HIV/HBV coinfection remodels the immune landscape and natural killer cell ADCC functional responses.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: HBV and HIV coinfection is a common occurrence globally, with significant morbidity and mortality. Both viruses lead to immune dysregulation including changes in natural killer (NK) cells, a key component of antiviral defense and a promising target for HBV cure strategies. Here we used high-throughput single-cell analysis to explore the immune cell landscape in people with HBV mono-infection and HIV/HBV coinfection, on antiviral therapy, with emphasis on identifying the distinctive characteristics of NK cell subsets that can be therapeutically harnessed. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Our data show striking differences in the transcriptional programs of NK cells. HIV/HBV coinfection was characterized by an over-representation of adaptive, KLRC2 -expressing NK cells, including a higher abundance of a chemokine-enriched ( CCL3/CCL4 ) adaptive cluster. The NK cell remodeling in HIV/HBV coinfection was reflected in enriched activation pathways, including CD3ζ phosphorylation and ZAP-70 translocation that can mediate stronger antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity responses and a bias toward chemokine/cytokine signaling. By contrast, HBV mono-infection imposed a stronger cytotoxic profile on NK cells and a more prominent signature of "exhaustion" with higher circulating levels of HBsAg. Phenotypic alterations in the NK cell pool in coinfection were consistent with increased "adaptiveness" and better capacity for antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity compared to HBV mono-infection. Overall, an adaptive NK cell signature correlated inversely with circulating levels of HBsAg and HBV-RNA in our cohort. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides new insights into the differential signature and functional profile of NK cells in HBV and HIV/HBV coinfection, highlighting pathways that can be manipulated to tailor NK cell-focused approaches to advance HBV cure strategies in different patient groups.

Loss of RAS Mutations in Liquid Biopsies of Patients With Multi-Treated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Liquid biopsy (LB) is a non-invasive tool to evaluate the heterogeneity of tumors. Since RAS mutations (RAS-mut) play a major role in resistance to antiepidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies (Mabs), serial monitoring of RAS-mut with LB may be useful to guide treatment. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the loss of RAS-mut (NeoRAS-wt) in LB, during the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients with mCRC between January 2018 and December 2021. RAS-mut were examined in tissue biopsy, at mCRC diagnosis, and with LB, during treatment. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients with RAS-mut mCRC were studied. LB was performed after a median of 3 lines (0-7) of systemic treatment including anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) Mabs. NeoRAS-wt was detected in 13 patients (33.3%); 9 (69.2%) of them received further treatment with anti-EGFR Mabs with a disease control rate of 44.4%. Median overall survival (OS), from the date of LB testing, was 20 months in the NeoRAS-wt group and 9 months in the persistent RAS-mut group (log-rank 2.985; P = .08), with a 12-month OS of 84.6% and 57.7%, respectively. NeoRAS-wt was identified as a predictor of survival (HR = 0.29; P = .007), with an 11-month improvement in median OS and a 71% decrease in risk of death, in heavily pretreated patients. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, monitoring clonal evolution in mCRC by LB may provide an additional treatment line for patients with NeoRAS-wt in advanced disease.

Systematic approaches to assessing high-temperature limits to fertility in animals.

Critical thermal limits (CTLs) gauge the physiological impact of temperature on survival or critical biological function, aiding predictions of species range shifts and climatic resilience. Two recent Drosophila species studies, using similar approaches to determine temperatures that induce sterility (thermal fertility limits [TFLs]), reveal that TFLs are often lower than CTLs and that TFLs better predict both current species distributions and extinction probability. Moreover, many studies show fertility is more sensitive at less extreme temperatures than survival (thermal sensitivity of fertility [TSF]). These results present a more pessimistic outlook on the consequences of climate change. However, unlike CTLs, TFL data are limited to Drosophila, and variability in TSF methods poses challenges in predicting species responses to increasing temperature. To address these data and methodological gaps, we propose 3 standardized approaches for assessing thermal impacts on fertility. We focus on adult obligate sexual terrestrial invertebrates but also provide modifications for other animal groups and life-history stages. We first outline a "gold-standard" protocol for determining TFLs, focussing on the effects of short-term heat shocks and simulating more frequent extreme heat events predicted by climate models. As this approach may be difficult to apply to some organisms, we then provide a standardized TSF protocol. Finally, we provide a framework to quantify fertility loss in response to extreme heat events in nature, given the limitations in laboratory approaches. Applying these standardized approaches across many taxa, similar to CTLs, will allow robust tests of the impact of fertility loss on species responses to increasing temperatures.

