Whole Mitochondrial Genomic and Y-Chromosomal Phylogenies of Burmese Long-Tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis aurea) Suggest Ancient Hybridization between fascicularis and sinica Species Groups.

Macaca fascicularis aurea (Burmese long-tailed macaque) is 1 of the 10 subspecies of Macaca fascicularis. Despite having few morphological differences from other subspecies, a recent phylogeographic study showed that M. f. aurea is clearly distinct genetically from Macaca fascicularis fascicularis (common long-tailed macaque) and suggests that M. f. aurea experienced a disparate evolutionary pathway versus other subspecies. To construct a detailed evolutionary history of M. f. aurea and its relationships with other macaque species, we performed phylogenetic analyses and divergence time estimation of whole mitochondrial genomes (2 M. f. aurea, 8 M. f. fascicularis, and 16 animals of 12 macaque species) and 2871 bp of the Y chromosome (1 M. f. aurea, 2 M. f. fascicularis, and 5 animals of 5 macaque species) and haplotype network analysis of 758 bp of the Y chromosome (1 M. f. aurea, 2 M. f. fascicularis, and 21 animals of 19 macaque species). Whereas the Y chromosome of M. f. aurea clustered with those of the fascicularis species group in the phylogenetic and haplotype network analyses, its mtDNA clustered within the clade of the sinica species group. Based on this phylogenetic incongruence and the estimated divergence times, we propose that proto-M. f. aurea underwent hybridization with a population of the sinica species group between 2.5 and 0.95 MYA after divergence from the common ancestor of M. fascicularis. Hybridization and introgression might have been central in the evolution of M. f. aurea, similar to what occurred in the evolution of other macaque species and subspecies.

Screening of Cognitive Impairment in the Dialysis Population: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment in end-stage kidney disease patients on dialysis is increasingly common. This study aimed to review the practice of screening and to evaluate the evidence on cognitive impairment prevalence in this population. METHODS: This scoping review of studies summarises the evidence on cognitive impairment in dialysis populations. The search included the Medline, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases for English-language articles published between 2000 and 2015. A total of 46 articles were reviewed. RESULTS: The studies were of prospective observational design, with the majority conducted in the haemodialysis population. The reported prevalence of cognitive impairment ranged from 6.6 to 51%. Three screening tools were consistently used. CONCLUSION: While cognitive impairment is recognised in the dialysis population, there is paucity of screening data. The design of prospective comparisons ideally includes established screening instruments, particularly the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, to determine the optimal results for this population. Translation of established screening tools to increase the inclusion of people from other cultural and language groups is required. Regular screening can enhance the timing to introduce home-based care support and advance care planning discussions.

Life-threatening pregnancy-associated atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome and its response to eculizumab.

Pregnancy-associated atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (P-aHUS) is a rare, potentially lethal condition that can complicate pregnancy in up to 1 in 25 000 cases. Without prompt diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment, this condition can lead to disastrous consequences for both mother and child. Given the broad spectrum of conditions that can present similarly in the peripartum period, it is often difficult to establish the correct diagnosis in a timely manner. Recently, the terminal complement cascade inhibitor eculizumab has been used with considerable success in non-pregnancy HUS; however, its use in P-aHUS is limited to isolated case reports. Here, we present a case of fulminant P-aHUS in the postpartum period that was successfully treated with eculizumab resulting in significant recovery of renal function.

Assessment of the hybridization between rhesus (Macaca mulatta) and long-tailed macaques (M. fascicularis) based on morphological characters.

OBJECTIVES: Hybridization between rhesus (Macaca mulatta) and long-tailed (M. fascicularis) macaques has become a focal point of interest. The majority of such studies have evaluated their genetics, but not their morphological characters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed morphological characters of eight free-ranging populations of Indochinese rhesus and long-tailed macaques distributed at the proposed hybrid zone (15.75-21.58° N) in comparison with one population each of Chinese and Indian-derived rhesus macaques and three populations of Sundaic long-tailed macaques. RESULTS: Chinese and Indian rhesus macaques had a heavier body mass, longer crown-rump length, shorter relative facial length and relative tail length, and a greater contrast of reddish and yellowish dorsal pelage color than the Sundaic long-tailed macaques for which the latter three parameters could be used to visually discriminate between the two species. Although the morphological characters of Indochinese rhesus and long-tailed macaques were intermediate between the Chinese/Indian rhesus and Sundaic long-tailed macaques, they were more similar to their respective conspecifics. The species-specific characters of a shorter tail (<70%) and a bipartite pelage color pattern were retained in the Indochinese rhesus macaques while the longer tail (>90%) and no bipartite pattern was found in the Indochinese long-tailed macaques. No morphological cline was observed across the species and the variations were abrupt to some extent. DISCUSSION: The hybridization between rhesus and long-tailed macaques may be results of multiple contacts and isolations over a long period of time, thus their evolutionary history should not be drawn solely by genetic or morphological analysis.

