scholarly journals Mitogenomic analysis of extant condor species provides insight into the molecular evolution of vultures

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
D. De Panis ◽  
S. A. Lambertucci ◽  
G. Wiemeyer ◽  
H. Dopazo ◽  
F. C. Almeida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Body ◽  
Purifying Selection ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Genetic Traits ◽  
Body Sizes ◽  
Soaring Flight ◽  
Phylogenomic Analyses ◽  
Early Paleogene ◽  
Extreme Specialization ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractThe evolution of large vultures linked to mountainous habitats was accompanied by extreme physiological and behavioral specializations for energetically efficient flights. However, little is known on the genetic traits associated with the evolution of these obligate soaring scavengers. Mitochondrial DNA plays a vital role in regulating oxidative stress and energy production, and hence may be an important target of selection for flight performance. Herein, we characterized the first mitogenomes of the Andean and California condors, the world’s heaviest flying birds and the only living representatives of the Vultur and Gymnogyps genus. We reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships and evaluated possible footprints of convergent evolution associated to the life-history traits and distributional range of vultures. Our phylogenomic analyses supported the independent evolution of vultures, with the origin of Cathartidae in the early Paleogene (~ 61 Mya), and estimated the radiation of extant condors during the late Miocene (~ 11 Mya). Selection analyses indicated that vultures exhibit signals of relaxation of purifying selection relative to other accipitrimorph raptors, possibly indicating the degeneration of flapping flight ability. Overall, our results suggest that the extreme specialization of vultures for efficient soaring flight has compensated the evolution of large body sizes mitigating the selection pressure on mtDNA.

scholarly journals Mitogenomic analysis of extant condor species provides insight into the molecular evolution of vultures

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego De Panis ◽  
Sergio Lambertucci ◽  
Guillermo Wiemeyer ◽  
Hernán Dopazo ◽  
Francisca Almeida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Body ◽  
Purifying Selection ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Genetic Traits ◽  
Body Sizes ◽  
Soaring Flight ◽  
Phylogenomic Analyses ◽  
Early Paleogene ◽  
Extreme Specialization ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract The evolution of large vultures linked to mountainous habitats was accompanied by extreme physiological and behavioral specializations for energetically efficient flights. However, little is known on the genetic traits associated with the evolution of these obligate soaring scavengers. Mitochondrial DNA plays a vital role in regulating oxidative stress and energy production, and hence may be an important target of selection for flight performance. Herein, we characterized the first mitogenomes of the Andean and California condors, the world’s heaviest flying birds and the only living representative of Vultur and Gymnogyps genus. We reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships and evaluated possible footprints of convergent evolution associated to the life-history traits and distributional range of vultures. Our phylogenomic analyses supported the independent evolution of vultures, with the origin of Cathartidae in the early Paleogene (~ 59 Mya), and estimated the radiation of extant condors during the late Miocene (~ 10 Mya). Selection analyses indicated that vultures exhibit signals of relaxation of purifying selection relative to other accipitrimorph raptors, possibly indicating the degeneration of flapping flight ability. Overall, our results suggest that the extreme specialization of vultures for efficient soaring flight has compensated the evolution of large body sizes mitigating the selection pressure on mtDNA.

scholarly journals Anopheles gambiae Genome Conservation as a Resource for Rational Gene Drive Target Site Selection

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 97
Author(s):  
Nace Kranjc ◽  
Andrea Crisanti ◽  
Tony Nolan ◽  
Federica Bernardini
Keyword(s):  
Anopheles Gambiae ◽  
Data Storage ◽  
Genomic Variation ◽  
Malaria Vectors ◽  
Anopheles Coluzzii ◽  
Structural Constraints ◽  
Gene Drive ◽  
Genetic Traits ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Insight Into

