Maximal respiratory pressure reference equations in healthy adults and cut-off points for defining respiratory muscle weakness

[Abstract] Introduction: Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (PImax/PEmax) reference equations obtained in healthy people are needed to correctly interpret respiratory muscle strength. Currently, no clear cut-off points defining respiratory muscle weakness are available. We aimed to establish sex-specific reference equations for PImax/PEmax in a large sample of healthy adults and to objectively determine cut-off points for respiratory muscle weakness. Methods: A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted across 14 Spanish centres. Healthy non-smoking volunteers aged 18-80 years stratified by sex and age were recruited. PImax/PEmax were assessed using uniform methodology according to international standards. Multiple linear regressions were used to obtain reference equations. Cut-off points for respiratory muscle weakness were established by using T-scores. Results: The final sample consisted of 610 subjects (314 females; 48 [standard deviation, SD: 17] years). Reference equations for PImax/PEmax included body mass index and a squared term of the age as independent variables for both sexes (p<0.01). Cut-off points for respiratory muscle weakness based on T-scores ≥2.5 SD below the peak mean value achieved at a young age were: 62 and 83cmH2O for PImax and 81 and 109cmH2O for PEmax in females and males, respectively. Conclusion: These reference values, based on the largest dataset collected in a European population to date using uniform methodology, help identify cut-off points for respiratory muscle weakness in females and males. These data will help to better identify the presence of respiratory muscle weakness and to determine indications for interventions to improve respiratory muscle function

Cultural role of sea turtles on Rapa Nui (Easter Island): Spatial and temporal contrast in the Pacific island region

Sea turtles are deeply rooted in Pacific cultures. Rapa Nui (Easter Island, Chile) has a complex societal and ecological history and marine resources have always been exploited; nevertheless, little is known about relationships between these resources and Rapanui islanders. This study aims to explore the historical and contemporary role of sea turtles on Rapa Nui, contrasting it with information from other Pacific region societies. We triangulated information through a literature review, semi-structured interviews, and participant observations. Our results show a strong cultural connection between Rapa Nui and other Pacific islands, with turtles represented in their art, culture, mythology, symbolism, popular traditions, and ritual and spiritual life. Use of these animals on Rapa Nui has varied historically, and nowadays turtle consumption is widely rejected among Rapanui community members. Currently, sea turtles have a crucial role in tourism, constituting an opportunity for local development, further knowledge, and conservation of natural heritage.Comisión Nacional de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (CONICYT) 21160168 Natural Resources Program of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, CONICYT/FONDAP 15110006 James Cook University (IPR Scholarship

First confirmed report of Hawksbill Sea Turtle Eretmochelys imbricata in nearshore waters of Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

The hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata; Critically Endangered) has a circumtropical distribution. In Polynesia it inhabits the waters of a great number of islands; however, up to date there are no official records for Easter Island. We document the first report of E. imbricata in Easter Island and Chile based on underwater photographs and examination of one individual. The confirmation of the presence of hawksbills extends the known distribution range for the species, increases the number of sea turtle species recorded for Chile, and highlights the need for further research on potential threats to the species and the importance of Rapa Nui as developmental and foraging habitat for hawksbills

Resting Dynamics and Diel Activity of the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) in Rapa Nui, Chile

Understanding animals' daily activity patterns such as foraging and resting is key to the effective conservation of individuals, populations, and species. Expanding habitat usage by humans today is likely one of the major factors influencing animal habitat use and behavior. Rapa Nui, a remote Chilean island located at the easternmost corner of the Polynesian Triangle, hosts a population of green turtles, Chelonia mydas, that have been monitored by citizen scientists since 2010. Through the collaborative work of divers from the local community and professional scientists, we describe C. mydas daily underwater resting and foraging patterns in Rapa Nui. We identified 15 individuals by monitoring 19 specific resting locations within the Rapa Nui coral reef. A high level of spatial fidelity for specific resting sites was observed in 12 turtles that used the same location for as long as 5 yrs. Moreover, we observed a clear temporal pattern in the daily use of resting habitats, with 79% of resting activity occurring during low tide. In contrast, the daily peak in feeding activity was associated with high tides. Abiotic characteristics (depth and cardinal orientation) of resting sites did not show significant relationships. The information from this study will inform management of the Rapa Nui Multiple Uses Coastal Marine Protected Area to increase the protection of marine turtles residing at this isolated Pacific Island.Comision Nacional de Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnologica (CONICYT) 21170169 21160168 Comision Nacional de Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnologica (CONICYT) CONICYT FONDECYT 317039