Morphological characteristics and genetic diversity of Burmese long-tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis aurea).

Macaca fascicularis aurea (Mfa) is the only macaque which has been recorded to use stone tools to access encased foods. They live in close contact with M. fascicularis fascicularis (Mff) in southwestern Thailand and the hybrids were reported [Fooden, 1995]. Although Mff and Mfa can be seen in the same habitat types, tool-use behavior has never been reported in Mff. Thus, comparing the morphological characteristics and genetics between Mfa and Mff should help elucidate not only the morphological differences and genetic divergence between these subspecies but also potentially the relationship between genetics and their tool use behavior. We surveyed Mfa and Mff in Myanmar and Thailand, ranging from 16° 58' to 7° 12' N. Fecal or blood samples were collected from eight, five, and four populations of Mfa, Mff, and Mff × Mfa morphological hybrids along with three individuals of captive Chinese M. mulatta (Mm), respectively, for mtDNA and Y-chromosome (TSPY and SRY genes) DNA sequence analyses. In addition, eight populations were captured and measured for 38 somatometric dimensions. Comparison of the somatic measurements revealed that Mfa had a statistically significantly shorter tail than Mff (P < 0.05). Based on the mtDNA sequences, Mfa was separated from the Mm/Mff clade. Within the Mfa clade, the mainland Myanmar population was separate from the Mergui Archipelago and Thailand Andaman seacoast populations. All the morphological hybrids had the Mff mtDNA haplotype. Based on the Y-chromosome sequences, the three major clades of Mm/Indochinese Mff, Sundaic Mff, and Mfa were constructed. The hybrid populations grouped either with the Mm/Indochinese Mff or with the Mfa. Regarding the genetic analysis, one subspecies hybrid population in Thailand (KRI) elicited tool use behavior, thus the potential role of genetics in tool use behavior is raised in addition to the environmental force, morphological suitability, and cognitive capability. Am. J. Primatol. 78:441-455, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Corrigendum: Sensor-based precision nutrient and irrigation management enhances the physiological performance, water productivity, and yield of soybean under system of crop intensification.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1282217.].

Patient-Specific Pessaries for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Using Three-Dimensional Printing: A Pilot Study.

IMPORTANCE: Vaginal pessaries are an effective nonsurgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) when properly fitted. However, pessary fitting and use are often unsuccessful or imperfect. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of using patient-specific pessaries fabricated from three-dimensional (3D)-printed molds to improve POP symptoms and increase overall satisfaction of pessary treatment in patients using standard vaginal pessaries. STUDY DESIGN: Patients undergoing POP treatment with standard vaginal pessaries were enrolled in this pilot prospective study. Patient-specific pessaries were designed and fabricated for each patient using patient input, physician input, and anatomic measurements from clinical assessment. Pessary fabrication involved injection of biocompatible liquid silicone rubber into 3D-printed molds followed by a biocompatible silicone coating. Pelvic organ prolapse symptomatic distress and pessary treatment satisfaction were evaluated before and after a 3-week patient-specific pessary home trial using the validated Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory-6 form and a visual analog scale, respectively. RESULTS: Eight women were included in this study. Changing from standard pessary to patient-specific pessary treatment was associated with an improvement in prolapse symptoms on the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory-6 (median change, -3.5; interquartile range, -5 to -2.5; P = 0.02) and an increase in overall pessary satisfaction on a visual analog scale (median change, +2.0; interquartile range, +1.0 to +3.0; P = 0.02). All patients reported either an improvement or no change in pessary ease of use, comfort, and the feeling of support provided by the pessary. CONCLUSION: Patient-specific vaginal pessaries are a promising alternative to standard pessaries for alleviating POP symptoms and improving patient satisfaction with pessary use.

Sensor-based precision nutrient and irrigation management enhances the physiological performance, water productivity, and yield of soybean under system of crop intensification.

