Combinations of Linear Type Traits Affecting the Longevity in Hungarian Holstein-Friesian Cows

Several research studies confirm the association of the linear type traits with longevity, but only with one trait at a time. The aim of our study was to analyse the influence of combinations for linear type traits on longevity in the Hungarian Holstein-Friesian cows. Data were provided by four herds; the filtered dataset consisted of 17,717 cows. From the 14 available linear type traits, the most important combinations were identified based on principal components and cluster analysis. From the six identified combinations, only three (chest width-body depth, fore udder attachment-udder depth, angularity-rear udder height) proved to have a significant effect on longevity. A wide chest and deep body caused a high-risk ratio of culling. The lowest risk ratio was observed with cows having intermediate chest width and intermediate body depth. Very angular cows having low rear udder height were at the highest risk of culling. The lowest culling risk was found in cows with a lack of angularity and high rear udder height. Weak and loose fore udder along with deep udder had increased culling risk. Strong and tight fore udder subclasses were the most favourable as their risk ratios decreased towards the shallowing of udder depth.

Parallel Evolution of Allometric Trajectories of Trophic Morphology between Sympatric Morphs of Mesoamerican Astyanax (Characidae)

Parallel evolution of the body shape and trophic-related traits has been detected between sympatric pairs of lake-dwelling characin fishes in Mesoamerica. Here, we evaluated the variation in and the ontogenetic allometric trajectories of trophic morphology between sympatric Astyanax morphs (elongate and deep-body) in two geographic systems, Lake Catemaco (Mexico) and San Juan River basin (Nicaragua and Costa Rica). Using geometric morphometrics, we determined the shape variation and disparity in the premaxillary bone, and the patterns of allometric trajectories between morphs in each system. We found a higher differentiation and disparity in the premaxilla shape between morphs from San Juan River basin than between the Lake Catemaco ones. We found shared (parallel evolution) patterns of divergence between systems, which included allometric trajectories showing a positive correlation between the premaxilla shape and log centroid size, as well as trajectories being extended in the elongated-body morph (truncated in the deep-body morph). Regarding the unique patterns of divergence, we recovered parallel allometric trajectories between morphs from Lake Catemaco, while the San Juan River basin morphs showed divergent trajectories. Our results are congruent with the hypothesis that divergence in trophic morphology can be considered a triggering factor in the divergence in the genus Astyanax from Mesoamerica.

Proof-of-Concept for the Analgesic Effect and Thermoregulatory Safety of Orally Administered Multi-Target Compound SZV 1287 in Mice: A Novel Drug Candidate for Neuropathic Pain

SZV 1287 (3-(4,5-diphenyl-1,3-oxazol-2-yl)propanal oxime) is a novel multi-target candidate under preclinical development for neuropathic pain. It inhibits amine oxidase copper containing 3, transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 and vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptors. Mainly under acidic conditions, it is transformed to the cyclooxygenase inhibitor oxaprozin, which is ineffective for neuropathy. Therefore, an enterosolvent capsule is suggested for oral formulation, which we investigated for nociception, basic kinetics, and thermoregulatory safety in mice. The antihyperalgesic effect of SZV 1287 (10, 20, 50, and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) was determined in partial sciatic nerve ligation-induced traumatic neuropathy by aesthesiometry, brain and plasma concentrations by HPLC, and deep body temperature by thermometry. Its effect on proton-induced TRPV1 activation involved in thermoregulation was assessed by microfluorimetry in cultured trigeminal neurons. The three higher SZV 1287 doses significantly, but not dose-dependently, reduced neuropathic hyperalgesia by 50% of its maximal effect. It was quickly absorbed; plasma concentration was stable for 2 h, and it entered into the brain. Although SZV 1287 significantly decreased the proton-induced TRPV1-mediated calcium-influx potentially leading to hyperthermia, it did not alter deep body temperature. Oral SZV 1287 inhibited neuropathic hyperalgesia and, despite TRPV1 antagonistic action and brain penetration, it did not influence thermoregulation, which makes it a promising analgesic candidate.

