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Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a prevalent sensory organ disorder among elderly individuals that significantly impacts their cognitive function, psychological wellbeing, and ability to perform activities of daily living. As the population ages, the number of ARHL patients is increasing. However, the Audiological rehabilitation (AR) status of patients is not promising. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the health and rehabilitation of elderly individuals, and significant progress has been made in researching various age-related disorders. However, a unified definition of ARHL in terms of etiology and rehabilitation treatment is still lacking. This study aims to provide a reference for future research on ARHL and the development of AR strategies by reviewing the classification, etiology, and rehabilitation of ARHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How do animals evolve new traits? Sea robins are fish that possess specialized leg-like appendages used to "walk" along the sea floor. Here, we show that legs are bona fide sense organs that localize buried prey. Legs are covered in sensory papillae that receive dense innervation from touch-sensitive neurons, express non-canonical epithelial taste receptors, and mediate chemical sensitivity that drives predatory digging behavior. A combination of developmental analyses, crosses between species with and without papillae, and interspecies comparisons of sea robins from around the world demonstrate that papillae represent a key evolutionary innovation associated with behavioral niche expansion on the sea floor. These discoveries provide unique insight into how molecular-, cellular-, and tissue-scale adaptations integrate to produce novel organismic traits and behavior. [Display omitted] • Sea robins are walking fish that use novel leg-like appendages as sensory organs • A small clade of specialists elaborated sensory legs for locating buried prey • Sensation is mediated by mechanosensitive neurons and epithelial taste receptors • Leg papillae mediate sensory specialization across species and development Allard et al. exploit an unusual fish called the sea robin, which possesses six leg-like sensory appendages, to understand how novel traits arise and diversify to drive new behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Body balance is regulated by sensory information from the vestibular, visual and somatosensory systems, and changes in one or more of these sensory systems can trigger balance disorders. Individuals with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) often present peripheral neuropathy, a condition that alters foot sensory information and can negatively influence balance and gait performance of these subjects. Objective: To evaluate and compare balance, gait, functionality and the occurrence of falls between individuals with and without a clinical diagnosis of DM2 with associated peripheral neuropathy. Methods: Cross-sectional study, which evaluated seventy individuals, thirty-five with and thirty-five without a clinical diagnosis of DM2, of both sexes and age range between 50 and 85 years, who were recruited from Basic Health Units of Serra Talhada, Pernambuco state, Brazil. The volunteers' balance was analyzed using the Berg Balance Scale, gait-related functional tasks were measured using the Dynamic Gait Index, functional mobility was assessed using the Timed Up and Go test and functionality was assessed using the Katz Index. The occurrence of falls was recorded by the volunteers' self-report. Results: Individuals with DM2 demonstrated the worst performance in balance (p = 0.000) and in gait-related functional tasks (p = 0.000), slower functional mobility (p = 0.000) and worse functionality (p = 0.016) compared to the group without DM2, demonstrating significant differences for all analyzed outcomes. A greater occurrence of falls was observed in individuals with DM2, compared to those without the disease (p = 0.019). Conclusion: Individuals with DM2 demonstrated worse performance on balance, gait-related functional tasks, slower functional mobility and worse functionality compared to those without the disease. Individuals with DM2 had the highest occurrence of falls in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain insulin receptor signaling is strongly implicated in cardiovascular and metabolic physiological regulation. In particular, we recently demonstrated that insulin receptors within the subfornical organ (SFO) play a tonic role in cardiovascular and metabolic regulation in mice. The SFO is a forebrain sensory circumventricular organ that regulates cardiometabolic homeostasis due to its direct exposure to the circulation and thus its ability to sense circulating factors, such as insulin. Previous work has demonstrated broad distribution of insulin receptor-expressing cells throughout the entire SFO, indirectly indicating insulin receptor expression in multiple cell types. Based on this, we sought to determine the cellular phenotypes that express insulin receptors within the SFO by combining immunohistochemistry with genetically modified reporter mouse models. Interestingly, SFO neurons, including both excitatory and inhibitory types, were the dominant cell site for insulin receptor expression, although a weak degree of insulin receptor expression was also detected in astrocytes. Moreover, SFO angiotensin type 1a receptor neurons also expressed insulin receptors. Collectively, these anatomical findings indicate the existence of potentially complex cellular networks within the SFO through which insulin signaling can influence physiology and further point to the SFO as a possible brain site for crosstalk between angiotensin-II and insulin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanoreceptor organs in hemimetabolous insects are physiologically important not only in the adult insects, but also for sensory functions in the juvenile postembryonic stages. They provide proprioceptive and exteroceptive information, e.g., in locomotion or orientation. In stick insects (Phasmatodea), the subgenual organ complex in the tibia of all legs is an elaborate mechanoreceptor system. This complex contains two chordotonal organs, the subgenual organ and the distal organ. These organs have mainly been studied in adult insects for the neuroanatomy and functional morphology. Here, the sensory organs were investigated in newly hatched Ramulus artemis (Westwood, 1859) to indicate the functional organisation at the beginning of postembryogenesis, when the detection of mechanical stimuli becomes relevant for behaviour. The organs were investigated by axonal tracing for the organ neuroanatomy, innervation, and number of sensilla in the distal organ. In addition, the sensory complex was analysed for the connection by a membrane between the organs. The organs are present after hatching, indicating in particular a possible vibration detection by the subgenual organ. In most cases, the connection between the sensory organs was also present. This indicates the development of sensory neurons and additional tissues during embryogenesis. The sensory neurons in the subgenual organ show a re-organisation, as the dorsal sensilla change from orientation in distal directions to proximal directions. This finding is discussed for implications in vibration detection. The overall results indicate some neuroanatomical modifications during postembryonic development, while the main structures of the subgenual organ complex already originate during embryonic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensory organs reflect the effects of stimuli and reveal the biological events in their outside and inside environments. The behaviour of spiders is controlled by the central nervous system like in other animals. Spiders contain several types of sensory organs that help them recognize their surroundings. These sensory organs may have mechanoreceptor or chemoreceptor functions. All parts of the spider's body contain different hairs, sensillae, setae and spines. The function of sensory structures is affected by their site in the spider's body. This study aimed at describing different types, distribution and functions of sensory organs of five ground spiders inhabiting Assiut Governorate, Egypt. Fifty samples of spider specimens were collected by hand picking and pitfall traps during years 2016 and 2017 from different habitats. The specimens were examined under a binocular stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope. The study revealed the presence of sensory organs on different body parts of the studied spiders, including sensilla trichodea, sensilla placodea, sensilla basiconica, sensilla styloconica, setae, trichobothria and slit sense organs (Lyriform organs). A significant difference in the position and type of sensory organs was detected between males and females of different spider species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ways