279 research outputs found
Cryptodrassus platnicki Sankaran & Caleb & Sebastian 2020, comb. nov.
No full textCryptodrassus platnicki (Gajbe, 1987) comb. nov. Drassyllus platnicki Gajbe, 1987: 289, figs 1–5. Type material Holotype (not examined) INDIA • ♀; Maharashtra, Nagpur, Kachari Sawanga village / Kachari (sa) village; 21°11′41.53″ N, 78°39′12.05″ E; 448 m a.s.l.; 5 Mar. 1984; U.A. Gajbe leg.; NZC-ZSI, Kolkata 5144/18. Justification of the transfer Even though we did not examine the type of D. platnicki, which may either be lost or misplaced somewhere in the collection, this species agrees with Cryptodrassus spp. in generic features such as obliquely placed, large, contiguous PMEs, cheliceral promargin with three and retromargin with single tooth and epigyne with anteriorly placed atrium. All these indicate that this species in fact belongs to Cryptodrassus. The structure of vulvae of this species looks closely similar to the vulvae of C. khajuriai comb. nov., suggesting a possible synonymy of the former species with the latter one (compare Figs 1 C–D, 2C–D with Gajbe 1987: figs 3–4); however, confirmation requires the examination of the type or topotype materials of C. platnicki comb. nov. Remarks We were unable to find the type of D. platnicki in the arachnid collection of ZSI, even though the author claimed that the type was deposited here (Gajbe 1987).Published as part of Sankaran, Pradeep M., Caleb, John T. D. & Sebastian, Pothalil A., 2020, On the taxonomic validity of Indian ground spiders: II. Genera Drassyllus Chamberlin, 1922 and Nodocion Chamberlin, 1922 (Araneae: Gnaphosidae), pp. 1-14 in European Journal of Taxonomy 673 on pages 7-8, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2020.673, http://zenodo.org/record/390834
Honour and recognition in the German novel of banditry ca 1800
No full textThis article performs a reading informed by Honneth’s theory of recognition of the two best-known German novels of banditry of the 1790s, Johann Heinrich Zschokke’s Abaellino der große Bandit (1794) and Christian August Vulpius’ Rinaldo Rinaldini (1799) in an effort to understand how popular literature participates in and reflects upon the discourse on honour and recognition around 1800. Its status as popular genre makes the novel of banditry (Räuberroman) a potentially interesting source on shifts in the theory and practice of honour as experienced by ordinary Europeans at the turn of the 19th century. The genre was found to relate to the honour discourse not directly, but in the manner of a heterotopia, simultaneously located outside that discourse and referentially connected to it. Taken in isolation, the novel of banditry is not an informative source on the changing role of honour and new patterns of intersubjective recognition in late 18th century Europe. Seen as part of a particular constellation of textual production and reception, however, the genre sheds light on the aporias of honour experienced by those socially marginal ‘new readers’ intent on exploiting literature in the struggle for enhanced social recognition.Peer reviewe
Oedignatha adhartali Sankaran & Caleb & Sebastian 2019, comb. nov.
No full text<i>Oedignatha adhartali</i> (Gajbe, 2003) comb. nov. <p> <i>Castianeira adhartali</i> Gajbe, 2003: 1035, figs 1–4 (♂ ♀).</p> <p> <b>Type material.</b> Holotype ♀ and allotype ♂ from INDIA: Madhya Pradesh: Jabalpur: Adhartal (23°11’57.24’’N, 79°56’39.08’’E), 399 m a.s.l., leg. Pawan Gajbe; 5 October 1997; repository NZC-ZSI, not examined.</p> <p> <b>Remarks.</b> We were unable to find the types of <i>C</i>. <i>adhartali</i> in the arachnid collection of ZSI, even though the author claimed that the types were deposited here (Gajbe 2003).</p> <p> This species was described on the basis of male and female specimens (Gajbe 2003). Although we did not examine the types of <i>C</i>. <i>adhartali</i>, which were presumably not deposited in ZSI, the illustrations of this species available in the original description are useful, at least to confirm its misplacement in <i>Castianeira</i> and to support its inclusion in the liocranid genus <i>Oedignatha</i> Thorell, 1881. Its pedipalp is clearly not pear-shaped with an apically oriented embolus and without accessory sclerites, as in all castianeirines. Instead, the pedipalp of <i>C</i>. <i>adhartali</i> has a medially placed, nearly globular tegulum with multiple sclerites, as seen in the case of <i>Oedignatha</i> species (cf. Gajbe 2003: fig. 4 and Deeleman-Reinhold 2001: figs 353, 357, 365, 367, 371). The epigyne is also similar to other <i>Oedignatha</i> species (cf. Gajbe 2003: fig. 3 and Fig. 3 C–D). Based on these observations, we consider the transfer of <i>C</i>. <i>adhartali</i> to <i>Oedignatha</i> fully justified.</p>Published as part of <i>Sankaran, Pradeep M., Caleb, John T. D. & Sebastian, Pothalil A., 2019, New synonymies and transfers in Castianeira Keyserling, 1879 (Araneae, Corinnidae, Castianeirinae) from India, pp. 331-340 in Zootaxa 4623 (2)</i> on page 334, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4623.2.7, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/3255491">http://zenodo.org/record/3255491</a>
Comparative phylogeography of six Highland Ethiopian passerines in the eastern Afromontane biodiversity hotspot