Genetic and ecomorphological divergence between sympatric Astyanax morphs from Central America

Ecological and morphological divergence within populations can be a signal of adaptive divergence, which can maintain intraspecific polymorphisms and promote ecological speciation in the event of reproductive isolation. Here, we evaluate correlations among morphology, trophic ecology, and genetic differentiation between two divergent morphs (elongate and deep-body) of the fish genus Astyanax in the San Juan River basin in Central America, to infer the putative evolutionary mechanism shaping this system. We collected the two morphs from three water bodies and analyzed: 1) the correlation between body shape and the shape of the premaxilla, a relevant trophic structure, 2) the trophic level and niche width of each morph, 3) the correspondence between trophic level and body and premaxillary shape, and 4) the genetic differentiation between morphs using mitochondrial and nuclear markers. We found a strong correlation between the body and premaxillary shape of the morphs. The elongate-body morph had a streamlined body, a premaxilla with acuter angles and a narrower ascending process, and a higher trophic level, characteristic of species with predatorial habits. By contrast, the deep-body morph had a higher body depth, a premaxilla with less acute angles, and a broader trophic niche, suggesting generalist habits. Despite the strong correlation between morphological and ecological divergence, the morphs showed limited genetic differentiation, supporting the idea that morphs may be undergoing incipient ecological speciation, although alternative scenarios such as stable polymorphism or plasticity should also be considered. This study provides evidence about the role of ecological factors in the diversification processes in Astyanax.

Evaluating bowel enterotomy closures in simulated deep body cavities using the reversing half-hitch alternating post and square knots: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Square knots can be difficult to construct in deep body cavities. The reversing half-hitch alternating post (RHAP) surgical knot has noninferior tensile strength and performance characteristics in deep body cavities. We compared the enterotomy repairs of novice learners in simulated deep body cavities using RHAP versus square knots after proficiency-based training. Methods: Undergraduate students were randomized to RHAP (n = 10) or square knot (n = 10) groups and trained to defined proficiency. They then performed hand-sewn enterotomy repairs of cadaveric porcine small bowels on flat surfaces and in simulated deep body cavities. We recorded time to knot-tying proficiency and to enterotomy repair, and burst pressures for the repair. Results: Mean time-to-proficiency in knot tying was equivalent between the RHAP and square knot groups (23 [standard deviation (SD) 3] v. 21 [SD 2] min, p = 0.33). Mean time for enterotomy repair in deep cavities was shorter for the RHAP group (16 [SD 2] min v. 21 [SD 1] min, p = 0.02). Mean burst pressures for enterotomy repair were equivalent on flat surfaces (128 [SD 41] v. 101 [SD 36] mm Hg, p = 0.31), and were significantly higher for the RHAP group in simulated deep body cavities (32 [SD 13] v. 105 [SD 37] mm Hg, p = 0.05). Conclusion: The RHAP knots appear to have superior performance versus square knots when tied in a deep body cavity by novice learners. Future work should focus on demonstrating the clinical relevance and broad utility of the RHAP knot in abdominal surgery. Both knot types should be taught to novice learners.

Systematic revision of the flatfish genus Peltorhamphus Günther, 1862 (Teleostei: Pleuronectiformes: Rhombosoleidae), including description of a new species from Southeastern New Zealand, with biological and ecological summaries for the species

