Evolutionary Aspects Research Articles

Complex Brain Morphology Discovered in the Shark Parasite Nybelinia surmenicola (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha).

The ultrastructure of the nervous system has been studied in sexually mature Nybelinia surmenicola (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha) from the intestine of a shark Lamna ditropis. The central nervous system (CNS) reveals a complex organization within cestodes and corresponds to the trypanorhynch pattern of brain architecture. The brain of N. surmenicola is differentiated into nine clearly defined lobes and semicircular, median, and X-shaped cruciate commissures. A specific feature is the presence of a powerful extracellular capsule that surrounds the brain lobes with the cortical glial cells. Moreover, the architecture of the anterior lobes clearly distinguishes the species of Tentacularioidea. The neurons of the anterior lobes form compact groups looking like frontal horns. There are approximately 120 neurons in the anterior lobes and a preliminary estimate of more than 300 perikarya in the brain. Several ultrastructural types of neurons have been identified, differing in the size and shape of the soma, the density of the cytoplasm, and the ultrastructure of synaptic vesicles. Numerous synapses involving clear and electron-dense vesicles have been observed in neuropils. Two types of glial cells have been found in the brain that participate in neuronal metabolism and wrap around the giant axons, brain lobes, neuropil compartments, and the main nerve cords. Such a powerful extracellular fibrillar brain capsule has not been observed in the brain of other studied cestodes and has been demonstrated in this study for the first time. The differentiation of the brain lobes reveals the important role of the rhyncheal system in the evolution of cestodes and correlates with their behavior. The anterior nerves arising from the anterior lobes innervate the radial muscles stabilizing the position of the tentacle sheaths and movements of the attachment organs. The nervous system anatomy and the brain architecture may reflect the morphofunctional aspects of the tapeworm evolution.

Epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, evolutionary, and therapeutic aspects of hypertensive patients infected by COVID-19: about 702 patients in our city

Abstract Introduction Hypertension (HT) is a major cardiovascular risk factor frequently observed in COVID-19 patients. This study aimed to determine the frequency of hypertensive patients infected with COVID-19 at a national hospital, describe their epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, and therapeutic profile, their disease progression, and identify factors associated with death. Methodology A retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted over 24 months and 4 days, from 27 March 2020 to 30 March 2022, at national hospital. Included were hospitalized patients at a hospital with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, known hypertensives, regardless of gender, and with a hospitalization record. COVID-19 diagnosis was based on a positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR or a positive COVID Rapid Diagnostic Test. Data were collected using a survey form, with a p-value less than 0.05 considered statistically significant for bivariate analysis. Results The study enrolled 702 patients, a hospital frequency of 23.95%. The average age was 65.14 ± 12.24 years with a sex ratio of 0.81. Comorbidities were predominantly diabetes (40.5%) and dyslipidemia (4.8%). Common symptoms included cough (65%), dyspnea (42.3%), fever (47.4%), and asthenia (35.9%). Blood pressure was normal in 15.2%, high-normal in 16.8% of patients. HT was Grade I in 12.1%, Grade II in 10%, and Grade III in 6.8% of the population, with blood pressure unmeasurable in 0.3% of known hypertensive patients. SARSCOV2 infection was mild in 34.2% and moderate in 42.8% of cases. CT scans showed extensive (31.8%), severe (25.9%), moderate (25.6%), critical (8.5%), and minimal (7.9%) lung damage. Treatment mainly consisted of ACE inhibitors (29%), ACE inhibitors in combination with another antihypertensive (8.4%), and ARBs in combination with an antihypertensive (). The average hospital stay was 12.85 days with a favorable outcome in 81% and a mortality rate of 15.5%. Factors associated with death included not being vaccinated against COVID-19 (HR: 11.70; 95% CI: 1.324-103.519), critical clinical form (HR: 11.70; 95% CI: 1.324-103.519), pulmonary consolidation (HR: 8.87; 95% CI: 7.539-24.207), high creatinine (HR: 4.69; 95% CI: 1.360-16.181), critical CT thoracic level (HR: 2.42; 95% CI: 1.020-5.745), and not taking ARBs (HR: 6.02; 95% CI: 2.812-12.889). Conclusion HT can be associated with COVID-19, impacting the disease's prognosis with significant mortality. Preventing its incidence and morbidity/mortality is crucial.