in which animals sense the world changes throughout development. For example, young of many species have limited visual capabilities, but still make social decisions, likely based on information gathered through other sensory modalities. Poison frog tadpoles display complex social behaviors that have been suggested to rely on vision despite a century of research indicating tadpoles have poorly-developed visual systems relative to adults. Alternatively, other sensory modalities, such as the lateral line system, are functional at hatching in frogs and may guide social decisions while other sensory systems mature. Here, we examined development of the mechanosensory lateral line and visual systems in tadpoles of the mimic poison frog (Ranitomeya imitator) that use vibrational begging displays to stimulate egg feeding from their mothers. We found that tadpoles hatch with a fully developed lateral line system. While begging behavior increases with development, ablating the lateral line system inhibited begging in pre-metamorphic tadpoles, but not in metamorphic tadpoles. We also found that the increase in begging and decrease in reliance on the lateral line co-occurs with increased retinal neural activity and gene expression associated with eye development. Using the neural tracer neurobiotin, we found that axonal innervations from the eye to the brain proliferate during metamorphosis, with few retinotectal connections in recently-hatched tadpoles. We then tested visual function in a phototaxis assay and found tadpoles prefer darker environments. The strength of this preference increased with developmental stage, but eyes were not required for this behavior, possibly indicating a role for the pineal gland. Together, these data suggest that tadpoles rely on different sensory modalities for social interactions across development and that the development of sensory systems in socially complex poison frog tadpoles is similar to that of other frog species. [Display omitted] • Ranitomeya imitator tadpoles hatch with fully developed lateral line systems. • Use of mechanosensory stimuli for begging is dependent on developmental stage. • The visual system of R. imitator tadpoles continues to develop through metamorphosis. • When visual capabilities are poor, tadpoles rely more on mechanosensory inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evoked potentials are electrical events recorded in the cerebral cortex after stimulation of a sense organ. They are non-invasive studies used to assess visual conduction pathways through optic nerves and the brain. Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) are affected by physiological factors such as age, sex, visual acuity, head circumference, and pupillary size. VEPs are used to diagnose and assess retinal pathology in ophthalmology, neurological pathology affecting the optic nerve and/or brain. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate gender-related alteration in parameters of VEP, to obtain relationship between head circumference with latency and amplitude values of VEP parameters. To investigate whether gender, head size, or both considered as an important factor influencing VEPs parameters. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study among 50 participants aged 19-29 with normal visual acuity and VEP recordings such as latencies and peak amplitude was performed using a RMS EMG EP Mark II machine. Results: The study examined the mean latencies for N75, P100, and N145 in the left and right eyes of 25 female and 25 male participants. No significant differences were found in N75, P100, and N145 latencies between genders. However, females showed slightly higher amplitude differences than males. In the right eye, females showed higher N75 latency and P100 latency, but no significant gender differences were found for P100 latency or N145 latency. The Pearson correlation coefficient showed weak correlations between head circumference and VEP parameters for females and males, while no significant correlations were observed for females. Conclusion: VEPs are sensitive tools for evaluating visual conduction pathways in eye disease patients. However, gender differences in VEP parameters were not significant in this study, and a negative correlation was found between head size and VEP amplitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thalamus is organized into nuclei that have distinct input and output connectivities with the cortex. Whereas first-order (FO) nuclei - also called core nuclei - relay input from sensory organs on the body surface and project to primary cortical sensory areas, higherorder (HO) nuclei - matrix nuclei - instead receive their driver input from the cortex and project to secondary and associative areas within cortico-thalamo-cortical loops. Input-dependent processes have been shown to play a crucial role in the emergence of FO thalamic neuron identity from a ground-state HO neuron identity, yet how this identity emerges during development remains unknown. Here, using single-cell RNA sequencing of the developing mouse embryonic thalamus, we show that, although they are born together, HO neurons start differentiating earlier than FO neurons. Within the FO visual thalamus, postnatal peripheral input is crucial for the maturation of excitatory, but not inhibitory, neurons. Our findings reveal different differentiation tempos and input sensitivities of HO and FO neurons, and highlight neuron type-specific molecular differentiation programs in the developing thalamus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Pancreatic stone protein (PSP) is an emerging biomarker of sepsis that is secreted from pancreas sensing remote organ damages. We explored the diagnostic and prognostic utilities of PSP in patients with suspected sepsis. Methods: In a total of 285 patients (suspected sepsis, n = 148; sepsis, n = 137), we compared PSP with procalcitonin (PCT) and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score. Sepsis diagnoses were explored using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses with area under the curves (AUCs). Clinical outcomes (in-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality, and kidney replacement therapy [KRT]) were explored using the Kaplan–Meier method and a multivariate analysis with hazard ratio (HR). Results: PCT and PSP were comparable for sepsis diagnosis (AUC = 0.71–0.72, p < 0.001). The sepsis proportion was significantly higher when both biomarkers increased than when either one or both biomarkers did not increase (89.0% vs. 21.3–47.7%, p < 0.001). Each biomarker quartile (Q1–Q4) differed significantly according to their SOFA score (all p < 0.001). Compared with Q1, the Q2–Q4 groups showed worse clinical outcomes (p = 0.002–0.041). Both biomarkers added to the SOFA score showed higher HRs than the SOFA score alone (3.3–9.6 vs. 2.8–4.2, p < 0.001–0.011), with nearly 2.5-fold higher HR (9.6 vs. 4.2) for predicting KRT. Conclusions: Although PCT and PSP did not independently predict clinical outcomes in the multivariate analysis, PSP demonstrated diagnostic and prognostic utilities in patients with suspected sepsis, especially for predicting kidney dysfunction. PSP, alone or in combination with PCT, would be a valuable tool that can be added to clinical assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensory functions of organs of the head and neck allow humans to interact with the environment and establish social bonds. With aging, smell, taste, vision, and hearing decline. Evidence suggests that accelerated impairment in sensory abilities can reflect a shift from healthy to pathological aging, including the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurological disorders. While the drivers of early sensory alteration in AD are not elucidated, insults such as trauma and infections can affect sensory function. Herein, we review the involvement of the major head and neck sensory systems in AD, with emphasis on microbes exploiting sensory pathways to enter the brain (the "gateway" hypothesis) and the potential feedback loop by which sensory function may be impacted by central nervous system infection. We emphasize detection of sensory changes as first-line surveillance in senior adults to identify and remove potential insults, like microbial infections, that could precipitate brain pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The beetle superfamily Elateroidea comprises the most biodiverse bioluminescent insects among terrestrial light-producing animals. Recent exceptional fossils from the Mesozoic era and phylogenomic studies have provided valuable insights into the origin and evolution of bioluminescence in elateroids. However, due to the fragmentary nature of the fossil record, the early evolution of bioluminescence in fireflies (Lampyridae), one of the most charismatic lineages of insects, remains elusive. Here, we report the discovery of the second Mesozoic bioluminescent firefly, Flammarionella