scholarly journals Novel mating behaviours in the squaretail grouper: Response to “Fake spawns and floating particles"

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rucha P Karkarey ◽  
Amod Zambre ◽  
Kavita Isvaran ◽  
Rohan Arthur
Keyword(s):  
Mating Systems ◽  
Theoretical Support ◽  
Sexual Selection Theory ◽  
History Of ◽  
Size Assortment ◽  
Reproductive Tactic ◽  
Floating Particles ◽  
Very High ◽  
Systems Studies ◽  
Lakshadweep Archipelago

Based on two years of in-water observations of a high-density spawning aggregation of the squaretail grouper in the Lakshadweep Archipelago, we described a previously unreported inverse size assortment with large males courting several small females that shoaled mid-water (DOI 10.1186/s12898-017-0120-5). Critiquing our manuscript, Erisman and colleagues (DOI 10.1186/s12898-018-0206-8) suggest that our observations and interpretation are flawed, and do not fit within currently accepted theory. Here we offer a detailed counter of their main methodological and theoretical criticisms. Their criticism that this reproductive tactic has never been observed before is hardly a criticism since its novelty is precisely what we wished to highlight. The supplementary video that Erisman et al use to base much of their criticisms was not the basis of our conclusions, which relied on direct in-water observations. These observations were conducted over two spawning years, taking care to ensure that we sampled aggregations at peak densities. Like other researchers working on this species, we did not directly observe mating, but have used courtship as a proxy for mating success – a well-established proxy across mating systems studies. Apart from these methodological concerns, the authors suggest that there is no theoretical support for our observations. However, sexual selection theory provides a well-established framework showing that, at very high mating densities, a variety of tactics can emerge, that often vary considerably between populations and locations. We agree with the authors that novel observations should be scrutinised carefully. They challenge our current understanding of the range of behaviours populations display and serve as a springboard for theoretical advancement. We stand by our observations and hope they serve as a useful addition to the fascinating and complex natural history of species like the squaretail grouper.

scholarly journals Novel mating behaviours in the squaretail grouper: Response to “Fake spawns and floating particles"

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rucha P Karkarey ◽  
Amod Zambre ◽  
Kavita Isvaran ◽  
Rohan Arthur
Keyword(s):  
Mating Systems ◽  
Theoretical Support ◽  
Sexual Selection Theory ◽  
History Of ◽  
Size Assortment ◽  
Reproductive Tactic ◽  
Floating Particles ◽  
Very High ◽  
Systems Studies ◽  
Lakshadweep Archipelago

Based on two years of in-water observations of a high-density spawning aggregation of the squaretail grouper in the Lakshadweep Archipelago, we described a previously unreported inverse size assortment with large males courting several small females that shoaled mid-water (DOI 10.1186/s12898-017-0120-5). Critiquing our manuscript, Erisman and colleagues (DOI 10.1186/s12898-018-0206-8) suggest that our observations and interpretation are flawed, and do not fit within currently accepted theory. Here we offer a detailed counter of their main methodological and theoretical criticisms. Their criticism that this reproductive tactic has never been observed before is hardly a criticism since its novelty is precisely what we wished to highlight. The supplementary video that Erisman et al use to base much of their criticisms was not the basis of our conclusions, which relied on direct in-water observations. These observations were conducted over two spawning years, taking care to ensure that we sampled aggregations at peak densities. Like other researchers working on this species, we did not directly observe mating, but have used courtship as a proxy for mating success – a well-established proxy across mating systems studies. Apart from these methodological concerns, the authors suggest that there is no theoretical support for our observations. However, sexual selection theory provides a well-established framework showing that, at very high mating densities, a variety of tactics can emerge, that often vary considerably between populations and locations. We agree with the authors that novel observations should be scrutinised carefully. They challenge our current understanding of the range of behaviours populations display and serve as a springboard for theoretical advancement. We stand by our observations and hope they serve as a useful addition to the fascinating and complex natural history of species like the squaretail grouper.

scholarly journals Hypothesizing novel mating behaviours in the squaretail grouper based on direct behavioural observations

