Adaptive functions of structural variants in human brain development.

Quantifying the structural variants (SVs) in nonhuman primates could provide a niche to clarify the genetic backgrounds underlying human-specific traits, but such resource is largely lacking. Here, we report an accurate SV map in a population of 562 rhesus macaques, verified by in-house benchmarks of eight macaque genomes with long-read sequencing and another one with genome assembly. This map indicates stronger selective constrains on inversions at regulatory regions, suggesting a strategy for prioritizing them with the most important functions. Accordingly, we identified 75 human-specific inversions and prioritized them. The top-ranked inversions have substantially shaped the human transcriptome, through their dual effects of reconfiguring the ancestral genomic architecture and introducing regional mutation hotspots at the inverted regions. As a proof of concept, we linked APCDD1, located on one of these inversions and down-regulated specifically in humans, to neuronal maturation and cognitive ability. We thus highlight inversions in shaping the human uniqueness in brain development.

Phylogenomics Reveals High Levels of Incomplete Lineage Sorting at the Ancestral Nodes of the Macaque Radiation.

The genus Macaca includes 23 species assigned into 4 to 7 groups. It exhibits the largest geographic range and represents the most successful example of adaptive radiation of nonhuman primates. However, intrageneric phylogenetic relationships among species remain controversial and have not been resolved so far. In this study, we conducted a phylogenomic analysis on 16 newly generated and 8 published macaque genomes. We found strong evidence supporting the division of this genus into 7 species groups. Incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) was the primary factor contributing to the discordance observed among gene trees; however, we also found evidence of hybridization events, specifically between the ancestral arctoides/sinica and silenus/nigra lineages that resulted in the hybrid formation of the fascicularis/mulatta group. Combined with fossil data, our phylogenomic data were used to establish a scenario for macaque radiation. These findings provide insights into ILS and potential ancient introgression events that were involved in the radiation of macaques, which will lead to a better understanding of the rapid speciation occurring in nonhuman primates.

Development and validation of the thyroid cancer self-perceived discrimination scale to identify patients at high risk for psychological problems.

Objective: To develop a Thyroid Cancer Self-Perceived Discrimination Scale (TCSPDS) to identify patients at high risk for psychological problems and to test its reliability, validity and acceptability. Methods: Using classical test theory, a total of 176 thyroid cancer patients from November 2021 to October 2022 were recruited to develop the TCSPDS. Item analysis was used to improve the preliminary TCSPDS. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation model (SEM) were used to test the construct validity of the final TCSPDS. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the validity coefficient between TCSPDS and EORTC QLQ-C30 to test the criterion-related validity (CRV) of the final TCSPDS. The internal consistency coefficient (Cronbach's alpha coefficient), split half reliability (Spearman-Brown coefficient) and test-retest reliability were used to verify the reliability of the final TCSPDS. The questionnaire completion time and effective response rate were used to validate the acceptability of the final TCSPDS. Results: The TCSPDS consisted of 20 items and was divided into 3 subscales: 8 items for stigma, 6 items for self-deprecation, and 6 items for social avoidance. The TCSPDS had good validity (χ2/df=1.971, RMSEA=0.074, GFI=0.921, CFI= 0.930, IFI=0.932, TLI=0.901, Validity coefficient=0.767), reliability (Cronbach's alpha=0.867, Spearman-Brown coefficient=0.828, test-retest reliability coefficient=0.981) and acceptability [average completion time (15.01 ± 1.348 minutes) and an effective response rate of 95.14%]. Patients with higher TCSPDS scores reported a lower quality of life (P<0.05). Conclusion: The TCSPDS could be used for early identification and assessment of the level of self-perceived discrimination in patients with thyroid cancer, which may provide a scientific basis for health education, social support and psychosocial oncology services in the future, especially in Southwest China.

Printing Three-Dimensional Refractory Metal Patterns in Ambient Air: Toward High Temperature Sensors.