Sensor-based decision tools provide a quick assessment of nutritional and physiological health status of crop, thereby enhancing the crop productivity. Therefore, a 2-year field study was undertaken with precision nutrient and irrigation management under system of crop intensification (SCI) to understand the applicability of sensor-based decision tools in improving the physiological performance, water productivity, and seed yield of soybean crop. The experiment consisted of three irrigation regimes [I1: standard flood irrigation at 50% depletion of available soil moisture (DASM) (FI), I2: sprinkler irrigation at 80% ETC (crop evapo-transpiration) (Spr 80% ETC), and I3: sprinkler irrigation at 60% ETC (Spr 60% ETC)] assigned in main plots, with five precision nutrient management (PNM) practices{PNM1-[SCI protocol], PNM2-[RDF, recommended dose of fertilizer: basal dose incorporated (50% N, full dose of P and K)], PNM3-[RDF: basal dose point placement (BDP) (50% N, full dose of P and K)], PNM4-[75% RDF: BDP (50% N, full dose of P and K)] and PNM5-[50% RDF: BDP (50% N, full P and K)]} assigned in sub-plots using a split-plot design with three replications. The remaining 50% N was top-dressed through SPAD assistance for all the PNM practices. Results showed that the adoption of Spr 80% ETC resulted in an increment of 25.6%, 17.6%, 35.4%, and 17.5% in net-photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (Gs), and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), respectively, over FI. Among PNM plots, adoption of PNM3 resulted in a significant (p=0.05) improvement in photosynthetic characters like Pn (15.69 µ mol CO2 m-2 s-1), Tr (7.03 m mol H2O m-2 s-1), Gs (0.175 µmol CO2 mol-1 year-1), and Ci (271.7 mol H2O m2 s-1). Enhancement in SPAD (27% and 30%) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) (42% and 52%) values were observed with nitrogen (N) top dressing through SPAD-guided nutrient management, helped enhance crop growth indices, coupled with better dry matter partitioning and interception of sunlight. Canopy temperature depression (CTD) in soybean reduced by 3.09-4.66°C due to adoption of sprinkler irrigation. Likewise, Spr 60% ETc recorded highest irrigation water productivity (1.08 kg ha-1 m-3). However, economic water productivity (27.5 INR ha-1 m-3) and water-use efficiency (7.6 kg ha-1 mm-1 day-1) of soybean got enhanced under Spr 80% ETc over conventional cultivation. Multiple correlation and PCA showed a positive correlation between physiological, growth, and yield parameters of soybean. Concurrently, the adoption of Spr 80% ETC with PNM3 recorded significantly higher grain yield (2.63 t ha-1) and biological yield (8.37 t ha-1) over other combinations. Thus, the performance of SCI protocols under sprinkler irrigation was found to be superior over conventional practices. Hence, integrating SCI with sensor-based precision nutrient and irrigation management could be a viable option for enhancing the crop productivity and enhance the resource-use efficiency in soybean under similar agro-ecological regions.

Gastroduodenal Ulcerative Colitis in Association with Ulcerative Pancolitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, traditionally regarded as being limited to the colorectum. Although several gastroduodenal lesions have been reported in cases of UC, in general, duodenal lesions in UC are believed to be uncommon and gastric lesions in UC are a rare presentation. In this report, we presented a 66-year-old lady with upper GI presentation with gastroduodenal ulcerative colitis accompanying pancolonic UC.

A convenient, rapid and efficient method for establishing transgenic lines of Brassica napus.

BACKGROUND: Brassica napus is an important oilseed crop that offers a considerable amount of biomass for global vegetable oil production. The establishment of an efficient genetic transformation system with a convenient transgenic-positive screening method is of great importance for gene functional analysis and molecular breeding. However, to our knowledge, there are few of the aforementioned systems available for efficient application in B. napus. RESULTS: Based on the well-established genetic transformation system in B. napus, five vectors carrying the red fluorescence protein encoding gene from Discosoma sp. (DsRed) were constructed and integrated into rapeseed via Agrobacterium-mediated hypocotyl transformation. An average of 59.1% tissues were marked with red fluorescence by the visual screening method in tissue culture medium, 96.1% of which, on average, were amplified with the objective genes from eight different rapeseed varieties. In addition, the final transgenic-positive efficiency of the rooted plantlets reached up to 90.7% from red fluorescence marked tissues, which was much higher than that in previous reports. Additionally, visual screening could be applicable to seedlings via integration of DsRed, including seed coats, roots, hypocotyls and cotyledons during seed germination. These results indicate that the highly efficient genetic transformation system combined with the transgenic-positive visual screening method helps to conveniently and efficiently obtain transgenic-positive rapeseed plantlets. CONCLUSION: A rapid, convenient and highly efficient method was developed to obtain transgenic plants, which can help to obtain the largest proportion of transgene-positive regenerated plantlets, thereby avoiding a long period of plant regeneration. The results of this study will benefit gene functional studies especially in high-throughput molecular biology research.

