Neuronal Regression of Internal Leg Vibroreceptor Organs in a Cave-Dwelling Insect (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae: Dolichopoda araneiformis)

2017 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 104-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johannes Strauß ◽  
Nataša Stritih
Keyword(s):  
Selection Pressure ◽  
Detection System ◽  
The Body ◽  
Constant Darkness ◽  
Suitable Model ◽  
Regressive Evolution ◽  
Anatomy And Physiology ◽  
Vibration Detection ◽  
High Level ◽  
Subgenual Organ

Animals' adaptations to cave habitats generally include elaboration of extraoptic senses, and in insects the receptor structures located on the legs are supposed to become more prominent in response to constant darkness. The receptors for detecting substrate vibrations are often highly sensitive scolopidial sensilla localized within the legs or the body. For troglobitic insects the evolutionary changes in vibroreceptor organs have not been studied. Since rock is an extremely unfavorable medium for vibration transmission, selection on vibration receptors may be weakened in caves, and these sensory organs may undergo regressive evolution. We investigated the anatomy of the most elaborate internal vibration detection system in orthopteroid insects, the scolopidial subgenual organ complex in the cave cricket Dolichopoda araneiformis (Orthoptera: Ensifera: Rhaphidophoridae). This is a suitable model species which shows high levels of adaptation to cave life in terms of both phenotypic and life cycle characteristics. We compared our data with data on the anatomy and physiology of the subgenual organ complex from the related troglophilic species Troglophilus neglectus. In D. araneiformis, the subgenual organ complex contains three scolopidial organs: the subgenual organ, the intermediate organ, and the accessory organ. The presence of individual organs and their innervation pattern are identical to those found in T. neglectus, while the subgenual organ and the accessory organ of D. araneiformis contain about 50% fewer scolopidial sensilla than in T. neglectus. This suggests neuronal regression of these organs in D. araneiformis, which may reflect a relaxed selection pressure for vibration detection in caves. At the same time, a high level of overall neuroanatomical conservation of the intermediate organ in this species suggests persistence of the selection pressure maintaining this particular organ. While regressive evolution of chordotonal organs has been documented for insect auditory organs, this study shows for the first time that internal vibroreceptors can also be affected.

Nutrients Mediate Bioavailability and Turnover of Proteins in Mammals

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 661-665
Author(s):  
Cunxi Nie ◽  
Fei Xie ◽  
Ning Ma ◽  
Yueyu Bai ◽  
Wenju Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Body ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Nitrogen Excretion ◽  
Dietary Proteins ◽  
Restricted Diet ◽  
Nutritional Interventions ◽  
Body Tissues ◽  
Utilization Of Protein ◽  
High Level ◽  
Protein Restricted Diet

As a major component of biologically active compounds in the body, proteins contribute to the synthesis of body tissues for the renewal and growth of the body. The high level of dietary protein and the imbalance of amino acid (AA) composition in mammals result in metabolic disorders, inefficient utilization of protein resources and increased nitrogen excretion. Fortunately, nutritional interventions can be an effective way of attenuating the nitrogen excretion and increasing protein utilization, which include, but are not limited to, formulating the AA balance and protein-restricted diet supplementing with essential AAs, and adding probiotics in the diet. This review highlights recent advances in the turnover of dietary proteins and mammal’s metabolism for health, in order to improve protein bioavailability through nutritional approach.

Making Up 3D Bodies

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Kiona Hagen Niehaus ◽  
Rebecca Fiebrink
Keyword(s):  
Software Tool ◽  
The Body ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Artistic Practice ◽  
Human Form ◽  
Modeling Systems ◽  
Exploratory Approach ◽  
Disability Status ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact

This paper describes the process of developing a software tool for digital artistic exploration of 3D human figures. Previously available software for modeling mesh-based 3D human figures restricts user output based on normative assumptions about the form that a body might take, particularly in terms of gender, race, and disability status, which are reinforced by ubiquitous use of range-limited sliders mapped to singular high-level design parameters. CreatorCustom, the software prototype created during this research, is designed to foreground an exploratory approach to modeling 3D human bodies, treating the digital body as a sculptural landscape rather than a presupposed form for rote technical representation. Building on prior research into serendipity in Human-Computer Interaction and 3D modeling systems for users at various levels of proficiency, among other areas, this research comprises two qualitative studies and investigation of the impact on the first author's artistic practice. Study 1 uses interviews and practice sessions to explore the practices of six queer artists working with the body and the language, materials, and actions they use in their practice; these then informed the design of the software tool. Study 2 investigates the usability, creativity support, and bodily implications of the software when used by thirteen artists in a workshop. These studies reveal the importance of exploration and unexpectedness in artistic practice, and a desire for experimental digital approaches to the human form.

