Distinct Origins Research Articles

New mapping algorithm SHIM (SVD, Hilbert Identifying Method) for the extraction of phase singularities and spiral waves in cardiac arrhythmias

Background and ObjectiveAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia worldwide. The effectiveness of AF ablation is restricted primarily by inaccuracies in the voltage-map videos (VMVs) acquired through multielectrode catheters. We introduce an innovative algorithm improving map quality and pinpointing the precise locations of action potential singularities. MethodsThe methodology relies on three key operations: singular value decomposition (SVD), Hilbert transform, and identifying the ridge of singularities SHIM (SVD, Hilbert, Identifying Method). To check its feasibility, this approach was used to analyze record sources from two distinct origins: a) cultures of cardiac cells, and b) real-world atrial fibrillation (AF) measurements. Efficacy is exemplified through four illustrative cases, two involving cultures of cardiac cells exposing action potential spirals, and two clinical cases involving basket catheter voltage-map videos. Resolution goodness is measured by a new method of the ratio of the peak’s height divided by the average width at half maximum or the width of the ridge-of-peaks cross-section. ResultsIn the first sample, the driving rotor became evident only following the SVD procedure stage, and its stable center became more pronounced after the H and I stages. In the case of spiral splitting, SHIM extracted all the individual tiny spiral centers. In the VMVs obtained from the basket catheters, even when the image sharpness was suboptimal, distinct singularity ridges were easily discernible with peak intensities larger than 1. ConclusionThe cumulative impact of the three stages of our analysis suggests that our novel method may excel in identifying problematic sources more effectively than previously utilized systems.

Radiological, clinical, and molecular analyses reveal distinct subtypes of butterfly glioblastomas affecting the prognosis

Abstract Background Glioblastoma (GB) is known for its highly invasive nature. Images of butterfly GB (bGB) often illustrate this characteristic, but the molecular background and origins of bGB remain unknown. Methods We analyzed a cohort of 34 bGB patients from our dataset (K-cohort) and 46 bGB patients from publicly available datasets, including TCGA-GBM, CPTAC-GBM, IvyGAP, and UPENN-GBM. Results In the K-cohort, the median age was 66 years, and molecular analyses revealed TERT promoter mutations in 55.9% of cases, with no cases exhibiting H3F3A, HIST1H3B, or BRAF mutations. Sequential radiological imaging from the K-cohort provided unique insights, showing one case originating in the corpus callosum (CC) and three cases originating in the cerebral hemisphere before developing into bGB. Multi-regional sampling supported a mutational trajectory from the hemisphere to the CC. These observations indicate the presence of two distinct radiological origins for bGB. Consequently, we classified cases into CC-type and Hemispheric-type based on the tumor volume ratio within the CC. This subgrouping was clinically meaningful; the CC-type is an independent poor prognostic factor for overall survival, with a hazard ratio of 1.8 (95% confidence interval 1.1-3.0, P = 0.033), and is molecularly distinct by a higher frequency of methylated MGMTp (P = 0.0039) compared to the Hemispheric-type. Conclusions Our results highlight that the radiological features of bGB are not homogenous and can indicate two potential subtypes based on their origins. Further studies are mandatory, but CC-type and Hemispheric-type exhibit distinct clinical backgrounds, outcomes, and molecular features.

Chloroplast genome sequencing and divergence analysis of 18 Pyrus species: insights into intron length polymorphisms and evolutionary processes

Pears constitute an essential temperate crop and are primarily produced through interspecific hybridization owing to self-incompatibility that complicates their breeding history. To address this, we sequenced the complete chloroplast (cp) genomes of 18 Pyrus and one Malus species using the Illumina HiSeq4000 platform. The cp genomes ranged from 159,885 bp to 160,153 bp and exhibited a conserved circular DNA structure with an average GC content of 36.5%. Each cp genome contained 127 genes, including 83 protein-coding, 36 tRNA, and 8 rRNA genes. Divergence analysis with mVISTA showed high conservation in the coding regions and notable variations in the non-coding regions. All species shared 17 intron-containing genes, with ycf3 and clpP each having two introns. Five intron-containing genes (ndhB, rpl2, rps12, trnA-UGC, and trnE-UUC) were located in the inverted repeat regions, while trnL-UAA was located in the large single-copy region, with conserved intron lengths across Pomoideae. We identified polymorphic intron sequences in the rpl22, petB, clpP, ndhA, and rps16 genes and designed primers for these regions. Notably, the two Pyrus ussuriensis accessions Doonggeullebae and Cheongdangrori showed intron-length polymorphisms despite being classified as the same species. Phylogenetic analysis of the cp genome sequences revealed two major clusters, indicating distinct maternal lineages and evolutionary origins. This study underscores the importance of cp gene polymorphisms in P. fauriei, P. calleryana, P. ussuriensis, and P. pyrifolia, providing valuable insights into Pyrus evolution as well as aiding in the conservation and breeding of pear germplasm.

