Research on the origin of vision and vision loss in naturally "blind" animal species can reveal the tasks that vision fulfills and the brain's role in visual experience. Models that incorporate evolutionary history, natural variation in visual ability, and experimental manipulations can help disentangle visual ability at a superficial level from behaviors linked to vision but not solely reliant upon it, and could assist the translation of ophthalmological research in animal models to human treatments. To unravel the similarities between blind individuals and blind species, we review concepts of "blindness" and its behavioral correlates across a range of species. We explore the ancestral emergence of vision in vertebrates, and the loss of vision in blind species with reference to an evolution-based classification scheme. We applied phylogenetic comparative methods to a mammalian tree to explore the evolution of visual acuity using ancestral state estimations. Future research into the natural history of vision loss could help elucidate the function of vision and inspire innovations in how to address vision loss in humans.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104550 | DOI Listing |
Giant cell arteritis (GCA), a systemic vasculitis affecting large and medium-sized arteries, poses significant diagnostic and management challenges, particularly in preventing irreversible complications like vision loss. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, including machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), offer promising solutions to enhance diagnostic accuracy and optimize treatment strategies for GCA. This systematic review, conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, synthesizes existing literature on AI applications in GCA care, with a focus on diagnostic accuracy, treatment outcomes, and predictive modeling.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGlaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, often associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) due to trabecular meshwork (TM) dysfunction. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is recognized as a significant risk factor for glaucoma; however, the molecular mechanisms through which hyperglycemia affects TM function remain unclear. This study investigated the impact of high glucose on gene expression in human TM (HTM) cells to uncover pathways that contribute to TM dysfunction and glaucoma pathogenesis under diabetic conditions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe current state of mental health treatment for individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder leaves billions of individuals with first-line therapies that are ineffective or burdened with undesirable side effects. One major obstacle is that distinct pathologies may currently be diagnosed as the same disease and prescribed the same treatments. The key to developing antidepressants with ubiquitous efficacy is to first identify a strategy to differentiate between heterogeneous conditions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFComorbidity and its association with age are of great interest in geroscience. However, there are few model organisms that are well-suited to study comorbidities that will have high relevance to humans. In this light, we turn our attention to the companion dog.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArch Virol
January 2025
Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur-Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Neurodegenerative pathologies such as age-related macular degeneration currently have no cure or effective treatment. In this type of disease, the presence of amyloid-β peptides, oxidative stress, and inflammation trigger dysregulation of retinal pigment epithelial cells and progression toward the death of these cells, resulting in a loss of vision. The production of amyloid-β peptides, oxidative stress, and inflammation can be triggered in response to viral infections.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!