Data from: Genetic structure of introduced American mink (Neovison vison) in Patagonia: colonisation insights and implications for control and management strategies

Context: Biological invasions have caused dramatic changes in native biodiversity and ecosystem function. Studies of genetic variation and evolutionary changes are useful for understanding population dynamics during biological invasions, and shed light on management, prevention and restoration strategies. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the structure and genetic variability of American mink (Neovison vison), an invasive species in southern South America, introduced for fur farming in the 1930s. Methods: Samples from 153 mink were obtained from 12 locations in southern Chile to sequence the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region and to genotype 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci. Key results: The highest mtDNA diversity was detected in Puerto Cisnes, suggesting multiple introductions and/or the most probable area where mink was first introduced. The latter is also supported by microsatellite data, because a high percentage of individuals from different locations were assigned to this location. All other locations showed low or no mtDNA diversity, possibly due to founder effect. The results also indicate marked population structure, with three genetic clusters coincident with the main historical introduction points, with low dispersal among them. Conclusions: The results suggest that control strategies for American mink in southern Chile should be concentrated on these three genetically differentiated management units, and particularly on source populations and locations with low effective population size and restricted connectivity. Implications: Genetic approaches have been used for the management of numerous alien species worldwide. Recommendations delivered here for American mink control could also be implemented in other regions and for other invasive species with similar genetic diversity distribution and connectivity

Genetics, Morphometrics and Health Characterization of Green Turtle Foraging Grounds in Mainland and Insular Chile

Two divergent genetic lineages have been described for the endangered green turtle in the Pacific Ocean, occurring sympatrically in some foraging grounds. Chile has seven known green turtle foraging grounds, hosting mainly juveniles of different lineages. Unfortunately, anthropic factors have led to the decline or disappearance of most foraging aggregations. We investigated age-class/sex structure, morphological variation, genetic diversity and structure, and health status of turtles from two mainland (Bahia Salado and Playa Chinchorro) and one insular (Easter Island) Chilean foraging grounds. Bahia Salado is composed of juveniles, and with Playa Chinchorro, exclusively harbors individuals of the north-central/eastern Pacific lineage, with Galapagos as the major genetic contributor. Conversely, Easter Island hosts juveniles and adults from both the eastern Pacific and French Polynesia. Morphological variation was found between lineages and foraging grounds, suggesting an underlying genetic component but also an environmental influence. Turtles from Easter Island, unlike Bahia Salado, exhibited injuries/alterations probably related to anthropic threats. Our findings point to establishing legal protection for mainland Chile’s foraging grounds, and to ensure that the administrative plan for Easter Island’s marine protected area maintains ecosystem health, turtle population viability, and related cultural and touristic activities

Identifying genetic lineages through shape: An example in a cosmopolitan marine turtle species using geometric morphometrics.

The green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is a globally distributed marine species whose evolutionary history has been molded by geological events and oceanographic and climate changes. Divergence between Atlantic and Pacific clades has been associated with the uplift of the Panama Isthmus, and inside the Pacific region, a biogeographic barrier located west of Hawaii has restricted the gene flow between Central/Eastern and Western Pacific populations. We investigated the carapace shape of C. mydas from individuals of Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, and Western Pacific genetic lineages using geometric morphometrics to evaluate congruence between external morphology and species' phylogeography. Furthermore, we assessed the variation of carapace shape according to foraging grounds. Three morphologically distinctive groups were observed which aligned with predictions based on the species' lineages, suggesting a substantial genetic influence on carapace shape. Based on the relationship between this trait and genetic lineages, we propose the existence of at least three distinct morphotypes of C. mydas. Well-defined groups in some foraging grounds (Galapagos, Costa Rica and New Zealand) may suggest that ecological or environmental conditions in these sites could also be influencing carapace shape in C. mydas. Geometric morphometrics is a suitable tool to differentiate genetic lineages in this cosmopolitan marine species. Consequently, this study opens new possibilities to explore and test ecological and evolutionary hypotheses in species with wide morphological variation and broad geographic distribution range

American Mink _dryad

This file contains the readings of microsatellites with which it was carried out in this article. (11 microsatellite loci