The increase in molecular tools for the genetic engineering of insect pests and disease vectors, such as Anopheles mosquitoes that transmit malaria, has led to an unprecedented investigation of the genomic landscape of these organisms. The understanding of genome variability in wild mosquito populations is of primary importance for vector control strategies. This is particularly the case for gene drive systems, which look to introduce genetic traits into a population by targeting specific genomic regions. Gene drive targets with functional or structural constraints are highly desirable as they are less likely to tolerate mutations that prevent targeting by the gene drive and consequent failure of the technology. In this study we describe a bioinformatic pipeline that allows the analysis of whole genome data for the identification of highly conserved regions that can point at potential functional or structural constraints. The analysis was conducted across the genomes of 22 insect species separated by more than hundred million years of evolution and includes the observed genomic variation within field caught samples of Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii, the two most dominant malaria vectors. This study offers insight into the level of conservation at a genome-wide scale as well as at per base-pair resolution. The results of this analysis are gathered in a data storage system that allows for flexible extraction and bioinformatic manipulation. Furthermore, it represents a valuable resource that could provide insight into population structure and dynamics of the species in the complex and benefit the development and implementation of genetic strategies to tackle malaria.

scholarly journals Aquatic insects are dramatically underrepresented in genomic research

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Hotaling ◽  
Joanna L. Kelley ◽  
Paul B. Frandsen
Keyword(s):  
Aquatic Insects ◽  
Small Body ◽  
Aquatic Insect ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Insect Genome ◽  
Terrestrial Insect ◽  
Body Sizes ◽  
Terrestrial Insects ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractAquatic insects comprise 10% of all insect diversity, can be found on every continent except Antarctica, and are key components of freshwater ecosystems. Yet aquatic insect genome biology lags dramatically behind that of terrestrial insects. If genomic effort was spread evenly, one aquatic insect genome would be sequenced for every ∼9 terrestrial insect genomes. Instead, ∼24 terrestrial insect genomes have been sequenced for every aquatic insect genome. This discrepancy is even more dramatic if the quality of genomic resources is considered; for instance, while no aquatic insect genome has been assembled to the chromosome level, 29 terrestrial insect genomes spanning four orders have. We argue that a lack of aquatic insect genomes is not due to any underlying difficulty (e.g., small body sizes or unusually large genomes) yet it is severely hampering aquatic insect research at both fundamental and applied scales. By expanding the availability of aquatic insect genomes, we will gain key insight into insect diversification and empower future research for a globally important taxonomic group.Simple SummaryAquatic insects comprise 10% of all insect diversity, can be found on every continent except Antarctica, and are key components of freshwater ecosystems. Yet aquatic insect genome biology lags dramatically behind that of terrestrial insects. If genomic effort was spread evenly, one aquatic insect genome would be sequenced for every ∼9 terrestrial insect genomes. Instead, ∼24 terrestrial insect genomes have been sequenced for every aquatic insect genome. We argue that the limited availability of aquatic insect genomes is not due to practical limitations—e.g., small body sizes or overly complex genomes—but instead reflects a lack of research interest. We call for targeted efforts to expand the availability of aquatic insect genomic resources to gain key molecular insight into insect diversification and empower future research.

scholarly journals INSIGHT INTO PHARMACEUTICAL IMPORTANCE OF BRYOPHYTES

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-88
Author(s):  
Greeshma G.M ◽  
Manoj G.S ◽  
Murugan K
Keyword(s):  
Arid Regions ◽  
Soil Formation ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Economic Importance ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Biotic Factor ◽  
Plant Parts ◽  
Average Size ◽  
Water Holding ◽  
Insight Into

Historically, Bryophytes were accounted to be a monophyletic group and were placed in an inclusive Bryophyta. Some species are aquatic though some can adapt and live in arid regions. Bryophytes size ranges from microscopic to 12 inches in length, the average size is between 0.5 – 2 inches long and colors vary from green to black and sometimes colorless. Bryophytes plays a vital role in the biosphere even their size is insignificant. As a biotic factor in the environment, they provide food for numerous herbivorous birds and animals. They prevent soil erosion by carpeting the soil. Bryophytes cause the outer portion of rock to slowly crumble as they grow with lichens on rock surfaces. And because of it they contribute and help to soil formation. When mixed with the soil, bryophytes increase the water-holding capacity of the soil and the amount of organic matter in the soil. Some bryophytes like sphagnum or peat moss has some economicimportance. It is used as packing material for breakable or fragile objects such as figurines and dinnerware’s. It is also used as packing materials for transporting plants and plant parts, since sphagnum holds water and hence prevent plants from drying during transport. As a whole, bryophytes are of little economic importance to man.