Fragmented perspective of self-organized criticality and disorder in log gravity

We use a statistical model to discuss nonequilibrium fragmentation phenomena taking place in the stochastic dynamics of the log sector in log gravity. From the canonical Gibbs model, a combinatorial analysis reveals an important aspect of the n-particle evolution previously shown to generate a collection of random partitions according to the Ewens distribution realized in a disconnected double Hurwitz number in genus zero. By treating each possible partition as a member of an ensemble of fragmentations, and ensemble averaging over all partitions with the Hurwitz number as a special case of the Gibbs distribution, a resulting distribution of cluster sizes appears to fall as a power of the size of the cluster. Dynamical systems that exhibit a distribution of sizes giving rise to a scale-invariant power-law behavior at a critical point possess an important property called self-organized criticality. As a corollary, the log sector of log gravity is a self-organized critical system at the critical point μl = 1. A similarity between self-organized critical systems, spin glass models and the dynamics of the log sector which exhibits aging behavior reminiscent of glassy systems is pointed out by means of the Pòlya distribution, also known to classify various models of (randomly fragmented) disordered systems, and by presenting the cluster distribution in the log sector of log gravity as a distinguished member of this probability distribution. We bring arguments from a probabilistic perspective to discuss the disorder in log gravity, largely anticipated through the conjectured AdS3/LCFT2 correspondence.

Pop-out effects revisited: Within-array category pop-out and novel pop-out effects with picture stimuli.

Pop-out effects occur when a novel or different stimulus is presented in the context of an array of otherwise familiar or similar stimuli. The effect has been studied using words extensively, but little evidence exists for humans relating to nonverbal stimuli. Although the finding has implications for understanding features of stimuli that capture attention, contradictory findings exist, and previous paradigms have limited applicability to real world situations. Given this, an experiment employed a novel procedure to investigate whether category pop-out effects, where one item is drawn from a different category to the others, could be obtained with pictorial stimulus array. It also investigated whether pop-out effects could be generated with a single continuous pre-exposure procedure, as would be experienced in a naturalistic setting, or whether they were the results of biases introduced by the repetitive pre-exposure procedures, typically used in such studies. The latter finding would undermine the use of such findings to support ecologically-valid models of attention. Both of these questions were answered in the affirmative: category pop-out effects were obtained using picture stimuli; and such effects were obtained with a single continuous pre-exposure. Further development this novel procedure may allow exploration of evolutionary and neurological aspects of selective attention effects.

Unplanned managerial work: crucial support for knowledge creation in manufacturing SMEs

Knowledge capability and innovation performance are essential drivers of organizational success, with managerial work playing a crucial role in fostering these factors. This paper examines planned and unplanned managerial work from a knowledge creation perspective, analyzing 21 short interviews and 21 days of shadowing seven leaders, alongside interactive analyses with management teams in four manufacturing SMEs. A four-step analysis of 2125 activities revealed four categories of managerial work, with unplanned activities accounting for 52% of work time, highlighting the complexity and ad-hoc nature of managerial work. Internally initiated unplanned managerial work was crucial for tacit knowledge conversion. If policymakers want to support lifelong learning initiatives and strengthen innovation capabilities in manufacturing SMEs, they need to encourage the unplanned aspect of managerial work, as it is crucial for knowledge creation, fostering the evolutionary aspect of organizational learning and enhancing innovation capabilities.