hehaikuni Cai, Ballantyne & Kundrata gen. et sp. nov., from the Albian/Cenomanian of northern Myanmar (ca 99 Ma). Based on the available set of diagnostic characters, we interpret the specimen as a female of stem-group Luciolinae. The fossil possesses deeply impressed oval pits on the apices of antennomeres 3–11, representing specialized sensory organs likely involved in olfaction. The light organ near the abdominal apex of Flammarionella resembles that found in extant light-producing lucioline fireflies. The growing fossil record of lampyrids provides direct evidence that the stunning light displays of fireflies were already established by the late Mesozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In several biological processes, H2S is known to function as an endogenous gaseous agent. It is very necessary to monitor H2S and relevant physiological processes in vivo. Herein, a new type of fluorophore with a reliable leaving group allows for excited‐state intramolecular transfer characteristics (ESIPT), inspired by mycophenolic acid. A morpholine ring was connected at the maleimide position of the probe to target the lysosome. Subsequently, the dinitrophenyl group known for a photoinduced electron transfer (PET) effect, was connected to allow for an effective "turn‐on" probe Lyso‐H2S. Lyso‐H2S demonstrated strong selectivity towards H2S, a large Stokes shift (111 nm), and an incredibly low detection limit (41.8 nM). The imaging of endogenous and exogenous H2S in living cells (A549 cell line) was successfully achieved because of the specificity and ultra‐low toxicity (100 % cell viability at 50 μM concentration of Lyso‐H2S.) Additionally, Lyso‐H2S was also employed to visualize the activity of H2S in the gallbladder and intestine in a living zebrafish model. This is the first report of a fluorescent probe to track H2S sensing in specific organ systems to our knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brain and gut are sensory organs responsible for sensing, transmitting, integrating, and responding to signals from the internal and external environment. In‐depth analysis of brain–gut axis interactions is important for human health and disease prevention. Current research on the brain–gut axis primarily relies on animal models. However, animal models make it difficult to study disease mechanisms due to inherent species differences, and the reproducibility of experiments is poor because of individual animal variations, which leads to a significant limitation of real‐time sensory responses. Organ‐on‐a‐chip platforms provide an innovative approach for disease treatment and personalized research by replicating brain and gut ecosystems in vitro. This enables a precise understanding of their biological functions and physiological responses. In this article, we examine the history and most current developments in brain, gut, and gut–brain chips. The importance of these systems for understanding pathophysiology and developing new drugs is emphasized throughout the review. This article also addresses future directions and present issues with the advancement and application of gut–brain‐on‐a‐chip technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Antennae are prominent sensory organs in insects, facilitating various behaviors such as navigation, foraging, and pheromone communication. Due to their exclusively diurnal lifestyle, butterflies are generally thought to rely primarily on vision rather than other sensory systems, such as antennae, which have therefore received little attention. This study examined the morphological characteristics and sensilla types of the antennae in the lycaenid butterfly Pseudozizeeria maha, known for its sexual dimorphism in wing coloration, to determine whether there are sex-specific variations in antennal traits. While the sexes of P. maha have uniform clavate antennae without significant sexual differences in the overall morphology and types of sensilla, the sensilla coeloconica display significant sex-specific differences, being more abundant in females. This suggests that female P. maha might rely on olfactory cues for certain sex-specific behaviors, such as oviposition site selection, highlighting the importance of non-visual sensory capabilities in the life of P. maha. The pale grass blue, Pseudozizeeria maha, is a small lycaenid butterfly widely distributed across Asia. Due to its exclusively diurnal lifestyle and conspicuous sexual dimorphism in wing coloration, vision has traditionally been regarded as the primary sensory system driving various behaviors. However, non-visual sensory systems related to sex-specific behavioral responses, such as antennae, have received far less attention. This study investigated the morphological characteristics and sensilla types of the antennae in adult P. maha using scanning electron microscopy, with a focus on potential sexual dimorphism. The antennae of adult P. maha are clavate, with no significant sexual differences in overall morphology. Six types of antennal sensilla were identified: Böhm bristles, sensilla squamiformia, sensilla trichodea, sensilla chaetica, sensilla basiconica, and sensilla coeloconica, with no sexual dimorphism observed in their morphological types or dimensions. Remarkably, the sensilla coeloconica exhibit significant sexual dimorphism, with a more prominent presence in females. This finding suggests that female P. maha may rely more on olfactory cues for some sex-specific behaviors, such as oviposition site selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Hylamorpha elegans, a native Chilean scarab beetle regarded as a significant pest, feeds on economically important crops, such as red clover, ryegrass, and wheat, in its larval stage (i.e., white grubs). Traditionally, chemical control through insecticides has been used against H. elegans without success, and alternative control strategies based on ethology and the use of semiochemicals have remained elusive. Thus, chemical communication through chemosensory genes in H. elegans could represent an advance towards integrated pest management. In this study, the repertoire of chemosensory gene candidates from white grubs of H. elegans, their phylogenetic relationships, and relative gene expression have been reported for the first time. Olfaction and gustation processes play key roles in the life cycle of insects, such as finding and accepting food sources, oviposition sites, and mates, among other fundamental aspects of insect development. In this context, chemosensory genes found in sensory organs (e.g., antennae and maxillary palps) are crucial for understanding insect behaviour, particularly the phytophagous behaviour of insect pests that attack economically important crops. An example is the scarab beetle Hylamorpha elegans, which feeds on the roots of several crops important for livestock in its larval stage. In this study, chemosensory gene candidates of H. elegans white grubs identified through the head transcriptome and phylogenetic and tissue-biased gene expression (antennae, head without antennae, and legs) have been reported. Overall, 47 chemosensory genes were identified (2 ORs, 1 GR, 11 IRs, 9 CSPs, and 24 OBPs). Gene expression analysis revealed the predominant presence of IRs in the legs, whereas ORs and the GR were present in the heads and/or antennae. Particularly, HeleOBP9 and HeleCSP2 were significantly expressed in the head but not in the antennae or legs; these and other genes are discussed as potential targets in the context of H. elegans management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Esophageal inflammatory diseases are frequent diagnoses in clinical practice and have diverse etiologies, the most common being those associated with the exposure to gastric content, drugs and allergens. In diseases, the immunological component is well identified in endoscopic biopsies, which mainly contain the epithelium and the lamina propria; however, deeper layers are less studied. Moreover, the esophageal capacity of sensing luminal compounds is poorly understood. Methods: In transmural sections from proximal, middle and distal esophagus obtained from deceased patients, we performed a phenotypic analysis of the main immune cell populations and acid-sensing receptors by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence methods. Results: A total of nine donors were studied (absence of pathology, optimal tissue preservation and orientation). We found the following: (1) the vascular papillae and the lamina propria are the most infiltrated layers by the lymphoid lineage (T and B lymphocytes), followed by the epithelium, while the smooth muscular layers are mainly populated by the myeloid lineage (macrophages and mast cells); (2) intraepithelial macrophages are consistently found along the esophagus; and (3) eosinophils are absent in all the esophageal layers. The acid-sensing receptors ASIC-1, ASIC-2 and δENAC are expressed in the esophageal epithelium and in the lamina propria, yet only ASIC-2 is expressed