Refractory metals offer exceptional benefits for high temperature electronics including high-temperature resistance, corrosion resistance and excellent mechanical strength, while their high melting temperature and poor processibility poses challenges to manufacturing. Here this work reports a direct ink writing and tar-mediated laser sintering (DIW-TMLS) technique to fabricate three-dimensional (3D) refractory metal devices for high temperature applications. Metallic inks with high viscosity and enhanced light absorbance are designed by utilizing coal tar as binder. The printed patterns are sintered into oxidation-free porous metallic structures using a low-power (<10 W) laser in ambient environment, and 3D freestanding architectures can be rapidly fabricated by one step. Several applications are presented, including a fractal pattern-based strain gauge, an electrically small antenna (ESA) patterned on a hemisphere, and a wireless temperature sensor that can work up to 350 °C and withstand burning flames. The DIW-TMLS technique paves a viable route for rapid patterning of various metal materials with wide applicability, high flexibility, and 3D conformability, expanding the possibilities of harsh environment sensors.

Reconstruction of large-area wounds in limbs using two flow-through anterolateral thigh perforator flaps.

INTRODUCTION: Limb salvage in large wounds is difficult because the disrupted blood supply does not support a flap. This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of using two flow-through anterolateral thigh perforator flaps for reconstructing large-area limb wounds. METHODS: This retrospective study included 45 patients who underwent reconstruction of large limb wounds using two flow-through anterolateral thigh perforator flaps at Ruihua Hospital between January 2015 and December 2020. Wound areas ranged from 15 cm × 13 cm to 46 cm × 18 cm. Single flap areas ranged from 16 cm × 8 cm to 46 cm × 9 cm. Blood supply locations were identified using color Doppler ultrasound or digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images. Primary outcomes were flap survival and complications at recipient or donor sites during at least 6-months follow-up. RESULTS: The overall flap survival rate was 97% (87/90). All donor sites healed by first intention. Three cases developed vascular crises, which were alleviated by reoperation. One case had flexor contracture in left toes, relieved by cutting flexor tendons; 13 cases had flap bloat, relieved by flap thinning at 6 months. All cases showed properly healed wounds and functional reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of large-area limb wounds using two flow-through anterolateral thigh perforator flaps provides safe and satisfactory effects without donor-site morbidity, and with proper healing and restored function.

Is the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery a common variant?

The oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, a short branch of the deep femoral artery, is highly prevalent (32-46%) and is usually considered a normal variant, although this is still controversial. This study aimed to evaluate whether the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery is a variant. We reviewed medical record data of patients with skin and soft tissue defects of the extremities who underwent flap repair using free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps at our hospital in 2019. The anatomical characteristics of the flaps were examined intraoperatively by high-frequency color Doppler ultrasound. A total of 153 ALT flaps from 146 patients were included. Among the branches, 232 (73.7%) were oblique branches, and 83 (26.4%) were descending branches. Of the 232 oblique branches, 141 (60.8%) were from septocutaneous branches, and the other 83 (39.2%) were from musculocutaneous branches. In addition, 20 (24.1%) descending branches were from septocutaneous branches, and the other 63 (75.9%) were from musculocutaneous branches. Analyzing the prevalence of the oblique branch in septocutaneous branches, more than half of the patients had oblique branches rather than descending branches. The high proportion of oblique branches from septocutaneous branches (median: 100 (0-100) vs. 0 (0-50), p = 0.002) supports the understanding that the oblique branch is a normal anatomical element rather than a variant. The main type was the intramuscular branches, which required significantly less time for flap harvesting. The oblique branch may be the preferred vascular pedicle for free ALT flaps.

Phylogenomic analyses provide insights into primate evolution.

Comparative analysis of primate genomes within a phylogenetic context is essential for understanding the evolution of human genetic architecture and primate diversity. We present such a study of 50 primate species spanning 38 genera and 14 families, including 27 genomes first reported here, with many from previously less well represented groups, the New World monkeys and the Strepsirrhini. Our analyses reveal heterogeneous rates of genomic rearrangement and gene evolution across primate lineages. Thousands of genes under positive selection in different lineages play roles in the nervous, skeletal, and digestive systems and may have contributed to primate innovations and adaptations. Our study reveals that many key genomic innovations occurred in the Simiiformes ancestral node and may have had an impact on the adaptive radiation of the Simiiformes and human evolution.