Uncovering Holistic Contemporary Paradigms and Hamemayu Hayuning Bawana to Realise Sustainable Development Goals

Objective: This research aims to: (1) understand the historical development of Holistic Contemporary Worldview (CHW) and Kejawen Philosophy (Hamemayu Hayuning Bawana/HHB); (2) explore the correlation between CHW and HHB; (3) compare the axiology of HHB and CHW to better understand the path to achieving sustainable development goals; and (4) identify opportunities for maintaining sustainability through the perspectives of CHW and HHB. Theoretical Framework: The Earth is currently facing unsustainable changes, which are evident in climate change and the increasing frequency of disasters. These problems are believed to stem from reductionist-mechanist thinking, which fosters an anthropocentric attitude. In contrast, holistic thinking offers a new perspective on nature, seeing it as an interconnected whole where each component supports the others to maintain prosperity and balance. This idea is in line with the Javanese philosophy of life, HHB, which emphasizes harmony between humans and nature to enhance the beauty of life. Both concepts highlight the need for fundamental changes in the way humans interact with each other and nature to support the achievement of Sustainability especially the implementation of the Sustainable Development Golas (SDGs). Method: This descriptive qualitative research uses a literature study technique that is conducted in three stages. First, a literature study on the historical development of human views on nature, both from the Western view (CHW) and the Eastern view, especially Java (Kejawen-HHB). These historical developments are presented in the form of narratives to provide a clear picture of events and context, thus helping in understanding each philosophy. The second stage reviews these narratives to identify the core similarities and differences between the two approaches. Finally, the third stage analyses these comparisons to find clues about new approaches to sustainability, especially attitudinal changes to support the achievement of sustainable development goals Results and Discussion: This research shows that the concepts of CHW and HHB are two concepts that emerged from two different regions and times but have the same philosophical line. Both understand that all components of nature need to coexist and respect each other psychologically and even spiritually. This change in attitude is necessary to avoid the evil nature of humans (greed and arrogance) in fulfilling their needs in the form of development. The goal of sustainable development should be utilized for the benefit of the many and the broad (inclusive), which is the core concept of deep ecological understanding (Ecosophy of CHW) and needs to be supported by the concept of roso (spiritual culture of HHB). Both approaches have significant similarities and differences in some aspects but share the common goal of maintaining a dynamic balance to sustain living systems. Research Implications: The findings of this research are expected to contribute to a new perspective on how to achieve sustainability. The old approach based on classical mechanics is still relevant and useful to support the achievement of the SGDs, but the complexity of the world demands a change in behaviour in treating the universe and development. CHW and HHB provide new clues on how to achieve this. Originality/Value: This study compares and correlates two approaches from distinct origins: one rooted in the logic-driven Western culture and the other in the spiritual-based Eastern tradition. These approaches also emerged in different eras: one in the modern, complex age, and the other in the mythology-based ancient kingdom. By examining this correlation, the study underscores the importance of regulating thoughts and behaviors to ensure the continuity of life, particularly within the complexities of modern civilization.

MrgprC11+ Jugular Neurons Control Airway Hyperresponsiveness in Allergic Airway Inflammation.

The lung is densely innervated by sensory nerves, the majority of which are derived from the vagal sensory neurons. Vagal ganglia consist of two different ganglia, termed nodose and jugular ganglia, with distinct embryonic origins, innervation patterns, and physiological functions in the periphery. Since nodose neurons constitute the majority of the vagal ganglia, our understanding of the function of jugular nerves in the lung is very limited. This study aims to investigate the role of MrgprC11+ jugular sensory neurons in a mouse allergic asthma model. Our previous study has shown that MrgprC11+ jugular neurons mediate cholinergic bronchoconstriction. In this study, we found that in addition to MrgprC11, several other Mrgpr family members including MrgprA3, MrgprB4, and MrgprD are also specifically expressed in the jugular sensory neurons. MrgprC11+ jugular neurons exhibit dense innervation in the respiratory tract including the larynx, trachea, proximal, and distal bronchus. We also found that receptors for IL-4 and oncostatin M, two critical cytokines promoting allergic airway inflammation, are mainly expressed in jugular sensory neurons. Both IL-4 and oncostatin M can sensitize the neuronal responses of MrgprC11+ jugular neurons. Moreover, ablation of MrgprC11+ neurons significantly inhibited airway hyperresponsiveness in the asthmatic lung, demonstrating the critical role of MrgprC11+ neurons in controlling airway constriction. Our results emphasize the critical role of jugular sensory neurons in respiratory diseases.