Anatomic Variation in Morphometry of Human Coracoid Process among Asian Population.

Ethnic origin plays an important role in bone morphometry. Studies examining the influence of coracoid process have focused primarily on adults and have not included people from diverse Asian ethnic backgrounds. Our goal was to explore ethnic differences in morphometry of coracoid among Asian population. We performed morphometric measurements of coracoid process on cadaveric shoulders and shoulder CT scans from 118 specimens. The cadaveric sample included Indian (46%), Chinese (27%), and Myanmarese (27%) subjects, while the CT scans sample included Chinese (67%) and Malay (33%) subjects. The morphometric measurements were performed using digital caliper and software developed at Golden Horses Health Sanctuary (GHHS). In the Indian cadaveric shoulders, the coracoid process is better developed than the other groups with the exception of the tip width of coracoid process. There are significant differences in almost all measurements (P < 0.05) between the ethnic groups. On the other hand, the morphometry of coracoid process from CT scans data is bigger in Chinese than Malay subjects when stratified by sex (P < 0.05). Moreover, in all morphometric measurements, the females had smaller measurements than males (P < 0.05). Understanding such differences is important in anatomy, forensic and biological identity, and orthopaedic and shoulder surgeries.

Total Phenolics and Total Flavonoids Contents and Hypnotic Effect in Mice of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. Seed Extract.

The seeds of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. have been traditionally used for treatment of various complications including insomnia and anxiety. They are popularly used as sedative and hypnotic drugs in China, Korea, Myanmar, Vietnam, and other Asian countries. However, no scientific proof on hypnotic activity of Z. mauritiana seeds (ZMS) was reported. In this study, the hypnotic activity of 50% ethanolic extract from ZMS was observed on the loss of righting reflex in mice using pentobarbital-induced sleep mice method. The contents of total phenolics and total flavonoids in the extract were also determined. The results showed that the 50% ethanolic extract from ZMS contained total phenolics 27.62 ± 1.43 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g extract and total flavonoids 0.74 ± 0.03 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g extract. Oral administration of the extract at the dose of 200 mg/kg significantly increased the sleeping time in mice intraperitoneally administered with sodium pentobarbital (50 mg/kg body weight). These results supported the traditional use of ZMS for the treatment of insomnia. The seeds of Z. mauritiana should be further developed as an alternative sedative and/or hypnotic product.

An anomalous pattern of superficial branch of radial nerve - a cadaveric case report / Patrón anómalo del ramo superficial del nervio radial - reporte de caso en un cadaver

In the present case study, there is an anomalous pattern of superficial branch of radial nerve (SBRN) that can be recognized as an anatomical variant of the left upper limb of a 60 years old donated embalmed male cadaver in the Department of Human Anatomy, Universiti Putra Malaysia, in which the superficial branch of radial nerve supplies the extensor carpi radialis longus and extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle. The superficial branch of radial nerve gave off branch to supply the proximal fusion part of extensor carpi radialis longus and extensor carpi radialis brevis muscles immediately after bifurcation of the radial nerve into the superficial branch of radial nerve and deep branch of radial nerve. This variation is very important to the surgeon as the presence of the variant will make them more careful in dealing with nerve entrapment surgery, reconstructive surgery and in the pain management services, the variation giving indications for treatment.

En el presente estudio se observó un caso de un patrón anómalo del ramo superficial del nervio radial (RSNR) reconocido como una variante anatómica del miembro superior izquierdo en un cadáver de sexo masculino de 60 años perteneciente al Departamento de Anatomía Humana de la Universidad Putra, Malasia. En este caso el ramo superficial del nervio radial inervaba a los músculos extensores radial largo y corto del carpo. El ramo superficial del nervio radial otorgaba un ramo a nivel del origen fusionado de los músculos extensores radiales del carpo, inmediatamente después de la división en ramos superficial y profundo del nervio radial. Esta variación es de importancia para el cirujano debido a que requiere un mayor cuidado en el tratamiento quirúrgico de atrapamiento del nervio o cirugía reconstructiva para el manejo del dolor.

Purification, characterization and biological activities of phospholipase A from Russell's viper (Vipera russelli) venom.

1. The major phospholipase A has been purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from the venom of Vipera russelli (Russell's viper). 2. The molecular weight of the purified enzyme was estimated to be 31,000 by Sephadex G-75 gel filtration chromatography and 29,000 by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The enzyme exhibited an apparent Km value of 2.3 x 10(-2) M. 3. The phospholipase A showed edema forming, indirect hemolytic and myonecrotic activities but not hemorrhagic activity.