The legacy of translocations among populations of the Ibizan Wall Lizard, Podarcis pityusensis (Squamata: Lacertidae)

The Ibizan wall lizard, Podarcis pityusensis, was the subject of several documented 25 translocations by the German herpetologist Martin Eisentraut, in 1930. He aimed to initiate 26 long-term experiments into the evolution of melanism and other morphological traits and 27 accordingly reported introductions into five islets that (he believed) contained no lizards. In 28 this study, we analysed the genetics and morphological characteristics of individuals we found 29 there. We found no lizards on two of the islets, namely Escull de Tramuntana or Galera, but 30 for the first time, detected a large population on a third, Es Vaixell. Analyses of microsatellite 31 DNA placed individuals from a fourth islet, Dau Gran, with those from the islet of Escull 32 Vermell. They are also morphologically close to individuals from Escull Vermell. This 33 suggests that selection pressures could have favoured the Escull Vermell phenotype following 34 introduction. Eisentraut founded the Es Vaixell population with non- melanic Ibizan 35 specimens, but the present day population of Es Vaixell was found to be fully melanic. Genetic 36 markers support a strong similarity between Es Vaixell and Na Gorra, and indicate that, in all 37 likelihood, the individuals introduced by Eisentraut have left no descendants. It is likely that 38 Es Vaixell already contained lizards prior to this introduction. For reasons which we discuss, 39 the translocations have revealed less than Eisentraut would have originally hoped for, although 40 they do provide some potential insights into lizard morphological evolution following 41 colonization

Imidazolium and pyridinium-based ionic liquids for the cyclohexane/cyclohexene separation by liquid-liquid extraction

The separation of olefins/paraffins is a challenge for the petrochemical industry due to the close boiling points of these hydrocarbons. In this work we have studied the feasibility of different imidazolium and pyridinium-based ionic liquids (ILs) as alternative solvents in the cyclohexane/cyclohexene separation. Five ILs have been studied, namely 1-butyl-4-methylpyridinium tricyanomethanide ([4bmpy][TCM]), bis(1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium) tetrathiocyanatocobaltate ([emim]2[Co(SCN)4]), bis(1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium) tetrathiocyanatocobaltate ([bmim]2[Co(SCN)4]), 1-ethyl-4-methylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([4empy][Tf2N]), and 1-butyl-4-methylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([4bmpy][Tf2N]). Experimental liquid-liquid equilibrium (LLE) data were obtained for the equimolar ternary mixtures {cyclohexane (1) + cyclohexene (2) + IL (3)} at T = (298.2, 313.2 and 328.2) K and atmospheric pressure in order to study the effect of the temperature on the extractive properties. Afterwards, LLE data for every ternary system was determined at the best temperature and for the whole cyclohexane/cyclohexene composition range. These ILs have shown promising results in terms of distribution ratio and selectivity, showing the [4bmpy][TCM] IL the best extractive properties at 298.2 K and atmospheric pressure. The Non-Random Two Liquids (NRTL) model was used to successfully correlate the experimental LLE data.publishe

Morphological and genetic diversity of the Balearic lizard,Podarcis lilfordi(Gunther, 1874): Is it relevant to its conservation?

Aims: To characterize the genetic and morphological diversification of the endangered Balearic lizard Podarcis lilfordi and to assess the relevance of this diversity, and how it is described, to conservation measures. Location: This study covers all the populations of the Balearic lizard, Podarcis lilfordi, present in its range of distribution at coastal islets of Menorca, Mallorca and Cabrera Archipelago. Methods: We analysed genetic and morphological variation across the 43 known extant populations of the Balearic lizard, using mitochondrial and nuclear markers. We examined morphometric and scalation characters using, in some cases, phylogenetically independent contrasts. We also incorporated the study of dorsal coloration and dorsal colour pattern including the analysis of melanism in several populations. Results: We detected clear genetic divergence between Menorcan populations and populations from Mallorca and Cabrera, in both nuclear and mtDNA markers, but genetic divergence is relatively low among different insular populations within these groups. In contrast, morphological divergence was substantial both between Menorcan and remaining populations and within these groups. Morphological traits, such as dorsal coloration, body size and the number and size of scales, seemed to be linked with differences in climatic conditions between populations. In addition, some traits, as melanism, showed a strong phylogenetic signal. Main conclusions: The morphological and genetic diversity of the Balearic lizard is incongruent with the subspecies described in the classical taxonomic literature. Moreover, current populations differ not only in some genetic and morphological features, but also in several ecological and ethological characteristics, in many cases unique to one population. Based on our results, we propose abandoning the use of subspecies to describe the extraordinary morphological diversity of the Balearic lizard and its replacement with the concept of evolutionary significant units (ESUs). ESUs are particularly suitable to describe and recognize such diversity and, especially, to ensure the continuity of the evolutionary process