Efficient delivery of carotenoids to adipocytes with albumin.

Carotenoids are very effectively delivered by albumin to adipocytes. The uptake of carotenoids to the cells occurs in the form of self-aggregates that localize in the vicinity of the adipocyte membrane, as shown by high spatial resolution Raman spectroscopy. The binding of carotenoids to albumin and the mechanism of their transport were elucidated with the help of chiroptical spectroscopies, in tandem with molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. In particular, apart from the recognized high affinity pocket of albumin that binds a carotenoid monomer in domain I, we have identified a hydrophobic periphery area in domain IIIB that loosely bounds the self-aggregated carotenoid in aqueous media and enables its easy detachment in hydrophobic environments. This explains the effectiveness of albumins as nanocarriers of carotenoids to adipocytes in vitro.

Feasibility and effectiveness of a two-tiered intervention involving training and a new consultation model for patients with palliative care needs in primary care: A before-after study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that involving General Practitioners in the care of patients with palliative care needs may improve patient outcomes. AIM: To evaluate whether a two-tiered intervention involving training in palliative care and a new consultation model in primary care for patients with palliative care needs is feasible and could reduce patients' symptom burden. DESIGN: Before-after study including an internal pilot. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Nine general practitioners working in a health region in Portugal and 53 patients with palliative care needs from their patient lists were recruited. General Practitioners received training in palliative care and used a new primary palliative care consultation model, with medical consultations every 3 weeks for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was physical symptom burden, self-reported using the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale (IPOS) patient version (min.0-max.1000). Secondary outcomes included emotional symptoms (min.0-max.400) and communication/practical issues (min.0-max.300). RESULTS: Of the 35/53 patients completed the 12-week intervention (mean age 72.53 years, SD = 13.45; 54.7% female). All had advanced disease: one third had cancer (n = 13), one third had congestive heart failure (n = 12); others had chronic kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. After the 12 weeks of intervention, there was a reduction in physical symptom burden [mean difference from baseline of 71.42 (95%CI 37.01-105.85) with a medium-large effect size (0.71], and in emotional symptom burden [mean difference 42.86 (95%CI 16.14-69.58), with a medium effect size (0.55)]. No difference was found for communication/practical issues. CONCLUSIONS: Our intervention can be effective in reducing patients' physical and emotional symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID - NCT05244590. Registration: 14th February 2022.

Public involvement in chronic respiratory diseases research: A qualitative study of patients', carers' and citizens' perspectives.