The flatfish genus Peltorhamphus Günther, 1862 (Pleuronectiformes: Rhombosoleidae) and its constituent species are redescribed based on examination of 1885 specimens. Four species are considered valid: three previously described (P. novaezeelandiae Günther, 1862, P. latus James, 1972, and P. tenuis James, 1972) and P. kryptostomus n. sp., described herein. Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae, P. latus, and P. tenuis have widespread distributions on soft sediments in shallow coastal and inner continental shelf waters off both islands of New Zealand. Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae has also been reported at the Chatham Islands. Previous reports of P. novaezeelandiae from Norfolk Island are erroneous. Peltorhamphus kryptostomus n. sp. has the most restricted geographic distribution in shallow coastal waters of the Otago-Southland region along the southeastern coast of South Island. The four species of Peltorhamphus are morphologically similar and overlap in many traditional meristic and morphometric features rendering identifications difficult, especially of juveniles and earlier life-history stages. Furthermore, throughout New Zealand waters, as many as three of the species possibly occur sympatrically, while in inshore areas of southeastern South Island, all four species may occur in sympatry. Novel morphological characters discovered in this study, combined with traditional diagnostic characters were used to identify and diagnose the species. Peltorhamphus tenuis is the most distinctive of the four, differing from congeners in the following combination of characters: greater length of second ocular-side pectoral-fin ray; its higher numbers of dorsal- and anal-fin rays and total vertebrae; having a series of small scales (best developed in specimens >70 mm SL) on blind sides of dorsal- and anal-fin rays (scales absent in congeners); its elongate body; and ocular-side pigmentation. The other three species are more similar morphologically and have frequently been misidentified both in fish collections and in some previous literature on these fishes. Of these three, P. novaezeelandiae, the largest in the genus, is distinguished from congeners by the combination of: its large size (reaching 510 mm SL vs. ≤ 200 mm SL); rounded head shape; blind-side squamation; the second ocular-side pectoral-fin ray shorter than body depth; ontogenetic variation in interorbital width; greater distance (4–8 scales wide) between ventral margin of lower eye and dorsal (upper) margin of rostral hood above the mouth; and 2–6 fleshy, finger-like filaments on the inner anteroventral margin of the fleshy skinfold on the ocular-side lower jaw. Peltorhamphus latus differs from congeners by the combination of: its short (maximum 150 mm SL), relatively deep body and bluntly pointed snout; blind-side squamation; relatively long, robust gillrakers on first gill arch, with upper limb gillrakers long, but not usually overlapping tips of dorsalmost gillrakers on the lower limb; black pigment on entire roof of mouth; relatively large eyes and narrow interorbital width (without significant ontogenetic variation); short diagonal distance (usually 2–3 scales wide) between ventral margin of lower eye and dorsal (upper) margin of rostral hood above the mouth; and absence of finger-like filaments on the inner anteroventral margin of the fleshy skinfold on the ocular-side lower jaw. Peltorhamphus kryptostomus n. sp. is distinguished from congeners by the combination of: its deep body and smoothly rounded snout; blind-side squamation; long, robust gillrakers on the first gill arch, with some posterior gillrakers on the upper limb overlapping tips of the first and second dorsalmost gillrakers on the lower limb; black pigment on the entire roof of the mouth; relatively large eyes and relatively narrow interorbital width; wide distance between ventral margin of lower eye and upper margin of rostral hood (3–6, usually 4–5, scales wide); and 1–4 finger-like filaments on the inner anteroventral margin of the fleshy skinfold on the ocular-side lower jaw. Ecological and life-history information are summarized for each species, and a key to juveniles > 40 mm SL and adults is also provided. Re-assessment of the number of valid species of Peltorhamphus provides better understanding of species diversity within this genus and within the Rhombosoleidae, as well as that for the flatfish assemblage residing in New Zealand waters.

Reflections on Motor Development Research Across the 20th Century: Six Empirical Studies That Changed the Field

Motor development research has had a rich history over the 20th century with a wide array of scientists contributing to a broad and deep body of literature. Just like the process of development, progress within the field has been non-linear, with rapid periods of growth occurring after the publication of key research articles that changed how we conceptualized and explored motor development. These publications provided new ways to consider developmental issues and, as a result, ignited change in our theoretical and empirical approaches within the field of motor development and the broader field of developmental psychology. In this paper, we outline and discuss six pioneering studies that we consider significant in their impact and in the field’s evolution, in order of publication: Halverson, 1931; Wild, 1938; Gibson & Walk, 1960; Connolly, Brown, & Bassett, 1968; Thelen & Fisher, 1982; Thelen & Ulrich, 1991. We have limited this review to empirical papers only. Together, they offer insight into what motor development research is, where it came from, why it matters, and what it has achieved.