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 103-114
Author(s):  
Rucha Karkarey ◽  
Amod Zambre ◽  
Kavita Isvaran ◽  
Rohan Arthur
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Selection ◽  
High Density ◽  
Weight Of Evidence ◽  
Spawning Aggregations ◽  
Theoretical Support ◽  
Sexual Selection Theory ◽  
History Of ◽  
Size Assortment ◽  
Reproductive Tactic ◽  
Systems Studies

Historically unfished, high-density spawning aggregations are vanishingly uncommon. Behavioural observations from such aggregations are rare, and may be sometimes novel and unexpected. Given the weight of evidence required to document spawning aggregations, how can we best report rare and unusual behavioural variations in spawning populations? Based on two years of in-water observations of a high-density spawning aggregation of the squaretail grouper in the Lakshadweep Archipelago, we described a previously unreported male alternative reproductive tactic (ART) and an inverse size assortment with large males courting several small females that shoaled mid-water (https://doi.org/10.1186/s12898-017-0120-5). In critiquing our manuscript, it has been suggested that our observations, methodologies and interpretation are inadequate, flawed, and do not fit within currently accepted theory (https://doi.org/10.1186/s12898-018-0206-8). While offering a detailed counter of the main methodological and theoretical criticisms we question how best to document and interpret novel behaviours in poorly known systems. Reporting novelty itself can hardly be the basis of criticism. Our report relied on direct in-water observations, conducted at peak densities over two spawning years. The critique ignores this, choosing instead to focus on a supplementary video which was not the basis of our conclusions. Like other researchers working on this species, we did not directly observe mating, but report courtship as a well-established proxy used across mating systems studies. Apart from these methodological concerns, the authors suggest that there is no theoretical support for our observations. However, sexual selection theory provides well-established frameworks showing that, at very high mating densities, a variety of tactics can emerge, that often vary considerably between populations and locations. In our original paper, we use this broader theory of sexual selection together with detailed behavioural data to propose plausible evolutionary explanations that bear testing in these novel, high-density systems. We agree with the authors that novel observations should be scrutinised carefully as they can challenge our current understanding of the range of behaviours populations display and serve as a springboard for theoretical advancement. Given their rarity, these observations should be evaluated against the rigour of their documentation and the transparency of their reporting. In this context, we hope our carefully documented observations serve as a useful addition to the fascinating and complex natural history of species like the squaretail grouper.

Sexual Selection: A Very Short Introduction

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlene Zuk ◽  
Leigh W. Simmons
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Selection ◽  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Sexual Conflict ◽  
Mating Systems ◽  
Short Introduction ◽  
Selection Theory ◽  
Sexual Selection Theory ◽  
History Of ◽  
Animal World

Sexual Selection: A Very Short Introduction introduces the astounding array of behaviours and decorative traits in the animal world used for competing for mates, and considers the evolutionary logic that underpins them. It also looks at the history of our understanding of sexual selection, from Darwin’s key insights to the modern day. Considering the investment animals place on reproduction, variation in mating systems, sexual conflict, and the origin of sexual dimorphism, it discusses questions such as whether females can really choose between males on aesthetic grounds, and how sexual conflict is resolved in different species. It concludes with a consideration of the thorny question of how, and even if, sexual selection theory applies to humans.

scholarly journals Antihypertensive Efficacy of Fixed Combination of Amlodipine and Ramipril in Patients with Arterial Hypertension and Very High Cardiovascular Risk

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 840-845
Author(s):  
O. Yu. Korennova ◽  
S. P. Podolnaya ◽  
E. P. Prihodko ◽  
E. A. Turusheva ◽  
S. N. Starinskaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Fixed Combination ◽  
Antihypertensive Drugs ◽  
Antihypertensive Efficacy ◽  
High Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Hypertensive Patients ◽  
Coronary Artery Stenting ◽  
History Of ◽  
Very High