No full textTopographically complex montane regions in the tropics harbor high biodiversity and drive diversification. Located within the East Africa Biodiversity Hotspot, the Ethiopian Highlands are one such montane region of high species diversity but disproportionately undescribed genetic diversity. Montane habitats of the Ethiopian Highlands are divided by lowland barriers including the Blue Nile Valley (BNV) and Great Rift Valley (GRV). These lowland barriers have shaped phylogeographic patterns in sedentary taxa like frogs and rodents but the relative effects of the GRV and BNV have not been assessed in dispersive taxa such as birds. We used whole genome resequencing data from six codistributed highland songbirds to assess comparative patterns of phylogeographic structure in our focal species and how those compare to patterns in other taxonomic groups. Generally, we found that populations separated by the GRV are more differentiated than populations separated by the BNV, but also that species appeared to respond idiosyncratically. The phylogeographic structure found in these taxa have similarities and differences with previous work in frogs and rodents, but overall, no single pattern is consistent across taxonomic groups. Within taxa, genetic diversity was broadly consistent across localities and was explained by harmonic mean NE through time, although there were noticeable reductions in one population each of two species. Here, we showed that highland topography impacts the diversification of even the most dispersive Ethiopian taxa by quantifying population genetic variation of six avian species in the East Africa Biodiversity Hotspot.Embargo status: Restricted until 06/2024. To request the author grant access, click on the PDF link
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Genetic diversity and the origin of contemporary Eastern Elk (Cervus canadensis) populations in Texas
No full textElk (Cervus canadensis) historically are among the most widely distributed members of the deer family, occupying much of the United States, Canada, and northern Mexico. The natural distribution of this species decreased substantially in the early 20th century, presumably resulting in the extirpation of the Texas population. In the past 40 years, several herds of free-ranging elk have re-appeared in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas. It is not known if these herds were the result of introduction from captive herds, represent an expansion of a previously transplanted population from South Dakota into the Guadalupe Mountains of New Mexico and Texas, or if they represent natural emigrants from southeastern New Mexico into the Trans-Pecos region. The objective of this study was to determine the origin and genetic affinities of populations of C. canadensis in Texas. DNA sequences from the mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene and D-Loop region were examined, in combination with nine microsatellite loci, to assess genetic divergence, relationship, and origin of the contemporary elk herds in Texas. Findings of the mitochondrial sequence data depicted a high degree of relatedness among individuals throughout the sampling area; whereas, microsatellite data revealed differences in frequencies of alleles in the Glass Mountains of Texas compared to South Dakota, New Mexico, and Davis Mountain samples. Further, computer simulations of population genetic parameters using the microsatellite data supported a scenario consistent with the origin of elk in Texas probably being the result of natural emigrants from New Mexico. In addition, simulations did not detect evidence of a genetic bottleneck during the past 350 generations indicating a long, shared history between Texas and New Mexico populations
Fine-scale spatial variation shape fecal microbiome diversity and composition in black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus)
No full textHost-associated gut microbiota is important in understanding the coevolution of host-microbe, its causes, and consequences that may help the wildlife population to adapt to its rapid climatic changes. Mammalian gut microbiota composition and diversity may be affected by a variety of factors including geographic variation, seasonal variation in diet, habitat disturbance, environmental conditions, age, and sex. However, there have been few studies that have examined how ecological and environmental factors influence gut microbiota composition in animals' natural environments. In this study, we explore how host habitat, geographical location, and environmental factors affect the fecal microbiota of Cynomys ludovicianus at a small spatial scale. We collected fecal samples from five geographically distinct locations in Texas Panhandle occupying habitats classified as urban and rural areas using high throughput 16S gene amplicon sequencing. The results showed that the microbiota of fecal samples was largely dominated by phylum Bacteroidetes. Fecal microbiome diversity and composition differed significantly across sampling sites and habitats. Prairie dogs inhabiting urban areas showed reduced fecal diversity due to a more homogenous environment and anthropogenic disturbance. Urban prairie dog colonies