Understanding fungal and plant active urea transport systems: Keys from Aspergillus nidulans and beyond

Urea is present in all ecosystems, as a result of the metabolism of different organisms and also of human activity, being the world's most common form of nitrogen fertilizer. Fungi and plants can use urea as a nitrogen source, taking it up from the environment through specialized active transport proteins. These proteins belong to a subfamily of urea/H+ symporters included in the Solute:Sodium Symporter (SSS) family of transporters. In this review we summarize the current knowledge on this group of transporters, based on our previous studies on Aspergillus nidulans UreA. We delve into its transcriptional and post-translational regulation, structure-function relationships, transport mechanism, and certain aspects of its biogenesis. Recent findings suggest that this urea transporter subfamily is more expanded than originally thought, with representatives found in organisms as diverse as Archaea and mollusks, which raises questions on evolutionary aspects. A. nidulans ureA knockout strains provide a valuable platform for expressing urea transporters from diverse sources, facilitating their characterization and functional analysis. In this context, given the close relationship between plant and fungal active urea transporters, this knowledge could serve to develop strategies to improve the efficiency of applied urea as fertilizer.

Clinical and epidemiological profiles of newborns from twin pregnancies in Hassan II University Hospital of Fez, Morocco

Twin pregnancies are high-risk pregnancies, and delivery of twins poses variable difficulties due to the complexity of obstetrical mechanics and the frequency of dystocic presentations. Twin births represent a real public health issue and are responsible for a high rate of perinatal mortality. This study aims to report on newborns' epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic, and evolutionary aspects from twin pregnancies hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care and Neonatology Department of the Hassan II University Hospital, Fez. A cross-sectional, retrospective, and descriptive study was conducted on newborns from twin pregnancies hospitalized in the neonatal and neonatal intensive care unit over two and a half years. Statistical analyses were performed using the JAMOVI software. Qualitative variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages, while quantitative variables were presented as means with standard deviations (SD) or medians with interquartile ranges (IQR). A total of 96 newborns from twin pregnancies were collected. The average maternal age was 29.7 years. Maternal complications during pregnancy were dominated by the threat of premature delivery (38.77%), premature rupture of membranes 5.49%), and urinary and cervicovaginal infectious complications (12.24%).89.8% of deliveries were medicalized, with vaginal delivery being the most common (69.39%).91.67% of newborns were premature, thus dominating neonatal morbidity. The average weight was 1585g +/- 425g.76.04% of newborns presented with neonatal respiratory distress, the most frequent etiology of which was hyaline membrane disease. These neonates presented other complications: neonatal jaundice (62.5%), perinatal anoxo-ischemia (6.25%), and transfusion-transfusion syndrome (6.25%). The neonatal mortality rate was 31.25%, with the leading cause being severe neonatal infection (56.67%). The prevalence of twin pregnancies is on the rise, with a high prevalence of prematurity among newborns, requiring special attention to limit complications.

«ПИШУ ТЕБЕ, МИЛАЯ СОНЯ»: О НЕКОТОРЫХ ПРАГМАТИЧЕСКИХ ОСОБЕННОСТЯХ ПИСЕМ Л. Н. ТОЛСТОГО ЖЕНЕ

The article is devoted to the consideration of the communicative and pragmatic tactics used in the letters of L. N. Tolstoy to S. A. Tolstoy for 1862–1864 and 1909–1910, and the objectification of ideas about oneself and about the addressee in the evolutionary aspect. To achieve this goal, the methods of conceptual and pragmatic analysis of texts are used. Special attention is paid to the two first and last letters. It was revealed that the first letter of declaration of love has the form of reasoning, it has an explanatory and apologetic character. The letter reflects the influence of a sentimental narrative while maintaining an argumentative composition. In these and subsequent letters, directive, care, concern, open recognition of one’s feelings, approval of the addressee’s actions, negative assessment of third parties, inclusion of the strategy are used. In order to implement them, Tolstoy forms a chamber symbolarium, which helps him to implement goal-setting in a concentrated way. In the first letters, Tolstoy puts on masks of an misunderstood, lonely, aging man. Letters express ideas about the addressee as a sensual, impulsive, but at the same time cautious person. The recipient’s perception is characterized by vagueness. Sofya Andreevna is still only a young, unspoiled person for him. After the wedding, the ideas about Sofia Andreevna are concretized. In the letters of recent years, Tolstoy embodies knowledge about himself as an old man, as a victim of a hysterical wife who is unable to fix anything, as a loving husband, as a person who thinks about the spiritual. The ideas about the addressee identify Sofya Andreevna as an honest wife, mother, a man with shattered nerves, who does not control himself and focuses on the material.