Comparative genomics reveals the hybrid origin of a macaque group.

Although species can arise through hybridization, compelling evidence for hybrid speciation has been reported only rarely in animals. Here, we present phylogenomic analyses on genomes from 12 macaque species and show that the fascicularis group originated from an ancient hybridization between the sinica and silenus groups ~3.45 to 3.56 million years ago. The X chromosomes and low-recombination regions exhibited equal contributions from each parental lineage, suggesting that they were less affected by subsequent backcrossing and hence could have played an important role in maintaining hybrid integrity. We identified many reproduction-associated genes that could have contributed to the development of the mixed sexual phenotypes characteristic of the fascicularis group. The phylogeny within the silenus group was also resolved, and functional experimentation confirmed that all extant Western silenus species are susceptible to HIV-1 infection. Our study provides novel insights into macaque evolution and reveals a hybrid speciation event that has occurred only very rarely in primates.

Morphological study of branches of lateral femoral circumflex artery based on digital subtraction angiography.

In this study, the digital subtraction angiography (DSA) data were used to describe the number, course, and distribution of the branches of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA), in order to provide an imaging basis for the application of the anterolateral thigh flap pedicled with each branch of the LCFA. The number, location, direction, and distribution of the branches of the LCFA were analyzed by selective DSA angiography in 113 patients who needed an anterolateral thigh flap to repair the wound. LCFA usually originates from the deep femoral artery or femoral artery and routinely sends out four main branches: ascending branch, transverse branch, oblique branch, and descending branch. The ascending branch is about 45 °outward and upward with the horizontal axis of the body; the transverse branch is roughly parallel to the horizontal axis of the body to the outside of the thigh or slightly upward or downward; the oblique branch is about 45 °outward and downward to the body's long axis or horizontal axis and gradually turns parallel to the body's long axis; the 5∼10 cm at the beginning of the descending branch is parallel to the long axis of the body, and the internal and external branches are separated near the midpoint of the line between the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral edge of the patella. It is of high reference value to use DSA technology to analyze the morphological characteristics of LCFA.

Transplantation of Ultra-Long Cross-Donor Conjoined Perforator Flaps with Multiple Blood Supply Sources for Wound Repair.

OBJECTIVE: There are reports about the surgical method and clinical efficacy of using ultra-long cross-donor perforator skin flap transplantation with multiple blood supply sources to repair wounds. METHOD: Between January 2013 and March 2019, 29 wounds were repaired using ultra-long skin flaps from the donor site of the chest, abdomen and anterolateral thigh. All patients were followed up on a regular basis with a view to the following: appearance of skin flap, function of recipient area and healing of donor area. RESULT: After the operation, all 28 skin flaps were fine. On the fifth day after the operation, one case of a 47-cm anterolateral thigh flap had dark skin color in the distal-most area measuring about 5 cm×4 cm, and the incision showed slow bleeding. In 11 cases, linear scars with soft edges and no obvious contractures were left in the donor area of the chest and abdomen. Eighteen cases with lateral femoral donor sites healed successfully, with linear scars forming without contracture. Three cases with lateral femoral donor sites had wide linear scars that were slightly above skin level and exhibited no contracture. CONCLUSION: Transplantation of ultra-long conjoined cross-donor perforator flaps with multiple blood supply is beneficial to wound repair and worthy of clinical promotion.

Alternaria alternata Causing Brown Spot Disease on Walnut in Xinjiang, China.