INTRODUCTION: Patient and public involvement (PPI) initiatives involving patients with chronic respiratory disease (CRD) are rare. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the perspectives of patients with CRD, carers and interested citizens regarding the relevance and need for a PPI network and suggestions for its implementation. METHODS: A qualitative study based on focus groups was conducted. Recruitment occurred through invitations on social media platforms and to patients who have participated in previous asthma studies of the team. Three focus groups were conducted, via video conference, using a semi-structured guide. Thematic analysis was performed by two independent researchers and discussed with the extended team. RESULTS: Fifteen patients with CRD, one carer and one interested citizen (13 females, median 36 (range: 18-72) years) participated. All participants acknowledged the importance of implementing a collaborative network and demonstrated interest in being integrated. Participants acknowledged the importance of their involvement in several phases of the research cycle. The main aim identified for this network was to facilitate communication between patients and researchers. Participants regarded the integration of patients, carers, researchers and healthcare professionals from different scientific areas as relevant. The use of digital platforms to attract members and support the work, together with group dynamics and regular meetings, were some of the most relevant practical considerations for implementing the network. The identified facilitators for their engagement were sharing experiences, researchers' and healthcare professionals' support and feedback and schedule flexibility. The identified barriers included the amount of time dedicated, low health/digital literacy and the potential detachment of nondiagnosed patients or those with low symptom impact in daily life. CONCLUSION: Patients, carers and citizens acknowledged the relevance of implementing a collaborative network and demonstrated interest in active participation in every stage of the health research cycle. A deeper knowledge of the barriers and facilitators identified in this study could support implementing these initiatives in Portugal. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study was designed by a research team that included one patient with asthma and one carer. They were specifically involved in building the study protocol and the interview guide. They also gave feedback regarding the electronic consent form and the short sociodemographic questionnaire created, namely by removing noncontributing words or phrases and rewording expressions. The lay summary was written by another patient with asthma. All participants of this study were invited to implement and integrate the ConectAR network-a collaborative network of research in respiratory health. PUBLIC SUMMARY: In Portugal, chronic respiratory patients do not have an active role as 'coinvestigators'. This study aimed to acknowledge if patients and citizens considered a patient and public involvement network useful, whose main purpose would be to facilitate communication between patients and researchers. A study based on online group interviews was carried out with patients with chronic respiratory diseases and interested citizens, both recruited on social media platforms. Participants considered that bringing together patients, carers, researchers and healthcare professionals is valuable because sharing different experiences and perspectives may help patients to improve their daily lives and increase research quality. In conclusion, patients agree that implementing a collaborative network with researchers and healthcare professionals and participating in the health research cycle is quite preponderant. Acknowledging what can help and deter this network may be beneficial to implementing this type of initiative in Portugal.

Comparison of 3D Sensors for Automating Bolt-Tightening Operations in the Automotive Industry.

Machine vision systems are widely used in assembly lines for providing sensing abilities to robots to allow them to handle dynamic environments. This paper presents a comparison of 3D sensors for evaluating which one is best suited for usage in a machine vision system for robotic fastening operations within an automotive assembly line. The perception system is necessary for taking into account the position uncertainty that arises from the vehicles being transported in an aerial conveyor. Three sensors with different working principles were compared, namely laser triangulation (SICK TriSpector1030), structured light with sequential stripe patterns (Photoneo PhoXi S) and structured light with infrared speckle pattern (Asus Xtion Pro Live). The accuracy of the sensors was measured by computing the root mean square error (RMSE) of the point cloud registrations between their scans and two types of reference point clouds, namely, CAD files and 3D sensor scans. Overall, the RMSE was lower when using sensor scans, with the SICK TriSpector1030 achieving the best results (0.25 mm ± 0.03 mm), the Photoneo PhoXi S having the intermediate performance (0.49 mm ± 0.14 mm) and the Asus Xtion Pro Live obtaining the higher RMSE (1.01 mm ± 0.11 mm). Considering the use case requirements, the final machine vision system relied on the SICK TriSpector1030 sensor and was integrated with a collaborative robot, which was successfully deployed in an vehicle assembly line, achieving 94% success in 53,400 screwing operations.

Past history shapes evolution of reproductive success in a global warming scenario.

Adaptive evolution is critical for animal populations to thrive in the fast-changing natural environments. Ectotherms are particularly vulnerable to global warming and, although their limited coping ability has been suggested, few real-time evolution experiments have directly accessed their evolutionary potential. Here, we report a long-term experimental evolution study addressing the evolution of Drosophila thermal reaction norms, after ∼30 generations under different dynamic thermal regimes: fluctuating (daily variation between 15 and 21 °C) or warming (daily fluctuation with increases in both thermal mean and variance across generations). We analyzed the evolutionary dynamics of Drosophila subobscura populations as a function of the thermally variable environments in which they evolved and their distinct background. Our results showed clear differences between the historically differentiated populations: high latitude D. subobscura populations responded to selection, improving their reproductive success at higher temperatures whereas their low latitude counterparts did not. This suggests population variation in the amount of genetic variation available for thermal adaptation, an aspect that needs to be considered to allow for better predictions of future climate change responses. Our results highlight the complex nature of thermal responses in face of environmental heterogeneity and emphasize the importance of considering inter-population variation in thermal evolution studies.

