Analysis of Polycerate Mutants Reveals the Evolutionary Co-option of HOXD1 for Horn Patterning in Bovidae

In the course of evolution, pecorans (i.e., higher ruminants) developed a remarkable diversity of osseous cranial appendages, collectively referred to as “headgear,” which likely share the same origin and genetic basis. However, the nature and function of the genetic determinants underlying their number and position remain elusive. Jacob and other rare populations of sheep and goats are characterized by polyceraty, the presence of more than two horns. Here, we characterize distinct POLYCERATE alleles in each species, both associated with defective HOXD1 function. We show that haploinsufficiency at this locus results in the splitting of horn bud primordia, likely following the abnormal extension of an initial morphogenetic field. These results highlight the key role played by this gene in headgear patterning and illustrate the evolutionary co-option of a gene involved in the early development of bilateria to properly fix the position and number of these distinctive organs of Bovidae.

Analysis of Polycerate Mutants Reveals the Evolutionary Co-option of HOXD1 to Determine the Number and Topology of Horns in Bovidae

In the course of evolution, pecorans (i.e. higher ruminants) developed a remarkable diversity of osseous cranial appendages, collectively referred to as ‘headgear’, which likely share the same origin and genetic basis. However, the nature and function of the genetic determinants underlying their number and position remain elusive. Jacob and other rare populations of sheep and goats, are characterized by polyceraty, the presence of more than two horns. Here, we characterize distinct POLYCERATE alleles in each species, both associated with defective HOXD1 function. We show that haploinsufficiency at this locus results in the splitting of horn bud primordia, likely following the abnormal extension of an initial morphogenetic field. These results highlight the key role played by this gene in headgear patterning and illustrate the evolutionary co-option of a gene involved in the early development of bilateria to properly fix the position and number of these distinctive organs of Bovidae.

Health Research Using Facebook to Identify and Recruit Pregnant Women Who Use Electronic Cigarettes: Internet-Based Nonrandomized Pilot Study

Background Participant recruitment is often a challenge, particularly enrolling individuals with relatively rare characteristics. The wide reach of social media may provide a mechanism to overcome these challenges. Objective This paper aimed to provide information to researchers who seek to recruit participants from rare populations using social media for studies with demanding protocols. We aimed to describe a pilot study protocol that identified and enrolled pregnant women (second or third trimester) who were exclusive users of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). We have described the recruitment methods, time, and cost; examined advertisement types that were more or less successful; discussed participant retention and relationship management; and described the process of collecting biological data. Methods In an open-access, nonrandomized pilot study, we placed Facebook advertisements that were selectively targeting women who were likely to be pregnant and interested in e-cigarettes or vaping. The advertisements invited individuals to complete a fully automated eligibility screener based on Qualtrics. Eligible participants were asked to (1) complete a Web-based survey that collected detailed information on the use of e-cigarettes, including the exact type of device and electronic liquid, (2) report the frequency and intensity of e-cigarette use for 3 months before pregnancy and during each trimester, and (3) provide a saliva specimen for a nicotine biomarker assay. We collected a photograph of each participant’s e-cigarette device, 8 weeks after the mother’s due date, to allow corroboration of the self-report and the baby’s birth weight and gestational age from the participant’s physician. Results Participants were recruited between August 19 and October 26, 2017. We enrolled 20 participants in 2 months at a cost of US $3421.28. Baseline data were collected for all 20 participants. Of the 20 women enrolled, 16 provided a saliva sample, 4 provided a photo of the e-cigarette device, and 10 provided physician contact information. Of the 10 physicians contacted by mail, 6 responded with information on the participants and their babies. Conclusions Study findings suggest that Facebook’s targeting criteria should focus on e-cigarette users to maximize advertisement exposure of potentially eligible women. In addition, saliva sample collection was feasible among pregnant women (second or third trimester) who were exclusive e-cigarette users, but obtaining photographs and physician reports was problematic and called for further refinement. These lessons are likely useful to others who are seeking to use social media to recruit participants from rare populations into studies with demanding protocols.

Health Research Using Facebook to Identify and Recruit Pregnant Women Who Use Electronic Cigarettes: Internet-Based Nonrandomized Pilot Study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Participant recruitment is often a challenge, particularly enrolling individuals with relatively rare characteristics. The wide reach of social media may provide a mechanism to overcome these challenges. OBJECTIVE This paper aimed to provide information to researchers who seek to recruit participants from rare populations using social media for studies with demanding protocols. We aimed to describe a pilot study protocol that identified and enrolled pregnant women (second or third trimester) who were exclusive users of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). We have described the recruitment methods, time, and cost; examined advertisement types that were more or less successful; discussed participant retention and relationship management; and described the process of collecting biological data. METHODS In an open-access, nonrandomized pilot study, we placed Facebook advertisements that were selectively targeting women who were likely to be pregnant and interested in e-cigarettes or vaping. The advertisements invited individuals to complete a fully automated eligibility screener based on Qualtrics. Eligible participants were asked to (1) complete a Web-based survey that collected detailed information on the use of e-cigarettes, including the exact type of device and electronic liquid, (2) report the frequency and intensity of e-cigarette use for 3 months before pregnancy and during each trimester, and (3) provide a saliva specimen for a nicotine biomarker assay. We collected a photograph of each participant’s e-cigarette device, 8 weeks after the mother’s due date, to allow corroboration of the self-report and the baby’s birth weight and gestational age from the participant’s physician. RESULTS Participants were recruited between August 19 and October 26, 2017. We enrolled 20 participants in 2 months at a cost of US $3421.28. Baseline data were collected for all 20 participants. Of the 20 women enrolled, 16 provided a saliva sample, 4 provided a photo of the e-cigarette device, and 10 provided physician contact information. Of the 10 physicians contacted by mail, 6 responded with information on the participants and their babies. CONCLUSIONS Study findings suggest that Facebook’s targeting criteria should focus on e-cigarette users to maximize advertisement exposure of potentially eligible women. In addition, saliva sample collection was feasible among pregnant women (second or third trimester) who were exclusive e-cigarette users, but obtaining photographs and physician reports was problematic and called for further refinement. These lessons are likely useful to others who are seeking to use social media to recruit participants from rare populations into studies with demanding protocols. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/12444

Decreased populations of Scutellaria discolor and Plectranthus galeatus (Lamiaceae) on Mount Gede, West Java, Indonesian and its surrounding

Sudarmono. 2018. Decreased populations of Scutellaria discolor and Plectranthus galeatus (Lamiaceae) on Mount Gede, West Java, Indonesian and its surrounding. Biodiversitas 19: 1866-1870. Scutellaria discolor Colebr. and Plectranthus galeatus Vahl. are herbs belonging to mint family (Lamiaceae) which have the potential to be used for medicinal purposes. However, their population is gradually declining. The population of the two species are now only found in the mountains or highlands or the edges of the forests that are still protected, i.e. Mount Gede and Telaga Warna protected forest. This research aimed to know the condition of parent and seedling population of Scutellaria discolor Colebr and Plectranthus galeatus Vahl. on Mount Gede and Telaga Warna vicinities, West Java Province, Indonesia. The research method used was parallel transect lines. Association of the existing plants in the vicinity of the area were also observed. In Mount Gede at altitudes about 1200 m above sea level there are 203 seedlings and 167 parents of S. discolor species, while there are 69 seedlings and 11 parents of P. galeatus. This is higher than the populations of 1100 m altitude, i.e. there are 76 seedlings and 45 parents of S. discolor and 12 seedlings and 9 parents of P galeatus. In Telaga Warna, S. discolor exist only at altitudes about 1500 m asl., i.e.. 47 seedlings and 52 parents. While for P. galeatus, there are 37 seedlings and 31 parents at altitudes about 1500 m. At altitude below 1400 m, there are 18 seedlings and 8 parents, this is very rare. Populations of S. discolor and P. galeatus in Mount Gede at an altitude between 1100-1300 m asl is a balance between the seedlings and its parent population which is the same for seedling populations of S. discolor in Telaga Warna at an altitude of 1400-1500 m asl, but for P. galeatus seedling number decreases from an altitude of 1400 to 1500 m asl.