DeOri 10.0: An Updated Database of Experimentally Identified Eukaryotic Replication Origins.

DNA replication is a complex and crucial biological process in eukaryotes. To facilitate the study of eukaryotic replication events, we present a database of eukaryotic DNA replication origins (DeOri), which collects scattered data and integrates extensive sequencing data on eukaryotic DNA replication origins. With continuous updates of DeOri, the number of datasets in the new release increased from 10 to 151 and the number of sequences increased from 16,145 to 9,742,396. Besides nucleotide sequences and bed files, corresponding annotation files, such as coding sequences (CDS), mRNA, and other biological elements within replication origins, are also provided. The experimental techniques used for each dataset, as well as other statistical data, are also presented on web page. Differences in experimental methods, cell lines, and sequencing technologies have resulted in distinct replication origins, making it challenging to differentiate between cell-specific and non-specific replication. We combined multiple replication origins at the species level, scored them, and screened them. The screened regions were considered as species-conservative origins. They are integrated and presented as reference replication origins (rORIs), including Homo sapiens, Gallus gallus, Mus musculus, Drosophila melanogaster, and Caenorhabditis elegans. Additionally, we analyzed the distribution of relevant genomic elements associated with replication origins at the genome level, such as CpG island (CGI), transcription start site (TSS), and G-quadruplex (G4). These analysis results allow users to select the desired data based on it. DeOri is available at http://tubic.tju.edu.cn/deori/.

Dawn‐Dusk Asymmetry of Plasma Flow in Jupiter's Middle Magnetosphere Observed by Juno

AbstractBased on plasma observations from Juno's Joviana Auroral Distributions Experiment instrument and forward modeling, we investigate the dawn‐dusk asymmetries within Jupiter's magnetosphere between 10 and 40 . On the dawnside, the flux tubes are depleted characterized by low density and near rigid‐corotation velocity, with a low temperature and thin plasma sheet. On the duskside, the flux tubes are assimilated characterized by high density and sub‐corotation velocity, with a hotter and thicker plasma sheet. Super‐corotating hot inflows originating from reconnection events are identified in the pre‐dawn sector. These observations are consistent with the Vasyliūnas cycle, suggesting it operates in a region closer to Jupiter than previous studies suggested. Outflows are locally coupled with swept‐back magnetic fields and are frequently observed near midnight. Inflows are locally coupled with swept‐forward fields with higher temperatures. The discernible temperature difference between inflows and outflows reveals their distinct origins. Plasma beta increases with radial distance, suggesting increased instabilities at larger distances.

Origin, Evolution and Diversity of φ29-like Phages-Review and Bioinformatic Analysis.

Phage φ29 and related bacteriophages are currently the smallest known tailed viruses infecting various representatives of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. They are characterised by genomic content features and distinctive properties that are unique among known tailed phages; their characteristics include protein primer-driven replication and a packaging process characteristic of this group. Searches conducted using public genomic databases revealed in excess of 2000 entries, including bacteriophages, phage plasmids and sequences identified as being archaeal that share the characteristic features of phage φ29. An analysis of predicted proteins, however, indicated that the metagenomic sequences attributed as archaeal appear to be misclassified and belong to bacteriophages. An analysis of the translated polypeptides of major capsid proteins (MCPs) of φ29-related phages indicated the dissimilarity of MCP sequences to those of almost all other known Caudoviricetes groups and a possible distant relationship to MCPs of T7-like (Autographiviridae) phages. Sequence searches conducted using HMM revealed the relatedness between the main structural proteins of φ29-like phages and an unusual lactococcal phage, KSY1 (Chopinvirus KSY1), whose genome contains two genes of RNA polymerase that are similar to the RNA polymerases of phages of the Autographiviridae and Schitoviridae (N4-like) families. An analysis of the tail tube proteins of φ29-like phages indicated their dissimilarity of the lower collar protein to tail proteins of all other viral groups, but revealed its possible distant relatedness with proteins of toxin translocation complexes. The combination of the unique features and distinctive origin of φ29-related phages suggests the categorisation of this vast group in a new order or as a new taxon of a higher rank.