Aim. To evaluate the antihypertensive efficacy and tolerability of a fixed combination of amlodipine and ramipril in hypertensive patients with very high cardiovascular risk. Material and methods. A retrospective cohort study of real clinical practice of prescribing antihypertensive drugs according to 255 medical records of outpatient hypertensive patients with a history of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and coronary artery stenting was performed in the first part. An open observational study was performed in the second part. 69 people older than 18 years with a history of ACS and coronary artery stenting, without reaching the target blood pressure (BP) level while using free combinations of antihypertensive drugs and with indications for a fixed combination of ramipril and amlodipine were included into the study. Analysis of self-monitoring of BP, office BP, daily BP monitoring (ABPM) and patients’ adherence to treatment (Morisky-Green test) initially, after 4 and after 12 weeks of taking the fixed combination of ramipril and amlodipine was performed to assess the clinical efficacy of the studied drug. Results. It was found that 42.0% of patients did not follow the recommendations for regular intake of antihypertensive drugs. So, hypertension of all patients regarded as false-refractory, which was the basis for the prescription of the fixed combination of ramipril and amlodipine in accordance with clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. After 4 weeks of therapy, there was significant decrease in office BP with the achievement and preservation of the target level by the 12th week, normalization to the 12th week of day and night BP variability in 54.9% of patients. 78.0% of patients followed medical recommendations for regular administration of antihypertensive drugs, none of the patients had adverse events. Conclusion. The use of fixed combinations of drugs, in particular, amlodipine and ramipril as a part of multicomponent therapy in hypertensive patients with very high cardiovascular risk, led to the achievement of target BP by the 4th week of therapy and stable preservation of antihypertensive effect in 12 weeks of treatment as well as gradual normalization of day and night BP variability in more than half of patients. Fixed combination of ramipril and amlodipine allowed to improve adherence of patients to cardiovascular diseases.

scholarly journals AB0420 RISK OF DEVELOPING TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1510.2-1510
Author(s):  
L. Kondrateva ◽  
T. Popkova ◽  
E. Nasonov ◽  
A. Lila
Keyword(s):  
Abdominal Obesity ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Antihypertensive Drugs ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Type 2 Dm ◽  
History Of ◽  
Systemic Rheumatic Diseases ◽  
Very High

Background:Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have higher than in general population prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM). Hyperinsulinemia is a predictor of developing type 2 DM, however routine measurement of insulin levels for DM risk assessment is uncomfortable in daily clinical practice. International Diabetes Federation recommends the use of patient questionnaires to quickly identify people who may be at a higher risk of DM development.Objectives:To determine the 10-years risk of developing type 2 DM in SLE patients using dedicated questionnaire - Finnish Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Form (FINDRISK) data.Methods:The study included 92 SLE patients without DM (83 women, 9 men, 39 [34; 47] years old). The median disease duration was 6 [2,14] years, SLEDAI-2K was 4[2;8]. SLE pts were treated with glucocorticoids (GC) (89%) and hydroxychloroquine (78%), immunosuppressive drugs (28%) and biological agents (10%). The control group consisted of 88 subjects without systemic rheumatic diseases, inflammatory arthritis or DM, matched by age and sex with SLE patients. Eight items of FINDRISK questionnaire (age, overweight, abdominal obesity, family history of diabetes, physical inactivity, eating habits, history of antihypertensive drugs treatment, history of hyperglycemia) were taken into account to calculate the total risk score (TS). The risk of developing DM within following 10 years is regarded as low (1%) or slightly elevated (4%) with TS ≤11 points, as moderate (17%), high (33%) or very high (50%) with TS ≥12 points.Results:The risk of developing DM was low or slightly elevated in 65 (71%) SLE pts and moderate, high or very high in 27 (29%) pts. The difference was significant compared with the control group, in which 76 (86%) subjects had a low or slightly elevated risk and 12 (14%) had a moderate, high or very high risk (p=0,01). The number of risk factors (4[2;5]) and the median TS of SLE pts (9[5;12] points) were higher than values in control subjects (3[2,4] factors and 6[3;9] points, respectively) (p<0,01 for both). DM risk factors profiles were similar in two groups, except for higher prevalence of abdominal obesity (66% vs 41%, p<0,01) and history of antihypertensive drugs treatment (57% vs 17%, p<0,01) in SLE. There were positive correlations between TS and CRP levels (r=0,25, p=0,02), SLICC (r=0,36, p<0,01), HAQ (r=0,29, p<0,01), and negative correlations between TS and SLEDAI-2K (r= -0,32, p<0,01), glomerular filtration rate by CKD-EPI (r=-0,23, p=0,03). Current GC use had no influence on TS values in SLE.Conclusion:Patients with SLE were more likely than individuals without systemic rheumatic diseases to have a moderate, high and very high risk of developing DM, and therefore, required interventions to prevent the metabolic disease. Increased risk of developing DM was associated with most common traditional factors, especially by abdominal obesity and regular use of antihypertensive drugs that can be considered a kind of equivalent to the presence of hypertension. Curtain contribution of inflammation, lupus activity and irreversible damage index can’t be ignored. Clarification of SLE-specific phenomena in DM pathogenesis requires further research.Disclosure of Interests: :None declared

