Eurotatorian paraphyly: Revisiting phylogenetic relationships based on the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Rotaria rotatoria (Bdelloidea: Rotifera: Syndermata)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The Syndermata (Rotifera+Acanthocephala) is one of the best model systems for studying the evolutionary origins and persistence of different life styles because it contains a series of lineage-specific life histories: Monogononta (cyclic parthenogenetic and free-living), Bdelloidea (entirely parthenogenetic and mostly benthic dweller), Seisonidea (exclusively bisexual and epizoic or ectoparasitic), and Acanthocephala (sexual and obligatory endoparasitic). Providing phylogenetic resolution to the question of Eurotatoria (Monogononta and Bdelloidea) monophyly versus paraphyly is a key factor for better understanding the evolution of different life styles, yet this matter is not clearly resolved. In this study, we revisited this issue based on comparative analysis of complete mitochondrial genome information for major groups of the Syndermata.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We determined the first complete mitochondrial genome sequences (15,319 bp) of a bdelloid rotifer, <it>Rotaria rotatoria</it>. In order to examine the validity of Eurotatoria (Monogononta and Bdelloidea) monophyly/paraphyly, we performed phylogenetic analysis of amino acid sequences for eleven protein-coding genes sampled from a wide variety of bilaterian representatives. The resulting mitochondrial genome trees, inferred using different algorithms, consistently failed to recover Monogononta and Bdelloidea as monophyletic, but instead identified them as a paraphyletic assemblage. Bdelloidea (as represented by <it>R. rotatoria</it>) shares most common ancestry with Acanthocephala (as represented by <it>L. thecatus</it>) rather than with monogonont <it>B. plicatilis</it>, the other representative of Eurotatoria.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Comparisons of inferred amino acid sequence and gene arrangement patterns with those of other metazoan mtDNAs (including those of acanthocephalan <it>L. thecatus </it>and monogonont <it>B. plicatilis</it>) support the hypothesis that Bdelloidea shares most common ancestry with Acanthocephala rather than with Monogononta. From this finding, we suggest that the obligatory asexuality of bdelloideans may have secondarily derived from some other preexisting condition in earlier lineage of rotifers. Providing a more complete assessment of phylogenetic relationships and inferring patterns of evolution of different types of life styles among Syndermata awaits comparisons requiring mitochondrial genome sequencing of Seisonidea.</p

Prediction of Refrigerant Leakage for Discharge Valve System in A Rolling Piston Rotary Compressor

The flow coefficient of a discharge valve system with lift height was functionalized by experiments and Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD) simulation to predict the mass flow rate through a discharge valve system in a rolling piston compressor with different compressor frequency and operating conditions. The flow coefficients of the discharge valve system were determined by both experiments and CFD simulation for specifically configured condition with varying discharge port diameter, valve lift height and valve shape to consider operating and geometric conditions. The experiment and CFD simulation were conducted under the incompressible flow and steady state. Ambient air was used as a working fluid. In order to verify the reliability of CFD simulation, the computational results were compared with those of experiment. The flow coefficient maps for each discharge valve system could be obtained from the computational results. The functional flow coefficient model was derived from the maps. It was applied to compressor performance simulation to calculate mass flow rate at the discharge valve system as a function of diameter of discharge port and lift height of the valve. Energy Efficiency Ratio(EER) obtained from the functional flow coefficient model with varying compressor frequency showed good agreement with experimental data. The Functionalization of flow coefficient may improve the precision of compressor performance simulation

Amniotic fluid exerts a neurotrophic influence on fetal neurodevelopment via the ERK/GSK-3 pathway

Background: The fetus is surrounded by the amniotic fluid (AF) contained by the amniotic sac of the pregnant female. The AF is directly conveyed to the fetus during pregnancy. Although AF has recently been reported as an untapped resource containing various substances, it remains unclear whether the AF could influence fetal neurodevelopment. Results: We used AF that was extracted from embryos at 16 days in pregnant SD rat and exposed the AF to the neural cells derived from the embryos of same rat. We found that the treatment of AF to cortical neurons increased the phosphorylation in ERK1/2 that is necessary for fetal neurodevelopment, which was inhibited by the treatment of MEK inhibitors. Moreover, we found the subsequent inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), which is an important determinant of cell fate in neural cells. Indeed, AF increased the neural clustering of cortical neurons, which revealed that the clustered cells were proliferating neural progenitor cells. Accordingly, we confirmed the ability of AF to increase the neural progenitor cells through neurosphere formation. Furthermore, we showed that the ERK/GSK-3 pathway was involved in AF-mediated neurosphere enlargement. Conclusions: Although the placenta mainly supplies oxygenated blood, nutrient substances for fetal development, these findings further suggest that circulating-AF into the fetus could affect fetal neurodevelopment via MAP kinases-derived GSK-3 pathway during pregnancy. Moreover, we suggest that AF could be utilized as a valuable resource in the field of regenerative medicine