9209 Functional Evaluation Of Novel CYP21A2 Variants: Expanding The Genetic Basis Of Non-classic CAH

Abstract Disclosure: A. Matveeva: None. Y. Xu: None. V. Tardy-Guidollet: None. A.V. Pandey: None. Introduction: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) comprises a group of autosomal recessive genetic disorders affecting the production of glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and gonadocorticoids. In approximately 95% of cases, CAH results from a deficiency in CYP21A2. A Non-Classic form of CAH (NC-CAH) arises when CYP21A2 activity decreases to 20-50% of the normal level, occurring at an estimated frequency of 1 in 200 - 1000 individuals. The clinical picture is characterized by the accumulation of androgen precursors, causing hirsutism, acne, metabolic syndrome, menstrual irregularities, infertility in females, and androgenic alopecia, oligospermia in males. Methods: We selected mutations from CYP21A2 sequence data of patients with NC-CAH symptoms admitted to CHU Lyon, France (L49V, A81T, R125G, I161T, L199F, L289H, L289F, V306D, L462P). Additional variants were selected from the SNP databases (dbSNP, gnomAD, ClinVar) based on a high frequency in humans (H393Q, P387L, T201A, S203G S274Y, S494N, R76K, Leu10del). All variants underwent in silico assessment considering evolutionary, structural, and functional aspects (ConSurf, Predict SNP2, CADD, DANN, FATHMM, FunSeq2, GWAVA, PANTHER, SNPs&GO, PhD-SNP, SIFT, SNAP, Meta-SNP, Polyphen2, HDIV, DUET). The CYP21A2 proteins carrying the mutations were overexpressed in HEK 293T cells. We evaluated CYP21A2 enzyme activities by measuring the conversion of 14C-Progesterone into 11-deoxycortisol by thin layer chromatography and autoradiography. Samples were tested in duplicates, using the activity of WT CYP21A2 as a control. Results: Computational analysis revealed that A81T, R125G, I161T, and L289H substitutions significantly impair protein structure, while other variants showed moderate effects. Except for L199F, all patient-derived variants exhibited reduced 21-hydroxylase (CYP21A2) activity associated with NC-CAH phenotypes. Variants from databases did not demonstrate a significant loss of function related to CAH. Conclusion: In this study we investigate the pathogenicity of uncharacterized CYP21A2 variants in relation to non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NC-CAH), contributing to a better understanding of associated phenotypes. The findings, particularly the identification of novel mutations and the assessment of their impact on CYP21A2 activity, hold promise for improving diagnosis and treatment strategies aimed at mitigating severe outcomes of NC-CAH, such as miscarriages or irreversible alopecia. It also raises awareness among heterozygous carriers, assisting in family planning and medical decisions. Presentation: 6/1/2024

