Craniometric variation and taxonomic boundaries in the Madras Treeshrew (Scandentia, Tupaiidae: Anathana ellioti [Waterhouse, 1850]) from India

The Madras Treeshrew, Anathana ellioti (Waterhouse, 1850), is a small, poorly-studied mammal from South Asia. It is the only treeshrew found across the southern half of the Indian subcontinent and is the westernmost member of its order (Scandentia). The phylogenetic relationship between Anathana and its putative sister genus, Tupaia, remains unresolved, and the morphological differences between these two genera have yet to be analyzed with craniometric data. Here we describe some features that distinguish Anathana from other treeshrews. However, our comparative morphometric analyses reveal that Anathana overlaps with Tupaia in morphospace; it is smaller than most species (including the only other species found on the Indian mainland, T. belangeri) but larger than T. minor, Dendrogale melanura, and Ptilocercus lowii. At the infraspecific level, there is some separation between eastern and western populations, but this requires further investigation with larger sample sizes. Unfortunately, Anathana is disproportionately scarce in museum collections relative to other scandentians, and additional biological surveys across South India will be critical for future research on the taxonomy, distribution, and conservation of this elusive taxon

Craniometric variation and taxonomic boundaries in the Madras Treeshrew (Scandentia, Tupaiidae: Anathana ellioti [Waterhouse, 1850]) from India

AbstractThe Madras Treeshrew, Anathana ellioti (Waterhouse, 1850), is a small, poorly studied mammal from South Asia. It is the only treeshrew found across the southern half of the Indian subcontinent and is the westernmost member of its order (Scandentia). The phylogenetic relationship between Anathana and its putative sister genus, Tupaia, remains unresolved, and the morphological differences between these two genera have yet to be analyzed with craniometric data. Here we describe some features that distinguish Anathana from other treeshrews. However, our comparative morphometric analyses reveal that Anathana overlaps with Tupaia in morphospace; it is smaller than most species (including the only other species found on the Indian mainland, T. belangeri) but larger than T. minor, Dendrogale melanura, and Ptilocercus lowii. At the infraspecific level, there is some separation between eastern and western populations, but this requires further investigation with larger sample sizes. Unfortunately, Anathana is disproportionately scarce in museum collections relative to other scandentians, and additional biological surveys across South India will be critical for future research on the taxonomy, distribution, and conservation of this elusive taxon.</jats:p

Craniometric variation and taxonomic boundaries in the Madras Treeshrew (Scandentia, Tupaiidae: Anathana ellioti [Waterhouse, 1850]) from India

The Madras Treeshrew, Anathana ellioti (Waterhouse, 1850), is a small, poorly studied mammal from South Asia. It is the only treeshrew found across the southern half of the Indian subcontinent and is the westernmost member of its order (Scandentia). The phylogenetic relationship between Anathana and its putative sister genus, Tupaia, remains unresolved, and the morphological differences between these two genera have yet to be analyzed with craniometric data. Here we describe some features that distinguish Anathana from other treeshrews. However, our comparative morphometric analyses reveal that Anathana overlaps with Tupaia in morphospace; it is smaller than most species (including the only other species found on the Indian mainland, T. belangeri) but larger than T. minor, Dendrogale melanura, and Ptilocercus lowii. At the infraspecific level, there is some separation between eastern and western populations, but this requires further investigation with larger sample sizes. Unfortunately, Anathana is disproportionately scarce in museum collections relative to other scandentians, and additional biological surveys across South India will be critical for future research on the taxonomy, distribution, and conservation of this elusive taxon

Recent and rapid ecogeographical rule reversals in Northern Treeshrews.

Funder: Alaska EPSCoRTwo of the most-studied ecogeographical rules describe patterns of body size variation within species. Bergmann's rule predicts that individuals have larger body sizes in colder climates (typically at higher latitudes), and the island rule predicts that island populations of small-bodied species average larger in size than their mainland counterparts (insular gigantism). These rules are rarely tested in conjunction or assessed across space and time simultaneously. We investigated these patterns in the Northern Treeshrew (Tupaia belangeri) using museum specimens collected across a wide spatial and temporal range. Contrary to Bergmann's rule, size increases with temperature in T. belangeri, a signal that is highly consistent across space and time. We also show that these rules are intertwined: Bergmann's rule is reversed on the mainland but holds on islands, and therefore the island rule is upheld at higher, but not lower, latitudes. Moreover, we demonstrate a rapid reversal of both rules over time. The mechanism behind these inversions remains unclear, though temperature and precipitation are significant predictors of body size. Ecogeographical rules rely on the assumption of a constant relationship between size and the factors driving its variation. Our results highlight the need to question this assumption and reevaluate these rules in the context of accelerating and uneven climate change