Genome-Based Construction of the Metabolic Pathways of Orientia tsutsugamushi and Comparative Analysis within the Rickettsiales Order

Orientia tsutsugamushi, the causative agent of scrub typhus, is an obligate intracellular bacterium that belongs to the order of Rickettsiales. Recently, we have reported that O. tsutsugamushi has a unique genomic structure, consisting of highly repetitive sequences, and suggested that it may provide valuable insight into the evolution of intracellular bacteria. Here, we have used genomic information to construct the major metabolic pathways of O. tsutsugamushi and performed a comparative analysis of the metabolic genes and pathways of O. tsutsugamushi with other members of the Rickettsiales order. While O. tsutsugamushi has the largest genome among the members of this order, mainly due to the presence of repeated sequences, its metabolic pathways have been highly streamlined. Overall, the metabolic pathways of O. tsutsugamushi were similar to Rickettsia but there were notable differences in several pathways including carbohydrate metabolism, the TCA cycle, and the synthesis of cell wall components as well as in the transport systems. Our results will provide a useful guide to the postgenomic analysis of O. tsutsugamushi and lead to a better understanding of the virulence and physiology of this intracellular pathogen

Lumbar Interbody Fusion using Low-dose of Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (rh-BMP2); Minimum 1-year Follow-up Results at A Single Institute

Objective The authors evaluate clinical results of the lumbar interbody fusion surgery using low-dose of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein type 2(rhBMP-2) to assess the safety and efficacy of rhBMP-2. Methods 199 patients who underwent lumbar interbody fusion surgery including posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and oblique interbody fusion (OLIF) using rhBMP-2 (0.05 mg per disc) were selected. Fusion status at the operated segment was classified from grade 1 to 4, according follow-up CT scan. The occurrence of complications was observed including heterotopic ossification, postoperative radiculitis, and endplate osteolysis. Results There were 61 men and 138 women. Total surgical levels were 424 levels. According to the surgical method, 335 segments were operated with the PLIF and 89 segments with the OLIF. On follow up CT scan, fusion grade was distributed as 330 levels of grade 1 (77.8%), 66 of grade 2 (15.6%), 22 of grade 3 (5.2%), and 6 of grade 4 (1.4%). Overall fusion success rate was found to be 93.4%. According to fusion method, in PLIF group, it was distributed as 267 levels of grade 1 (79.7%), 45 of grade 2 (13.4%), 18 of grade 3 (5.4%), and 5 of grade 4 (1.5%), and in OLIF group, 63 levels of grade 1 (70.8%), 21 of grade 2 (23.6%), 4 of grade 3 (4.5%), and 1 of grade 4 (1.1%). No patient was suspected of having postoperative radiculitis related to the use of rh-BMP2. Two case showed ectopic bone formation without clinical symptom. There were 2 cases of endplate osteolysis. Conclusion The known complications is not common in the present study, which may be caused by using low-dose rhBMP-2. Further long term observations are needed to clarify these issues of such complications

Analysis of Yield of Eleutherosides B and E in Acanthopanax divaricatus

An analysis of the yield of eleutherosides B and E in Acanthopanax divaricatus and A. koreanum was performed using high performance liquid chromatography to evaluate production by different cultivation methods. In A. divaricatus and A. koreanum, the total content of eleutherosides B and E was 2.466–7.360 mg/g varying by plant section, 3.886–11.506 mg/g by pinching site, 3.655–10.083 mg/g by planting time, and 3.652–10.108 mg/g by fertilizer ratio. Thus the total content of eleutherosides B and E in A. divaricatus and A. koreanum differed depending on cultivation methods. These results present useful information for high eleutheroside content applications in A. divaricatus and A. koreanum. This information can affect selection of plant section and cultivation methods for nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical material development

Impacts of Heavy Rain and Typhoon on Allergic Disease

AbstractObjectivesAllergic disease may be increased by climate change. Recent reports have shown that typhoon and heavy rain increase allergic disease locally by concentration of airborne allergens of pollen, ozone, and fungus, which are causes of allergic disease. The objective of this study was to determine whether typhoon and heavy rain increase allergic disease in Korea.MethodsThis study included allergic disease patients of the area declared as a special disaster zone due to storms and heavy rains from 2003 to 2009. The study used information from the Korea Meteorological Administration, and from the National Health Insurance Service for allergic diseases (asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis).ResultsDuring a storm period, the numbers of allergy rhinitis and atopic dermatitis outpatients increased [rate ratio (RR) = 1.191; range, 1.150–1.232] on the sixth lag day. However, the number of asthma outpatients decreased (RR = 0.900; range, 0.862–0.937) on the sixth lag day after a disaster period. During a storm period, the numbers of allergic rhinitis outpatients (RR = 1.075; range, 1.018–1.132) and atopy outpatients increased (RR = 1.134; range, 1.113–1.155) on the seventh lag day. However, the number of asthma outpatients decreased to RR value of 0.968 (range, 0.902–1.035) on the fifth lag day.ConclusionThis study suggests that typhoon and heavy rain increase allergic disease apart from asthma. More study is needed to explain the decrease in asthma

THE EFFECTS OF WEARING ROLLER SHOES ON GROUND REACTION FORCE CHARACTERISTICS DURING WALKING

Roller shoes have become increasingly popular among children and it features retractable wheels which allowing the user to walk or roll without changing the footwear. Maintaining balance during forward walking with roller shoes is not an easy task. To prevent falling backward, the user needs to lock the knees and tighten the ankles and thighs while the upper body is slightly leaning forward. Constant walking with roller shoes forces the user to walk in a manner much different from normal gait. Prolonged exposure to un-natural stresses on human body forces our body to evolve by strengthening those incorrect, and temporary functions (Clement et aI., 1981). For children, the chronic stress may lead to serious injuries in the lower extremity later in life. If any potential' of injury exists in a movement it is critical to examine the associated forces that may lead to injury. To the best of our knowledge, the effects of wearing roller shoes on ground reaction forces (GRF) characteristics have rarely been studied, especially in the youth population. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare GRF characteristics during walking wearing jogging and roller shoes

Beneficial Effect of Efonidipine, an L- and T-Type Dual Calcium Channel Blocker, on Heart Rate and Blood Pressure in Patients With Mild-to-Moderate Essential Hypertension

Background and Objectives: Efonidipine hydrochloride, an L- and T-type dual calcium channel blocker, is suggested to have a heart rate (HR)-slowing action in addition to a blood pressure (BP)-lowering effect. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of efonidipine on HR and BP in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension. Subjects and Methods: In a multi-center, prospective, open-labeled, single-armed study, we enrolled 53 patients who had mild-to-moderate hypertension {sitting diastolic BP (SiDBP) 90-110 mmHg}. After a 2-week washout, eligible patients were treated with efonidipine (40 mg once daily for 12 weeks). The primary end point was the change in HR from baseline to week 12. The secondary end-point included the change in trough sitting BP and 24-hour mean BP between baseline and week 12. Laboratory and clinical adverse events were monitored at each study visit (4, 8, and 12 weeks). Results: Fifty-two patients were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. After 12 weeks of treatment with efonidipine, the resting HR decreased significantly from baseline to week 12 (from 81.5??5.3 to 71.8??9.9 beats/minute (difference, -9.9??9.0 beats/minute), p<0.0001}. The trough BP {sitting systolic blood pressure (SiSBP) and SiDBP} and 24-hour mean BP also decreased significantly (SiSBP: from 144.6??8.2 to 132.9??13.5 mmHg, p<0.0001; SiDBP: from 96.9??5.4 to 88.3??8.6 mmHg, p<0.0001, 24-hour mean systolic BP: from 140.4??13.5 to 133.8??11.6 mmHg, p<0.0001; 24-hour mean diastolic BP: from 91.7??8.7 to 87.5??9.5 mmHg, p<0.0001). Conclusion: Efonidipine was effective in controlling both HR and BP in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension. Copyright ?? 2010 The Korean Society of Cardiology

One-dimensional manganese-cobalt oxide nanofibres as bi-functional cathode catalysts for rechargeable metal-air batteries

Rechargeable metal-air batteries are considered a promising energy storage solution owing to their high theoretical energy density. The major obstacles to realising this technology include the slow kinetics of oxygen reduction and evolution on the cathode (air electrode) upon battery discharging and charging, respectively. Here, we report non-precious metal oxide catalysts based on spinel-type manganese-cobalt oxide nanofibres fabricated by an electrospinning technique. The spinel oxide nanofibres exhibit high catalytic activity towards both oxygen reduction and evolution in an alkaline electrolyte. When incorporated as cathode catalysts in Zn-air batteries, the fibrous spinel oxides considerably reduce the discharge-charge voltage gaps (improve the round-trip efficiency) in comparison to the catalyst-free cathode. Moreover, the nanofibre catalysts remain stable over the course of repeated discharge-charge cycling; however, carbon corrosion in the catalyst/carbon composite cathode degrades the cycling performance of the batteries