Expressed sequence tags from Atta laevigata and identification of candidate genes for the control of pest leaf-cutting ants

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Leafcutters are the highest evolved within Neotropical ants in the tribe Attini and model systems for studying caste formation, labor division and symbiosis with microorganisms. Some species of leafcutters are agricultural pests controlled by chemicals which affect other animals and accumulate in the environment. Aiming to provide genetic basis for the study of leafcutters and for the development of more specific and environmentally friendly methods for the control of pest leafcutters, we generated expressed sequence tag data from <it>Atta laevigata</it>, one of the pest ants with broad geographic distribution in South America.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The analysis of the expressed sequence tags allowed us to characterize 2,006 unique sequences in <it>Atta laevigata</it>. Sixteen of these genes had a high number of transcripts and are likely positively selected for high level of gene expression, being responsible for three basic biological functions: energy conservation through redox reactions in mitochondria; cytoskeleton and muscle structuring; regulation of gene expression and metabolism. Based on leafcutters lifestyle and reports of genes involved in key processes of other social insects, we identified 146 sequences potential targets for controlling pest leafcutters. The targets are responsible for antixenobiosis, development and longevity, immunity, resistance to pathogens, pheromone function, cell signaling, behavior, polysaccharide metabolism and arginine kynase activity.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The generation and analysis of expressed sequence tags from <it>Atta laevigata </it>have provided important genetic basis for future studies on the biology of leaf-cutting ants and may contribute to the development of a more specific and environmentally friendly method for the control of agricultural pest leafcutters.</p

Association between multimorbidity and postoperative mortality in patients undergoing major surgery: a prospective study in 29 countries across Europe

BackgroundMultimorbidity poses a global challenge to healthcare delivery. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of multimorbidity, common disease combinations and outcomes in a contemporary cohort of patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.MethodsThis was a pre-planned analysis of a prospective, multicentre, international study investigating cardiovascular complications after major abdominal surgery conducted in 446 hospitals in 29 countries across Europe. The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative mortality. The secondary outcome measure was the incidence of complications within 30 days of surgery.ResultsOf 24,227 patients, 7006 (28.9%) had one long-term condition and 10,486 (43.9%) had multimorbidity (two or more long-term health conditions). The most common conditions were primary cancer (39.6%); hypertension (37.9%); chronic kidney disease (17.4%); and diabetes (15.4%). Patients with multimorbidity had a higher incidence of frailty compared with patients &lt;= 1 long-term health condition. Mortality was higher in patients with one long-term health condition (adjusted odds ratio 1.93 (95%CI 1.16-3.23)) and multimorbidity (adjusted odds ratio 2.22 (95%CI 1.35-3.64)). Frailty and ASA physical status 3-5 mediated an estimated 31.7% of the 30-day mortality in patients with one long-term health condition (adjusted odds ratio 1.30 (95%CI 1.12-1.51)) and an estimated 36.9% of the 30-day mortality in patients with multimorbidity (adjusted odds ratio 1.61 (95%CI 1.36-1.91)). There was no improvement in 30-day mortality in patients with multimorbidity who received pre-operative medical assessment.ConclusionsMultimorbidity is common and outcomes are poor among surgical patients across Europe. Addressing multimorbidity in elective and emergency patients requires innovative strategies to account for frailty and disease control. The development of such strategies, that integrate care targeting whole surgical pathways to strengthen current systems, is urgently needed for multimorbid patients. Interventional trials are warranted to determine the effectiveness of targeted management for surgical patients with multimorbidity

NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics

Xenarthrans – anteaters, sloths, and armadillos – have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with 24 domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, ten anteaters, and six sloths. Our dataset includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data-paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the south of the USA, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to its austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n=5,941), and Cyclopes sp. has the fewest (n=240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n=11,588), and the least recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n=33). With regards to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n=962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n=12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other datasets of Neotropical Series which will become available very soon (i.e. Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans dataset

VALIDATION OF SATELLITE PRECIPITATION (TRMM 3B43) IN ECUADORIAN COASTAL PLAINS, ANDEAN HIGHLANDS AND AMAZONIAN RAINFOREST

Abstract. Precipitation monitoring is of utmost importance for water resource management. However, in regions of complex terrain such as Ecuador, the high spatio-temporal precipitation variability and the scarcity of rain gauges, make difficult to obtain accurate estimations of precipitation. Remotely sensed estimated precipitation, such as the Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis TRMM, can cope with this problem after a validation process, which must be representative in space and time. In this work we validate monthly estimates from TRMM 3B43 satellite precipitation (0.25° x 0.25° resolution), by using ground data from 14 rain gauges in Ecuador. The stations are located in the 3 most differentiated regions of the country: the Pacific coastal plains, the Andean highlands, and the Amazon rainforest. Time series, between 1998 – 2010, of imagery and rain gauges were compared using statistical error metrics such as bias, root mean square error, and Pearson correlation; and with detection indexes such as probability of detection, equitable threat score, false alarm rate and frequency bias index. The results showed that precipitation seasonality is well represented and TRMM 3B43 acceptably estimates the monthly precipitation in the three regions of the country. According to both, statistical error metrics and detection indexes, the coastal and Amazon regions are better estimated quantitatively than the Andean highlands. Additionally, it was found that there are better estimations for light precipitation rates. The present validation of TRMM 3B43 provides important results to support further studies on calibration and bias correction of precipitation in ungagged watershed basins. </jats:p

