Conserved developmental processes and the formation of evolutionary novelties: examples from butterfly wings

The origin and diversification of evolutionary novelties—lineage-specific traits of new adaptive value—is one of the key issues in evolutionary developmental biology. However, comparative analysis of the genetic and developmental bases of such traits can be difficult when they have no obvious homologue in model organisms. The finding that the evolution of morphological novelties often involves the recruitment of pre-existing genes and/or gene networks offers the potential to overcome this challenge. Knowledge about shared developmental processes obtained from extensive studies in model organisms can then be used to understand the origin and diversification of lineage-specific structures. Here, we illustrate this approach in relation to eyespots on the wings of Bicyclus anynana butterflies. A number of spontaneous mutations isolated in the laboratory affect eyespots, lepidopteran-specific features, and also processes that are shared by most insects. We discuss how eyespot mutants with disturbed embryonic development may help elucidate the genetic pathways involved in eyespot formation, and how venation mutants with altered eyespot patterns might shed light on mechanisms of eyespot development

Hipparcos red stars in the HpV_{T2} and VI_C systems

For Hipparcos M, S, and C spectral type stars, we provide calibrated instantaneous (epoch) Cousins $V-I$ color indices using newly derived $HpV_{T2}$ photometry. Three new sets of ground-based Cousins $VI$ data have been obtained for more than 170 carbon and red M giants. These datasets in combination with the published sources of $VI$ photometry served to obtain the calibration curves linking Hipparcos/Tycho $Hp-V_{T2}$ with the Cousins $V-I$ index. In total, 321 carbon stars and 4464 M- and S-type stars have new $V-I$ indices. The standard error of the mean $V-I$ is about 0.1 mag or better down to $Hp\approx9$ although it deteriorates rapidly at fainter magnitudes. These $V-I$ indices can be used to verify the published Hipparcos $V-I$ color indices. Thus, we have identified a handful of new cases where, instead of the real target, a random field star has been observed. A considerable fraction of the DMSA/C and DMSA/V solutions for red stars appear not to be warranted. Most likely such spurious solutions may originate from usage of a heavily biased color in the astrometric processing.Comment: 10 figures, 1 electronic table, accepted in A&

Dos especies nuevas (Oligochaeta: Tumakidae) de la región Caribe de Colombia

Two new species of earthworms (Oligochaeta: Annelida) Tumakidae family; Tumak amari sp. nov. and Tumak congorum sp. nov. are described and illustrated. They were collected in relict forest fragments adjacent to wetlands in the southerm region of Cesar department of Cesar, in the Colombian Caribbean. Tumakidae family is characterized mainly by of the calciferous gland before the gizzard, and the presence of dorsal pores. Tumak amari sp. nov. and Tumak congorum sp. nov. are close to Tumak hammeni (Righi, 1995), but they differ by the clitelum extension, the puberal zone, the testicular sacs, the position of the male pores, and by the number, shape and position of spermathecae. The new species are the first records of the genus after the original description

Dos especies nuevas (Oligochaeta: Tumakidae) de la región Caribe de Colombia

Two new species of earthworms (Oligochaeta: Annelida) Tumakidae family; Tumak amari sp. nov. and Tumak congorum sp. nov. are described and illustrated. They were collected in relict forest fragments adjacent to wetlands in the southerm region of Cesar department of Cesar, in the Colombian Caribbean. Tumakidae family is characterized mainly by of the calciferous gland before the gizzard, and the presence of dorsal pores. Tumak amari sp. nov. and Tumak congorum sp. nov. are close to Tumak hammeni (Righi, 1995), but they differ by the clitelum extension, the puberal zone, the testicular sacs, the position of the male pores, and by the number, shape and position of spermathecae. The new species are the first records of the genus after the original description

Ultrasound measurement of the effects of high, medium and low hip long-axis distraction mobilization forces on the joint space width and its correlation with the joint strain

Background: No study has evaluated the mechanical effect of different magnitudes of long axis-distraction mobilization (LADM) force on hip joint space width (JSW) or the association between the separation of joint surfaces and the strain on hip capsular ligaments. Objective: To compare the joint separation when applying three different magnitudes of LADM forces (low, medium and high) and to analyse the correlation between joint separation, strain on the inferior ilio-femoral ligament and magnitude of applied force. Design: Repeated measures controlled laboratory cadaveric study. Methods: Three magnitudes of force were applied to 11 cadaveric hip joints (mean age 73 years). Ultrasound images were used to measure joint separation, and strain gauges recorded inferior ilio-femoral ligament strain during each condition. Results: The magnitude of joint separation was significantly different between low (0.23 ± 0.19 mm), medium (0.72 ± 0.22 mm) and high (2.62 ± 0.43 mm) forces (p 0.723; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Hip joint separation and ligament strain during LADM are associated with the magnitude of the applied force