Exploring hate crime amongst a cohort of Scottish prisoners: an exploratory study

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-49
Author(s):  
Kirsty Penrice ◽  
Philip Birch ◽  
Stephan McAlpine
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
Hate Crime ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Environmental Implications ◽  
Prison Violence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Prison Environment ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the motives a person adopts in order to engage in hate-related behaviours within a prison setting. A subsidiary aim of the study was to compare this cohort of prisoners with prisoners who have been convicted for aggravated racism in the community. Design/methodology/approach In order to gather data, an exploratory research design was adopted, utilising the method of semi-structured interviews. In total, a number of nine interviews were conducted. Qualitative analysis was then employed allowing for an examination of meaning in relation to the motives behind the commission of hate crimes to occur. Findings The findings revealed the presence of racist beliefs and attitudes in both groups involved in the study. Further similarities between the two groups included the perception of inequality and beliefs about racism. The differences between the two groups included poor emotional regulation and an inability to manage beliefs and subsequent behaviours about people from different ethnic groups, with those in custody seeming to be more reactive. Practical implications The findings provide a preliminary insight into enhancing inmate safety. The environmental implications begin to reveal the complexity of hate-related behaviours in custody. There are differences between the context of hate crime committed in a prison environment compared to that committed in the community that require different solutions for addressing such behaviour. Further implications are considered in the final section of the paper. Originality/value A large body of research has been conducted on prison violence, seldom does this research examine this issue within the context of hate crime. This preliminary study offers an insight into prison-based hate crime.

Latrophilin mediates insecticides susceptibility and fecundity through two carboxylesterases, esterase4 and esterase6, in Tribolium castaneum

2019 ◽  
Vol 109 (4) ◽  
pp. 534-543 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Wei ◽  
S. Gao ◽  
W. Xiong ◽  
J. Liu ◽  
J. Mao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tribolium Castaneum ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Egg Hatching ◽  
Compensatory Response ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Similar Phenotype ◽  
G Protein Coupled ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractLatrophilin (LPH) is known as an adhesion G-protein-coupled receptor which involved in multiple physiological processes in organisms. Previous studies showed that lph not only involved the susceptibility to anticholinesterase insecticides but also affected fecundity in Tribolium castaneum. However, its regulatory mechanisms in these biological processes are still not clear. Here, we identified two potential downstream carboxylesterase (cce) genes of Tclph, esterase4 and esterase6, and further characterized their interactions with Tclph. After treatment of T. castaneum larvae with carbofuran or dichlorvos insecticides, the transcript levels of Tcest4 and Tcest6 were significantly induced from 12 to 72 h. RNAi against Tcest4 or Tcest6 led to the higher mortality compared with the controls after the insecticides treatment, suggesting that these two genes play a vital role in detoxification of insecticides in T. castaneum. Furthermore, with insecticides exposure to Tclph knockdown beetles, the expression of Tcest4 was upregulated but Tcest6 was downregulated, indicating that beetles existed a compensatory response against the insecticides. Additionally, RNAi of Tcest6 resulted in 43% reductions in female egg laying and completely inhibited egg hatching, which showed the similar phenotype as that of Tclph knockdown. These results indicated that Tclph affected fecundity by positively regulating Tcest6 expression. Our findings will provide a new insight into the molecular mechanisms of Tclph involved in physiological functions in T. castaneum.