Ecological and reproductive cycles drive henipavirus seroprevalence in the African straw-coloured fruit bat (Eidolon helvum)

Bats are known to host zoonotic viruses, including henipaviruses that cause high fatality rates in humans (Nipah virus and Hendra virus). However, the determinants of zoonotic spillover are generally unknown, as the ecological and demographic drivers of viral circulation in bats are difficult to ascertain without longitudinal data. Here we analyse serological data collected from African straw-coloured fruit bats (Eidolon helvum) in Ghana over the course of two years and across four sites, comprising three wild roosts and one captive colony. We focus on antibody affinity to five henipavirus antigens: Ghanaian bat henipavirus (GhV), Nipah virus (NiV), Hendra virus (HeV), Mojiang virus (MojV), and Cedar virus (CedV). In the wild roosts, we detected seasonal variations in henipavirus antibody binding, possibly associated with bat life-history cycles and migration patterns. In the captive colony, we identified increases in antibody affinity levels among pregnant bats, suggesting possible shifts in the immune system during pregnancy. These bats then pass maternal antibodies to their pups, which wane before antibody affinity levels rise later in life following initial infections and/or reactivation of latent infections. These results improve our understanding of the links between bat ecology and viral circulation, including for GhV, a locally-circulating African henipavirus

Ecological and Reproductive Cycles Drive Henipavirus Seroprevalence in the African Straw‐Coloured Fruit Bat (<scp><i>Eidolon helvum</i></scp>)

Publication status: PublishedFunder: The Alborada TrustFunder: Research England; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013589ABSTRACTBats are known to host zoonotic viruses, including henipaviruses that cause high fatality rates in humans (Nipah virus and Hendra virus). However, the determinants of zoonotic spillover are generally unknown, as the ecological and demographic drivers of viral circulation in bats are difficult to ascertain without longitudinal data. Here we analyse serological data collected from African straw‐coloured fruit bats (Eidolon helvum) in Ghana over the course of 2 years and across four sites, comprising three wild roosts and one captive colony. We focus on antibody affinity to five henipavirus antigens: Ghanaian bat henipavirus (GhV), Nipah virus (NiV), Hendra virus (HeV), Mojiang virus (MojV) and Cedar virus (CedV). In the wild roosts, we detected seasonal variations in henipavirus antibody binding, possibly associated with bat life‐history cycles and migration patterns. In the captive colony, we identified increases in antibody affinity levels among pregnant bats, suggesting possible shifts in the immune system during pregnancy. These bats then pass maternal antibodies to their pups, which wane before antibody affinity levels rise later in life following initial infections and/or reactivation of latent infections. These results improve our understanding of the links between bat ecology and viral circulation, including for GhV, a locally‐circulating African henipavirus.</jats:p

A comprehensive health effects assessment of the use of sanitizers and disinfectants during COVID-19 pandemic: a global survey

COVID-19 has affected all aspects of human life so far. From the outset of the pandemic, preventing the spread of COVID-19 through the observance of health protocols, especially the use of sanitizers and disinfectants was given more attention. Despite the effectiveness of disinfection chemicals in controlling and preventing COVID-19, there are critical concerns about their adverse effects on human health. This study aims to assess the health effects of sanitizers and disinfectants on a global scale. A total of 91,056 participants from 154 countries participated in this cross-sectional study. Information on the use of sanitizers and disinfectants and health was collected using an electronic questionnaire, which was translated into 26 languages via web-based platforms. The findings of this study suggest that detergents, alcohol-based substances, and chlorinated compounds emerged as the most prevalent chemical agents compared to other sanitizers and disinfectants examined. Most frequently reported health issues include skin effects and respiratory effects. The Chi-square test showed a significant association between chlorinated compounds (sodium hypochlorite and per-chlorine) with all possible health effects under investigation (p-value <0.001). Examination of risk factors based on multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that alcohols and alcohols-based materials were associated with skin effects (OR, 1.98; 95%CI, 1.87-2.09), per-chlorine was associated with eye effects (OR, 1.83; 95%CI, 1.74-1.93), and highly likely with itching and throat irritation (OR, 2.00; 95%CI, 1.90-2.11). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological effects (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92-2.44). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological effects (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92-2.44). The use of sodium hypochlorite and per-chlorine also had a high chance of having respiratory effects. The findings of the current study suggest that health authorities need to implement more awareness programs about the side effects of using sanitizers and disinfectants during viral epidemics especially when they are used or overused