in the muscularis mucosae. Conclusions: The human esophagus contains a differential distribution of immune cells and acid-sensing receptors across its layers. This study extends the esophageal histological knowledge previously described and reinforces its role as a defensive and sensing organ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Otology and neuro-otology surgeries pose significant challenges due to the intricate and variable anatomy of the temporal bone (TB), requiring extensive training. In the last years 3D-printed temporal bone models for otological dissection are becoming increasingly popular. In this study, we presented a new 3D-printed temporal bone model named 'SAPIENS', tailored for educational and surgical simulation purposes. Methods: The 'SAPIENS' model was a collaborative effort involving a multidisciplinary team, including radiologists, software engineers, ENT specialists, and 3D-printing experts. The development process spanned from June 2022 to October 2023 at the Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome. Acquisition of human temporal bone images; temporal bone rendering; 3D-printing; post-printing phase; 3D-printed temporal bone model dissection and validation. Results: The 'SAPIENS' 3D-printed temporal bone model demonstrated a high level of anatomical accuracy, resembling the human temporal bone in both middle and inner ear anatomy. The questionnaire-based assessment by five experienced ENT surgeons yielded an average total score of 49.4 ± 1.8 out of 61, indicating a model highly similar to the human TB for both anatomy and dissection. Specific areas of excellence included external contour, sigmoid sinus contour, cortical mastoidectomy simulation, and its utility as a surgical practice simulator. Conclusion: We have designed and developed a 3D model of the temporal bone that closely resembles the human temporal bone. This model enables the surgical dissection of the middle ear and mastoid with an excellent degree of similarity to the dissection performed on cadaveric temporal bones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The community uses Tetracera indica (Christm. and Panz.) Merr extensively as a traditional medicine. This plant was the main source of raw materials for herbal medicinal products, so identification was needed to ensure its authenticity through pharmacognosy evaluation. The present study evaluated macros- and microscopic characteristics, performed phytochemical analysis, and performed total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC) analysis. The organoleptic and macroscopic studies were carried out through sensory organs. The microscopic characteristics of leaf powder and twigs identification using chloral hydrate and distilled water. Numerous chemical reagents, TLC methods and LC-MS/MS analysis were employed in the phytochemical study. Research employed DPPH and FRAP tests to assess the antioxidant activity. Furthermore, quercetin was used as a marker of antioxidant activity. The morphological marker of the leaf T. indica showed the surface of the leaves is rough bristles, shape elliptic-oblong, margin serratus and phyllotaxy alternate. The stem is lignosus, and the rough stem surface is slightly peeling. The lower leaf surface had paracytic stomata and uniseriate trichomes with tapering ends. Raphide crystals and cork cells were detected in the powder analysis of the twigs. The ethyl acetate extract's twig had the highest TPC and TFC values. Ethyl acetate extract from Tetracera indica twigs has potent antioxidant activity with IC50 = 99.84±0.011 µg/ml (DPPH) and 4296.67±0.024 mol/g (FRAP). The study showed that Tetracera indica contains possible active components that could be developed as novel antioxidants. The result of this study might provide early verification and identification to obtain quality medicinal raw materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article delves into the philosophical influences on Karl Rahner's theology of original sin, highlighting his originality and independence. It emphasizes the importance of visual imagery in understanding Rahner's theology, rather than relying solely on concepts. The article explores Rahner's engagement with Kant's philosophy of knowledge and his departure from it, as well as his incorporation of Heidegger's focus on Being. It also examines Rahner's interpretation of original sin as a state of the world hindered by sin and ignorance, and discusses the role of baptism in removing original sin and establishing belonging to the Church. [Extracted from the article]

Bumblebees are crucial pollinators, providing essential ecosystem services and global food production. The success of pollination services relies on the interaction between sensory organs and the environment. The antenna functions as a versatile multi‐sensory organ, pivotal in mediating chemosensory/olfactory information, and governs adaptive responses to environmental changes. Despite an increasing number of RNA‐sequencing studies on insect antenna, comprehensive antennal transcriptome studies at the different life stages were not elucidated systematically. Here, we quantified the expression profile and dynamics of coding/microRNA genes of larval head and antennal tissues from early‐ and late‐stage pupa to the adult of Bombus terrestris as suitable model organism among pollinators. We further performed Pearson correlation analyses on the gene expression profiles of the antennal transcriptome from larval head tissue to adult stages, exploring both positive and negative expression trends. The positively correlated coding genes were primarily enriched in sensory perception of chemical stimuli, ion transport, transmembrane transport processes and olfactory receptor activity. Negatively correlated genes were mainly enriched in organic substance biosynthesis and regulatory mechanisms underlying larval body patterning and the formation of juvenile antennal structures. As post‐transcriptional regulators, miR‐1000‐5p, miR‐13b‐3p, miR‐263‐5p and miR‐252‐5p showed positive correlations, whereas miR‐315‐5p, miR‐92b‐3p, miR‐137‐3p, miR‐11‐3p and miR‐10‐3p exhibited negative correlations in antennal tissue. Notably, based on the inverse expression relationship, positively and negatively correlated microRNA (miRNA)–mRNA target pairs revealed that differentially expressed miRNAs predictively targeted genes involved in antennal development, shaping antennal structures and regulating antenna‐specific functions. Our data serve as a foundation for understanding stage‐specific antennal transcriptomes and large‐scale comparative analysis of transcriptomes in different insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For over a century, the role of acoustic communication in the sensory ecology of bark beetles (Scolytinae) has been recognized. However, their 'world of sound' remains largely unexplored. Here, we review 153 years of bark beetle bioacoustics publications to summarize current knowledge, identify gaps and suggest future research directions. Our survey identified 117 publications covering 170 species. Morphological reports revealed five stridulatory organs across 125 species, with elytro‐tergal, gular‐prosternal and vertex‐pronotum mechanisms being the most prevalent for sound production. However, confirmed sound recordings exist for only 40 species. Acoustic signalling in adults is proposed to function in avoiding enemies, pair formation, sexual selection and spacing, while in juveniles, vibratory communication is proposed for gallery spacing. However, experimental evidence supporting these functions is lacking. Acoustic sensory organs remain unidentified, and comprehension of signal transmission—whether through airborne sounds or solid‐borne vibrations (or both)—is limited. Bioacoustic technologies have emerged as tools for potential management practices and are also discussed. Based on these findings, we recommend three directions for future research: (1) characterize acoustic morphology and behaviours in more species, particularly unrepresented taxa, with recordings in various contexts, preferably under natural conditions; (2) test hypotheses to explain the functions of acoustic communication through experimental and comparative phylogenetic methods and (3) investigate how sounds or vibrations are transmitted and received through behavioural and neurophysiological experiments. Advancements in bark beetle acoustic sensing and communication research will enhance our understanding of their sensory ecology and facilitate potential control measures of these fascinating insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The insect parasitoid, Pediobius imbreus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), which has a diverse host range, probably possesses various antennal sensilla (sensory organs) to assist the parasitoid in host searching and ensuring its survival. In this study, we aimed to investigate the distribution and morphology of the antennal sensilla of both female