scholarly journals Dynamic evolution of emphysema and airway remodeling in two mouse models of COPD

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Yang ◽  
Tingting Di ◽  
Zixiao Zhang ◽  
Jiaxin Liu ◽  
Congli Fu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Mouse Models ◽  
Lung Tissue ◽  
Airway Remodeling ◽  
Exposed Group ◽  
The Body ◽  
Mouse Lung ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Suitable Model ◽  
Exposure Method

Abstract Background Establishment of a mouse model is important for investigating the mechanism of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this study, we observed and compared the evolution of the pathology in two mouse models of COPD induced by cigarette smoke (CS) exposure alone or in combination with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods One hundred eight wild-type C57BL/6 mice were equally divided into three groups: the (1) control group, (2) CS-exposed group (CS group), and (3) CS + LPS-exposed group (CS + LPS group). The body weight of the mice was recorded, and noninvasive lung function tests were performed monthly. Inflammation was evaluated by counting the number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and measuring the expression of the IL-6 mRNA in mouse lung tissue. Changes in pathology were assessed by performing hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining of lung tissue sections. Results The two treatments induced emphysema and airway remodeling and decreased lung function. Emphysema was induced after 1 month of exposure to CS or CS + LPS, while airway remodeling was induced after 2 months of exposure to CS + LPS and 3 months of exposure to CS. Moreover, the mice in the CS + LPS group exhibited more severe inflammation and airway remodeling than the mice in the CS group, but the two treatments induced similar levels of emphysema. Conclusion Compared with the single CS exposure method, the CS + LPS exposure method is a more suitable model of COPD in airway remodeling research. Conversely, the CS exposure method is a more suitable model of COPD for emphysema research due to its simple operation.

scholarly journals Sensors for the detection of ammonia as a potential biomarker for health screening

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter P. Ricci ◽  
Otto J. Gregory
Keyword(s):  
Vapor Phase ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Health Screening ◽  
The Body ◽  
Peptic Ulcers ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Sensing Platform ◽  
Potential Biomarker ◽  
Screening Protocol ◽  
H Pylori

AbstractThe presence of ammonia within the body has long been linked to complications stemming from the liver, kidneys, and stomach. These complications can be the result of serious conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), peptic ulcers, and recently COVID-19. Limited liver and kidney function leads to increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) within the body resulting in elevated levels of ammonia in the mouth, nose, and skin. Similarly, peptic ulcers, commonly from H. pylori, result in ammonia production from urea within the stomach. The presence of these biomarkers enables a potential screening protocol to be considered for frequent, non-invasive monitoring of these conditions. Unfortunately, detection of ammonia in these mediums is rather challenging due to relatively small concentrations and an abundance of interferents. Currently, there are no options available for non-invasive screening of these conditions continuously and in real-time. Here we demonstrate the selective detection of ammonia using a vapor phase thermodynamic sensing platform capable of being employed as part of a health screening protocol. The results show that our detection system has the remarkable ability to selectively detect trace levels of ammonia in the vapor phase using a single catalyst. Additionally, detection was demonstrated in the presence of interferents such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and acetone common in human breath. These results show that our thermodynamic sensors are well suited to selectively detect ammonia at levels that could potentially be useful for health screening applications.

Indigenous Theory Building for Māori Children and Adolescents with Traumatic Brain Injury and their Extended Family

2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 406-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hinemoa Elder
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Child And Adolescent ◽  
Specific Aspect ◽  
The Body ◽  
Brain Anatomy ◽  
Indigenous Research ◽  
Anatomy And Physiology ◽  
Indigenous Theory

Background: International research identifies indigeneity as a risk factor for traumatic brain injury (TBI). Aotearoa New Zealand studies show that mokopuna (grandchildren; used here to encompass the ages and stages of infant, child and adolescent development and those in young adulthood) are significantly overrepresented in TBI populations. The important role of whānau (family) is also well established in child and adolescent TBI scholarship. Despite awareness of these factors, no studies have been identified that explore whānau knowledge about mokopuna TBI. The aim of this study was to explore two questions: (1) What do Māori people say about mokopuna TBI in the context of the Māori cultural belief that the head is the most sacred part of the body? and (2) How could this information be used to build theory that could inform addressing the rehabilitation needs of this group?Method: Eighteen marae wānanga (culture-specific fora in traditional meeting houses) were held. The wānanga typically lasted approximately 2 hours. Footage and written transcripts were analysed using Rangahau Kaupapa Māori (Māori indigenous research methods).Results: The wairua theory of mokopuna TBI proposes that TBI not only injures brain anatomy and physiology but also injures wairua (defined here as a unique connection between Māori and all aspects of the universe). Injury to wairua means that culturally determined interventions are both indicated and expected. The wairua theory of mokopuna TBI thereby provides a guide to intervention.Conclusion: A Māori theory of mokopuna TBI has been identified which describes a culture-specific aspect of TBI. This theory proposes that pre-existing whānau knowledge salient to TBI is critical to optimising recovery. Further research is needed to test this theory not only in TBI but also in other areas such as in mental illness, neurodegenerative disease and addiction.