Walnut is one of the Xinjiang's characteristic dried fruits and the main source of income for farmers in walnut growing areas. In September 2019, Juglans regia leaves with brown spots were observed in a 10 hm2 orchard in Hotan area, the diseased leaf rate reached more than 25%. The leaf lesions were suborbicular to irregular, black-brown, 3 to 8 mm in diameter, with distinct dark borders. Colonies were isolated from 10 diseased leaves collected from two trees in the orchard. Leaf sections (4 × 4 mm) from diseased leaves were surface disinfested with 75% ethyl alcohol for 30 s and 2% NaClO for 3 min, washed with sterile water three times and then plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 27℃ with a 12h/12h light/dark photoperiod for 4 days. A total of 7 fungal isolates were obtained by single-spore isolation. All the colonies were dark olivaceous on the PDA plates, with loose, cottony mycelium. On potato carrot agar (PCA), all fungal isolates produced conidial chains with numerous secondary chains. The conidia were ellipsoid or obpyriform with 0-3 longitudinal septa and 2-4 transverse septa, measuring 20.6 to 35.8 × 6.8 to 11.2 µm (25.5 ± 0.4 × 8.7 ± 0.2 µm, n=50). The morphological characteristics of the seven fungal isolates were consistent with the A. alternata descriptions of Simmons (2007). DNA was extracted from 50 mg of mycelia for the representative isolate HLP17-7. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was PCR amplified using the universal primers ITS1 / ITS4 (White et al.1990), the partial coding sequence of endopolygalacturonase (endoPG) and the partial region of the histone 3 (H3) were amplified using primers PG2b / PG3 (Andrew et al. 2009) and H3-1a / H3-1b (Glass and Donaldson 1995) respectively. The products were sequenced and deposited in GenBank database under the accession numbers MW514319 [ITS], ON806938 endoPG, MW489301 [H3]. ITS, endoPG and H3 sequences had 99.81% (1/535 nt difference), 99.78% (1/448 nt difference) and 100% (0/417 nt difference) homology with homologous sequences of A. alternata strains (KP124306 [ITS], KP124006 [endoPG], MK085979 [H3]), respectively. During the early autumn, pathogenicity tests were carried out on the healthy mature leaves of seven-year-old Juglans regia plants in the field. Thirty leaves (five leaves per plant) were wounded with a sterile needle and then sprayed with a spore suspension prepared from 10-day-old PDA culture. Five wounded leaves per plant were sprayed with sterile water as control. All the treated leaves were covered with clear plastic bags for 3 days, and the experiment was replicated three times. On the 8th day after inoculation, brown spots appeared on the inoculated leaves, but no spots were observed in the control. Morphological observation and gene sequencing confirmed that the original fungal pathogen was re-isolated from the inoculated leaves. No colony was isolated from the control leaves. The pathogen causing the brown spot was identified as A. alternata based on morphological features and sequence analysis. A. alternata has been reported previously in Sichuan (Yang et al., 2017) causing brown spot in walnut. Xinjiang is dry with little rain and abundant sunshine, so there are few diseases on walnuts. However, the occurrence of brown spot disease has alarmed fruit farmers, walnuts are still at the risk of A. alternata infections even in dry environment with little rain. To our knowledge, this is the first report of A. alternata causing brown spot in walnut in Xinjiang, China. References: Andrew, M., et al. 2009. Mycologia. 101:95 Glass, M. L., and Donaldson, G. C. 1995. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 61:1323. Simmons, E. G. 2007. Alternaria: An Identification Manual. CBS Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands. White, T. J., et al. 1990. Page 315 in: PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. Academic Press, San Diego, CA. Yang, L., et al. 2017. Forest Research. 30(6):1004-1008.

