Instability of natural selection at candidate barrier loci underlying speciation in wood ants

doi: 10.1111/mec.15606Speciation underlies the generation of novel biodiversity. Yet, there is much to learn about how natural selection shapes genomes during speciation. Selection is assumed to act against gene flow at barrier loci, promoting reproductive isolation. However, evidence for gene flow and selection is often indirect and we know very little about the temporal stability of barrier loci. Here we utilize haplodiploidy to identify candidate male barrier loci in hybrids between two wood ant species. As ant males are haploid, they are expected to reveal recessive barrier loci, which can be masked in diploid females if heterozygous. We then test for barrier stability in a sample collected 10 years later and use survival analysis to provide a direct measure of natural selection acting on candidate male barrier loci. We find multiple candidate male barrier loci scattered throughout the genome. Surprisingly, a proportion of them are not stable after 10 years, natural selection apparently switching from acting against to favouring introgression in the later sample. Instability of the barrier effect and natural selection for introgressed alleles could be due to environment-dependent selection, emphasizing the need to consider temporal variation in the strength of natural selection and the stability of the barrier effect at putative barrier loci in future speciation work.Peer reviewe

Label-Free Proteomics Approach Characterizes Plasma Protein Signature of Donor Brain Death

Purpose Despite recent advances in donation after circulatory death, transplants from brain-dead donors remain the sole source in heart transplantation (HTx) worldwide. Due to organ shortage, marginal donors are increasingly used and the utilization of transplants becomes markedly more challenging. They undergo invariably brain death that induces a systemic cytokine and catecholamine storm that lead to systemic inflammation, labile hemodynamics, and organ hypoperfusion. Together, these can damage the heart and aggravate later occurring graft injury, and ultimately, compromise graft function. However, the effect of donor brain death on allografts is not well understood. Methods In a separate prospective, blinded single-center trial, we collected donor plasma samples and relevant clinical patient data from 50 HTx brain-dead donors and as controls plasma samples from age- and gender-matched 23 healthy volunteers. Quantitative label-free proteomics in high definition MSE mode (HDMSE) was carried out on the samples. Various statistical analyses were performed on quantitative proteomics data to obtain the most reliably distinguishing proteins, which classify the donors vs controls. Results With two or more unique proteins per identification, 463 proteins were quantified in our pilot study. A complete separation between donors and controls based on a set of 278 proteins (p-valuePeer reviewe

Effect of Donor Simvastatin Treatment on Gene Expression Profiles in Human Cardiac Allografts during Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Purpose Numerous studies have shown that statin therapy initiated early after heart transplantation has beneficial effects on the development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy. Recently, we were able to show in a randomized clinical trial that simvastatin treatment of brain-dead donors conditions the heart transplant to withstand ischemia-reperfusion injury and to reduce the need for rejection treatments early after transplantation. In this study, we analyzed myocardial gene expression profiles in cardiac allografts after donor simvastatin treatment. Methods 84 heart transplant donors received 80 mg of simvastatin via nasogastric tube (n=42), or no treatment (n=42) in a prospective, double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Transmural Tru-Cut biopsies were taken from the apex of left ventricle of the donor heart immediately before reperfusion and 1 hour after reperfusion. 20 heart biopsies from donors without treatment and 20 heart biopsies from donors with simvastatin treatment will be analyzed with RNA sequencing. Results The preliminary analysis of RNA sequencing data from myocardial biopsies revealed altogether 137 significantly differentially expressed genes in all pairwise comparisons. The overall biological functions of these genes were related to gene ontology terms such as response to toxic substance, leukocyte migration, neutrophil mediated immunity, response to lipopolysaccharide, and response to oxidative stress. At the KEGG pathway level, our results indicated alterations in IL-17, TNF, MAPK and the AGE-RAGE signaling pathways. Conclusion We have shown in previous studies that donor simvastatin treatment induces protective effects against IRI in heart transplant recipients. In this study, we were able to detect significantly differentially expressed genes related to effects of simvastatin treatment. In order to single out genes that show beneficial effects of simvastatin treatment, further analysis will be conducted by exploring gene expression changes in specific biological functional categories, such as interleukin signaling and neutrophil degranulation. The complete analysis will be presented at the ISHLT 2019 congress.Peer reviewe

Changes in gene DNA methylation and expression networks accompany caste specialization and age-related physiological changes in a social insect