and male P. imbreus using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM results revealed that P. imbreus has seven antennomeres on its geniculate antenna, which is composed of scape, pedicel, and five flagellomeres. Numerous antennal sensilla types were observed on the P. imbreus antennae: trichoid sensilla types 1–8; placoid sensilla types 1–2; and basiconic sensilla. The female P. imbreus exhibits a greater abundance of sensilla on both its dorsal and ventral surfaces compared to the male. The trichoid sensilla are the most abundant sensillum type found on the antennae of P. imbreus, followed by placoid sensilla and basiconic sensilla. By comparison, the female P. imbreus have more diverse types of sensilla, which are longer than that of male. Overall, the female antenna and its trichoid sensilla type 6 are significantly (P < 0.05) longer than that of the male. The male P. imbreus does not have trichoid sensilla type 8 and placoid sensilla type 2. The potential roles of the antennal sensilla in host detection based on their location and morphology will be discussed. The knowledge obtained will aid future research on the host localization in P. imbreus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we evaluated the role of the gnathosoma (mouthparts) in chemosensing of the most devastating honey bee parasite, Varroa destructor mite. Through transcriptomic analysis, we compared the expression of putative chemosensory genes between the body parts containing the main chemosensory organs (the forelegs), gnathosoma and the rest of the body devoid of these two body parts. Furthermore, we checked the presence of chemosensory-related transcripts in the proteome of the gnathosoma. Our comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed the presence of 83 transcripts with known characteristic conserved domains belonging to eight chemosensory gene families in the three Varroa transcriptomes. Among these transcripts, 11 were significantly upregulated in the mite's forelegs, compared to 8 and 10 in the gnathosoma and body devoid of both organs, respectively. Whilst the gnathosoma and the forelegs share similar expression of some putative lipid carrier proteins, membrane-bound receptors, and associated proteins, they also differ in the expression profiles of some transcripts belonging to these protein families. This suggests two functional chemosensory organs that may differ in their chemosensory function according to specific characteristics of compounds they detect. Moreover, the higher expression of some chemosensory transcripts in the body devoid of forelegs and gnathosoma compared to the gnathosoma alone, may suggest the presence of additional function of these transcripts or alternatively presence of additional external or internal chemosensory organs. Insights into the functional annotation of a highly expressed gustatory receptor present in both organs using RNA interference (RNAi) are also revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evolutionary changes, associated with the gain or loss of traits, can occur in signal‐emitting and signal‐detecting organs. Related functionality generally accompanies these changes; however, in some cases there are mismatches and evolutionary innovations do not show an indication of functional advantages. Due to this, the relationship between evolutionary changes and the functionality of sensory organs remains unclear. Lizard species belonging to Liolaemus lineomaculatus section present fast evolutionary state transitions associated with the gain or loss of precloacal pores (chemical signalling glands). In this group, precloacal pores configuration includes species where only males have pores (Liolaemus attenboroughi‐ancestral state), where both sexes lack of them (L. kolengh male‐loss), and species where both sexes have pores (L. zullyae, representing a female‐gain). Here, we test the relationships between evolutionary changes of signal‐emitting glands with different chemical and visual behaviours. We conducted behavioural trials in three species belonging to the Liolaemus lineomaculatus section: L. attenboroughi, L. kolengh, and L. zullyae. We measured individuals' chemical and visual responses to different social scents and to conspecific visual stimuli. Results showed the presence of different social scents recognition ability in both male‐only and female‐gain species, whereas male‐loss species showed no behavioural differences among the chemical trials. Lizards exhibited few responses in the visual trials, although the species with pores used chemo‐sensorial sense in the visual trials, while male‐loss species showed differences in visual displays in the presence of conspecific visual stimuli. These results suggest a link between evolutionary novelties of chemical secretory glands and chemical recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a developing nervous system, axonal arbors often undergo complex rearrangements before neural circuits attain their final innervation topology. In the lateral line sensory system of the zebrafish, developing sensory axons reorganize their terminal arborization patterns to establish precise neural microcircuits around the mechanosensory hair cells. However, a quantitative understanding of the changes in the sensory arbor morphology and the regulators behind the microcircuit assembly remain enigmatic. Here, we report that Semaphorin7A (Sema7A) acts as an important mediator of these processes. Utilizing a semi-automated three-dimensional neurite tracing methodology and computational techniques, we have identified and quantitatively analyzed distinct topological features that shape the network in wild-type and Sema7A loss-of-function mutants. In contrast to those of wild-type animals, the sensory axons in Sema7A mutants display aberrant arborizations with disorganized network topology and diminished contacts to hair cells. Moreover, ectopic expression of a secreted form of Sema7A by non-hair cells induces chemotropic guidance of sensory axons. Our findings propose that Sema7A likely functions both as a juxtracrine and as a secreted cue to pattern neural circuitry during sensory organ development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the emergence of symbol systems, especially language, requires the construction of a computational model that reproduces both the developmental learning process in everyday life and the evolutionary dynamics of symbol emergence throughout history. This study introduces the collective predictive coding (CPC) hypothesis, which emphasizes and models the interdependence between forming internal representations through physical interactions with the environment and sharing and utilizing meanings through social semiotic interactions within a symbol emergence system. The total system dynamics is theorized from the perspective of predictive coding. The hypothesis draws inspiration from computational studies grounded in probabilistic generative models and language games, including the Metropolis-Hastings naming game. Thus, playing such games among agents in a distributed manner can be interpreted as a decentralized Bayesian inference of representations shared by a multi-agent system. Moreover, this study explores the potential link between the CPC hypothesis and the free-energy principle, positing that symbol emergence adheres to the society-wide free-energy principle. Furthermore, this paper provides a new explanation for why large language models appear to possess knowledge about the world based on experience, even though they have neither sensory organs nor bodies. This paper reviews past approaches to symbol emergence systems, offers a comprehensive survey of related prior studies, and presents a discussion on CPC-based generalizations. Future challenges and potential cross-disciplinary research avenues are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertigo, or the symptom of an hallucination of motion, is usually caused by disorders of the inner ear. Buried in the bone of the otic capsule, the inner ear is the most difficult human sensory organ to image and investigate. As an inner ear disorder, Meniere’s disease (MD) is characterised as recurrent vertiginous attacks, fluctuating hearing loss which can be progressive, tinnitus and aural fullness. Post-mortem studies, and now MRI inner ear imaging, show an excess of endolymph or endolymphatic hydrops (ELH) which has been assumed to usually commence in the cochlea. However, the cause of the initial hydrops is still debated. This paper reflects on the research published in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand. There is evidence from post-mortem studies, electrophysiological test, and some inner ear imaging that endolymphatic obstruction from clumps of detached saccular otoconia may be a cause of MD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Caenorhabditis elegans , expanded families of divergent Hedgehog-related and patched-related proteins promote numerous processes ranging