Mathematical model to predict the dry matter intake of dairy cows on pasture

In pasture-based dairy systems, there is a close relationship between milk production and dry matter intake (DMI), hence the importance of measuring these variables, although obtaining this information implies high labour and costs. The objective of this study was to design a mathematical model to predict DMI for grazing dairy cows. This model was based on the basic principle of the fill-unit system. In this scheme, cows and feedstuffs were described in terms of feed intake capacity (FIC) and fill (unit/amount of feed), respectively. The FIC was determined by the animal’s ability to regulate feed intake which depends on factors such as body size, age and lactation status. The “fill” was determined by the nutritional properties of the feedstuff such as its dry matter (DM) digestibility and crude protein (CP) content, among others. In the design of the model, ad lib. feed consumption was assumed. Parity, state of lactation and gestation were considered to estimate the cow ingestion capacity. Satiety values (SV) were determined for Festuca arundinacea and Lolium multiflorum and these values were incorporated into the model, including DM, CP, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and in vitro digestible organic matter (dOM). The fixed parameters of the model were determined by adjusting a polynomial regression to the data from three experiments with lactating Holstein cows from Baja California, Mexico (n=30).The model allows predicting DMI, using as inputs, easily measured data and does not require knowing daily milk yield (MY) or body weight (BW), so the model is practical and consistent. The results obtained from the model were satisfactory because they were similar to those attained experimentally. Average DMI was 21.68 kg/d in one group and 23.44 kg/d in the other; when applying the model, we obtained an estimate of 22.82 kg/d for a cow with characteristics similar to those of the cows under stud

Modelo de gestão da informação e do conhecimento de uma instituição de ensino superior / Model for managing information and knowledge of a higher education institution

A Gestão da Informação e do Conhecimento é usada para facilitar o seu uso de forma intrínseca em cada indivíduo, a fim de gerar conhecimentos organizacionais. A informação e o conhecimento tornaram-se fatores importantes no ambiente de negócio em que as empresas estão inseridas, sendo considerados os principais componentes para manter a competitividade e a sobrevivência organizacional. No cenário atual as organizações vivenciam um momento de grande competitividade e precisam buscar diferenciação no mercado a fim de manter sua sobrevivência. O objetivo desse artigo é realizar um estudo de caso aplicando uma pesquisa a fim de identificar e realizar uma análise do processo de Gestão da Informação e do Conhecimento de uma Instituição de Ensino Superior (FATEC SENAI MT), localizada no município de Cuiabá no Estado de Mato Grosso. A pesquisa demonstrou que a IES possui ferramentas importantes para consolidação da Gestão da Informação e Conhecimento, requisitos fundamentais para boa formação profissional de estudantes e professores. 

Taxonomic variations in the gut microbiome of gout patients with and without tophi might have a functional impact on urate metabolism

Objective: To evaluate the taxonomic composition of the gut microbiome in gout patients with and without tophi formation, and predict bacterial functions that might have an impact on urate metabolism. Methods: Hypervariable V3–V4 regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene from fecal samples of gout patients with and without tophi (n=33 and n=25, respectively) were sequenced and compared to fecal samples from 53 healthy controls. We explored predictive functional profles using bioinformatics in order to identify diferences in taxonomy and metabolic pathways. Results: We identifed a microbiome characterized by the lowest richness and a higher abundance of Phascolarctobacterium, Bacteroides, Akkermansia, and Ruminococcus_gnavus_group genera in patients with gout without tophi when compared to controls. The Proteobacteria phylum and the Escherichia-Shigella genus were more abundant in patients with tophaceous gout than in controls. Fold change analysis detected nine genera enriched in healthy controls compared to gout groups (Bifdobacterium, Butyricicoccus, Oscillobacter, Ruminococcaceae_UCG_010, Lachnospiraceae_ND2007_group, Haemophilus, Ruminococcus_1, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, and Ruminococcaceae_ UGC_013). We found that the core microbiota of both gout groups shared Bacteroides caccae, Bacteroides stercoris ATCC 43183, and Bacteroides coprocola DSM 17136. These bacteria might perform functions linked to one-carbon metabo‑ lism, nucleotide binding, amino acid biosynthesis, and purine biosynthesis. Finally, we observed diferences in key bacterial enzymes involved in urate synthesis, degradation, and elimination. Conclusion: Our fndings revealed that taxonomic variations in the gut microbiome of gout patients with and with‑ out tophi might have a functional impact on urate metabolism. Keywords: Gout, Gut microbiota, Uric acid metabolis

Identification of tissue microRNAs predictive of sunitinib activity in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