White wine grape pomace as a suitable carbon source for lipid and carotenoid production by fructophilic Rhodorotula babjevae.

AIM: We aim to explore the non-structural sugars from white wine grape pomace (WWGP) as the input carbon source for the co-production of multiple high-value products by the non-fastidious yeast Rhodotorula babjevae to create a sustainable and economically appealing process. METHODS AND RESULTS: Water extraction of unfermented, soluble sugars from WWGP yielded extracts with similar amounts of glucose and fructose, which were used to prepare a growth medium. Rhodorotula babjevae multiplied as fast on WWGP-based medium as on a reference medium but achieved higher cell dry weight (CDW) and lower intracellular triacylglycerol accumulation (22.5% vs. 28.6%) in WWGP-based medium. In addition, R. babjevae produced mannitol and arabitol and carotenoids and secreted polyol esters of fatty acids, a rare type of glycolipid as confirmed by Fourier transform-infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and high-performance liquid chromatography analyses. Remarkably, R. babjevae consumed simultaneously both fructose and glucose when on WWGP-based medium and left glucose practically untouched in the reference medium, evidencing a fructophilic character. CONCLUSIONS: Rhodorotula babjevae, a metabolic versatile yeast, proliferated on a minimally processed extract and successfully converted glucose and fructose into high-value products. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: Different chemicals with market potential can be produced through the valorization of abundant waste feedstocks generated by the wine industry to which R. babjevae can contribute.

Physician empathy and patient enablement: survey in the Portuguese primary health care.

BACKGROUND: Empathy is the capacity to understand and resonate with the experiences of other people. Patient enablement is the degree to which a patient feels strengthened in terms of being able to deal with, understand and manage their disease. METHODS: Secondary cross-sectional analysis of existing data from 2 independent datasets (456 primary health care patients), with the application of two validated questionnaires, Jefferson Scale of Patient Perceptions of Physician Empathy (JSPPPE) and Patient Enablement Instrument (PEI). OBJECTIVE: Evaluate medical empathy and patients' enablement after consultation with their family doctors and to verify if there was an association between these two concepts. RESULTS: The median value of JSPPPE-VP score was 6.60 (interquartile range 1.00) and of PEI/ICC score was of 1.83 (interquartile range 0.67). Regarding empathy (JSPPPE-VP), patients taking chronic medication had a slight but significantly higher median score than patients not taking them (6.70 versus 6.60, P = 0.049), although regression modelling did not confirm any relevant predictor of JSPPPE-VP score. Regarding enablement (PEI/ICC), we found significantly higher scores on younger patients, as well as, on more educated and professionally active ones (P < 0.001). Multivariable linear regression and Poisson regression modelling confirmed such variables as statistically significant potential predictors. CONCLUSIONS: A significant positive association was found between empathy score (JSPPPE-VP) and enablement score (PEI/ICC), when adjusted to sociodemographic cofactors. On this linear regression model, age category and educational level were also significantly associated with empathy score, with the same pattern found on bivariate analysis.

High developmental temperature leads to low reproduction despite adult temperature.