SPATIAL ASSOCIATION TO CHARACTERIZE THE CLIMATE TELECONNECTION PATTERNS IN ECUADOR BASED ON SATELLITE PRECIPITATION ESTIMATES

Abstract. Climate teleconnections show remote and large-scale relationships between distant points on Earth. Their relations to precipitation are important to monitor and anticipate the anomalies that they can produce in the local climate, such as flood and drought events impacting agriculture, health, and hydropower generation. Climate teleconnections in relation to precipitation have been widely studied. Nevertheless, the spatial association of the teleconnection patterns (i.e. the spatial delineation of regions with teleconnections) has been unattended. Such spatial association allows to characterize how stable (heterogeneity/dependent and statistically significant) is the underlying spatial phenomena for a given pattern. Thus our objective was to characterize the spatial association of climate teleconnection patterns related to precipitation using an exploratory spatial data analysis approach. Global and local indicators of spatial association (Moran’s I and LISA) were used to detect spatial patterns of teleconnections based on TRMM satellite images and climate indices. Moran’s I depicted high positive spatial association for different climate indices, and LISA depicted two types of teleconnections patterns. The homogenous patterns were localized in the Coast and Amazonian regions, meanwhile the disperse patterns had a major presence in the Highlands. The results also showed some areas that, although with moderate to high teleconnection influences, had a random spatial patterns (i.e. non-significant spatial association). Other areas showed both teleconnections and significant spatial association, but with dispersed patterns. This pointed out the need to explore the local underlying features (topography, orientation, wind and micro-climates) that restrict (non-significant spatial association) or reaffirm (disperse patterns) the teleconnection patterns. </jats:p

VALIDATION OF SATELLITE PRECIPITATION (TRMM 3B43) IN ECUADORIAN COASTAL PLAINS, ANDEAN HIGHLANDS AND AMAZONIAN RAINFOREST

Precipitation monitoring is of utmost importance for water resource management. However, in regions of complex terrain such as Ecuador, the high spatio-temporal precipitation variability and the scarcity of rain gauges, make difficult to obtain accurate estimations of precipitation. Remotely sensed estimated precipitation, such as the Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis TRMM, can cope with this problem after a validation process, which must be representative in space and time. In this work we validate monthly estimates from TRMM 3B43 satellite precipitation (0.25° x 0.25° resolution), by using ground data from 14 rain gauges in Ecuador. The stations are located in the 3 most differentiated regions of the country: the Pacific coastal plains, the Andean highlands, and the Amazon rainforest. Time series, between 1998 – 2010, of imagery and rain gauges were compared using statistical error metrics such as bias, root mean square error, and Pearson correlation; and with detection indexes such as probability of detection, equitable threat score, false alarm rate and frequency bias index. The results showed that precipitation seasonality is well represented and TRMM 3B43 acceptably estimates the monthly precipitation in the three regions of the country. According to both, statistical error metrics and detection indexes, the coastal and Amazon regions are better estimated quantitatively than the Andean highlands. Additionally, it was found that there are better estimations for light precipitation rates. The present validation of TRMM 3B43 provides important results to support further studies on calibration and bias correction of precipitation in ungagged watershed basins

Management of invasive Pinaceae is imperiled by the lack of invasive ungulate control: successful restoration requires multiple-species management

The magnitude and direction of an invasive species’ impact may be determined by its co-existence and interaction with other species. In Argentina, wild boar, red deer, and fallow deer are introduced mammals that have important negative impacts on ecosystems. In Patagonia, nonnative Pinaceae removal programs have been promoted since the 1980s to control exotic conifers and restore native vegetation. The consequences of removing exotic trees without continued management intervention may be unexpected due novel interactions between nonnative species. We evaluate habitat use of introduced ungulates, interactions with native and exotic plants, and their implications for restoration objectives in areas where pines have been removed. Exotic plant species richness and abundance was greater in clear-cuts than native forest or pine plantations. In contrast, richness and abundance of native plants was highest in native forests. Clear-cuts had the highest plant species diversity, primarily driven by high numbers of exotics, relative to native forests. Boar and deer were recorded in clear-cuts, native forests, and pine plantations, but deer were more frequently observed in clear-cuts. Removal of pines created a suitable habitat for deer. The herbivory pressure of deer, coupled with the presence and abundance of invasive plants, can prevent or hinder the establishment and development of native shrubs and trees that are required for the structure and function of the native ecosystem. Although the conditions in clear-cuts present complex challenges for natural regeneration, these sites could be an excellent opportunity for active restoration strategies, by excluding ungulates and controlling exotic plants to promote native species recovery.Fil: Ballari, Sebastián A.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Ministerio de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sustentable. Administración de Parques Nacionales. Parque Nacional "Nahuel Huapi". Departamento Conservación y Educación Ambiental; ArgentinaFil: Hendrix, Brece D.. Northern Arizona University; Estados UnidosFil: Sample, Martha. Northern Arizona University; Estados UnidosFil: Nuñez, Martin Andres. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universidad Bariloche. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; Argentin