Elemental fingerprinting based on ICP-MS/OES and machine learning: Sample digestion-free and standard-free strategy for geographical origin identification of Chinese liquor

The significant price disparity of Chinese baijiu originating from various regions has unfortunately partially given rise to the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard products, and this may cause disturbance in the market economy. Ensuring the traceability and differentiation of baijiu by its origin is therefore of paramount importance. In this study, the Baijiu samples were straightforward dilution without sample digestion, followed by the detection of elemental signal intensities using ICP-MS and ICP-OES without accurate quantification, to rapidly construct their multi-elemental fingerprints. Heatmap and HCA (hierarchical cluster analysis) were used for data visualization and tentative classification, respectively. PCA (principal component analysis) was implemented to corroborate the classification outcomes. Subsequently, the supervised OPLS-DA (orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis) was deployed to enhance the identification and predictive capabilities for the Baijiu samples. The unequivocal discrimination of the three distinct Baijiu origins with 100% classification accuracy. The validation values R2 and Q2 approached 1.0, indicating a great fit and prediction capability of the OPLS-DA model. The VIP plot evaluated the importance of elemental variables, revealing that the key contributions were primarily from elements K, Ca, Na, Mg, and Al. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the efficacy of chemometric techniques, when integrated with multi-elemental fingerprints based on their signal intensities only, in identifying the geographical origins of the Baijiu. This approach holds promise for applications in quality control and anti-counterfeiting measures in the baijiu industry.

Tumor involvement of the trigone and urethra at the time of robot-assisted radical cystectomy is associated with adverse oncological outcomes

IntroductionThe trigone/urethra (T/U) has a distinct embryologic origin and a different histologic morphology compared to the rest of the urinary bladder. We sought to determine the association between tumors involved in the T/U and the presence of variant histology, pathologic, and oncologic outcomes in patients who underwent robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). MethodsTumor location was classified into 2 groups: tumors in the bladder walls only, or tumors in the T/U area, with or without involvement of other bladder walls. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were used to determine the association between T/U with recurrence-specific (RSS), cancer-specific (CSS), and overall survival (OS). Results608 patients who underwent RARC were identified, T/U involvement occurred in 191 (31%). Patients in the T/U group were more likely to have pT3/pT4 (57% vs. 42%, P < 0.01), positive surgical margins (21% vs. 9%, P < 0.01), and received salvage chemotherapy more frequently (16% vs. 8%, P < 0.01). Squamous variant histology was more frequent in the T/U group (25% vs. 17%, P = 0.02). On multivariable analysis, T/U location was independently associated with RSS (HR1.63, 95% CI 1.23–2.16, P < 0.01) and CSS (HR1.50, 95% CI 1.04–2.16, P = 0.02) but not OS. ConclusionResidual T/U tumor involvement was associated with a higher risk of an advanced tumor stage, positive margin, cancer recurrence, and cancer-specific death.

Body size decline during thermal evolution is only detected at mild temperature.

Body size is a key morphological trait that affects physiology and metabolism, as well as other relevant traits such as fertility and mating success. Some evidence points to a trend of shrinking body size with increasing temperature, but this is far from unequivocal. Here, we assess the evolution of body size under a warming environment in experimentally evolved Drosophila subobscura populations from two distinct geographical origins, tested in both ancestral and warming environments. We observed a decrease in body size in the warming populations, but only in the lower-latitude populations and only when tested in the ancestral (control) environment. The absence of a body size response in the warming environment may be owing to a balance between forces promoting thermodynamic stability-leading to a tendency for body size to decrease-and selection for increased reproductive output-leading to an increase in body size. Our findings indicate that body size variation is complex, with genotype-by-environment interactions occurring. This may explain the lack of consistency across studies. This highlights that predictions of body size evolution under climate warming are not straightforward and emphasizes the need for considering intra- and inter-specific variation in future studies.