8368 Functional Evaluation Of Novel CYP21A2 Variants: Expanding The Genetic Basis Of Non-classic CAH

Abstract Disclosure: A. Matveeva: None. Y. Xu: None. V. Tardy-Guidollet: None. A.V. Pandey: None. Introduction: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) comprises a group of autosomal recessive genetic disorders affecting the production of glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and gonadocorticoids. In approximately 95% of cases, CAH results from a deficiency in CYP21A2. A Non-Classic form of CAH (NC-CAH) arises when CYP21A2 activity decreases to 20-50% of the normal level, occurring at an estimated frequency of 1 in 200 - 1000 individuals. The clinical picture is characterized by the accumulation of androgen precursors, causing hirsutism, acne, metabolic syndrome, menstrual irregularities, infertility in females, and androgenic alopecia, oligospermia in males. Methods: We selected mutations from CYP21A2 sequence data of patients with NC-CAH symptoms admitted to CHU Lyon, France (L49V, A81T, R125G, I161T, L199F, L289H, L289F, V306D, L462P). Additional variants were selected from the SNP databases (dbSNP, gnomAD, ClinVar) based on a high frequency in humans (H393Q, P387L, T201A, S203G S274Y, S494N, R76K, Leu10del). All variants underwent in silico assessment considering evolutionary, structural, and functional aspects (ConSurf, Predict SNP2, CADD, DANN, FATHMM, FunSeq2, GWAVA, PANTHER, SNPs&GO, PhD-SNP, SIFT, SNAP, Meta-SNP, Polyphen2, HDIV, DUET). The CYP21A2 proteins carrying the mutations were overexpressed in HEK 293T cells. We evaluated CYP21A2 enzyme activities by measuring the conversion of 14C-Progesterone into 11-deoxycortisol by thin layer chromatography and autoradiography. Samples were tested in duplicates, using the activity of WT CYP21A2 as a control. Results: Computational analysis revealed that A81T, R125G, I161T, and L289H substitutions significantly impair protein structure, while other variants showed moderate effects. Except for L199F, all patient-derived variants exhibited reduced 21-hydroxylase (CYP21A2) activity associated with NC-CAH phenotypes. Variants from databases did not demonstrate a significant loss of function related to CAH. Conclusion: In this study we investigate the pathogenicity of uncharacterized CYP21A2 variants in relation to non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NC-CAH), contributing to a better understanding of associated phenotypes. The findings, particularly the identification of novel mutations and the assessment of their impact on CYP21A2 activity, hold promise for improving diagnosis and treatment strategies aimed at mitigating severe outcomes of NC-CAH, such as miscarriages or irreversible alopecia. It also raises awareness among heterozygous carriers, assisting in family planning and medical decisions. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Variscan basement tectonics and Alpine shear zones in the external Balkanides: Structural data from the Vezhen Massif, Central Stara Planina Mts., Bulgaria

The Alpine Balkanides in Bulgaria are developed over Variscan orogenic fragments, which are variously affected by late-stage thick-skinned thrust tectonics. Often, these fragments hold both Variscan and Alpine structural records. А key area to shed light on important aspects of the tectonic evolution of the external parts of the Alpine Balkanide orogen is the Vezhen Massif in the Central Stara Planina Mountains. Although it is built exclusively of Paleozoic crystalline rocks, its structure was long considered as an example of intense mid Eocene to early Oligocene (Late Alpine) shortening. Detailed fieldwork in the area shows a more complicated tectonic framework and provides evidence of a polyphase structural evolution, involving an important stage of Variscan metamorphism and deformation and two stages of north-vergent Alpine shortening. The Stargel-Boluvanya Tectonic Zone that affects the western Vezhen Massif is one of the most important Variscan structures in the Balkan fold-and-thrust belt. Structural data indicate that the metamorphic basement records initial top-to-north thrusting, followed by further shortening, which led to folding and localized strike-slip deformation. The Variscan syn-metamorphic fabric is cross-cut by several post-kinematic igneous bodies of late Carboniferous to Permian ages. The tectonic history continues with a development of a network of greenschist facies north-vergent mylonitic zones for which an Early Alpine (post-late Permian but pre-Late Cretaceous) age is assumed. Late Alpine north-vergent thrusting is evident only on the eastern and northern flanks of the Vezhen Massif. In a broad structural context, the documented record in the basement rocks of the Vezhen Massif is comparable with those of the external massifs of the Alps and Iberia.