PURPOSE: To identify tissue microRNAs predictive of sunitinib activity in patients with metastatic renal-cell-carcinoma (MRCC) and to evaluate in vitro their mechanism of action in sunitinib resistance. METHODS: We screened 673 microRNAs using TaqMan Low-density-Arrays (TLDAs) in tumors from MRCC patients with extreme phenotypes of marked efficacy and resistance to sunitinib, selected from an identification cohort (n = 41). The most relevant differentially expressed microRNAs were selected using bioinformatics-based target prediction analysis and quantified by qRT-PCR in tumors from patients presenting similar phenotypes selected from an independent cohort (n = 101). In vitro experiments were conducted to study the role of miR-942 in sunitinib resistance. RESULTS: TLDAs identified 64 microRNAs differentially expressed in the identification cohort. Seven candidates were quantified by qRT-PCR in the independent series. MiR-942 was the most accurate predictor of sunitinib efficacy (p = 0.0074). High expression of miR-942, miR-628-5p, miR-133a, and miR-484 was significantly associated with decreased time to progression and overall survival. These microRNAs were also overexpressed in the sunitinib resistant cell line Caki-2 in comparison with the sensitive cell line. MiR-942 overexpression in Caki-2 up-regulates MMP-9 and VEGF secretion which, in turn, promote HBMEC endothelial migration and sunitinib resistance. CONCLUSIONS: We identified differentially expressed microRNAs in MRCC patients presenting marked sensitivity or resistance to sunitinib. MiR-942 was the best predictor of efficacy. We describe a novel paracrine mechanism through which high miR-942 levels in MRCC cells up-regulates MMP-9 and VEGF secretion to enhance endothelial migration and sunitinib resistance. Our results support further validation of these miRNA in clinical confirmatory studies

A correlative biomarker study and integrative prognostic model in chemotherapy-naïve metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with enzalutamide

There is a considerable need to incorporate biomarkers of resistance to new antiandrogen agents in the management of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). We conducted a phase II trial of enzalutamide in first-line chemo-naïve asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic mCRPC and analyzed the prognostic value of TMPRSS2-ERG and other biomarkers, including circulating tumor cells (CTCs), androgen receptor splice variant (AR-V7) in CTCs and plasma Androgen Receptor copy number gain (AR-gain). These biomarkers were correlated with treatment response and survival outcomes and developed a clinical-molecular prognostic model using penalized cox-proportional hazard model. This model was validated in an independent cohort. Ninety-eight patients were included. TMPRSS2-ERG fusion gene was detected in 32 patients with no differences observed in efficacy outcomes. CTC detection was associated with worse outcome and AR-V7 in CTCs was associated with increased rate of progression as best response. Plasma AR gain was strongly associated with an adverse outcome, with worse median prostate specific antigen (PSA)-PFS (4.2 vs. 14.7 m; p < 0.0001), rad-PFS (4.5 vs. 27.6 m; p < 0.0001), and OS (12.7 vs. 38.1 m; p < 0.0001). The clinical prognostic model developed in PREVAIL was validated (C-Index 0.70) and the addition of plasma AR (C-Index 0.79; p < 0.001) increased its prognostic ability. We generated a parsimonious model including alkaline phosphatase (ALP); PSA and AR gain (C-index 0.78) that was validated in an independent cohort. TMPRSS2-ERG detection did not correlate with differential activity of enzalutamide in first-line mCRPC. However, we observed that CTCs and plasma AR gain were the most relevant biomarkers

Predictive factors of virological success to salvage regimens containing protease inhibitors in HIV-1 infected children

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The impact of HIV drug resistance mutations in salvage therapy has been widely investigated in adults. By contrast, data available of predictive value of resistance mutations in pediatric population is scarce.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A multicenter, retrospective, observational study was conducted in children who received rescue salvage antiretroviral therapy after virologic failure. CD4 counts and viral load were determined at baseline and 6 months after rescue intervention. Genotypic HIV-1 resistance test and virtual phenotype were assessed at baseline.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 33 children met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The median viral load (VL) and median percentage of CD4+ at baseline was 4.0 HIV-RNA log copies/ml and 23.0% respectively. The median duration that children were taking the new rescue regimen was 24.3 weeks (23.8–30.6). Overall, 47% of the 33 children achieved virological response at 24 weeks. When we compared the group of children who achieved virological response with those who did not, we found out that mean number of PI related mutations among the group of responders was 3.8 <it>vs</it>. 5.4 (p = 0.115). Moreover, the mean number of susceptible drugs according to virtual phenotype clinical cut-off for maximal virologic response was 1.7 <it>vs</it>. 0.8 and mean number of susceptible drugs according to virtual phenotype cut-off for minimal virlologic response was 2.7 <it>vs</it>. 1.3 (p < 0.01 in all cases). Eighteen children were rescued with a regimen containing a boosted-PI and virological response was significantly higher in those subjects compared with the others (61.1% <it>vs</it>. 28.6%, p < 0.01).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Salvage treatment containing ritonavir boosted-PIs in children with virological failure was very efficient. The use of new tools as virtual phenotype could help to improve virologic success in pediatric population.</p