Social insects provide systems for studying epigenetic regulation of phenotypes, particularly with respect to differentiation of reproductive and worker castes, which typically arise from a common genetic background. The role of gene expression in caste specialization has been extensively studied, but the role of DNA methylation remains controversial. Here, we perform well replicated, integrated analyses of DNA methylation and gene expression in brains of an ant (Formica exsecta) with distinct female castes using traditional approaches (tests of differential methylation) combined with a novel approach (analysis of co-expression and co-methylation networks). We found differences in expression and methylation profiles between workers and queens at different life stages, as well as some overlap between DNA methylation and expression at the functional level. Large portions of the transcriptome and methylome are organized into "modules" of genes, some significantly associated with phenotypic traits of castes and developmental stages. Several gene co-expression modules are preserved in co-methylation networks, consistent with possible regulation of caste-specific gene expression by DNA methylation. Surprisingly, brain co-expression modules were highly preserved when compared with a previous study that examined whole-body co-expression patterns in 16 ant species, suggesting that these modules are evolutionarily conserved and for specific functions in various tissues. Altogether, these results suggest that DNA methylation participates in regulation of caste specialization and age-related physiological changes in social insects.Peer reviewe

Effects of rare kidney diseases on kidney failure: a longitudinal analysis of the UK National Registry of Rare Kidney Diseases (RaDaR) cohort

\ua9 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 licenseBackground: Individuals with rare kidney diseases account for 5–10% of people with chronic kidney disease, but constitute more than 25% of patients receiving kidney replacement therapy. The National Registry of Rare Kidney Diseases (RaDaR) gathers longitudinal data from patients with these conditions, which we used to study disease progression and outcomes of death and kidney failure. Methods: People aged 0–96 years living with 28 types of rare kidney diseases were recruited from 108 UK renal care facilities. The primary outcomes were cumulative incidence of mortality and kidney failure in individuals with rare kidney diseases, which were calculated and compared with that of unselected patients with chronic kidney disease. Cumulative incidence and Kaplan–Meier survival estimates were calculated for the following outcomes: median age at kidney failure; median age at death; time from start of dialysis to death; and time from diagnosis to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) thresholds, allowing calculation of time from last eGFR of 75 mL/min per 1\ub773 m2 or more to first eGFR of less than 30 mL/min per 1\ub773 m2 (the therapeutic trial window). Findings: Between Jan 18, 2010, and July 25, 2022, 27 285 participants were recruited to RaDaR. Median follow-up time from diagnosis was 9\ub76 years (IQR 5\ub79–16\ub77). RaDaR participants had significantly higher 5-year cumulative incidence of kidney failure than 2\ub781 million UK patients with all-cause chronic kidney disease (28% vs 1%; p<0\ub70001), but better survival rates (standardised mortality ratio 0\ub742 [95% CI 0\ub732–0\ub752]; p<0\ub70001). Median age at kidney failure, median age at death, time from start of dialysis to death, time from diagnosis to eGFR thresholds, and therapeutic trial window all varied substantially between rare diseases. Interpretation: Patients with rare kidney diseases differ from the general population of individuals with chronic kidney disease: they have higher 5-year rates of kidney failure but higher survival than other patients with chronic kidney disease stages 3–5, and so are over-represented in the cohort of patients requiring kidney replacement therapy. Addressing unmet therapeutic need for patients with rare kidney diseases could have a large beneficial effect on long-term kidney replacement therapy demand. Funding: RaDaR is funded by the Medical Research Council, Kidney Research UK, Kidney Care UK, and the Polycystic Kidney Disease Charity

Effects of rare kidney diseases on kidney failure: a longitudinal analysis of the UK National Registry of Rare Kidney Diseases (RaDaR) cohort

Background Individuals with rare kidney diseases account for 5–10% of people with chronic kidney disease, but constitute more than 25% of patients receiving kidney replacement therapy. The National Registry of Rare Kidney Diseases (RaDaR) gathers longitudinal data from patients with these conditions, which we used to study disease progression and outcomes of death and kidney failure. Methods People aged 0–96 years living with 28 types of rare kidney diseases were recruited from 108 UK renal care facilities. The primary outcomes were cumulative incidence of mortality and kidney failure in individuals with rare kidney diseases, which were calculated and compared with that of unselected patients with chronic kidney disease. Cumulative incidence and Kaplan–Meier survival estimates were calculated for the following outcomes: median age at kidney failure; median age at death; time from start of dialysis to death; and time from diagnosis to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) thresholds, allowing calculation of time from last eGFR of 75 mL/min per 1·73 m2 or more to first eGFR of less than 30 mL/min per 1·73 m2 (the therapeutic trial window). Findings Between Jan 18, 2010, and July 25, 2022, 27 285 participants were recruited to RaDaR. Median follow-up time from diagnosis was 9·6 years (IQR 5·9–16·7). RaDaR participants had significantly higher 5-year cumulative incidence of kidney failure than 2·81 million UK patients with all-cause chronic kidney disease (28% vs 1%; p<0·0001), but better survival rates (standardised mortality ratio 0·42 [95% CI 0·32–0·52]; p<0·0001). Median age at kidney failure, median age at death, time from start of dialysis to death, time from diagnosis to eGFR thresholds, and therapeutic trial window all varied substantially between rare diseases. Interpretation Patients with rare kidney diseases differ from the general population of individuals with chronic kidney disease: they have higher 5-year rates of kidney failure but higher survival than other patients with chronic kidney disease stages 3–5, and so are over-represented in the cohort of patients requiring kidney replacement therapy. Addressing unmet therapeutic need for patients with rare kidney diseases could have a large beneficial effect on long-term kidney replacement therapy demand. Funding RaDaR is funded by the Medical Research Council, Kidney Research UK, Kidney Care UK, and the Polycystic Kidney Disease Charity

Enhanced photoelectrochemical properties of nanoflower-like hexagonal CdSe0.6Te0.4: Effect of electron beam irradiation

Present investigation deals with the effect of electron beam irradiation on the photoelectrochemical properties of cadmium selenium telluride (CdSeTe) thin films. Initially, CdSeTe thin films were electrodeposited on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass and stainless steel substrates. Later, these CdSeTe thin films were irradiated with high energy electron beam (10 MeV) of different doses from 10 to 30 kilograys (kGy). The effect of electron beam irradiation on different physico-chemical properties of CdSeTe thin films such as morphological, structural, optical and photoelectrochemical has been investigated. It is observed that, the electron beam irradiation treatment considerably affects the properties of CdSeTe thin films. The surface morphology of CdSeTe thin films was changed from cauliflowers to nanoflowers, nanoroses and interconnected nanoflakes with doses of electron beams. Furthermore, the effect of electron beam irradiation on photoelectrochemical properties of CdSeTe films was investigated. It is interesting to note that, the photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of CdSeTe thin films are extensively affected by electron beam irradiation. The photoconversion efficiency values of CdSeTe films for different doses of electron beam are found to be 0.9%, 1.1%, 2.0% and 1.5%, respectively.Analysis of CdSe0.6Te0.4 samples was supported by Dongguk University, Seoul, Korea Research Fund 2016–2018. One of the authors (VJF) is grateful to the University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi for financial support through the scheme no. MRP. MAJOR-PHYS-2013-35168.Peer Reviewe

Electrodeposited nanosphere like CdxZn1−xS electrodes for photoelectrochemical cell

et al.Cd x Zn1−x S is a capable absorber material for photoelectrochemical cells because of its optimum band gap, maximum optical absorption and formation of phase and compositions, Infact, this material is frequently been explored for photovoltaic purpose. Here we report on electrodeposited Cd x Zn1−x S thin films which are low-cost and having high-performance materials deposited at room temperatures. The as deposited films were studied the X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, optical absorption, photosensitivity, and band position of Cd x Zn1−x S thin films, and finally a proto type photoelectrochemical cell, ITO/Cd x Zn1−x S/0.5 M (Na2SO3) was constructed, achieving an cheering 0.40 % solar conversion efficiency.Peer Reviewe

Effect of electron beam irradiation on electro synthesized hexagonal Cd0.3Zn0.7S nanosphere with excellent application in solar cell

Here, we are presenting the effect of electron irradiation on the solar cell properties of CdZnS electrodes. Briefly, CdZnS thin films have been synthesized by an electrodeposition method which is further characterized by different physiochemical techniques. Our results revealed the formation of CdZnS thin films with significant morphological deviation through deposition potential. Moreover, considerable positive effect of deposition potential on the electrochemical irradiation of CdZnS electrodes has been witnessed. Later, the results suggest that CdZnS electrode irradiated at potential 25 kGy with nanoparticle like nanostructures exhibited. Further photovoltaic activity of films was studied by forming the photoelectrochemical cell having CdZnS/0.5 M (NaSO)/C cell configuration. The maximum efficiency and fill factor of these PEC cells are found to be 1.40% and 0.68%, respectively.One of the authors (SKS) is grateful to the University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi for financial support through the scheme UGC-BSR. The authors are thankful to the DST (DST-FIST, DST-PURSE) India for providing instrumental facilities at Department of Physics, Shivaji University, and Kolhapur. One of the authors (VJF) is grateful to the University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi for financial support through the scheme no. MRP.MAJOR-PHYS-2013-35168. One of the authors (HDD) is grateful to the University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi for financial support through the scheme FIPF. No. 36-21/13(WRO).Peer Reviewe