Genotypic variation in the white spot syndrome virus detected from giant tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) in North Western and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka

Shrimp farming in Sri Lanka accounting for 70 % of the exports in the field of aquaculture in Sri Lanka. However, it encounters substantial obstacles as a result of the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) affecting the giant tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon). This study focused on comprehending the current state of the disease and the genetic diversity present in the North Western and Eastern provinces in Sri Lanka. By extracting genomic DNA from the gills and pleopods of suspected infected shrimps and post-larvae, the study identified a high infection rate of at least 83 % (88/106), with varying incidence in sampled farms across regions. The analysis of the genome indicated distinct sizes of PCR products, suggesting the presence of variation in the tandem repeat units within the ORF94 region of the WSSV. Notably, the study discovered single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Sri Lankan WSSV strains, which showed the change between T (Thymine) and G (Guanine) at the 48th site of the RU sequence, which is designated as K (keto) as indicated in the IUPAC code, indicating genetic diversity. Phylogenetic analysis suggested two distinct origins for Sri Lankan WSSVs, with possible links to North America and Mexico strains, highlighting a potential common source of outbreaks. This study emphasizes the intricate nature of WSSV infections in Sri Lanka and emphasizes the necessity for customized approaches to address this significant risk to the shrimp aquaculture industry.

Genome-wide identification of the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase gene from Epimedium Pubescens Maxim. (Berberidaceae): novel insight into the evolution of the PAL gene family

BackgroundPhenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) serves as a key gateway enzyme, bridging primary metabolism and the phenylpropanoid pathway, and thus playing an indispensable role in flavonoid, anthocyanin and lignin biosynthesis. PAL gene families have been extensively studied across species using public genomes. However, a comprehensive exploration of PAL genes in Epimedium species, especially those involved in prenylated flavonol glycoside, anthocyanin, or lignin biosynthesis, is still lacking. Moreover, an in-depth investigation into PAL gene family evolution is warranted.ResultsSeven PAL genes (EpPAL1-EpPAL7) were identified. EpPAL2 and EpPAL3 exhibit low sequence identity to other EpPALs (ranging from 61.09 to 64.38%) and contain two unique introns, indicating distinct evolutionary origins. They evolve at a rate ~ 10 to ~ 54 times slower compared to EpPAL1 and EpPAL4-7, suggesting strong purifying selection. EpPAL1 evolved independently and is another ancestral gene. EpPAL1 formed EpPAL4 through segmental duplication, which lead to EpPAL5 and EpPAL6 through tandem duplications, and EpPAL7 through transposed duplication, shaping modern EpPALs. Correlation analysis suggests EpPAL1, EpPAL2 and EpPAL3 play important roles in prenylated flavonol glycosides biosynthesis, with EpPAL2 and EpPAL3 strongly correlated with both Epimedin C and total prenylated flavonol glycosides. EpPAL1, EpPAL2 and EpPAL3 may play a role in anthocyanin biosynthesis in leaves. EpPAL2, EpPAL3, EpPAL6, and EpPAL7 might be engaged in anthocyanin production in petals, and EpPAL2 and EpPAL3 might also contribute to anthocyanin synthesis in sepals. Further experiments are needed to confirm these hypotheses. Novel insights into the evolution of PAL gene family suggest that it might have evolved from a monophyletic group in bryophytes to large-scale sequence differentiation in gymnosperms, basal angiosperms, and Magnoliidae. Ancestral gene duplications and vertical inheritance from gymnosperms to angiosperms likely occurred during PAL evolution. Most early-diverging eudicotyledons and monocotyledons have distinct histories, while modern angiosperm PAL gene families share similar patterns and lack distant gene types.ConclusionsEpPAL2 and EpPAL3 may play crucial roles in biosynthesis of prenylated flavonol glycosides and anthocyanins in leaves and flowers. This study provides novel insights into PAL gene family evolution. The findings on PAL genes in E. pubescens will aid in synthetic biology research on prenylated flavonol glycosides production.