Repair of Compound Dorsal Defects of the Digits Using a Free Antegrade Palmaris Longus Tendocutaneous Venous Flap.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical effect of repairing small dorsal digit compound tissue defects using a free palmaris longus tendocutaneous flap nourished by venous blood. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis of patients treated between March 2010 and October 2017, 18 patients were identified as having small compound tissue defects, which were repaired using a free palmaris longus tendocutaneous flap nourished by venous blood. The average age of the patients, including 15 male and 3 female patients, was 34 years (range, 22-55 years). The mean wound size was 6 cm2 (range, 2.0 × 1.5 to 3.5 × 2.0 cm2). All the patients had dorsal defects. The average length of extensor tendon defect was 2.0 cm (range, 1.0-3.0 cm). The mean area of the flap was 7 cm2 (range, 2.5 × 2.0 to 4.0 × 3.5 cm2). The donor sites were primarily closed. RESULTS: All 18 flaps survived. A vascular crisis due to a venospasm occurred within 48 hours in 3 flaps, but ultimately, all the flaps survived. The patients were followed-up for a mean period of 10 months (range, 3-15 months). All the patients returned to their previous work after 10-12 weeks. No pain or scar contracture was reported in either the recipient or donor site. CONCLUSIONS: The free antegrade palmaris longus tendocutaneous venous flap enabled the repair of compound tissue defects of the dorsal digit, resulting in acceptable aesthetics, repaired tendon defects, and wound coverage. This surgical method is an option for the reconstruction of small compound defects of digits with extensor defects. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

[Clinical application of anterolateral thigh perforator flap pedicled with oblique branch in intramuscular of lateral circumflex femoral artery].

Objective: To explore the characteristics and clinical application of the anterolateral thigh flap pedicled with the oblique branch in the intramuscular of lateral circumflex femoral artery. Methods: The clinical data of 25 patients with skin and soft tissue defects of extremities admitted between December 2020 and April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 16 males and 9 females, aged 14-75 years, with the median age of 43 years. The defect site included 13 cases of hand, 2 cases of forearm, 2 cases of calf, and 8 cases of foot and ankle. The wound area ranged from 6 cm×4 cm to 35 cm×22 cm. Twenty-four patients with trauma were admitted to hospital immediately after injury, and 1 patient with diabetic foot infection was transferred to the hospital after ineffective treatment in other hospital. Flap surgery was performed from 0 to 56 days (median, 22 days) after admission. A total of 26 thigh flaps were harvested in 25 patients, with unilateral flaps in size of 7 cm×5 cm to 40 cm×10 cm. The type, caliber, and location of the perforating branch were recorded during the operation, and the anatomical characteristics of the oblique branch of the intramuscular trunk were mainly observed. The flap harvesting time was recorded; the flap survival and wound healing time were observed; at last follow-up, XIAO Feipeng et al. flap comprehensive efficacy evaluation table was used to evaluate the effectiveness of flap repair from three aspects of donor site, recipient site, and subjective satisfaction of doctors and patients. Results: After the oblique branch in intramuscular of lateral circumflex femoral artery was sent out, it ran 2-3 cm obliquely laterally and inferiorly in the intermuscular septum and then entered the vastus lateralis muscle, and sent out perforating branches to nourish the skin. A total of 61 perforating branches were marked in 26 thighs of 25 patients before operation, and 70 perforating branches were found during operation, including 9 transverse branches, 29 descending branches, and 32 oblique branches, all of the oblique branches were musculocutaneous perforators. All 25 patients were followed up 6-10 months, with an average of 8 months. The time of unilateral thigh flap harvesting ranged from 13 to 90 minutes, with an average of 48 minutes. One patient with diabetes developed disturbance of blood supply and complete necrosis of the flap at 1 month after operation, and then the flap was repaired with skin graft; 1 case developed arterial crisis after operation, which survived after timely exploration; and the rest of the flaps survived smoothly. The wound healing time of the recipient site ranged from 10 to 44 days, with an average of 19 days, and the donor site of the thigh healed by first intention. At last follow-up, the color and texture of the flap was good and the sensation recovered to S 1-S 2. Only linear scar was left in the donor site, no scar contracture, pain, and other discomfort occurred, and no other serious complications occurred. Evaluated by flap comprehensive efficacy evaluation table, the score was 74-93, with an average of 88, of which 10 cases were excellent, 13 cases were good, and 2 cases were fair, with an excellent and good rate of 92%. Conclusion: The intramuscular trunk oblique branch is not uncommon, and its trunk course and perforators distribution are regular. To improve the understanding of this type of oblique branch and adopt appropriate methods during operation can improve the success rate of skin flap extraction.

High-Value Utilization of Silicon Cutting Waste and Excrementum Bombycis to Synthesize Silicon-Carbon Composites as Anode Materials for Li-Ion Batteries.