Prosthesis Design for Bilateral Hip Disarticulation Management

2014 ◽  
Vol 664 ◽  
pp. 423-428
Author(s):  
Mauricio Plaza Torres ◽  
William Aperador
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Hip Joint ◽  
Joint Capsule ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Weight Support ◽  
Patient Mobility ◽  
Weight Support ◽  
Crush Injuries ◽  
High Level

Hip disarticulation is an amputation through the hip joint capsule, removing the entire lower extremity, with closure of the remaining musculature over the exposed acetabulum. Tumors of the distal and proximal femur were treated by total femur resection; a hip disarticulation sometimes is performance for massive trauma with crush injuries to the lower extremity. This article discusses the design a system for rehabilitation of a patient with bilateral hip disarticulations. The prosthetics designed allowed the patient to do natural gait suspended between parallel articulate crutches with the body weight support between the crutches. The care of this patient was a challenge due to bilateral amputations at such a high level and the special needs of a patient mobility.

Mixed embeddedness of Brazilian entrepreneurs in Toronto

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Pessoa de Queiroz Falcão ◽  
Michel Mott Machado ◽  
Eduardo Picanço Cruz ◽  
Caroline Shenaz Hossein
Keyword(s):  
Service Sector ◽  
The Body ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Immigrant Entrepreneurship ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Brazilian Government ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
High Level ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activities

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to investigate how social integration, immigrant networks and barriers to ventureing affect the entrepreneurial activities of Brazilians in Canada, indicating how mixed embeddedness takes place in that context.Design/methodology/approachData were collected in Toronto, through the application of a survey with 74 Brazilian entrepreneur respondents and 42 semi-structured interviews with selected subjects, thus representing a multi-method approach. The analysis included descriptive statistics from the survey data and a qualitative analysis of the trajectories and life stories of Brazilian immigrants.FindingsOur sample comprises respondents with a high level of education and proficiency in English, coming predominantly from the southeast of Brazil, white, aged from 30 to 49. The majority of businesses are small and related to the service sector. The article contributes to the literature by discussing the elements related to mixed embeddedness, including the need for cultural adaptation and for the creation of networks as a crucial element for business venturing.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses on entrepreneurs regardless of their businesses sector or formality/informality status. It could be used as an instrument to support Canadian public policies for welcoming Brazilians and for the Brazilian government to prevent the evasion of potential entrepreneurs.Originality/valueThe article contributes to the body of knowledge of immigrant entrepreneurship in Canada and of Brazilian entrepreneurship overseas. The results suggest factors that may be relevant to the expansion of their business, such as social networking, cultural embeddedness and adaptation of the products/services to a wider range of target customers.