from epithelial and sense organ development to pathogen responses to cuticle shedding during the molt cycle. The molecular functions of these proteins have been mysterious since nematodes lack a canonical Hedgehog signaling pathway. Here we show that Hedgehog-related proteins are components of the cuticle and precuticle apical extracellular matrices that coat, shape, and protect external epithelia. Of four Hedgehog-related proteins imaged, two (GRL-2 and GRL-18) stably associated with the cuticles of specific tubes and two (GRL-7 and WRT-10) labeled precuticle substructures such as furrows or alae. We found that wrt-10 mutations disrupt cuticle alae ridges, consistent with a structural role in matrix organization. We hypothesize that most nematode Hedgehog-related proteins are apical extracellular matrix components, a model that could explain many of the reported functions for this family. These results highlight ancient connections between Hedgehog proteins and the extracellular matrix and suggest that any signaling roles of C. elegans Hedgehog-related proteins will be intimately related to their matrix association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calceoli are putative sensory organs which are known in limnic, marine, and subterranean amphipods for almost 200 years. Despite an otherwise comprehensive understanding of the sensory organs of crustaceans, we still have not unambiguously understood their function. Since calceoli are mainly found on the antennae of male animals, previous studies suggested a chemosensory function mainly related to reproduction. Here, we use a combination of light and electron microscopic techniques to examine the calceoli of Gammarus locusta (Linnaeus 1758) and Oediceroides calmani (Walker 1906), to provide an overview over these structures, and in addition reveal nervous tissue in close proximity to the calceoli. The calceoli of both species are cuticular structures and consist of proximal and distal elements, a stalk and a receptacle that connects both regions. The two studied calceoli differ in the structure of their proximal and distal element, as well as in their receptacle. This study provides new insight into the functional morphology of the antenna and calceolus. Histological sections through the antennae and the calceoli indicate that the calceoli might possess a mechanosensory function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the zebrafish lateral line, non-sensory supporting cells readily re-enter the cell cycle to generate new hair cells and supporting cells during homeostatic maintenance and following damage to hair cells. This contrasts with supporting cells from mammalian vestibular and auditory sensory epithelia which rarely re-enter the cell cycle, and hence loss of hair cells results in permanent sensory deficit. Lateral line supporting cells are derived from multipotent progenitor cells that migrate down the trunk midline as a primordium and are deposited to differentiate into a neuromast. We have found that we can revert zebrafish support cells back to a migratory progenitor state by pharmacologically altering the signaling environment to mimic that of the migratory primordium, with active Wnt signaling and repressed FGF signaling. The reverted supporting cells migrate anteriorly and posteriorly along the horizontal myoseptum and will re-epithelialize to form an increased number of neuromasts along the midline when the pharmacological agents are removed. These data demonstrate that supporting cells can be readily reprogrammed to a migratory multipotent progenitor state that can form new sensory neuromasts, which has important implications for our understanding of how the lateral line system matures and expands in fish and also suggest avenues for returning mammalian supporting cells back to a proliferative state. [Display omitted] • Zebrafish neuromasts can be pharmacologically reprogrammed to a migratory state. • Reprogrammed progenitors migrate along midline. • Migratory progenitors reaggregate into sensory organs following washout. • Reconstituted sensory organs form functional sensory cells and are innervated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Messages are conveyed to users through every element within the space. People receive these messages through sense organs. People and space interact constantly because of the way that they perceive and transmit space. People also establish their action boundaries, identify their motivational criteria, and feel a sense of belonging to the place they experience as a result of this interaction. In this way, the location, with all of its characteristics, influences the mental health of those who inhabit it. The colors chosen for patient rooms have a significant impact on the emotional and mental health of the patients, given the medical procedures and rehabilitation programs that they undergo. Patients' healing processes may vary based on the physical characteristics of the environment in which they are situated. Hospitals are intricate functional structures, so specific design requirements should be established by assessing every department independently. The purpose of this study is to determine how people's perception of spatial quality in general patient rooms where two adults stay during treatment is affected by the use of color. In the research method, adjective pairs were determined in line with spatial quality in order to reveal the perceptual effect of color variables in patient rooms. The survey technique was applied according to this experimental design. By simulating the patient room- which was proposed as the study area- in a digital environment with a one-to-one scale, the colors identified as the dependent variable in the study's methodology were visualized independently. The survey technique was employed to ask questions about the perceptual effect of colors on people who have experienced patient rooms by using adjective pairs based on the spatial quality level. The orange color used in patient room interior design was found to be eye-catching, communication facilitator, inviting, pleasing, encouraging, and sincere, while the blue color was found to be comforting and refreshing, based on data acquired from the survey, which was administered to 168 people in total. Many spaces in hospital buildings serve a variety of purposes, and the patients who use these spaces have a range of needs. For this very reason, it is advised that these hospital units be included in the interior design process utilizing information supported by empirical research, with each space being specially designed to meet its unique requirements and functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sense of sight plays a crucial role in human perception, as it serves as our primary sensory organ for perceiving light. However, a considerable number of individuals experience a wide range of vision impairments. These impairments encompass diverse conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. Each visual impairment exhibits unique characteristics and symptoms, highlighting the need for timely and accurate detection to facilitate appropriate treatment and prevent vision loss. This research aims to develop a deep learning-based system specifically designed to detect visual impairments. The proposed solution involves creating a model using the ResNet-50 algorithm as the foundational methodology, and fine-tuning multiple parameters to enhance the model's performance. The research utilizes a dataset consisting of retinal fundus images, which are categorized into four distinct classes: diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, and normal. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the model, achieving an impressive accuracy score of 92%. This signifies a significant improvement of 6% over the accuracy achieved in the previous study, which stood at 86%. The implementation of this system is expected to make a significant contribution to the rapid and accurate detection of various eye disorders in the future, enabling timely intervention and prevention of visual impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water vapour in the air is an essential element that directly affects all animate and inanimate constituents of the planet. It is a fundamental constituent in all interactions that characterize life and planetary systems. Water vapour in the air is distinctly associated with the functioning of the human sense organs. All five senses, i.e. smell, touch, sight, sound and taste respond to water vapour in the air. The sensory mechanisms determine a human being's physiological and psychological balance, which is the foundation of wellness, relevant on a planetary scale. However, the sensory mechanisms associated with water vapour in the built environment have not been discerned holistically, particularly its role in human wellness. The present article reviews sensory perceptions and responses attributed to humidity/water vapour in the built environment and examines its role in promoting human wellness, drawing insights from diverse interdisciplinary disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fingernails are specialized features of the primate hand, which are believed to contribute to manual dexterity. The sensorimotor functions of fingernails, however, remain poorly understood. This study investigates the ability of humans to precisely localize touches applied to the fingernail plate. Nine different locations on the fingernail were touched and participants judged the location by clicking a mouse cursor on a photograph of their finger. Performance in this condition was compared with stimuli applied to the skin of the fingertip. The results showed that participants are able to localize touch on the fingernails at substantially higher than chance levels. Moreover, the precision of this ability is not appreciably lower than that of the fingertips. These results show that the fingernail is a highly sensitive sensory organ, which is capable of providing rich spatial information about tactile stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synaptic inputs to cortical neurons are highly structured in adult sensory systems, such that neighboring synapses along dendrites are activated by similar stimuli. This organization of synaptic inputs, called synaptic clustering, is required for high-fidelity signal processing, and clustered synapses can already be observed before eye opening. However, how clustered inputs emerge during development is unknown. Here, we employed concurrent in vivo whole-cell patchclamp and dendritic calcium imaging to map spontaneous synaptic inputs to dendrites of layer 2/3 neurons in the mouse primary visual cortex during the second postnatal week until eye opening. We found that the number of functional synapses and the frequency of transmission events increase several fold during this developmental period. At the beginning of the second postnatal week, synapses assemble specifically in confined dendritic segments, whereas other segments are devoid of synapses. By the end of the second postnatal week, just before eye opening, dendrites are almost entirely covered by domains of co-active synapses. Finally, co-activity with their neighbor synapses correlates with synaptic stabilization and potentiation. Thus, clustered synapses form in distinct functional domains presumably to equip dendrites with computational modules for high-capacity sensory processing when the eyes open. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with young onset Alzheimer's disease (YOAD) face long diagnostic delays. Prescription medication use may provide insights into early signs and symptoms, which may help facilitate timely diagnosis. Methods: In a register-based nested case-control study, we examined medication use for everyone diagnosed with YOAD in a Danish memory clinic during 2016–2020 compared to cognitively healthy controls. Prescription medication use were grouped into 13 overall categories (alimentary tract and metabolism, blood and blood forming organs, cardiovascular system, dermatologicals, genitourinary system and sex hormones, systemic hormonal preparations, antiinfectives for systemic use, antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents, musculo-skeletal system, nervous system, antiparasitic products, respiratory system, and sensory organs). Further stratifications were done for predetermined subcategories with a use-prevalence of at least 5% in the study population. Conditional logistic regression produced odds ratios, which given the use of incidence-density matching is interpretable as incidence rate ratios (IRRs). The association between prescription medication use and subsequent YOAD diagnosis was examined in the entire 10-year study period and in three time-intervals. Results: The study included 1745 YOAD cases and 5235 controls. In the main analysis, several overall categories showed significant associations with YOAD in one or more time-intervals, namely blood and blood forming organs and nervous system. Prescription medication use in the nervous system category was increased for YOAD cases compared to controls already 10->5 years prior to diagnosis (IRR 1.17, 95% CI 1.05–1.31), increasing to 1.57 (95% CI 1.39–1.78) in the year preceding diagnosis. This was largely driven by antidepressant and antipsychotic use, and especially prominent for first-time users. Conclusions: In this study, medication use in several categories was associated with YOAD. Onset of treatment-requiring psychiatric symptoms such as depression or psychosis in mid-life may serve as potential early indicators of YOAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pharmacologic immunosuppression regimes are commonly employed in stem cell clinical trials to mitigate host immune rejection and promote survival and viability of transplanted cells. Immunosuppression and cell survival has been extensively studied in retinal and spinal tissues. The applicability of stem cell therapy is rapidly expanding to other sensory organs such as the ear and hearing. As regenerative therapy is directed to new areas, a greater understanding of immunosuppression strategies and their efficacy is required to facilitate translation to organ-specific biologic microenvironments. Objective: This systematic review appraises the current literature regarding immunosuppression strategies employed in stem cell trials of retinal and neural cells. Methods: This systematic review was performed in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Inclusion criteria included studies presenting data on neural or retinal cells as part of an in-human clinical trial that detailed the immunosuppression regime used. Exclusion criteria included non-English language studies, animal studies, review articles, case reports, editorials, and letters. The databases Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to February 2024. Risk of bias was evaluated using the ROBINS-I tool. Results: Eighteen articles fit the inclusion criteria. Nine articles concerned retinal cells, 5 concerned spinal cord injury, and 4 concerned amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A multi-drug and short-term immunosuppression regime were commonly employed in the identified studies. Detected immune responses in treated patients were rare. Common immunosuppression paradigms included tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and tapering doses of steroids. Local immunosuppression with steroids was employed in some studies concerning retinal diseases. Discussion: A short-term course of systemic immunosuppression seemed efficacious for most included studies, with some showing grafted cells viable months to years after immunosuppression had stopped. Longer-term follow-up is required to see if this remains the case. Side effects related to immunosuppression were uncommon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The eye is a highly specialized sensory organ which encompasses the retina as a part of the central nervous system, but also non-neural compartments such as the transparent vitreous body ensuring stability of the eye globe and a clear optical axis. Hyalocytes are the tissue-resident macrophages of the vitreous body and are considered to play pivotal roles in health and diseases of the vitreoretinal interface, such as proliferative vitreoretinopathy or diabetic retinopathy. However, in contrast to other ocular macrophages, their embryonic origin as well as the extent to which these myeloid cells might be replenished by circulating monocytes remains elusive. Results: In this study, we combine transgenic reporter mice, embryonic and adult fate mapping approaches as well as parabiosis experiments with multicolor immunofluorescence labeling and confocal laser-scanning microscopy to comprehensively characterize the murine hyalocyte population throughout development and in adulthood. We found that murine hyalocytes express numerous well-known myeloid cell markers, but concomitantly display a distinct immunophenotype that sets them apart from retinal microglia. Embryonic pulse labeling revealed a yolk sac-derived origin of murine hyalocytes, whose precursors seed the developing eye prenatally. Finally, postnatal labeling and parabiosis established the longevity of hyalocytes which rely on Colony Stimulating Factor 1 Receptor (CSF1R) signaling for their maintenance, independent of blood-derived monocytes. Conclusion: Our study identifies hyalocytes as long-living progeny of the yolk sac hematopoiesis and highlights their role as integral members of the innate immune system of the eye. As a consequence of their longevity, immunosenescence processes may culminate in hyalocyte dysfunction, thereby contributing to the development of vitreoretinal diseases. Therefore, myeloid cell-targeted therapies that convey their effects through the modification of hyalocyte properties may represent an interesting approach to alleviate the burden imposed by