaction ◽  
Chemical Factors ◽  
Reactive Properties ◽  
Maxillary Region

Inflammation is a reflex reaction of the body to the action of some harmful agents, a reaction that manifests itself as a complex of functional and structural modifications of a vasculo-tisular nature, this reaction has occurred in the process of evolution. The intensity of the inflammatory reaction depends on the reactive properties of the body, the location of the inflammatory process, the anatomo-physiological particularities of the damaged tissue, and the conditions in which the inflammation develops. As accurate as dental technique and the practitioner�s skill, if the specific conditions of each patient are not taken into account, the benefit medical cannot rise to a higher level, with the final result being compromised by complications with unpredictable risks. Actinomycosis is a specific infection with subacute or chronic evolution, common to humans or animals, caused by microorganisms of the actinomycete family. The location of the affection in the cervico-facial sphere is four times bigger than the rest of the body; the disease is manifested by rough nodules, red in the cheek or sub-maxillary region, fistulas and scars on which new lesions appear. In order to achieve the proposed objectives, we conducted a study on a representative human sample of 158 patients, from the Oral and Maxillofacial Clinic, between 1.01.2013-31.12.2017. Risk factors (gender, age, area, dental anxiety score), our findings are unlikely to define separately the potential for the risk of installing actinomycosis. The level of dental anxiety as well as the general status of the patient are the markers that require the greatest attention from the practitioner in order to prevent a dental problem.

The Role of Polyphenols in the Modulation of Plasma Non-Enzymatic Antioxidant Capacity (NEAC)

2012 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 228-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Serafini ◽  
Giuseppa Morabito
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
The Body ◽  
Dietary Polyphenols ◽  
Enzymatic Antioxidant ◽  
Endogenous Antioxidant

Dietary polyphenols have been shown to scavenge free radicals, modulating cellular redox transcription factors in different in vitro and ex vivo models. Dietary intervention studies have shown that consumption of plant foods modulates plasma Non-Enzymatic Antioxidant Capacity (NEAC), a biomarker of the endogenous antioxidant network, in human subjects. However, the identification of the molecules responsible for this effect are yet to be obtained and evidences of an antioxidant in vivo action of polyphenols are conflicting. There is a clear discrepancy between polyphenols (PP) concentration in body fluids and the extent of increase of plasma NEAC. The low degree of absorption and the extensive metabolism of PP within the body have raised questions about their contribution to the endogenous antioxidant network. This work will discuss the role of polyphenols from galenic preparation, food extracts, and selected dietary sources as modulators of plasma NEAC in humans.

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