Phenotypic plasticity can help organisms cope with changing thermal conditions and it may depend on which life-stage the thermal stress is imposed: for instance, exposure to stressful temperatures during development can trigger a positive plastic response in adults. Here, we analyze the thermal plastic response of laboratory populations of Drosophila subobscura, derived from two contrasting latitudes of the European cline. We measured reproductive performance through fecundity characters, after the experimental populations were exposed to five thermal treatments, with different combinations of developmental and adult temperatures (14 °C, 18 °C, or 26 °C). Our questions were whether (1) adult performance changes with exposure to higher (or lower) temperatures during development; (2) flies raised at lower temperatures outperform those developed at higher ones, supporting the "colder is better" hypothesis; (3) there is a cumulative effect on adult performance of exposing both juveniles and adults to higher (or lower) temperatures; (4) there is evidence for biogeographical effects on adult performance. Our main findings were that (1) higher developmental temperatures led to low reproductive performance regardless of adult temperature, while at lower temperatures reduced performance only occurred when colder conditions were persistent across juvenile and adult stages; (2) flies raised at lower temperatures did not always outperform those developed at other temperatures; (3) there were no harmful cumulative effects after exposing both juveniles and adults to higher temperatures; (4) both latitudinal populations showed similar thermal plasticity patterns. The negative effect of high developmental temperature on reproductive performance, regardless of adult temperature, highlights the developmental stage as very critical and most vulnerable to climate change and associated heat waves.

Ligands as Stabilizers of G-Quadruplexes in Non-Coding RNAs.

The non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) are RNA transcripts with different sizes, structures and biological functions that do not encode functional proteins. RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s) have been found in small and long ncRNAs. The existence of an equilibrium between rG4 and stem-loop structures in ncRNAs and its effect on biological processes remains unexplored. For example, deviation from the stem-loop leads to deregulated mature miRNA levels, demonstrating that miRNA biogenesis can be modulated by ions or small molecules. In light of this, we report several examples of rG4s in certain types of ncRNAs, and the implications of G4 stabilization using small molecules, also known as G4 ligands, in the regulation of gene expression, miRNA biogenesis, and miRNA-mRNA interactions. Until now, different G4 ligands scaffolds were synthesized for these targets. The regulatory role of the above-mentioned rG4s in ncRNAs can be used as novel therapeutic approaches for adjusting miRNA levels.

ONKOTEV Score as a Predictive Tool for Thromboembolic Events in Pancreatic Cancer-A Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a frequent complication in patients with cancer and causes considerable morbidity and mortality. The risk of VTE is higher in patients with pancreatic cancer and is often associated with treatment delays or interruptions. Recently, the ONKOTEV score was proposed as a VTE risk predictor model for patients with cancer, but its validation is still ongoing. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study to determine the incidence of VTE and to evaluate the ONKOTEV score as a VTE predictive tool in a population of patients with pancreatic cancer. RESULTS: Between February 2012 and May 2017, 165 patients were included in the study. The median age was 73 years, 45.5% of patients were female, and 55.8% had stage IV disease. Fifty-one patients had a VTE (30.9%); 23.5% had pulmonary embolism, 25.5% had deep venous thrombosis, and 51.0% had visceral VTE (VsT). At a median follow-up time of 6.3 months, cumulative incidence of VTE was less than 10% for ONKOTEV scores 0 or 1 and approximately 40% and 70% for scores 2 and ≥3, respectively. CONCLUSION: The high VTE incidence observed in this study is consistent with prior reports. Patients at high risk for VTE with no increase in hemorrhagic risk should be considered for primary thromboprophylaxis. The ONKOTEV score may stratify VTE risk in patients with pancreatic cancer, with ONKOTEV score ≥2 being associated with a higher VTE occurrence. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a frequent complication of patients with pancreatic cancer and causes considerable morbidity, treatment delays or interruptions, and mortality. Thromboprophylaxis is not used routinely in ambulatory patients. Tools to stratify the risk of VTE are important to help select patients who may benefit from thromboprophylaxis. Recently, the ONKOTEV score was proposed as a VTE risk predictor model for patients with cancer, but its validation is still ongoing. In this patient series, ONKOTEV score ≥2 was associated with high VTE occurrence and may stratify VTE risk in patients with pancreatic cancer, suggesting that ONKOTEV can be considered to select patients with pancreatic cancer for primary thromboprophylaxis.

The evolution of polymorphism in the warning coloration of the Amazonian poison frog Adelphobates galactonotus.