Wolbachia modify host cell metabolite profiles in response to short-term temperature stress.

Wolbachia are common heritable endosymbionts that influence many aspects of ecology and evolution in various insects, yet Wolbachia-mediated intracellular metabolic responses to temperature stress have been largely overlooked. Here, we introduced the Wolbachia strain wLhui from the invasive Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard) into a Drosophila Schneider 2 cell line (S2) and investigated the metabolite profile of wLhui-infected (S2_wLhui) and uninfected cell lines (S2_wu) under short-term exposure to either high (37°C), moderate (27°C), or low (7 and 17°C) temperatures. We find that Wolbachia infection, temperature stress, and their interactions significantly affect cellular metabolic profiles. Most significantly, when comparing the changes in metabolites between S2_wLhui and S2_wu, glycerophospholipids, amino acids, and fatty acids associated with metabolic pathways, microbial metabolism in diverse environments, and other pathways were significantly accumulated at either low or high temperatures. Our findings suggest Wolbachia-induced cellular physiological responses to short-term temperature stress, which may in turn affect the fitness and adaptive ability of its host as an invasive species.

Grids of stellar models with rotation

Context. Grids of stellar evolution models with rotation using the Geneva stellar evolution code (GENEC) have been published for a wide range of metallicities. Aims. We introduce the last remaining grid of GENEC models, with a metallicity of Z = 10−5. We study the impact of this extremely metal-poor initial composition on various aspects of stellar evolution, and compare it to the results from previous grids at other metallicities. We provide electronic tables that can be used to interpolate between stellar evolution tracks and for population synthesis. Methods. Using the same physics as in the previous papers of this series, we computed a grid of stellar evolution models with GENEC spanning masses between 1.7 and 500 M⊙, with and without rotation, at a metallicity of Z = 10−5. Results. Due to the extremely low metallicity of the models, mass-loss processes are negligible for all except the most massive stars. For most properties (such as evolutionary tracks in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, lifetimes, and final fates), the present models fit neatly between those previously computed at surrounding metallicities. However, specific to this metallicity is the very large production of primary nitrogen in moderately rotating stars, which is linked to the interplay between the hydrogen- and helium-burning regions. Conclusions. The stars in the present grid are interesting candidates as sources of nitrogen-enrichment in the early Universe. Indeed, they may have formed very early on from material previously enriched by the massive short-lived Population III stars, and as such constitute a very important piece in the puzzle that is the history of the Universe.

Genome Organization and Stability in Mammalian Pre-Implantation Development

A largely stable genome is required for normal development, even as genetic change is an integral aspect of reproduction, genetic adaptation and evolution. Recent studies highlight a critical window of mammalian development with intrinsic DNA replication stress and genome instability in the first cell divisions after fertilization. Patterns of DNA replication and genome stability are established very early in mammals, alongside patterns of nuclear organization, and before the emergence of gene expression patterns, and prior to cell specification and germline formation. The study of DNA replication and genome stability in the mammalian embryo provides a unique cellular system due to the resetting of the epigenome to a totipotent state, and the de novo establishment of the patterns of nuclear organization, gene expression, DNA methylation, histone modifications and DNA replication. Understanding DNA replication and genome stability in the early mammalian embryo is relevant for studies of both normal and disease-causing genetic variation, and to uncover basic principles of genome regulation.

Drivers of interlineage variability in mitogenomic evolutionary rates in Platyhelminthes.

Studies of forces driving interlineage variability in the evolutionary rates (both sequence and architecture) of mitochondrial genomes often produce contradictory results. Flatworms (Platyhelminthes) exhibit the fastest-evolving mitogenomic sequences among all bilaterian phyla. To test the effects of multiple factors previously associated with different aspects of mitogenomic evolution, we used mitogenomes of 223 flatworm species, phylogenetic multilevel regression models, and causal inference. Thermic host environment (endothermic vs. ectothermic) had nonsignificant impacts on both sequence evolution and mitogenomic size. Mitogenomic gene order rearrangements (GORR) were mostly positively correlated with mitogenomic size (R2 ≈ 20-30%). Longevity was not (negatively) correlated with sequence evolution in flatworms. The predominantly free-living "turbellaria" exhibited much shorter branches and faster-evolving mitogenomic architecture than parasitic Neodermata. As a result, "parasitism" had a strong explanatory power on the branch length variability (>90%), and there was a negative correlation between GORR and branch length. However, the stem branch of Neodermata comprised 63.6% of the total average branch length. This evolutionary period was also marked by a high rate of gene order rearrangements in the ancestral Neodermata. We discuss how this period of rapid evolution deep in the evolutionary history may have decoupled sequence evolution rates from longevity and GORR, and overestimated the explanatory power of "parasitism". This study shows that impacts of variables often vary across lineages, and stresses the importance accounting for the episodic nature of evolutionary patterns in studies of mitogenomic evolution.

Stab Wounds of the Abdomen: Epidemiological, Clinical, Therapeutic and Evolutionary Aspects in the General Surgery Department of the N'zérékoré Regional Hospital (Guinea)

Aim: To determine the place of abdominal wounds among abdominal traumas and to describe their clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study based on analysis of the records of patients seen for abdominal stab wounds in the general surgery department of the N'Zérékoré regional hospital during the period from January 2011 to December 31, 2020. Epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary parameters were studied. Results: Out of a total of 745 cases of abdominal trauma, we found 89 cases of abdominal stab wounds, a frequency of 12.49%. The average age was 36, with a clear male predominance (78%). Pupils/students were the most represented (32.58%), and criminal assault was the most common circumstance (70.79%). Operative treatment was the most common (74%), and the small intestine was the organ most affected (34.84%); the after-effects were simple in 89.39% of patients, and we recorded 4 deaths (6.06%). Conclusion: Stab wounds of the abdomen are a real public health problem in Africa, especially in low-resource countries such as ours. Surgery is still indicated for severe injuries or complications.

Biotic interactions, evolutionary forces and the pan-plant specialized metabolism.

Plant specialized metabolism has a complex evolutionary history. Some aspects are conserved across the green lineage, but many metabolites are unique to certain lineages. The network of specialized metabolism continuously diversified, simplified or reshaped during the evolution of streptophytes. Many routes of pan-plant specialized metabolism are involved in plant defence. Biotic interactions are recalled as major drivers of lineage-specific metabolomic diversification. However, the consequences of this diversity of specialized metabolism in the context of plant terrestrialization and land plant diversification into the major lineages of bryophytes, lycophytes, ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms remain only little explored. Overall, this hampers conclusions on the evolutionary scenarios that shaped specialized metabolism. Recent efforts have brought forth new streptophyte model systems, an increase in genetically accessible species from distinct major plant lineages, and new functional data from a diversity of land plants on specialized metabolic pathways. In this review, we will integrate the recent data on the evolution of the plant immune system with the molecular data of specialized metabolism and its recognition. Based on this we will provide a contextual framework of the pan-plant specialized metabolism, the evolutionary aspects that shape it and the impact on adaptation to the terrestrial environment.This article is part of the theme issue 'The evolution of plant metabolism'.