Silicon-based photovoltaic technology is helpful in reducing the cost of power generation; however, it suffers from economic losses and environmental pollution caused by silicon cutting waste. Herein, a hydrothermal method accompanied by heat treatment is proposed to take full advantage of the photovoltaic silicon cutting waste and biomass excrementum bombycis to fabricate flake-like porous Si@C (FP-Si@C) composite anodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The resulting FP-Si@C composite with a meso-macroporous structure can buffer the severe volume changes and facilitate electrolyte penetration. Meanwhile, the slightly graphitic carbon with high electrical conductivity and mechanical strength tightly surrounds the Si nanoflakes, which not only contributes to the ion/electron transport but also maintains the electrode structural integrity during the repeated lithiation/delithiation process. Accordingly, the synergistic effect of the unique structure of FP-Si@C composite contributes to a high discharge specific capacity of 1322 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1, superior cycle stability with a capacity retention of 70.8% after 100 cycles, and excellent rate performance with a reversible capacity of 406 mAh g-1 at 1.0 A g-1. This work provides an easy and cost-effective approach to achieving the high-value application of photovoltaic silicon cutting waste, as well as obtaining high-performance Si-based anodes for LIBs.

Global view on virus infection in non-human primates and implications for public health and wildlife conservation.

Viruses can be transmitted from animals to humans (and vice versa) and across animal species. As such, host-virus interactions and transmission have attracted considerable attention. Non-human primates (NHPs), our closest evolutionary relatives, are susceptible to human viruses and certain pathogens are known to circulate between humans and NHPs. Here, we generated global statistics on VI-NHPs based on a literature search and public data mining. In total, 140 NHP species from 12 families are reported to be infected by 186 DNA and RNA virus species, 68.8% of which are also found in humans, indicating high potential for crossing species boundaries. The top 10 NHP species with high centrality in the NHP-virus network include two great apes (Pan troglodytes, Pongo pygmaeus) and eight Old World monkeys (Macaca mulatta, M. fascicularis, M. leonina, Papio cynocephalus, Cercopithecus ascanius, C. erythrotis, Chlorocebus aethiops, and Allochrocebus lhoesti). Given the wide distribution of Old World monkeys and their frequent contact with humans, there is a high risk of virus circulation between humans and such species. Thus, we suggest recurring epidemiological surveillance of NHPs, specifically Old World monkeys that are in frequent contact with humans, and other effective measures to prevent potential circulation and transmission of viruses. Avoidance of false positives and sampling bias should also be a focus in future work.

The reference genome and transcriptome of the limestone langur, Trachypithecus leucocephalus, reveal expansion of genes related to alkali tolerance.

BACKGROUND: Trachypithecus leucocephalus, the white-headed langur, is a critically endangered primate that is endemic to the karst mountains in the southern Guangxi province of China. Studying the genomic and transcriptomic mechanisms underlying its local adaptation could help explain its persistence within a highly specialized ecological niche. RESULTS: In this study, we used PacBio sequencing and optical assembly and Hi-C analysis to create a high-quality de novo assembly of the T. leucocephalus genome. Annotation and functional enrichment revealed many genes involved in metabolism, transport, and homeostasis, and almost all of the positively selected genes were related to mineral ion binding. The transcriptomes of 12 tissues from three T. leucocephalus individuals showed that the great majority of genes involved in mineral absorption and calcium signaling were expressed, and their gene families were significantly expanded. For example, FTH1 primarily functions in iron storage and had 20 expanded copies. CONCLUSIONS: These results increase our understanding of the evolution of alkali tolerance and other traits necessary for the persistence of T. leucocephalus within an ecologically unique limestone karst environment.

Mitogenomic phylogeny of the Asian colobine genus Trachypithecus with special focus on Trachypithecus phayrei (Blyth, 1847) and description of a new species.