EFFECT OF CARBON MONOXIDE ON THE RATE OF EXCRETION OF ETHANOL BY KIDNEYS

2021 ◽  
pp. 15-21
Author(s):  
Beschasnyi S.P. ◽  
Lysenko E.M. ◽  
Hasiuk O.M. ◽  
Erlish О.О.
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Monoxide ◽  
The Body ◽  
Gas Liquid Chromatography ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Chromatography Method ◽  
Co Intoxication ◽  
Blood And Urine Samples ◽  
Liquid Chromatography Method ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that is colourless, odourless, and has the potential to cause momentaryhypoxia by bonding with heme-inspired proteins. Because of these properties, it causes the highest number of toxications. Due to its properties, this gas causes damage to the nervous and cardiovascular system. The development of anoxia is associated with the impact on the system of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria and the development of oxidative stress in the body. The body produces a small amount of carbon monoxide as a result of erythrocyte breakdown. Picomolar concentrations of carbon monoxide even have anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic,cytoprotective and antiproliferative properties. Kidney is one of the first organs,that responds to the occurrence of hypoxia, are responsible for the removal of products of metabolism and toxicants, including ethanol. For the study, the blood and urine samples were taken from patients with acute intoxication. The amount of methemoglobin in the blood was determined by spectrophotometric method. The concentration of ethanol in blood and urine was measured by gas-liquid chromatography method. The correlation analysis showed that carbon monoxide affects the rate of excretion of ethanol from the body. Among individuals under 40 years of age, there was a correlation between the level of carbon monoxide and the amount of ethanol in the blood. Among older adults this correlation was not established. A direct correlation with the level of this gas in the blood and the level of ethanol in the urine among people under 40 years of age was found. Among older individuals, the opposite was observed –a high level of methemoglobin was responsible for the decreased level of ethanol. There were no correlations between methemoglobin level and age. Comparison of the studied indices did not show any sexual differences in ethanol excretion, but there were age specific features: ethanol excretion under the influence of carbon monoxide among people under 40 years old was more accelerated.Key words:hypoxia, CO intoxication, blood, methemoglobin, kidneys. Монооксид карбону являє собою токсичний газ, який не має кольору,без запаху та здатен спричиняти миттєву гіпоксію шляхом зв’язування з гем-вмісними білками. Через такі властивості він спричиняє найбільшу кількість отруєнь. Цей газ,завдяки своїм властивостям,спричиняє ураження нервової та серцево-судинної системи. Розвиток аноксії пов’язаний із впливом на систему окисного фосфорилювання у мітохондріях та розвиткомоксидативного стресу. В організмі продукується невелика кількість ендогенного монооксиду карбону внаслідок розпаду еритроцитів. Пікомолярні концентрації монооксиду карбону навіть володіють протизапальними, антиапоптичними, цитопротекторними та антипроліферативними властивостями. Нирки є одним із перших органів, який реагує на розвитокгіпоксії, вони відповідають за видалення продуктів метаболізму й токсикантів, зокрема етанолу.Зміни у функціонуванні нирок відображаються на загальному стані організму.Для дослідження отримували зразки крові та сечі від осіб із гострою інтоксикацією. У крові спектрофотометричним методом визначали вміст метгемоглобіну, який утворювався внаслідок вдихання монооксиду карбону та відповідного потрапляння до кровоносної системи. Методом газово-рідинної хроматографії вимірювали концентрацію етанолу у крові та сечі. Розрахунок кореляційних зв’язків показав, що монооксид карбону впливає на швидкість екскреції етанолу. У осіб до 40 років спостерігалася кореляція між показником рівня метгемоглобінута вмістом етанолу у крові. У осіб старшого віку цього зв’язку не встановлено. Виявлено прямий зв’язок із рівнем цього газу у крові та рівнем етанолу в сечі у осіб до 40 років. У осіб старшого віку спостерігалася зворотня реакція–високий рівень метгемоглобінуобумовлював зниження рівня етанолу. Кореляційні зв’язки між вмістом метгемоглобіну та віком не було виявлено. Порівняння досліджуваних показників не виявило статевих відмінностей у екскреції етанолу, проте виявлено вікові особливості: екскреція етанолу в умовах впливу монооксиду карбону в осіб до 40 років була більш пришвидшена.Таким чином, можна стверджувати, що монооксид карбону обумовлює зміни у функціональній активності нирок.Ключові слова:гіпоксія, інтоксикація СО, кров, метгемоглобін, нирки.

scholarly journals Monitoring the effects of exposure to lead and cadmium in working and living environment through standard biochemical blood parameters and liver endonucleases activity

2011 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 403-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruzica Nikolic ◽  
Jasmina Jovanovic ◽  
Gordana Kocic ◽  
Tatjana Cvetkovic ◽  
Svetlana Stojanovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Enzymes ◽  
Harmful Effect ◽  
Toxic Metal ◽  
Combustion Products ◽  
Blood Parameters ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
The Body ◽  
Lead Contamination ◽  
Lead And Cadmium ◽  
High Level

Heavy metals as pollutants in the working and living environment are a serious health and environmental problem because they are toxic, non-biodegradable, accumulate in living systems and have a long half-life in soil. Sources of lead contamination are combustion products in the chemical industry and metallurgy, industrial waste water, landfills, traffic etc. Lead enters into the body via the food chain and drinking water. In the body lead is deposited in the liver, kidneys, brain and mineral tissues. Excretion of lead causes damage to the epithelial cells of certain organs. High level exposure to cadmium is usually the result of environmental pollution by human activities. Exposure to cadmium can lead to acute and chronic tissue damage of various organs, including liver and kidneys in humans and in animals. In this paper we analyzed the effects of lead and cadmium exposure, in working and living environment, on the model system of experimental animals, particularly the activity of certain liver enzymes, acid and alkaline DNase, and standard biochemical blood parameters. The study showed that lead and cadmium significantly affect the protein content, red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit, and the activity of liver enzymes. This harmful effect of this toxic metal can be reduced by the supplements.

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