scholarly journals Multi-Locus Selection and the Structure of Variation at the white Gene of Drosophila melanogaster

Genetics ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 144 (2) ◽  
pp. 635-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A Kirby ◽  
Wolfgang Stephan
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
White Gene ◽  
Transcriptional Unit ◽  
North American Population ◽  
Evolutionary Mechanisms ◽  
Locus Selection ◽  
Neutral Equilibrium ◽  
History Of ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Very High

Abstract We surveyed sequence variation and divergence for the entire 5972-bp transcriptional unit of the white gene in 15 lines of Drosophila melanogaster and one line of D. simulans. We found a very high degree of haplotypic structuring for the polymorphisms in the 3′ half of the gene, as opposed to the polymorphisms in the 5′ half. To determine the evolutionary mechanisms responsible for this pattern, we sequenced a 1612-bp segment of the white gene from an additional 33 lines of D. melanogaster from a European and a North American population. This 1612-bp segment encompasses an 834bp region of the white gene in which the polymorphisms form high frequency haplotypes that cannot be explained by a neutral equilibrium model of molecular evolution. The small number of recombinants in the 834bp region suggests epistatic selection as the cause of the haplotypic structuring, while an investigation of nucleotide diversity supports a directional selection hypothesis. A multi-locus selection model that combines features from both-hypotheses and takes the recent history of D. melanogaster into account may be the best explanation for these data.

scholarly journals Prediction of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in patients with high and very high cardiovascular risk

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
N Pogosova ◽  
NP Kachanova ◽  
YM Yufereva ◽  
OY Sokolova ◽  
IE Koltunov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family History ◽  
Ct Angiography ◽  
Coronary Atherosclerosis ◽  
Subclinical Atherosclerosis ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Lipoprotein Cholesterol ◽  
Diagnostic Model ◽  
History Of ◽  
Hs Crp ◽  
Very High

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Coronary atherosclerosis has a long subclinical period. It’s early detection may offer a possibility of timely initiation of preventive interventions Purpose To develop a diagnostic rule for detection of patients (pts) with high probability of subclinical atherosclerosis among those with high or very high cardiovascular (CV) risk. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled 52 pts (32 men [62%]), aged 40 to 65 years [mean age 54.6 ± 8.0]) with high or very high CV risk (5-9 and ≥10% by The Systematic Coronary Risk Estimation Scale [SCORE], respectively). All participants underwent cardiac computed tomography (CT) angiography and calcium scoring. Traditional risk factors (RFs) (family history of premature CVD, smoking, overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, lipids parameters (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides) and lipids-related markers (apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, ApoB/ApoA1 ratio), biomarkers of inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs CRP], fibrinogen), indicator carbohydrate metabolism (glucose),  ankle-brachial index,  stress-test, carotid plaques according to ultrasound were evaluated in all pts. Psychological RFs were evaluated using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and DS-14 for type D personality. Results All pts were divided into 2 groups according to the CT angiography results: pts in the main group (n = 21) had any non-obstructive lesions or calcium score &gt;0, pts in the control group (n = 31) had intact coronary arteries. The groups did not differ in age or gender. 26 multiple linear logistic models for any subclinical atherosclerosis were developed based on obtained diagnostic features. Taking into account R-square = 0.344 (p = 0.0008), the best fitting model was follows:  subclinical coronary atherosclerosis= -1.576 + 0.234 x SCORE ≥5%  + 0.541 x hs CRP &gt;2 g/l + 0.015 x heart rate  (bpm) + 0.311 family history of premature CVD.  The developed algorithm had sensitivity of 63% and  specificity of 80%. Conclusions The created diagnostic model diagnostic model suggests the presence of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in patients with high / very high CV risk with a high degree of probability. This easy-to-use method can be used in routine clinical practice to improve risk stratification and management choices in high-risk pts.

Abstract P019: A Single Model For Predicting Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events In Individuals With And Without History Of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: The Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities (aric) Study

Circulation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 143 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yejin Mok ◽  
Lena Mathews ◽  
Ron C Hoogeveen ◽  
Michael J Blaha ◽  
Christie M Ballantyne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Risk Stratification ◽  
Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Single Model ◽  
History Of ◽  
Very High

Background: In the 2018 AHA/ACC Cholesterol guideline, risk stratification is an essential element. The use of a Pooled Cohort Equation (PCE) is recommended for individuals without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and the new dichotomous classification of very high-risk vs. high-risk has been introduced for patients with ASCVD. These distinct risk stratification systems mainly rely on traditional risk factors, raising the possibility that a single model can predict major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in persons with and without ASCVD. Methods: We studied 11,335 ARIC participants with (n=885) and without (n=10,450) a history of ASCVD (myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and symptomatic peripheral artery disease) at baseline (1996-98). We modeled factors in the PCE and the new classification for ASCVD patients (Figure legend) in a single CVD prediction model. We examined their associations with MACEs (myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure) using Cox models and evaluated the discrimination and calibration for a single model including those factors. Results: During a median follow-up of 18.4 years, there were 3,658 MACEs (3,105 in participants without ASCVD). In general, the factors in the PCE and the risk classification system for ASCVD patients were associated similarly with MACEs regardless of baseline ASCVD status, although age and systolic blood pressure showed significant interactions. A single model with these predictors and the relevant interaction terms showed good calibration and discrimination for those with and without ASCVD (c-statistic=0.729 and 0.704, respectively) (Figure). Conclusion: A single CVD prediction model performed well in persons with and without ASCVD. This approach will provide a specific predicted risk to ASCVD patients (instead of dichotomy of very high vs. high risk) and eliminate a practice gap between primary vs. secondary prevention due to different risk prediction tools.

scholarly journals Characteristics of Three Person-to-Person Transmission Clusters of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome in Southeastern China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingyong Tao ◽  
Ying Liu ◽  
Feng Ling ◽  
Rong Zhang ◽  
Xuguang Shi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Secondary Case ◽  
Southeastern China ◽  
History Of ◽  
Severe Fever ◽  
Very High ◽  
Index Cases

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious disease worldwide. It can be transmitted from person to person, and the fatality rate is very high. During this study, three SFTS clusters including 12 associated cases were identified in three counties in Zhejiang Province from 2018 to 2020. The median age of the three index patients was 70 years, and that of secondary case patients was 59 years. Of note, the mortality rate of the index patients was 100%. The mortality rate of secondary case patients was 11%. The total secondary attack rate (SAR) was 30% (9/30). The SARs of cluster A, cluster B, and cluster C were 38% (3/8), 21% (3/14), and 38% (3/8), respectively. Additionally, the interval from onset to diagnosis was 4 days. The intervals from disease onset to confirmation of the index cases and secondary cases were 7 days and 4 days, respectively. All secondary case patients had a history of close contact with blood or body fluids of the index patients. These results indicate that SFTS patients should not be discharged until recovery. When SFTS patients die, the corpses should be transferred directly from the hospital to the crematorium for cremation by persons wearing proper protective equipment to prevent virus transmission.

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