Facial expressions are critical for non-verbal communication. The Canis genus epitomizes the interplay between behaviour and morphology in the evolution of non-verbal communication. Recent work suggests that the levator anguli oculi medialis (LAOM) muscle is unique to dogs (Canis familiaris) within the Canis genus and evolved due to domestication. The LAOM raises the inner eyebrows, resulting in the ‘puppy dog eyes’ expression. Here, we test whether the LAOM is a derived trait in dogs by (i) examining the facial expression muscles of a closely related and ancestral wild Canis species, the coyote (C. latrans) and (ii) comparing our results with other Canis and canid taxa. We discover that coyotes have a well-developed LAOM like dogs, which differs from the modified/absent LAOM in grey wolves. Our findings challenge the hypothesis that the LAOM developed due to domestication. We suggest that the LAOM is a basal trait that was lost in grey wolves. Additionally, we find inter- and intraspecific variations in the size of the muscles of the outer ear, forehead, lips and rostrum, indicating potential adaptations related to sensory perception, communication and individual-level functional variations within canids. Together, this research expands our knowledge of facial expressions, their evolution and their role in communication.
Introduction: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a global pandemic which continues to cause systemic inflammation, leading to multi-system organ damage including acute kidney injury (AKI) and thrombotic complications. We hypothesize that D-dimer level predicts an increased risk of AKI and thrombotic complications in COVID-19. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study performed at a single-center academic center. Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 between January 1, 2020, and January 1, 2021, were included in the analysis. Demographics and associated medical records were reviewed from the electronic medical record. Statistical analysis was done to determine the incidence of AKI and thrombosis and if D-dimer was predictive of an adverse event. Results: The study included 389 patients with the diagnosis of COVID-19 who were hospitalized. AKI was evident in 143 patients with 59 experiencing a thrombotic event. Factors associated with AKI included age, chronic kidney disease, proteinuria, use of outpatient angiotensin-blocking medications, and D-dimer greater than 1.75 (p < 0.05). Factors associated with thrombosis included use of outpatient anticoagulants, elevated WBC, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and D-dimer greater than 1.75 (p < 0.05). When D-dimer was dichotomized at the median value for the entire dataset (value greater than 1.75), there was good discrimination for AKI and very good discrimination for thrombosis. Conclusions: Complications of acute renal failure and thrombosis are common in patients presenting with COVID-19. D-dimer was found to be predictive of both. Future studies to validate the association of these two events in patients presenting with COVID-19 are warranted as early treatment with antithrombotic agents may have a role in preventing adverse sequelae and outcomes.
Intrarenal B cells in human renal allografts indicate transplant recipients with a poor prognosis, but how these cells contribute to rejection is unclear. Here we show using single-cell RNA sequencing that intrarenal class-switched B cells have an innate cell transcriptional state resembling mouse peritoneal B1 or B-innate (Bin) cells. Antibodies generated by Bin cells do not bind donor-specific antigens nor are they enriched for reactivity to ubiquitously expressed self-antigens. Rather, Bin cells frequently express antibodies reactive with either renal-specific or inflammation-associated antigens. Furthermore, local antigens can drive Bin cell proliferation and differentiation into plasma cells expressing self-reactive antibodies. These data show a mechanism of human inflammation in which a breach in organ-restricted tolerance by infiltrating innate-like B cells drives local tissue destruction.
In human allograft rejection, intrarenal B cell infiltrates identify those with a poor prognosis. However, how intrarenal B cells contribute to rejection is not known. Single cell RNA-sequencing of intrarenal class-switched B cells revealed a unique innate cell transcriptional state resembling murine peritoneal B1 cells (Bin cells). Comparison to the transcriptome of whole renal allograft rejecting tissue revealed that Bin cells existed within a complex autocrine and paracrine network of signaling axes. The immunoglobulins expressed by Bin cells did not bind donor specific antigens nor were they enriched for reactivity to ubiquitously expressed self-antigens. Rather, Bin cells frequently expressed antibodies reactive with renal expressed antigens. Furthermore, local antigens could drive Bin cell proliferation and differentiation into plasma cells expressing self-reactive antibodies. By contributing to local innate immune networks, and expressing antibodies reactive with renal expressed antigens, Bin cells are predicted to amplify local inflammation and tissue destruction. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.
Nature asked nine leading Europeans to pick their top priority for science at this pivotal point. Love, money, and trust got most votes. Nature asked nine leading Europeans to pick their top priority for science at this pivotal point. Love, money, and trust got most votes.
Rigorous analyses are needed to establish the benefits of the knowledge economy, says former Irish government science adviser Patrick Cunningham.
In summer 2011 the US EPA's Climate Ready Estuaries program awarded funds to the Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership in coastal New Hampshire to further develop and use COAST (COastal Adaptation to Sea level rise Tool) for sea level rise adaptation planning. The New England Environmental Finance Center (EFC) worked with municipal staff, elected officials, and other stakeholders to select specific locations, vulnerable assets, and adaptation actions to model using COAST. The EFC then collected the appropriate base data layers, ran the COAST simulations, and provided visual, numeric, and presentation-based products in support of the planning processes underway in both locations. These products helped galvanize support for the adaptation planning efforts, and demonstrate utility of this new GIS based approach to community engagement for cost-benefit analysis of adaptations municipalities might take in response to sea level rise (SLR) and storm surge (SS).
This article explores the interrelated issues and policies represented in the pluralistic mix of government, private nonprofit, for profit, and Native Alaskan organizations responding to the safety needs of Alaska's population. It assesses the provision of social services in responding to the need for health care, preventing crime, and interpersonal violence. Recognized is the need for partnerships to be formed between government and other social service providers in the State in order to be successful. The article will conclude by considering future prospects that may exist for the amelioration of these issues both nationally and in the state.
Genetic variation at 20 microsatellite loci was surveyed to determine the evolutionary relationships and molecular biogeography of 20 different cattle populations from Africa, Europe and Asia. Phylogenetic reconstruction and multivariate analysis highlighted a marked distinction between humpless (taurine) and humped (zebu) cattle, providing strong support for a separate origin for domesticated zebu cattle. A molecular clock calculation using bison (Bison sp.) as an outgroup gave an estimated divergence time between the two subspecies of 610,000-850,000 years. Substantial differences in the distribution of alleles at 10 of these loci were observed between zebu and taurine cattle. These markers subsequently proved very useful for investigations of gene flow and admixture in African populations. When these data were considered in conjunction with previous mitochondrial and Y chromosomal studies, a distinctive male-mediated pattern of zebu genetic introgression was revealed. The introgression of zebu-specific alleles in African cattle afforded a high resolution perspective on the hybrid nature of African cattle populations and also suggested that certain West African populations of valuable disease-tolerant taurine cattle are under threat of genetic absorption by migrating zebu herds.