Review
Genetics & Heredity
Gisela H. Kopp, Riashna Sithaldeen, Franziska Trede, Franziska Grathwol, Christian Roos, Dietmar Zinner
Summary: Baboons (genus Papio) are a fascinating subject for studying complex evolutionary processes and social system evolution. Recent studies have revealed significant discrepancies among phylogenies of modern baboons based on morphology, mitochondrial, and nuclear sequence data, suggesting that hybridization and introgression have played a key role in shaping these patterns. This makes baboons an excellent model for investigating such phenomena and their impact on speciation. Advances in geographic and genomic coverage have provided valuable insights into the phylogeography of baboons. In this review, we compile georeferenced genetic data, discuss the current understanding of baboon phylogeny, explore the evolutionary processes that have likely contributed to the observed patterns, and propose future research directions.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Felipe de Souza Cruz Nobrega, Luciano Neves dos Santos, Ana Clara Sampaio Franco, Fabiano Salgueiro
Summary: Our study confirmed hybridization between two invasive cichlids in a Neotropical reservoir, with most hybrids carrying the CR haplotype of one species. The presence of high genetic diversity in the nuclear microsatellite loci suggests an increase in local adaptability and establishment success in novel areas. The intermediate color patterns of most hybrids highlight the usefulness of these traits as visual tools for the identification of ongoing hybridization between these invasive species.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tomasz S. S. Gaczorek, Marzena Marszalek, Katarzyna Dudek, Jan W. W. Arntzen, Ben Wielstra, Wieslaw Babik
Summary: This study provides evidence for the prevalence of MHC gene introgression across multiple Triturus hybrid zones, indicating that MHC introgression between divergent hybridizing species may be widespread and adaptive.
Article
Geology
Margarita McInnis, Nicholas Pinter
Summary: The study reveals the existence of marine terraces on Santa Catalina Island, resolving previous debates. The terrace deposits on the island closely resemble older terrace deposits on other California Channel Islands, documenting the uplift history of the islands.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Peter J. Edmunds, Jessica Clayton
Summary: Marine fouling communities are model systems for studying community development, and settlement plates are commonly used for this purpose. Annual deployments of settlement plates from 2010 to 2021 in southern California revealed differences in community composition among years, with varying trends in abundance of different functional groups and taxa. Increases in seawater temperature may cause changes in fouling communities, particularly in the abundance of encrusting taxa.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Leonardo Platania, Jesus Gomez-Zurita
Summary: This article revises the New Caledonian endemic genus Taophila, adding 11 new species and discovering evidence of mtDNA introgression between species. The findings provide insights into the evolution and hybridization of these species.
INSECT SYSTEMATICS & EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pierre Nouhaud, Simon H. Martin, Beatriz Portinha, Vitor C. Sousa, Jonna Kulmuni
Summary: Our study demonstrates predictable evolution over short timescales after admixture in 3 hybrid ant populations, where selection leads to correlated sorting of genetic variation and haplotypes with positive selection signatures are more likely to fix in hybrids.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mahendra Mariadassou, Marie Suez, Sanbadam Sathyakumar, Alain Vignal, Mariangela Arca, Pierre Nicolas, Thomas Faraut, Diane Esquerre, Masahide Nishibori, Agathe Vieaud, Chih-Feng Chen, Hung Manh Pham, Yannick Roman, Frederic Hospital, Tatiana Zerjal, Xavier Rognon, Michele Tixier-Boichard
Summary: The study used whole genome sequencing to reconstruct the history of the four species in the Gallus genus, revealing discrepancies in phylogeny reconstruction methods and genomic components. It suggested G. gallus may be the earliest lineage instead of G. varius. The importance of carefully selecting and validating samples in phylogenomics was emphasized.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Deyan Ge, Zhixin Wen, Anderson Feijo, Andrey Lissovsky, Wei Zhang, Jilong Cheng, Chaochao Yan, Huishang She, Dezhi Zhang, Yalin Cheng, Liang Lu, Xinlai Wu, Danping Mu, Yubo Zhang, Lin Xia, Yanhua Qu, Alfried P. Vogler, Qisen Yang
Summary: Climate-sensitive pikas in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and its vicinity have experienced population reduction due to climate changes and human disturbance, while the plateau pika remains common. By sequencing the whole genomes of six closely related species, we found evidence of ancient introgression, lineage replacement, and bidirectional introgression. The strongest gene flow occurred from the dominant plateau pika to ecologically distinct species in peripheral areas. Our findings highlight the differences in hybridization consequences and the unique role of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in conserving evolutionary processes.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Simon H. Martin, William Amos
Summary: New introgression typically results in a peak in D-FS among low-frequency derived alleles, while violation of model assumptions can lead to a lack of signal at low frequencies.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Brian Morton, S. F. Leung, K. F. Leung
Summary: This paper describes the biology and functional morphology of Meretrix cf. meretrix in Tong Fuk Miu Wan and Shui Hau Wan beaches on the southern coast of Lantau Island, Hong Kong. Differences in physical form and hydrodynamics of the beaches result in different habitats for the bivalve species. Overexploitation by local residents and tourists has led to the population of Meretrix cf. meretrix nearing extinction, highlighting the ecological importance of the species. The study suggests designating the beaches as a marine park to ensure the survival of this threatened species in Hong Kong.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Ursula Panzner, Jerome Boissier
Summary: Schistosomiasis is caused by dioecious, digenean schistosomes affecting humans in 76 countries. The prevention of this disease involves multiple measures, including vaccination with candidates like Sm14, Sm-TSP-2/Sm-TSP-2Al(R), Smp80/SchistoShield(R), and Sh28GST/Bilhvax(R). Hybridization of schistosome species leads to genetic diversity and potential extinction, impacting control and prevention efforts. Phylogenetic distance between species plays a key role in hybridization, with closer species more likely to hybridize. Research on human schistosomal hybrids highlights the need for comprehensive control and prevention strategies, including vaccination programs.
