GENETIC DIVERSITY AND STRUCTURE OF THE WHITE-FRONTED PARROT (AMAZONA ALBIFRONS) IN MEXICO

In this study we assessed the genetic diversity and differentiation, and genealogical relationships in a group of individuals of A. albifrons distributed on the Pacific slope and in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico using mitochondrial DNA markers.Both range regions the species showed a high genetic diversity, suggesting population expansion from a small effective population size. Genealogical relationships revealed the presence of two genetic groups that have gone through different demographic events, one in the Yucatan Peninsula and the other in the Pacific slope. Considering that the individuals of the Yucatan Peninsula formed a genetic group exclusive to the region due to isolation events and a unique evolutionary history, we suggest its recognition as an evolutionarily significant unit (ESU). In addition, considering the presence of unique haplotypes in the localities of Sinaloa and Michoacan, we recommended that conservation plans focus on these regions

USE OF PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS TO IDENTIFY EVOLUTIONARILY SIGNIFICANT UNITS FOR THE ORANGE-FRONTED PARAKEET (EUPSITTULA CANICULARIS) IN MEXICO

In avian conservation biology, the subspecies concept based on reciprocal monophyly has been successfully applied to define priority populations through Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs). In México, the Orange-fronted Parakeet (Eupsittula canicularis) ranks first in illegal parrot trade. Its distribution ranges from southern Sonora to Chiapas on the Pacific slope, with populations representing three subspecies: E. c. canicularis, E. c. eburnirostrum, and E. c. clarae. To identify and propose ESUs to assist in conservation proposals for different populations, we assessed subspecific reciprocal monophyly via phylogenetic analyses and haplotype networks based on the mitochondrial DNA genes cytochrome oxidase I y NADH dehydrogenase 2. Feather and blood samples from specimens collected from nests in 2005 and 2007 were used. A total of five specimens of E. c. eburnirostrum from two localities in the state of Michoacán and four specimens of E. c. clarae from the state of Sinaloa were analyzed and no specimens of E. c. canicularis were included. The analyses included sequences obtained by us and those previously reported for E. aurea, E. cactorum, E. canicularis, E. nana, and E. pertinax. Both the phylogenetic analyses and haplotype networks suggest two groups that correspond to two subspecies of E. canicularis based on morphological and geographical evidence. Therefore these two subspecies are proposed as independent ESUs for conservation purposes

DEMOGRAPHIC HISTORY OF THE ORANGE-FRONTED PARAKEET (EUPSITTULA CANICULARIS) IN MEXICO

Abstract ∙ Molecular analyses can contribute to an understanding of the present and past demography of a species. In this study, we analyzed genetic diversity, intraspecific divergence patterns and historical demography of the Orange-fronted Parakeet (Eupsittula canicularis) using molecular data obtained from biological samples collected on the Pacific slope of México from Sinaloa to Guerrero. In addition, we analyzed the possible effect of Quaternary climatic changes on the population of this species. Based on genetic differentiation, and genealogical relationships analysis, we identified three genetic groups with overlapping geographical distributions on the north coast of Michoacán. Apparently, an ancestral group in the Balsas Basin underwent diversification and range expansion, initially towards the north coast of Michoacán and later northward along the Pacific slope to Sinaloa, and southward to the coast of Guerrero. Our results of skyline plot analysis suggest that a population expansion occurred during the Upper Pleistocene. The present analysis contributes to the knowledge of the phylogeographic pattern of E. canicularis in the tropical dry forest of western México, and identifies the Balsas Basin as an important center of diversification for the species.Resumen ∙ Historia demográfica del Periquito Frente-naranja (Eupsittula canicularis) en México Los análisis moleculares pueden contribuir a la comprensión de la demografía actual e histórica de una especie. En este estudio analizamos la diversidad genética, el patrón de divergencia intraespecífica y la demografía histórica del Periquito Frente-naranja (Eupsittula canicularis) utilizando datos moleculares obtenidos de muestras biológicas colectadas en la vertiente del Pacífico desde Sinaloa hasta Guerrero, México. Además, analizamos el posible efecto de los cambios climáticos del Cuaternario sobre la población de esta especie. Con base en el análisis de diferenciación genética y relaciones genealógicas, identificamos tres grupos genéticos que sobrelapan su distribución geográfica en la costa del norte de Michoacán. Aparentemente, un grupo ancestral con distribución en la Cuenca del Balsas sufrió diversificación y expansión de rango hacia la costa norte de Michoacán y por la vertiente del Pacífico hacia el norte hasta Sinaloa, y hacia el sur hasta la costa de Guerrero. Los resultados de los análisis de “skyline plot” sugieren una expansión de la población que ocurrió durante el Pleistoceno superior. El presente análisis contribuye al conocimiento del patrón filogeográfico de E. canicularis en el bosque tropical seco del oeste de México, e identifica a la cuenca del Balsas como un importante centro de diversificación para la especie

Caracterización de sistemas de producción del guajolote (Meleagris gallopavo gallopavo) de traspatio en las regiones fisiográficas del estado de Michoacán, México