A Comparison of Lymphoid and Myeloid Cells Derived from Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells Xenografted into NOD-Derived Mouse Strains

Humanized mice are an invaluable tool for investigating human diseases such as cancer, infectious diseases, and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). However, it is crucial to understand the strengths and limitations of humanized mice and select the most appropriate model. In this study, we describe the development of the human lymphoid and myeloid lineages using a flow cytometric analysis in four humanized mouse models derived from NOD mice xenotransplanted with CD34+ fetal cord blood from a single donor. Our results showed that all murine strains sustained human immune cells within a proinflammatory environment induced by GvHD. However, the Hu-SGM3 model consistently generated higher numbers of human T cells, monocytes, dendritic cells, mast cells, and megakaryocytes, and a low number of circulating platelets showing an activated profile when compared with the other murine strains. The hu-NOG-EXL model had a similar cell development profile but a higher number of circulating platelets with an inactivated state, and the hu-NSG and hu-NCG developed low frequencies of immune cells compared with the other models. Interestingly, only the hu-SGM3 and hu-EXL models developed mast cells. In conclusion, our findings highlight the importance of selecting the appropriate humanized mouse model for specific research questions, considering the strengths and limitations of each model and the immune cell populations of interest. © 2023 by the authors

Effects of a massage protocol in tensiomyographic and myotonometric proprieties

Background: Pre-competition massage is usually used to improve athletic performance and reduce risk of injury. Despite its usual use, the effects of pre-competition massage on neuromuscular function have barely been studied. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the pre-competition massage over the gastrocnemius neuromuscular function. Method: The study is a quasi-experimental clinical trial thirty healthy athletes were enrolled in the study. Subjects received an intervention in one leg (experimental), consisting of a massage, and no intervention in the opposite leg (control). From all values of neuromuscular function, the following were analyzed: contraction time (Tc) and maximal displacement (Dm) by tensiomyography, and stiffness and tone by myotonometry. Results: Main effects of pre-competition massage on neuromuscular function include a significant (p < 0.05) increase in Tc and Dm variables, as well as a reduction in stiffness and tone. Conclusion: Data shows an increase in Tc and maximal radial displacement (Dm) variables, as well as a reduction in stiffness and tone. More quality studies are needed to draw clear conclusions about the effects of pre-competition massage. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland

Functional Massage of the Teres Major Muscle in Patients with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome. A Randomized Controlled Case Series Study.

Objective: the purpose of the present study was to analyze the concurrent validity and reliability of a force platform clinical COBS Feedback® for the estimation of the height of vertical jumps. Design: a cross-sectional correlational and comparative study. Setting: University Human Movement and Physiotherapy Laboratory. Participants: healthy university students (14 female and 13 male) aged between 18 and 25 years old (mean = 20.074 ±1.542). Main Outcome Measures: vertical jump heights, technical error and grade of agreement between methods of measurement. Results: after the 27 subjects performed a total of 135 vertical jumps on COBS Feedback®platform while simultaneously being recorded with a high-speed camera-based method, the intraclass correlation coefficient showed an almost perfect concordance between the two methods (ICC = 0.916, CI95%= 0.882 to 0.940, p<0.001). The technical error of the COBS Feedback® against HSC-Kinovea video analysis was at 0.310±0.223m, being higher in males than in females (t= -2.822, CI95%: -0.376 to -0.574, p=0.001). Conclusions: the COBS Feedback® method provided a valid measurement of the flight times for estimate the vertical jump height as a number of well-known tests and devices.Aims: Subacromial impingement syndrome is the most common shoulder condition. Myofascial trigger points in teres major muscle can be associated with this syndrome. Our objective is to determine whether adding manual therapy specifically for teres major trigger points can produce better results in these patients. Study Design: Randomized controlled case series. Place and Duration of Study: Public Primary Care Center in the Spanish National Health System (Cornellà de Llobregat - Barcelona) and the FREMAP Mutual Society for Work-related Injuries and Occupational Illness (Arnedo - La Rioja), between January and March 2014. Methodology: Fifty-eight people were recruited but 8 subjects were lost during the follow-up period. The sample consisted of 50 patients (17 male and 33 female, age range 23-80 years) randomly assigned to one of two groups: the intervention group or the control group. Both groups received a protocolized physical therapy treatment, while the intervention group also received manual therapy for teres major trigger points. Results: Pain intensity (p=.01) and function (p=.01) showed significant improvement in the control group, whereas pain intensity (p=.01), function (p=.01) and active range of motion (p=.01) showed significant improvement in the intervention group. Between-group differences were statistically significant for abduction (p=.01), extension (p=.02) and lateral rotation (p=.02), and clinically significant (Cohen’s d) for function, flexion, extension, lateral rotation and abduction. Conclusion: Although our findings must be considered as preliminary, they suggest that adding manual therapy to treat teres major trigger points achieves better results in the glenohumeral range of motion