displayed greater phylogenetic variation than those in rural habitats. Differentially abundant analysis revealed that bacterial species pathogenic to humans and animals were highly abundant in urban areas which indicates that host health and fitness might be negatively affected. The random forest model identified Alistipes shahii as the important species driving the changes in fecal microbiome composition. Despite the effects of habitat and geographic location of the host, we found a strong correlation with environmental factors- the average maximum temperature was the best predictor of prairie dog fecal microbial diversity. Our findings suggest that reduction in alpha diversity in conjunction with greater dispersion in beta diversity could be indicative of declining host health in urban areas which could help determine future conservation efforts. Moreover, several bacterial species pathogenic to humans and other animals detected highly abundant in urban areas may adversely affect host phenotype and fitness.Embargo status: Restricted until 09/2023. To request the author grant access, click on the PDF link to the left
Quantifying the Influence of Microbiomes and Patient Variables on Wound Healing Time of Chronic Wounds through Structural Equation Modeling
No full textThe contribution of microbiome and host factors to driving chronicity and rate of healing in wounds is increasingly appreciated. However, there is currently little ability to account for the many variables and dynamics influencing differences in healing. Here, with the goal of developing a predictive framework, a novel structural equation modelling (SEM) approach was employed to model the chronic wound environment in relation to healing. The dataset consisted of 565 unique patient wounds from a single center with targeted 16S microbial profiling at initial patient visit and with matched patient medical information. Approximately 85 percent of wound microbiome samples were polymicrobial. Using this data a novel parcel optimization routine was developed to reduce high complexity microbiome data into latent variables relating to healing time either positively or negatively. These latent constructs were included in a structural equation model containing further data on patient and wound characteristics to predict time to healing and quantify the relative importance of each factor. A microbiome latent construct significantly associated with faster healing was validated, and the final SEM included this latent construct plus three species associated with diminished healing (Anaerococcus vaginalis, Finegoldia magna, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), as well as smoking, wound volume, slough, exudate, edema, percent granulation, and wound type. This model explained 46% of variation in healing time differences among patients with the microbiome contributing the largest proportion of variance explained, followed closely by wound etiology. Species comprising the healing-associated latent construct have far fewer positive correlations with each other than species not included in the final construct (p < 0.001), potentially reflecting competitive interactions between infecting species. Moreover, comparison to alternative SEM indicates that species interactions contribute to the causal effect of microbiome on healing time. Notably, species included in, and most influential to healing prediction are species routinely treated with biofilm-based wound care approaches guided by molecular diagnostics, thus strongly advocating for a molecular-guided approach to wound care
The RNA-binding protein musashi-2 regulates sonic hedgehog signaling in the developing mammalian palate
No full textA high degree of purifying selection prevents mutations within the coding sequence of genes that control embryonic patterning and development. Diffusing morphogenic proteins, such as sonic hedgehog, instigate tissue-specific changes in gene expression of developing embryos. Because of its morphogenic potential, sonic hedgehog expression must be tightly regulated to prevent physical deformities. Sonic hedgehog expression in craniofacial development is restricted to signaling centers of the oral palate, where its diffusion promotes tissue growth and rostral elongation. Regulation of mRNA expression is accomplished by a variety of molecules such as RNA-binding proteins. RNA-binding proteins have evolved to impart fine tuning of gene expression via mRNA manipulation. RNA-binding proteins regulate key evolutionary and developmental mechanisms, such as RNA stability, localization, and mRNA translation. Musashi binding motifs occur in developmentally relevant genes; however, their effect is largely unknown. It is hypothesized that musashi regulation influences mammalian palate morphology during embryogenesis. The musashi family of RNA-binding proteins are post-transcriptional regulators that bind mRNA motifs to promote or suppress gene expression. A novel interaction between musashi-2 and the mitotic regulator sonic hedgehog has been discovered in the developing mammalian palate using a multifaceted approach to determine the effects of musashi translational regulation. Musashi binding motifs occur at varying rates and locations in the 3' untranslated region of the bat SHH gene, and SHH expression is altered in response to motif location and abundance. Sonic hedgehog expression is highly regulated during craniofacial development because its production induces tissue growth. Bats possessing varying numbers of musashi binding motifs in their SHH 3' UTR display variable numbers of palatal rugae and interrugal distance, indicating a connection between musashi regulation and palate growth via SHH translational regulation. This previously undescribed interaction of musashi translational control of SHH mRNA has broad evolutionary implications as a modulator of mammalian craniofacial morphology.Embargo status: Restricted until 01/2025. To request the author grant access, click on the PDF link to the left