Trachypithecus, which currently contains 20 species divided into four groups, is the most speciose and geographically dispersed genus among Asian colobines. Despite several morphological and molecular studies, however, its evolutionary history and phylogeography remain poorly understood. Phayre's langur ( Trachypithecus phayrei) is one of the most widespread members of the genus, but details on its actual distribution and intraspecific taxonomy are limited and controversial. Thus, to elucidate the evolutionary history of Trachypithecus and to clarify the intraspecific taxonomy and distribution of T. phayrei, we sequenced 41 mitochondrial genomes from georeferenced fecal samples and museum specimens, including two holotypes. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a robustly supported phylogeny of Trachypithecus, suggesting that the T. pileatus group branched first, followed by the T. francoisi group, and the T. cristatus and T. obscurus groups most recently. The four species groups diverged from each other 4.5-3.1 million years ago (Ma), while speciation events within these groups occurred much more recently (1.6-0.3 Ma). Within T. phayrei, we found three clades that diverged 1.0-0.9 Ma, indicating the existence of three rather than two taxa. Following the phylogenetic species concept and based on genetic, morphological, and ecological differences, we elevate the T. phayrei subspecies to species level, describe a new species from central Myanmar, and refine the distribution of the three taxa. Overall, our study highlights the importance of museum specimens and provides new insights not only into the evolutionary history of T. phayrei but the entire Trachypithecus genus as well.

Genomic Mechanisms of Physiological and Morphological Adaptations of Limestone Langurs to Karst Habitats.

Knowledge of the physiological and morphological evolution and adaptation of nonhuman primates is critical to understand hominin origins, physiological ecology, morphological evolution, and applications in biomedicine. Particularly, limestone langurs represent a direct example of adaptations to the challenges of exploiting a high calcium and harsh environment. Here, we report a de novo genome assembly (Tfra_2.0) of a male François's langur (Trachypithecus francoisi) with contig N50 of 16.3 Mb and resequencing data of 23 individuals representing five limestone and four forest langur species. Comparative genomics reveals evidence for functional evolution in genes and gene families related to calcium signaling in the limestone langur genome, probably as an adaptation to naturally occurring high calcium levels present in water and plant resources in karst habitats. The genomic and functional analyses suggest that a single point mutation (Lys1905Arg) in the α1c subunit of the L-type voltage-gated calcium channel Cav1.2 (CACNA1C) attenuates the inward calcium current into the cells in vitro. Population genomic analyses and RNA-sequencing indicate that EDNRB is less expressed in white tail hair follicles of the white-headed langur (T. leucocephalus) compared with the black-colored François's langur and hence might be responsible for species-specific differences in body coloration. Our findings contribute to a new understanding of gene-environment interactions and physiomorphological adaptative mechanisms in ecologically specialized primate taxa.

Reassignment of 'Triplophysa' jiarongensis (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) to Oreonectes Günther, 1868.

Specimens identified as Oreonectes jiarongensis (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) were collected from a karst cave in Jiarong Town and Banzhai Township, Libo County, Guizhou, China. Several lines of morphological and molecular evidence suggested that this species was similar to species of Oreonectes Günther 1868 and not closely related to species of Triplophysa Rendal, 1933. The anterior and posterior nostrils of 'Triplophysa' jiarongensis were separated by a short distance, and there was no secondary sexual dimorphism in male specimens. The Bayesian phylogenetic analysis based on cytochrome b recovered 'T.' jiarongensis in a well-supported clade with Oreonectes daqikongensis, O. shuilongensis, O. furcocaudalis and O. platycephalus, sister to the Triplophysa clade. In addition, the genetic distances between 'T.' jiarongensis and species of Oreonectes were low (O. daqikongensis: 0.114; O. shuilongensis: 0.106; O. platycephalus: 0.180), while distances to species of Triplophysa were higher (T. dorsalis: 0.233; T. yarkandensis: 0.282). Therefore, we reassign 'T.' jiarongensis to Oreonectes. Based on this result, it is now clear that species of both Oreonectes and Triplophysa inhabit the same underground river system in Guizhou. However, as species of Oreonectes are only known from the southern part of Guizhou, it may be that O. jiarongensis inhabits the most northerly part of the range of this genus.