Remembering Australian Constitutional Democracy

For many years, historical accounts of Australian Federation ignored the distinctive ideological origins of the Australian Constitution. From the mid 1980s until the 2000s, however, a generation of historians remembered how the Australian drafters built a distinctive constitutional democracy that combined trust in parliament with a direct constitutional role for a plural ‘people’: the people of Australia and the people of the states. Drawing on Chartist and American ideas of popular sovereignty, this system of popular political constitutionalism textually guarantees that ‘the people’ can ‘directly’ choose both houses of parliament, break deadlocks between these houses and make constitutional law. The definition of ‘the people’ in this distinctive form of constitutional democracy was, however, racially exclusive. In particular, First Australians were excluded from the plural people of Australia. This intellectual history of the Australian Constitution, however, has had remarkably little impact on constitutional interpretation and discourse. This paper will begin the process of examining those implications. First, it will show how this history provides important contextual support and direction to the implied limitations on parliamentary power that stem from the constitution’s guarantee of representative democracy in sections 7 and 24 of the Constitution. Second, it will demonstrate how it aids in better understanding Australia’s unique constitutional system. To date, this system has remedied the racist roots of the original constitutional definition of the people largely through legislative reform. The constitutional recognition of First Australians is a critical step in acknowledging that First Australians are a distinct part of the plural Australian people. In the aftermath of the failure of the First Nations Voice to Parliament proposal, meaningful constitutional recognition for First Australians must address their structural exclusion from the plural Australian people.

Spatial distribution, sources, and health risk assessment of elements in road dust (

This research delves into the spatial distribution of 17 elements (Al, B, Ba, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, Te, and Zn) within the < 20 μm size fraction of road dust samples collected from 177 locations within 65 grid cells (each 5×5 km2) throughout Delhi in February 2021. Notably, Fe and Al emerge as the predominant elements in the road dust samples. Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Absolute Principal Component Score (APCS), and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) techniques, it is observed that crustal sources (58%), non-exhaust vehicular emissions (21%), and two distinct industrial origins (2% and 19%) are major contributors to the road dust composition. Bi and Te exhibited the highest geo-accumulation indices, indicating significant pollution levels, with notably high contamination factors, surpassing a contamination degree of 24. Elements like Cd posed the highest potential ecological risk, dominating 95% of the risk assessment. The hazard index analysis highlighted that urban populations, especially children, face the greatest risk through ingestion, followed by dermal exposure, and least through inhalation. Notably, Cd, Pb, Cr, and Ni were identified as elements posing a very high carcinogenic risk to the general populace.

Covariation of Skull and Brain Morphology in Domestic Dogs.

Despite their distinct embryonic origins, the skull and brain are highly integrated. Understanding the covariation between the skull and brain can shed light on anatomical, cognitive, and behavioral traits in extant and extinct species. Domestic dogs offer a unique opportunity to investigate skull-brain covariation due to their diverse skull morphologies and neural anatomy. To assess this question, we examined T2-weighted MRI studies of 62 dogs from 33 breeds, plus an additional 17 dogs of mixed or unknown breeds. Scans were opportunistically collected from a veterinary teaching hospital of dogs that were referred for neurological examination but did not have grossly observable structural brain abnormalities. As the neurocrania of dogs become broader and shorter, there is a significant decrease in the gray matter volume of the right olfactory bulb, frontal cortex, marginal gyrus, and cerebellum. On the other hand, as the neurocrania of dogs become narrower and longer, there is a significant decrease in the gray matter volume of the olfactory bulb, frontal cortex, temporal cortex, amygdala, hypothalamus, hippocampus, periaqueductal gray, cerebellum, and brainstem. Selective breeding for specific skull shapes may impact canine brain anatomy and function.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma: insights from molecular characterization and therapeutic advances.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a malignant tumor primarily originating from the salivary glands, capable of affecting multiple organs. Although ACC typically exhibits slow growth, it is notorious for its propensity for neural invasion, local recurrence, and distant metastasis, making it a particularly challenging cancer to treat. The complexity of ACC's histological and molecular features poses significant challenges to current treatment modalities, which often show limited effectiveness. Recent advancements in single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) have begun to unravel unprecedented insights into the heterogeneity and subpopulation diversity within ACC, revealing distinct cellular phenotypes and origins. This review delves into the intricate pathological and molecular characteristics of ACC, focusing on recent therapeutic advancements. We particularly emphasize the insights gained from scRNA-seq studies that shed light on the cellular landscape of ACC, underscoring its heterogeneity and pathobiology. Moreover, by integrating analyses from public databases, this review proposes novel perspectives for advancing treatment strategies in ACC. This review contributes to the academic understanding of ACC by proposing novel therapeutic approaches informed by cutting-edge molecular insights, paving the way for more effective, personalized therapeutic approaches for this challenging malignancy.

A dual ribosomal system in the zebrafish soma and germline.