diseases of the vitreoretinal interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haptic organs are common in nature and help animals to navigate environments where vision is not possible. Insects often use slender, lightweight, and flexible links as sensing antennae. These antennae have a muscle-endowed base that changes their orientation and an organ that senses the applied force and moment, enabling active sensing. Sensing antennae detect obstacles through contact during motion and even recognize objects. They can also push obstacles. In all these tasks, force control of the antenna is crucial. The objective of our research is to develop a haptic robotic system based on a sensing antenna, consisting of a very lightweight and slender flexible rod. In this context, the work presented here focuses on the force control of this device. To achieve this, (a) we develop a dynamic model of the antenna that moves under gravity and maintains point contact with an object, based on lumped-mass discretization of the rod; (b) we prove the robust stability property of the closed-loop system using the Routh stability criterion; and (c) based on this property, we design a robust force control system that performs efficiently regardless of the contact point with the object. We built a mechanical device replicating this sensing organ. It is a flexible link connected at one end to a 3D force–torque sensor, which is attached to a mechanical structure with two DC motors, providing azimuthal and elevation movements to the antenna. Our experiments in contact situations demonstrate the effectiveness of our control method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Notch communication pathway, discovered in Drosophila over 100 years ago, regulates a wide range of intra-lineage decisions in metazoans. The division of the Drosophila mechanosensory organ precursor is the archetype of asymmetric cell division in which differential Notch activation takes place at cytokinesis. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms by which epithelial cell polarity, cell cycle and intracellular trafficking participate in controlling the directionality, subcellular localization and temporality of mechanosensitive Notch receptor activation in cytokinesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When populations experience different sensory conditions, natural selection may favor sensory system divergence, affecting peripheral structures and/or downstream neural pathways. We characterized the outer eye morphology of sympatric Heliconius butterflies from different forest types and their first-generation reciprocal hybrids to test for adaptive visual system divergence and hybrid disruption. In Panama, Heliconius cydno occurs in closed forests, whereas Heliconius melpomene resides at the forest edge. Among wild individuals, H. cydno has larger eyes than H. melpomene , and there are heritable, habitat-associated differences in the visual brain structures that exceed neutral divergence expectations. Notably, hybrids have intermediate neural phenotypes, suggesting disruption. To test for similar effects in the visual periphery, we reared both species and their hybrids in common garden conditions. We confirm that H. cydno has larger eyes and provide new evidence that this is driven by selection. Hybrid eye morphology is more H. melpomene -like despite body size being intermediate, contrasting with neural trait intermediacy. Overall, our results suggest that eye morphology differences between H. cydno and H. melpomene are adaptive and that hybrids may suffer fitness costs due to a mismatch between the peripheral visual structures and previously described neural traits that could affect visual performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite vision being an essential sense for many animals, the intuitively appealing notion that the visual system has been shaped by environmental light conditions is backed by insufficient evidence. Based on a comprehensive phylogenetic comparative analysis of birds, we investigate if exposure to different light conditions might have triggered evolutionary divergence in the visual system through pressures on light sensitivity, visual acuity, and neural processing capacity. Our analyses suggest that birds that have adopted nocturnal habits evolved eyes with larger corneal diameters and, to a lesser extent, longer axial length than diurnal species. However, we found no evidence that sensing and processing organs were selected together, as observed in diurnal birds. Rather than enlarging the processing centers, we found a tendency among nocturnal species to either reduce or maintain the size of the two main brain centers involved in vision—the optic tectum and the wulst. These results suggest a mosaic pattern of evolution, wherein optimization of the eye optics for efficient light capture in nocturnal species may have compromised visual acuity and central processing capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Transpecies Society is an association of cyborg artists and activists "that gives voice to nonhuman identities; raises awareness of the challenges transpecies face; advocates for the freedom of self-design and offers the development of new senses and organs." This article explores how members of The Transpecies Society use sensory modification as a form of artistic expression and political activism. It asks, how do transpeciests seek to "stretch the bounds of experience" by developing new senses? Precisely what kind of experiences, and what kind of "sensory orders" are they interested in creating? By using technology to transform their own sensory capacities and connect more intimately with nature, how do transpeciests challenge anthropocentric views of society, and establish recognition and rights for those "who do not identify as 100% human"? I ultimately aim to demonstrate that for transpeciests, the creation of new senses is not just an attempt to refashion the individual body and push the boundaries of aesthetic experience. It is also an attempt to transform the social and political body by making room for new forms of posthuman identity and acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serious games play a key role in the medical field, particularly in enhancing cognitive abilities in the elderly. However, the sensory organs of the elderly decline over time, and the intervention effect of traditional serious games for older adults. The objective of this study is to identify the evolution and current problems of serious game technology for the elderly by using bibliometric analysis. We selected 319 relevant documents from 2013 to 2024 from the Web of Science (WOS) database. This study uses Publish or Perish (Windows GUl Edition) and VOSviewer (1.6.20) for performance analysis and scientific charting. We deeply analyze the early trends, emerging technologies, and publication trends, including citations and journals, subject areas, and regional and institutional. Here, we identified serious games for older adults rely heavily on visual presentation, often utilizing screens for screening, rehabilitation, and therapeutic interventions. This may cause further visual impairment in older adults who are experiencing visual decline. In addition, we proposed the combination of rich tactile feedback and external devices as one of the effective solutions to the current problems for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathology repositories worldwide store millions of celloidin-processed human brain and temporal bone (TB) sections vital for studying central nervous system diseases and sensory organs. However, accessing these sections for modern molecular-pathological research, like immunohistochemistry, is hindered by the challenge of removing celloidin without damaging tissue. In this study, we explored the use of polyethylene glycols (PEGs), a class of non-hazardous, ethylene glycol oligomers, combined with an improved section mounting technique, to gently and effectively dissolve celloidin from sections archived for up to 40 years. Optimizing our protocol involved exploring celloidin dissolution kinetics in PEGs of varying molecular weights and terminations, as well as different temperatures. Low molecular weight PEGs, particularly PEG 200, were the most efficient celloidin solvent. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of celloidin-PEG 200 dissolution products revealed no chemical alterations, suggesting pure solvation without chemical modification. Because the solvation of celloidin in PEG was inhibited by proteins, we further developed a protein-free mounting protocol allowing complete celloidin removal in 30 to 60 minutes by immersing in PEG 200. In summary, our approach overcomes major methodological hurdles, rendering decades-old archival celloidin sections viable for immunohistochemical and other molecular biological techniques, while enhancing safety and workflow efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]