Status, distribution, morphology and genetics of Sigmodon fulviventer dalquesti in the Chihuahuan Desert ecoregion
No full textThe tawny-bellied cotton rat, Sigmodon fulviventer dalquesti, is a Texas endemic subspecies reported only from a single sampling near Fort Davis in 1991. The current population, distribution and evolutionary origin of S. f. dalquesti is enigmatic. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Texas Conservation Action Plan (2012) designates S. f. dalquesti as critically imperiled within the state. Additionally, the relationship between S. f. dalquesti and other S. fulviventer subspecies in Mexico, Arizona, and New Mexico is not well understood. The current state of knowledge of S. f. dalquesti systematics consists of morphological distinction from S. f. minimus (New Mexican form), and a finding of mitochondrial cytochrome b divergence between S. f. dalquesti and S. f. fulviventer (Mexican form) roughly equivalent to 100,000 years of divergence. To inform an accurate conservation assessment, a more complete understanding of S. f. dalquesti biology is required. Analysis of craniometric characters and mitochondrial cytochrome b data presented herein support recognition of S. f. dalquesti. Species distribution modeling suggests under-surveyed areas of potential range extension
Exploration of the gut-brain axis in adult zebrafish exposed to Perfluorononanoic Acid (PFNA): correlating the intestinal microbiome with neural gene expression.
No full textand reproductive success in zebrafish. Evaluating how neurotoxicants affect bidirectional communication between the brain and gut microbiome has also become an intriguing new area of research in the field of toxicology. Here we attempt to infer the biological processes and molecular pathways that may underpin the neurotoxic endpoints and downstream effects of PFNA exposure in adult zebrafish using analysis of differential transcript abundance across a dose gradient. Additionally, we investigate modulation of the gut-brain axis in adult zebrafish exposed to Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) through correlation of intestinal microbiome abundance and neural gene counts.
Total RNA from brain and DNA from intestinal tissues was collected from 48 adult zebrafish across an exposure gradient of PFNA. RNAseq and 16S taxonomic profiling data were processed using nf-core rnaseq and ampliseq pipelines built with Nextflow, respectively. Relevant features from metataxonomic and transcriptomic datasets were filtered by applying differential abundance analysis utilizing multivariable associations with linear models (MaAsLin2). Hierarchical All-against-All association (HALLA) was used to find any significant relationships between gene expression and relative abundance of gut microbes.
We report evidence of significantly differentiated genes across all concentrations, with consistent downregulation of WNT1 and CHRNB4. However, no apparent dose-related patterns in gene ontology were observed save for changes in transcripts related to sensory processing and transcriptional activity in most concentrations. Integrative Pathway Analysis (IPA) showed significantly decreased abundance of transcripts related to downstream inhibition for various pathways across multiple concentrations, including Autism Signaling Pathway and Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer (0.3nM PFNA), Pulmonary Fibrosis (3nM PFNA), Potassium Channels (30nM), and GNRH, Hepatic Fibrosis and RAR Activation (300nM PFNA). All differentially abundant phyla from Maaslin2 showed a positive correlation across the PFNA dosing gradient. Analysis with HALLA showed a positive correlation between Desulfobacterota and multiple genes associated with properties in the nervous system, including sphingolipid biosynthesis regulator serinc1 and ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor oaz2b. Additionally, Myxococcota, Chloroflexi, Desulfobacterota, MBNT15, Crenarchaeota, and Patescibacteria where all negatively correlated with gxp3, which plays a protective role against oxidative stress.
We conclude that PFNA exposure may cause potential adverse effects on synaptic plasticity, sensory processes, regeneration capability and hormonal regulation. Although further study is we required, the data suggest that gut-brain axis modulation plays an important role in the toxicity profile of PFNA and subsequent adverse outcomes in adult zebrafish
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