Remarkable new species of epedanid from Vietnam (Arachnida: Opiliones: Laniatores: Epedanidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4858 (3) ◽  
pp. 427-437
Author(s):  
ALEKSEY N. TCHEMERIS
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Dorsal Surface ◽  
Distal Segment ◽  
Southern Vietnam ◽  
The Family ◽  
Body Sizes ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
First Time ◽  
Latin Letter

The genus Euepedanus of the family Epedanidae is recorded from Vietnam for the first time. Euepedanus vietnamicus sp. nov. (males and females) is diagnosed, figured and described. The main characteristics that distinguish this species from other species Euepedanus are quite large body sizes, structure of the distal segment of the chelicerae, armament of palps and on the dorsal surface of body with a pattern resembling the Latin letter X. The only known locality of the new E. vietnamicus sp. nov. in southern Vietnam, is mapped. 

scholarly journals Comparative Analysis of Complete Mitochondrial Genomes of Three Gerres Fishes (Perciformes: Gerreidae) and Primary Exploration of Their Evolution History

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1874 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huiting Ruan ◽  
Min Li ◽  
Zhenhai Li ◽  
Jiajie Huang ◽  
Weiyuan Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Purifying Selection ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Mitochondrial Genomes ◽  
Protein Coding ◽  
Marine Fishery ◽  
Gc Skew ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Early Paleogene ◽  
Complete Mitochondrial Genomes

Mitochondrial genome is a powerful molecule marker to explore phylogenetic relationships and reveal molecular evolution in ichthyological studies. Gerres species play significant roles in marine fishery, but its evolution has received little attention. To date, only two Gerres mitochondrial genomes were reported. In the present study, three mitogenomes of Gerres (Gerres filamentosus, Gerres erythrourus, and Gerres decacanthus) were systemically investigated. The lengths of the mitogenome sequences were 16,673, 16,728, and 16,871 bp for G. filamentosus, G. erythrourus, and G. decacanthus, respectively. Most protein-coding genes (PCGs) were initiated with the typical ATG codon and terminated with the TAA codon, and the incomplete termination codon T/TA could be detected in the three species. The majority of AT-skew and GC-skew values of the 13 PCGs among the three species were negative, and the amplitude of the GC-skew was larger than the AT-skew. The genetic distance and Ka/Ks ratio analyses indicated 13 PCGs were suffering purifying selection and the selection pressures were different from certain deep-sea fishes, were which most likely due to the difference in their living environment. The phylogenetic tree was constructed by molecular method (Bayesian Inference (BI) and maximum Likelihood (ML)), providing further supplement to the scientific classification of fish. Three Gerres species were differentiated in late Cretaceous and early Paleogene, and their evolution might link with the geological events that could change their survival environment.

scholarly journals Statistical Estimation of the Reproductive Number From Case Notification Data

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura F White ◽  
Carlee B Moser ◽  
Robin N Thompson ◽  
Marcello Pagano
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Estimation ◽  
Reproduction Number ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Reproductive Number ◽  
Tremendous Progress ◽  
Notification Data ◽  
Infectious Disease Dynamics ◽  
Case Notification ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract The reproductive number, or reproduction number, is a valuable metric in understanding infectious disease dynamics. There is a large body of literature related to its use and estimation. In the last 15 years, there has been tremendous progress in statistically estimating this number using case notification data. These approaches are appealing because they are relevant in an ongoing outbreak (e.g., for assessing the effectiveness of interventions) and do not require substantial modelling expertise to be implemented. In this review, we describe these methods and the extensions that have been developed. We provide insight into the distinct interpretations of the estimators proposed and provide real data examples to illustrate how they are implemented. Finally we conclude with a discussion of available software and opportunities for future development.

Reproductive dynamics of a turtle (Pseudemys scripta) population in a reservoir receiving heated effluent from a nuclear reactor

1970 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 881-885 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Whitfield Gibbons
Keyword(s):  
South Carolina ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Nuclear Reactor ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Reproductive Rate ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Trophic Levels ◽  
Body Sizes ◽  
Pseudemys Scripta ◽  
Growth Differences

Individual yellow-bellied turtles (Pseudemys scripta) in Par Pond, a thermally polluted reservoir on the Savannah River Plant, Aiken, South Carolina, U.S.A., reach exceedingly large body sizes and maintain extraordinary juvenile growth rates when compared with turtles of this species from other populations in the vicinity. Increased water temperatures are not directly responsible for the observed size and growth differences. Diet differences resulting from increased productivity at lower trophic levels as a result of the hot-water effluent may be the cause of the observed growth and size phenomena. The increased growth rates and larger body sizes in the Par Pond turtles result in changes in reproductive rate which may have interesting consequences on the demography of the population.

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