En este trabajo se caracterizaron unidades de producción (UP) de traspatio de guajolote doméstico en las cinco regiones fisiográficas del estado de Michoacán. La meleagricultura de traspatio se lleva a cabo en todas las regiones fisiográficas del estado, con UP promedio de 7.20 a 14.80 aves. La relación hembra/macho es de 1.69 a 3.69 hembras por macho. De acuerdo a la coloración del plumaje, se encontraron las variedades Bronceado, Narrangansett, Palma Real, Negro español, Slate o plateado y Buffy (café o rojo) y otros colores que no se pudieron asignar a las variedades descritas. El peso en adultos mayores de 12 meses fue de 6.70 a 8.90 kg machos y 2.90 a 4.35 kg hembras. Las aves más pesadas se localizaron en las regiones de clima templado. Las hembras anidan 2 a 3 veces por año, produciendo de 12 a 15 huevos por evento con nacimientos de 10 a 12 pavipollos por evento. El 94.3 % de las unidades son no tecnificadas, con incorporación de algunas prácticas de manejo mejorado, como utilización de alimento balanceado en pavipollos hasta los dos meses de edad, poco o nulo esquema de vacunación y sin utilización de variedades "mejoradas", lo que indica que el tipo genético de guajolote es autóctono y es un fondo genético propio

Cloning and characterization of a pectin lyase gene from Colletotrichum lindemuthianum and comparative phylogenetic/structural analyses with genes from phytopathogenic and saprophytic/opportunistic microorganisms

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Microorganisms produce cell-wall-degrading enzymes as part of their strategies for plant invasion/nutrition. Among these, pectin lyases (PNLs) catalyze the depolymerization of esterified pectin by a β-elimination mechanism. PNLs are grouped together with pectate lyases (PL) in Family 1 of the polysaccharide lyases, as they share a conserved structure in a parallel β-helix. The best-characterized fungal pectin lyases are obtained from saprophytic/opportunistic fungi in the genera <it>Aspergillus </it>and <it>Penicillium </it>and from some pathogens such as <it>Colletotrichum gloeosporioides</it>.</p> <p>The organism used in the present study, <it>Colletotrichum lindemuthianum</it>, is a phytopathogenic fungus that can be subdivided into different physiological races with different capacities to infect its host, <it>Phaseolus vulgaris</it>. These include the non-pathogenic and pathogenic strains known as races 0 and 1472, respectively.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Here we report the isolation and sequence analysis of the <it>Clpnl2 </it>gene, which encodes the pectin lyase 2 of <it>C. lindemuthianum</it>, and its expression in pathogenic and non-pathogenic races of <it>C. lindemuthianum </it>grown on different carbon sources. In addition, we performed a phylogenetic analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence of Clpnl2 based on reported sequences of PNLs from other sources and compared the three-dimensional structure of Clpnl2, as predicted by homology modeling, with those of other organisms. Both analyses revealed an early separation of bacterial pectin lyases from those found in fungi and oomycetes. Furthermore, two groups could be distinguished among the enzymes from fungi and oomycetes: one comprising enzymes from mostly saprophytic/opportunistic fungi and the other formed mainly by enzymes from pathogenic fungi and oomycetes. Clpnl2 was found in the latter group and was grouped together with the pectin lyase from <it>C. gloeosporioides</it>.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The <it>Clpnl2 </it>gene of <it>C. lindemuthianum </it>shares the characteristic elements of genes coding for pectin lyases. A time-course analysis revealed significant differences between the two fungal races in terms of the expression of <it>Clpnl2 </it>encoding for pectin lyase 2. According to the results, pectin lyases from bacteria and fungi separated early during evolution. Likewise, the enzymes from fungi and oomycetes diverged in accordance with their differing lifestyles. It is possible that the diversity and nature of the assimilatory carbon substrates processed by these organisms played a determinant role in this phenomenon.</p

Detecting patterns of fertilization and frequency of multiple paternity in Chelonia mydas of Colola (Michoacán, Mexico)

We present a microsatellite analysis that allows an indirect determination of the process of fertilization in the genital tract of Chelonia mydas. The strategy was based in that the order of oviposition is related to fertilization order. Once the genotype of the offspring was obtained through microsatellite analyses, it was possible to determine the frequency of multiple paternity and to infer the presence of anatomical structures or physiological mechanisms that allow females to undergo cryptic choice processes, which allowed us to hypothesize the existence of post-copula factors that determine reproductive success in a polyandrous system. This paper does not show the presence of physiological mechanisms that allow control of fertilization order in polyandrous females of Chelonia mydas

New records of Peters squirrel Sciurus oculatus (Peters 1863) for Michoacán and first molecular genotyping of the species