Article
Plant Sciences
Kenji Suetsugu, Shun K. Hirota, Takuto Shitara, Kenya Ishida, Narumi Nakato, Hiroshi Hayakawa, Yoshihisa Suyama
Summary: Oceanic islands provide valuable opportunities for studying evolution. The absence of bumblebee species on the Izu Islands has had an impact on the evolution of Goodyera henryi and Goodyera similis, leading to the proliferation of hybrids on Kozu Island.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Benjamin W. Stone, Andrea D. Wolfe
Summary: Quaternary glacial cycles altered species' geographic distributions and genetic diversity structures. Contrary to expectations, most Penstemon subgenus Dasanthera species did not contract their ranges to small refugia during the Last Glacial Maximum, with evidence of substantial gene exchange events near the Klamath Mountains. Phylogenetic inference in the Klamath Mountains revealed blurred taxonomic boundaries due to prevalent introgression events.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Danielle Rivera, Ivan Prates, Thomas J. Firneno, Miguel Trefaut Rodrigues, Janalee P. Caldwell, Matthew K. Fujita
Summary: Genetic introgression has varied effects on species boundaries and integrity over evolutionary time. By analyzing genomic data of true toads, it was found that there are multiple evolutionary lineages with distinct genetic clusters and evidence of cryptic diversity within taxa. The results also suggest extensive historical gene flow and allele sharing across species boundaries in the evolutionary history of Rhinella.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
P. Flores-Ahlschwede, S. K. Kahn, S. Ahlschwede, A. I. Bordin, N. D. Cohen
Summary: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of transfusing 2 L and 1 L of REHIP to foals in reducing the incidence of pneumonia attributed to Rhodococcus equi. The results suggest that transfusing 2 L of REHIP may be more effective in reducing the risk of pneumonia, but the study is limited by its observational design and presumptive diagnosis methods.
EQUINE VETERINARY EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Aja B. Harvey, Angela I. Bordin, Joana N. Rocha, Jocelyn M. Bray, Noah D. Cohen
Summary: The study found that opsonizing Rhodococcus equi with either equine hyperimmune plasma (HIP) or normal plasma (NP) can increase phagocytosis by alveolar macrophages and decrease the intracellular survival of the organisms. However, opsonizing Rhodococcus equi did not appear to have an enhanced effect when using HIP over NP. Other mechanisms aside from effects on alveolar macrophages may explain the clinical benefits of using HIP to decrease the incidence of Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in foals.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Shelby B. Gasson, Lauren K. Dobson, Lyndah Chow, Steven Dow, Carl A. Gregory, William Brian Saunders
Summary: The study explores the effects of dexamethasone and BMP-2 on early- and late-stage osteogenesis of different sources of cMSCs, providing insights into enhancing osteogenesis of autologous cMSC preparations and revealing unique responses of iPS-derived cMSCs to the two substances.
STEM CELLS AND DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Angela Bordin, Laura Huber, Macarena G. Sanz, Noah D. Cohen
Summary: This narrative review summarizes recent developments in the epidemiology, immune responses, treatment, and prevention of rhodococcal pneumonia in foals. Screening tests have been used for early detection and treatment, macrolide antimicrobials in combination with rifampin are recommended for treatment, and passive immunisation is the only available method to reduce incidence.
EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Katherine M. Hornick, Louis Plough
Summary: This study highlights the importance of understanding genetic variation within and among natural populations for conservation and restoration efforts. The research demonstrated the significant impact of hatchery practices on genetic diversity and the role of environmental factors in shaping genetic variation in marine invertebrates. The findings contribute valuable insights for the management of fisheries resources and emphasize the need for careful consideration of genetic diversity in restoration initiatives.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Ellen Ruth A. Morris, Jing Wu, Angela Bordin, Sara D. Lawhon, Noah D. Cohen
Summary: This study characterized the genomic and methylomic differences of multiple SEE and SEZ isolates from Texas. The results showed that genetic mobile elements in SEE and differential methylation of shared genes between SEE and SEZ might contribute to the host specificity of SEE.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Noah D. Cohen, Susanne K. Kahn, Angela Bordin, Giana M. Gonzales, Bibiana Petri da Silveira, Jocelyne M. Bray, Rebecca M. Legere, Sophia C. Ramirez-Cortez
Summary: The fecal concentration of virulent Rhodococcus equi before infection is positively associated with protection against pneumonia in foals.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Noah D. Cohen, Patricia Flores-Ahlschewde, Giana M. Gonzales, Susanne K. Kahn, Bibiana Petri da Silveira, Jocelyne M. Bray, Emily E. King, Caroline C. Blair, Angela Bordin
Summary: This study evaluated the accuracy of qPCR using rectal swab samples to differentiate foals with pneumonia from healthy foals of similar age in the same environment. The results showed that although the concentration of virulent R.equi in feces is significantly higher in pneumonic foals, the qPCR method lacks sufficient diagnostic accuracy for clinical use.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biology
Dennis Hedgecock
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Susanne K. Kahn, Noah D. Cohen, Angela Bordin, Michelle C. Coleman, James C. Heird, Thomas H. Welsh
Summary: Rhodococcus equi bacterium causes prevalent pneumonia in foals worldwide. Transfusion of hyperimmune plasma from donor horses is widely used to reduce the incidence of pneumonia, but the effectiveness and risks are still uncertain.
EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
W. B. Saunders, L. M. Dejardin, E. V. Soltys-Niemann, C. N. Kaulfus, B. M. Eichelberger, L. K. Dobson, B. R. Weeks, S. C. Kerwin, C. A. Gregory
Summary: This study aimed to refine a canine critical-sized femoral defect model, reduce animal numbers by performing imaging, biomechanics, and histology on the same cohort of dogs. The results showed that the angle-stable interlocking nail provided appropriate fixation, and the autograft group achieved radiographic union by 12 weeks while the negative control group experienced non-union.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Leslie Easterwood, Noah D. Cohen
Summary: Evaluating horse body temperature is crucial for monitoring their health and biosecurity. Although rectal thermometry is commonly used, it has safety concerns. This study compared a non-contact infrared thermometer and a rectal digital thermometer, and found that while the non-contact infrared thermometer showed good reliability, it had a large and inconsistent negative bias compared to the rectal thermometer in healthy horses. Therefore, these devices are not suitable substitutes for rectal thermometry in obtaining accurate core body temperature estimates in horses.
JOURNAL OF EQUINE VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Kari E. E. Bevevino, Noah D. D. Cohen, Sonya G. G. Gordon, Cristobal Navas de Solis
Summary: A POCUS protocol for cardiorespiratory assessment in horses was successfully conducted using a pocket-sized ultrasound device, which was proven to be effective and capable of detecting abnormalities in different groups of horses. Further evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy and utility of the CRASH protocol is warranted.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Bo A. Brock, Hunter R. Greer, Clifford M. Honnas, Brad E. Gilleland, Myra F. Barrett, James N. Moore, Noah Cohen
Summary: The study of "Core Osteostixis Combined with Navicular Bursoscopy Improves Lameness in Horses with Osseous Cyst-Like Lesions: A Case Series" suggests that core osteostixis combined with navicular bursoscopy can improve lameness in horses with osseous cyst-like lesions.
VETERINARY MEDICINE-RESEARCH AND REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Melissa A. MacIver, Lauren K. Dobson, Carl A. Gregory, Ken Muneoka, W. Brian Saunders
Summary: The 3D, serum-free, Collagen Type-I system developed in this study has proven to be useful for assessing chondrogenesis of canine MSCs (cMSCs). The presence of dexamethasone and transforming growth factor-beta 3 (TGF-beta 3) in combination with bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) leads to larger chondrogenic constructs and histologic characteristics of chondrocytes. The chondrogenic medium containing dexamethasone, TGF-beta 3, BMP-2, and bFGF promotes the generation of chondrocytes and increases glycosaminoglycan content.