Costal Amyloidosis: First Case in Literature

Amyloidosis is a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by the extracellular deposition of amyloid proteins in various tissues and organs, which leads to significant morbidity and mortality. The most commonly affected organs include the kidneys, liver, spleen, heart, and nervous system, where the deposition of amyloid proteins disrupts normal function and causes a wide range of clinical manifestations. Involvement of osseous structures, particularly the ribs, is exceedingly rare and has not been extensively documented in the medical literature, making it a subject of significant clinical interest. This study aims to present a rare and fortuitously discovered case of costal amyloidosis in a patient who initially presented with a chest wall mass. The patient’s presentation, diagnostic workup, and subsequent management are detailed to provide a comprehensive overview of this unusual manifestation of amyloidosis. Clinical evaluation revealed a firm, non-tender mass on the chest wall, prompting further investigation. Biological analyses included a series of laboratory tests to rule out common differential diagnoses and identify potential systemic involvement. Radiological evaluation comprised of advanced imaging techniques, including chest X-ray, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which highlighted the nature and extent of the osseous involvement. A biopsy of the mass was performed, and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of amyloidosis through the identification of amyloid deposits using specific staining techniques. The case also examines the evolutionary aspects of the disease, discussing the progression and changes observed over time through regular follow-ups. Therapeutic strategies were implemented based on the latest guidelines and tailored to the patient's specific condition, including both pharmacological and surgical interventions. The short-term and long-term outcomes of these interventions are analyzed, highlighting the challenges and successes encountered during the treatment process. By presenting this case, we aim to shed light on the rare occurrence of costal amyloidosis, its diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic considerations. This case underscores the importance of considering amyloidosis in the differential diagnosis of chest wall masses and contributes to the broader understanding of the disease's clinical spectrum. Additionally, it emphasizes the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach in managing such rare and complex cases, ensuring comprehensive care and improved patient outcomes.

Artificial Intelligence to Reshape the Healthcare Ecosystem

This paper intends to provide the reader with an overview of the main processes that are introducing artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare services. The first part is organized according to an evolutionary perspective. We first describe the role that digital technologies have had in shaping the current healthcare methodologies and the relevant foundations for new evolutionary scenarios. Subsequently, the various evolutionary paths are illustrated with reference to AI techniques and their research activities, specifying their degree of readiness for actual clinical use. The organization of this paper is based on the interplay three pillars, namely, algorithms, enabling technologies and regulations, and healthcare methodologies. Through this organization we introduce the reader to the main evolutionary aspects of the healthcare ecosystem, to associate clinical needs with appropriate methodologies. We also explore the different aspects related to the Internet of the future that are not typically presented in papers that focus on AI, but that are equally crucial to determine the success of current research and development activities in healthcare.

Ultrastructure and molecular phylogeny of Mesodinium annulatum sp. nov. (Mesodiniidae, Cyclotrichiida), a new member of the Mesodinium rubrum / Mesodinium major complex

The species complex <i>Mesodinium rubrum</i> / major, common red tide-forming ciliates, has been intensively studied with regards to its ecological roles in global marine ecosystems and the evolutionary aspects of its “stolen” organelles (kleptoplasty and karyoklepty). Nonetheless, the taxonomy of the species within the complex remains unclear. A new marine Mesodinium species isolated from Gomso Bay, Korea, was cultivated under mixotrophic conditions by providing <i>Teleaulax amphioxeia</i>, a red cryptomonad, as prey. Cells of the new isolate consisted of two portions separated by two types of polykinetids. The number of polykinetid associated with the equatorial ciliary belt was approximately 38, and each consisting of two rows of up to 18 alternating kinetosomes each. There was an equal number of cirral polykinetids, each consisting of 16 kinetosomes organized into four longitudinal rows having five, five, four, and two kinetosomes, respectively (in anti-clockwise direction). The two kinds of kinetids and their associated microtubules and fibers were structurally similar to those of <i>M. rubrum</i> from Denmark. However, the Korean <i>Mesodinium</i> species was characterized by its broad posterior portion, 20–22 tentacles, and a cytopharyngeal annulus. Molecular phylogeny based on internal transcribed spacer sequences placed the Korean isolate in clade B of the <i>M. rubrum</i> / major species complex, rather than in clade F representing the neotype of <i>M. rubrum</i>. Based on morphological, ultrastructural, and molecular data, we propose the Korean strain as a new marine <i>Mesodinium</i> species, <i>M. annulatum</i>.