Capturamos tres ejemplares de la ardilla de Peters (Sciurus oculatus), especie listada en protección especial y endémica del centro de México. Las capturas ocurrieron en fragmentos de bosque de encino del municipio de Huandacareo, Michoacán. Con el registro de esta población se confirma la presencia actual de la especie en el estado, ya que su último registro es de 1986 de un ejemplar colectado en Contepec. La localidad de Huandacareo extiende la distribución conocida de la especie hacia el oeste en 48 km aproximadamente con respecto a su registro más reciente. Al revisar los pocos registros de la especie para el estado, se observó que el registro más occidental de la especie, el de Ziracuaretiro (cerca de Uruapan), no se incluyó en la delimitación de su distribución, por lo que el mapa de distribución conocida debe actualizarse incluyendo todas las localidades, lo que modificaría de forma importante su distribución. Revisando la base de datos de GeneBank, notamos la inexistencia de secuencias de ADN mitocondrial de S. oculatus. En este estudio presentamos las dos primeras secuencias del gen de citocromo b (cytb) provenientes de dos individuos de S. oculatus. Las secuencias fueron comparadas en análisis filogenético con ocho especies del género Sciurus disponibles en GeneBank. En el análisis de las secuencias y árbol de UPGMA que incluyó especies de Norteamérica y de Sudamerica, S. oculatus se agrupó con S. aestuans y S. stramineus de Sudamérica, siendo S. oculatus la especie basal. Es importante que en el futuro se investigue con mayor detalle la relación de la especie en el género Sciurus. Desde la perspectiva de  conservación debe evaluarse su distribución actual en el país. Actualmente se desconoce cuántas poblaciones existen en áreas protegidas de México. La población registrada en Huandacareo parece estar aislada y su hábitat rodeado de agricultura.We captured three individuals of Peter’s squirrel (Sciurus oculatus), species listed under special protection and endemic for central Mexico. The captures occurred on oak forest fragments from Huandacareo municipality, Michoacán. With the record of this population, we confirm the species actual presence for the state, because the last record corresponded to a specimen collected in Contepec in 1986. This locality extends the species known distribution to the west approximately in 48 km from its last known record. When we reviewed the species historical records for the state, we notice that the western-most record of the species, a record from Ziracuaretiro (near to Uruapan), was not included to outline the species global distribution, therefore we consider that the present distributional map should be updated including all the localities, which will modify its distribution considerably. After surveying the GeneBank international database, we noticed that mitocondrial DNA sequences from S. oculatus were inexistent. In this work we presented the first two cytochrome b gene (cytb) sequences from two S. oculatus individuals. The sequences were compared with eight species of the Sciurus genus available in GeneBank. In the sequences analysis and UPGMA tree, which included Sciurus species from NorthAmerica and South America, S. oculatus was clustered with S. aestuans and S. stramineus from South America, resulting S. oculatus the basal species. From the conservation perspective, the species actual presencein the historical localities should be verified. No protected areas in the country are known toinclude Sciurus oculatus populations, and the Huandacareo recorded population seems to be relatively isolated, and its habitat surrounded by agriculture

Albiglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (Harmony Outcomes): a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial

Background: Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists differ in chemical structure, duration of action, and in their effects on clinical outcomes. The cardiovascular effects of once-weekly albiglutide in type 2 diabetes are unknown. We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of albiglutide in preventing cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Methods: We did a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial in 610 sites across 28 countries. We randomly assigned patients aged 40 years and older with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (at a 1:1 ratio) to groups that either received a subcutaneous injection of albiglutide (30–50 mg, based on glycaemic response and tolerability) or of a matched volume of placebo once a week, in addition to their standard care. Investigators used an interactive voice or web response system to obtain treatment assignment, and patients and all study investigators were masked to their treatment allocation. We hypothesised that albiglutide would be non-inferior to placebo for the primary outcome of the first occurrence of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke, which was assessed in the intention-to-treat population. If non-inferiority was confirmed by an upper limit of the 95% CI for a hazard ratio of less than 1·30, closed testing for superiority was prespecified. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02465515. Findings: Patients were screened between July 1, 2015, and Nov 24, 2016. 10 793 patients were screened and 9463 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to groups: 4731 patients were assigned to receive albiglutide and 4732 patients to receive placebo. On Nov 8, 2017, it was determined that 611 primary endpoints and a median follow-up of at least 1·5 years had accrued, and participants returned for a final visit and discontinuation from study treatment; the last patient visit was on March 12, 2018. These 9463 patients, the intention-to-treat population, were evaluated for a median duration of 1·6 years and were assessed for the primary outcome. The primary composite outcome occurred in 338 (7%) of 4731 patients at an incidence rate of 4·6 events per 100 person-years in the albiglutide group and in 428 (9%) of 4732 patients at an incidence rate of 5·9 events per 100 person-years in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·78, 95% CI 0·68–0·90), which indicated that albiglutide was superior to placebo (p&lt;0·0001 for non-inferiority; p=0·0006 for superiority). The incidence of acute pancreatitis (ten patients in the albiglutide group and seven patients in the placebo group), pancreatic cancer (six patients in the albiglutide group and five patients in the placebo group), medullary thyroid carcinoma (zero patients in both groups), and other serious adverse events did not differ between the two groups. There were three (&lt;1%) deaths in the placebo group that were assessed by investigators, who were masked to study drug assignment, to be treatment-related and two (&lt;1%) deaths in the albiglutide group. Interpretation: In patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, albiglutide was superior to placebo with respect to major adverse cardiovascular events. Evidence-based glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists should therefore be considered as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes. Funding: GlaxoSmithKline

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries