44 research outputs found
Effects of fishery protection on biometry and genetic structure of two target sea cucumber species from the Mediterranean Sea
Sea cucumber fisheries are now occurring
in most of the tropical areas of the world, having
expanded from its origin in the central Indo-Pacific.
Due to the overexploitation of these resources and the
increasing demand from Asian countries, new target
species from Mediterranean Sea and northeastern
Atlantic Ocean are being caught. The fishery effects
on biometry and genetic structure of two target species
(Holothuria polii and H. tubulosa) from Turkey, were
assessed. The heaviest and largest individuals of H.
polii were found into the non-fishery area of Kusadasi,
also showing the highest genetic diversity. Similar
pattern was detected in H. tubulosa, but only the
weight was significantly higher in the protected area.
However, the observed differences on the fishery
effects between species, could be explained considering
the different percentage of catches (80% for H.
polii and 20% for H. tubulosa)
Environmental variables, habitat discontinuity and life history shaping the genetic structure of Pomatoschistus marmoratus
Coastal lagoons are semi-isolated ecosystems
exposed to wide fluctuations of environmental conditions
and showing habitat fragmentation. These features may
play an important role in separating species into different
populations, even at small spatial scales. In this study, we
evaluate the concordance between mitochondrial (previous
published data) and nuclear data analyzing the genetic
variability of Pomatoschistus marmoratus in five localities,
inside and outside the Mar Menor coastal lagoon (SE
Spain) using eight microsatellites. High genetic diversity
and similar levels of allele richness were observed across
all loci and localities, although significant genic and
genotypic differentiation was found between populations
inside and outside the lagoon. In contrast to the FST values
obtained from previous mitochondrial DNA analyses
(control region), the microsatellite data exhibited significant
differentiation among samples inside the Mar Menor
and between lagoonal and marine samples. This pattern
was corroborated using Cavalli-Sforza genetic distances.
The habitat fragmentation inside the coastal lagoon and
among lagoon and marine localities could be acting as a
barrier to gene flow and contributing to the observed
genetic structure. Our results from generalized additive
models point a significant link between extreme lagoonal
environmental conditions (mainly maximum salinity) and
P. marmoratus genetic composition. Thereby, these environmental
features could be also acting on genetic structure
of coastal lagoon populations of P. marmoratus favoring
their genetic divergence. The mating strategy of P. marmoratus
could be also influencing our results obtained from
mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. Therefore, a special
consideration must be done in the selection of the DNA
markers depending on the reproductive strategy of the
species
Genetic and oceanographic tools reveal high population connectivity and diversity in the endangered pen shell Pinna nobilis
For marine meta-populations with source-sink dynamics knowledge about genetic connectivity
is important to conserve biodiversity and design marine protected areas (MPAs). We evaluate
connectivity of a Mediterranean sessile species, Pinna nobilis. To address a large geographical scale,
partial sequences of cytochrome oxidase I (COI, 590 bp) were used to evaluate phylogeographical
patterns in the Western Mediterranean, and in the whole basin using overlapping sequences from
the literature (243 bp). Additionally, we combined (1) larval trajectories based on oceanographic
currents and early life-history traits and (2) 10 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci collected in the
Western Mediterranean. COI results provided evidence for high diversity and low inter-population
differentiation. Microsatellite genotypes showed increasing genetic differentiation with oceanographic
transport time (isolation by oceanographic distance (IBD) set by marine currents). Genetic
differentiation was detected between Banyuls and Murcia and between Murcia and Mallorca. However,
no genetic break was detected between the Balearic populations and the mainland. Migration rates
together with numerical Lagrangian simulations showed that (i) the Ebro Delta is a larval source for
the Balearic populations (ii) Alicante is a sink population, accumulating allelic diversity from nearby
populations. The inferred connectivity can be applied in the development of MPA networks in the
Western MediterraneanProject MEDEICG funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (CTM2009-07013)IEH was supported by Ramon y Cajal Fellowship RYC2014-14970Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness IFCT Investigator Programme-Career Development (IF/00998/2014)MGW and AHE was supported by FCT fellowships SFRH/BPD/63703/2009 and SFRH/BPD/107878/2015National Science Foundation (OCE-1419450)CCMAR team via excellence research line EXCL/AAG-GLO/0661/2012Ciencias del Ma
Seagrass debris as potential food source to enhance Holothuria arguinensis' growth in aquaculture
Holothuria arguinensis aquaculture started to be developed in 2014, being the first sea cucumber species from Europe. However, some aspects of its aquaculture biotechnology, such diets, need to be assessed. This work aimed to evaluate seagrass debris of Zostera noltii and Cymodocea nodosa as food source for broodstock maintenance in tanks, during breeding periods. The given feed rations per tank were calculated as the 30% of the total sea cucumber biomass in each tank and reviewed each week. Then, feed rations of seagrass and sediment were calculated from this value, according to the following percentages: 40% sediment, 15% Z. noltii, 40% Z. noltii, 15% C. nodosa and 40% C. nodosa. H. arguinensis growth, feeding rate and nutritional value were assessed under these diets. H. arguinensis fed with 40% of Z. noltii showed the highest growth (specific growth rate = 0.09 +/- 0.06%/day, absolute growth rate = 0.11 +/- 0.07 g/day) increasing their final weight in 5.86 +/- 3.57% in 57 days. However, the individuals fed with C. nodosa showed a negative growth. H. arguinensis showed a reduction in its feeding rate as the organic matter content in the diets increased. H. arguinensis did not show any important change on proximate composition, protein, lipid, mineral contents and fatty acids profile among the feeding groups, or in comparison with the individuals collected from wild habitat. Therefore, H. arguinensis could be fed with Z. noltii debris during tanks maintenance along breeding period, ensuring its growth and maintaining its nutritional profile.Fundacao para a Ciencia e a TecnologiaPortuguese Foundation for Science and TechnologyEuropean Commission [CCMAR/SC/BI/02/2016, FRH/BD/105541/2014, IF/00049/2012, IF/00998/2014, PTDC/MAR-BIO/5948/2014, PTDC/MAR/119363/2010, SFRH/BPD/70689/2010]http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Genetic and oceanographic tools reveal high population connectivity and diversity in the endangered pen shell Pinna nobilis
For marine meta-populations with source-sink dynamics knowledge about genetic connectivity is important to conserve biodiversity and design marine protected areas (MPAs). We evaluate connectivity of a Mediterranean sessile species, Pinna nobilis. To address a large geographical scale, partial sequences of cytochrome oxidase I (COI, 590 bp) were used to evaluate phylogeographical patterns in the Western Mediterranean, and in the whole basin using overlapping sequences from the literature (243 bp). Additionally, we combined (1) larval trajectories based on oceanographic currents and early life-history traits and (2) 10 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci collected in the Western Mediterranean. COI results provided evidence for high diversity and low inter-population differentiation. Microsatellite genotypes showed increasing genetic differentiation with oceanographic transport time (isolation by oceanographic distance (IBD) set by marine currents). Genetic differentiation was detected between Banyuls and Murcia and between Murcia and Mallorca. However, no genetic break was detected between the Balearic populations and the mainland. Migration rates together with numerical Lagrangian simulations showed that (i) the Ebro Delta is a larval source for the Balearic populations (ii) Alicante is a sink population, accumulating allelic diversity from nearby populations. The inferred connectivity can be applied in the development of MPA networks in the Western Mediterranean.Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness [CTM2009-07013]; Ramon y Cajal Fellowship [RYC2014-14970]; Conselleria d'Innovacio, Recerca i Turisme of the Balearic Government; Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness IFCT [IF/00998/2014]; FCT [SFRH/BPD/63703/2009, SFRH/BPD/107878/2015, EXCL/AAG-GLO/0661/2012]; National Science Foundation [OCE-1419450]; Albert II of Monaco Foundationinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Regional Genetic Structure in the Aquatic Macrophyte Ruppia cirrhosa Suggests Dispersal by Waterbirds
The evolutionary history of the genus Ruppia has been shaped by hybridization, polyploidisation and vicariance that have resulted in a problematic taxonomy. Recent studies provided insight into species circumscription, organelle takeover by hybridization, and revealed the importance of verifying species identification to avoid distorting effects of mixing different species, when estimating population connectivity. In the present study, we use microsatellite markers to determine population diversity and connectivity patterns in Ruppia cirrhosa including two spatial scales: (1) from the Atlantic Iberian coastline in Portugal to the Siculo-Tunisian Strait in Sicily and (2) within the Iberian Peninsula comprising the Atlantic-Mediterranean transition. The higher diversity in the Mediterranean Sea suggests that populations have had longer persistence there, suggesting a possible origin and/or refugial area for the species. The high genotypic diversities highlight the importance of sexual reproduction for survival and maintenance of populations. Results revealed a regional population structure matching a continent-island model, with strong genetic isolation and low gene flow between populations. This population structure could be maintained by waterbirds, acting as occasional dispersal vectors. This information elucidates ecological strategies of brackish plant species in coastal lagoons, suggesting mechanisms used by this species to colonize new isolated habitats and dominate brackish aquatic macrophyte systems, yet maintaining strong genetic structure suggestive of very low dispersal.Fundacao para a Cincia e Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) [PTDC/MAR/119363/2010, BIODIVERSA/0004/2015, UID/Multi/04326/2013]Pew FoundationSENECA FoundationMurcia Government, Spain [11881/PI/09]FCT Investigator Programme-Career Development [IF/00998/2014]Spanish Ministry of Education [AP2008-01209]European Community [00399/2012]info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Bronchoscopist's perception of the quality of the single-use bronchoscope (Ambu aScope4™) in selected bronchoscopies: a multicenter study in 21 Spanish pulmonology services
Background: The disposable bronchoscope is an excellent alternative to face the problem of SARS-CoV-2 and other cross infections, but the bronchoscopist's perception of its quality has not been evaluated.
Methods: To evaluate the quality of the Ambu-aScope4 disposable bronchoscope, we carried out a cross-sectional study in 21 Spanish pulmonology services. We use a standardized questionnaire completed by the bronchoscopists at the end of each bronchoscopy. The variables were described with absolute and relative frequencies, measures of central tendency and dispersion depending on their nature. The existence of learning curves was evaluated by CUSUM analysis.
Results: The most frequent indications in 300 included bronchoscopies was bronchial aspiration in 69.3% and the median duration of these was 9.1 min. The route of entry was nasal in 47.2% and oral in 34.1%. The average score for ease of use, image, and aspiration quality was 80/100. All the planned techniques were performed in 94.9% and the bronchoscopist was satisfied in 96.6% of the bronchoscopies. They highlighted the portability and immediacy of the aScope4TM to start the procedure in 99.3%, the possibility of taking and storing images in 99.3%. The CUSUM analysis showed average scores > 70/100 from the first procedure and from the 9th procedure more than 80% of the scores exceeded the 80/100 score.
Conclusions: The aScope4™ scored well for ease of use, imaging, and aspiration. We found a learning curve with excellent scores from the 9th procedure. Bronchoscopists highlighted its portability, immediacy of use and the possibility of taking and storing images
Bronchoscopist's perception of the quality of the single-use bronchoscope (Ambu aScope4™) in selected bronchoscopies: a multicenter study in 21 Spanish pulmonology services
Background: The disposable bronchoscope is an excellent alternative to face the problem of SARS-CoV-2 and other
cross infections, but the bronchoscopist’s perception of its quality has not been evaluated.
Methods: To evaluate the quality of the Ambu-aScope4 disposable bronchoscope, we carried out a cross-sectional
study in 21 Spanish pulmonology services. We use a standardized questionnaire completed by the bronchoscopists at
the end of each bronchoscopy. The variables were described with absolute and relative frequencies, measures of cen‑
tral tendency and dispersion depending on their nature. The existence of learning curves was evaluated by CUSUM
analysis.
Results: The most frequent indications in 300 included bronchoscopies was bronchial aspiration in 69.3% and the
median duration of these was 9.1 min. The route of entry was nasal in 47.2% and oral in 34.1%. The average score for
ease of use, image, and aspiration quality was 80/100. All the planned techniques were performed in 94.9% and the
bronchoscopist was satisfed in 96.6% of the bronchoscopies. They highlighted the portability and immediacy of the
aScope4TM to start the procedure in 99.3%, the possibility of taking and storing images in 99.3%. The CUSUM analysis showed average scores>70/100 from the frst procedure and from the 9th procedure more than 80% of the scores
exceeded the 80/100 score
Ecological and evolutionary consequences of alternative sex-change pathways in fish
Sequentially hermaphroditic fish change sex from male to female (protandry) or vice versa (protogyny), increasing their fitness by becoming highly fecund females or large dominant males, respectively. These life-history strategies present different social organizations and reproductive modes, from near-random mating in protandry, to aggregate- and harem-spawning in protogyny. Using a combination of theoretical and molecular approaches, we compared variance in reproductive success (V k*) and effective population sizes (N e) in several species of sex-changing fish. We observed that, regardless of the direction of sex change, individuals conform to the same overall strategy, producing more offspring and exhibiting greater V k* in the second sex. However, protogynous species show greater V k*, especially pronounced in haremic species, resulting in an overall reduction of N e compared to protandrous species. Collectively and independently, our results demonstrate that the direction of sex change is a pivotal variable in predicting demographic changes and resilience in sex-changing fish, many of which sustain highly valued and vulnerable fisheries worldwide
Bronchoscopist's perception of the quality of the single-use bronchoscope (Ambu aScope4™) in selected bronchoscopies : a multicenter study in 21 Spanish pulmonology services
Background: The disposable bronchoscope is an excellent alternative to face the problem of SARS-CoV-2 and other cross infections, but the bronchoscopist's perception of its quality has not been evaluated. Methods: To evaluate the quality of the Ambu-aScope4 disposable bronchoscope, we carried out a cross-sectional study in 21 Spanish pulmonology services. We use a standardized questionnaire completed by the bronchoscopists at the end of each bronchoscopy. The variables were described with absolute and relative frequencies, measures of central tendency and dispersion depending on their nature. The existence of learning curves was evaluated by CUSUM analysis. Results: The most frequent indications in 300 included bronchoscopies was bronchial aspiration in 69.3% and the median duration of these was 9.1 min. The route of entry was nasal in 47.2% and oral in 34.1%. The average score for ease of use, image, and aspiration quality was 80/100. All the planned techniques were performed in 94.9% and the bronchoscopist was satisfied in 96.6% of the bronchoscopies. They highlighted the portability and immediacy of the aScope4TM to start the procedure in 99.3%, the possibility of taking and storing images in 99.3%. The CUSUM analysis showed average scores > 70/100 from the first procedure and from the 9th procedure more than 80% of the scores exceeded the 80/100 score. Conclusions: The aScope4™ scored well for ease of use, imaging, and aspiration. We found a learning curve with excellent scores from the 9th procedure. Bronchoscopists highlighted its portability, immediacy of use and the possibility of taking and storing images