Protein synthesis during vertebrate embryogenesis is driven by ribosomes of two distinct origins: maternal ribosomes synthesized during oogenesis and stored in the egg, and somatic ribosomes, produced by the developing embryo after zygotic genome activation (ZGA). In zebrafish, these two ribosome types are expressed from different genomic loci and also differ in their ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequence. To characterize this dual ribosome system further, we examined the expression patterns of maternal and somatic rRNAs during embryogenesis and in adult tissues. We found that maternal rRNAs are not only expressed during oogenesis but are continuously produced in the zebrafish germline. Proteomic analyses of maternal and somatic ribosomes unveiled differences in core ribosomal protein composition. Most nucleotide differences between maternal and somatic rRNAs are located in the flexible, structurally not resolved expansion segments. Our in vivo data demonstrated that both maternal and somatic ribosomes can be translationally active in the embryo. Using transgenically tagged maternal or somatic ribosome subunits, we experimentally confirm the presence of hybrid 80S ribosomes composed of 40S and 60S subunits from both origins and demonstrate the preferential in vivo association of maternal ribosomes with germline-specific transcripts. Our study identifies a distinct type of ribosomes in the zebrafish germline and thus presents a foundation for future explorations into possible regulatory mechanisms and functional roles of heterogeneous ribosomes.

Evolutionary diversity impacts tropical forest biomass and productivity through disturbance‐mediated ecological pathways

Abstract Significant research efforts have been made to uncover links between biodiversity and biomass productivity in forest ecosystems. However, the causal link between these two ecosystem components, and the underlying mediation role of disturbance, are yet poorly understood for hyper‐diverse tropical forests, because multiple ecological mechanisms are sequentially or simultaneously in play, leading to contradictory results in observational studies. Here, we introduce a novel framework for inferring the expected effects of evolutionary diversity on biomass stocks and productivity within forest ecosystems using observational field data. This framework involves an analytical decomposition of stand biomass into three key components: the number of trees, the mean size of trees and the mean wood density. Through this approach, we can distinguish structure‐ and compositional‐based diversity effects, which likely have distinct ecological origins. We tested this framework in one of the oldest tropical forest experiments, where different levels of silvicultural disturbances were applied in the 1980s, with regular monitoring since then. Our results revealed that disturbance history mediates the effect of evolutionary diversity on forest biomass dynamics and that several Biodiversity Ecosystem Function (BEF) relationships may be hidden behind the composite biomass variable. We specifically found an overall significant negative relationship between evolutionary diversity and biomass productivity soon after disturbances (~5–8 years), mostly via mean tree size, despite a positive evolutionary diversity effect on mean wood density. This result reflects that the productivity of disturbed forests is driven by a few dominant and disturbance‐prone species with low wood density and large potential stature, and not by niche complementarity among species. However, these effects rapidly vanished with time, with non‐significant overall effect of evolutionary diversity on productivity both ~30 years after disturbance and in the undisturbed plots. Synthesis. By disentangling the effects of evolutionary diversity on the different components of forest biomass, our framework unveiled how evolutionary diversity impacts forest productivity through different ecological mechanisms, and suggests that it plays a major role, albeit mainly negative, only soon after a disturbance.

Deciphering misinformation and disinformation: insights from structural coupling and penetration

PurposeThis paper aims to enhance the understanding of the distinct origins, mechanisms, growth paths and societal impacts of misinformation and disinformation through the theoretical lens of Niklas Luhmann’s social systems theory, particularly focusing on structural coupling and penetration.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on a conceptual study that investigates the phenomena of mis-/disinformation based on reviews of the literature on social systems theory, particularly focusing on structural coupling and penetration.FindingsThis theoretical analysis has led to the postulations that mis-/disinformation would cause social conflicts through divergent routes and that they do not necessarily have negative consequences in society. That is, conflicts or communication of contradictions serve for the reproduction and change in social systems and, furthermore, serve society as an immune mechanism. We speculate that similarities in the manifestation of mis-/disinformation could stem from the influence of amplifiers, such as moral intervention. Nevertheless, we posit that disinformation stemming from intentional penetration is more likely to cause societal dysfunction than misinformation, leading to conflict overload, polarized information ecosystems and potential system failures.Originality/valueIt provides a broader theoretical perspective for a better understanding of the roots and mechanisms of mis-/disinformation and their social consequences. It also engages with unresolved debates over structural couplings and penetration, showing how distinguishing these concepts enhance analytical clarity and explanatory power.