While intraspecific variation in aposematic signals can be selected for by different predatory responses, their evolution is also contingent on other processes shaping genetic variation. We evaluate the relative contributions of selection, geographic isolation, and random genetic drift to the evolution of aposematic color polymorphism in the poison frog Adelphobates galactonotus, distributed throughout eastern Brazilian Amazonia. Dorsal coloration was measured for 111 individuals and genetic data were obtained from 220 individuals at two mitochondrial genes (mtDNA) and 7963 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). Four color categories were described (brown, blue, yellow, orange) and our models of frog and bird visual systems indicated that each color was distinguishable for these taxa. Using outlier and correlative analyses we found no compelling genetic evidence for color being under divergent selection. A time-calibrated mtDNA tree suggests that the present distribution of dorsal coloration resulted from processes occurring during the Pleistocene. Separate phylogenies based on SNPs and mtDNA resolved the same well supported clades, each containing different colored populations. Ancestral character state analysis provided some evidence for evolutionary transitions in color type. Genetic structure was more strongly associated with geographic features, than color category, suggesting that the distribution of color is explained by localized processes. Evidence for geographic isolation together with estimates of low effective population size implicates drift as playing a key role in color diversification. Our results highlight the relevance of considering the neutral processes involved with the evolution of traits with important fitness consequences.

Beneficial developmental acclimation in reproductive performance under cold but not heat stress.

Thermal plasticity can help organisms coping with climate change. In this study, we analyse how laboratory populations of the ectotherm species Drosophila subobscura, originally from two distinct latitudes and evolving for several generations in a stable thermal environment (18 °C), respond plastically to new thermal challenges. We measured adult performance (fecundity traits as a fitness proxy) of the experimental populations when exposed to five thermal regimes, three with the same temperature during development and adulthood (15-15 °C, 18-18 °C, 25-25 °C), and two where flies developed at 18 °C and were exposed, during adulthood, to either 15 °C or 25 °C. Here, we test whether (1) flies undergo stress at the two more extreme temperatures; (2) development at a given temperature enhances adult performance at such temperature (i.e. acclimation), and (3) populations with different biogeographical history show plasticity differences. Our findings show (1) an optimal performance at 18 °C only if flies were subjected to the same temperature as juveniles and adults; (2) the occurrence of developmental acclimation at lower temperatures; (3) detrimental effects of higher developmental temperature on adult performance; and (4) a minor impact of historical background on thermal response. Our study indicates that thermal plasticity during development may have a limited role in helping adults cope with warmer - though not colder - temperatures, with a potential negative impact on population persistence under climate change. It also emphasizes the importance of analysing the impact of temperature on all stages of the life cycle to better characterize the thermal limits.

Valorization of Cork Using Subcritical Water.

Granulated cork was submitted to subcritical water extraction/hydrolysis in a semi-continuous reactor at temperatures in the range of 120-200 °C and with a constant pressure of 100 bar. The influence of temperature on the composition of the cork extracts obtained was assessed-namely, their content of carbohydrates and phenolics. The extraction yield increased with the temperature, and this was associated with the decrease in the dielectric constant of water and the increase in its ionic product. Extracts composed of up to 36% phenolics were obtained at temperatures of up to 120 °C, with an antioxidant activity only two times lower than that of pure gallic acid, but in low amounts. Assays at higher temperatures generated extracts richer in carbohydrates and with a phenolics content of ca. 20 wt.% in comparatively far higher amounts. Neither the amount of suberin nor its structure were affected by the subcritical water treatment.

Different Genomic Changes Underlie Adaptive Evolution in Populations of Contrasting History.

Experimental evolution is a powerful tool to understand the adaptive potential of populations under environmental change. Here, we study the importance of the historical genetic background in the outcome of evolution at the genome-wide level. Using the natural clinal variation of Drosophila subobscura, we sampled populations from two contrasting latitudes (Adraga, Portugal and Groningen, Netherlands) and introduced them in a new common environment in the laboratory. We characterized the genome-wide temporal changes underlying the evolutionary dynamics of these populations, which had previously shown fast convergence at the phenotypic level, but not at chromosomal inversion frequencies. We found that initially differentiated populations did not converge either at genome-wide level or at candidate SNPs with signs of selection. In contrast, populations from Portugal showed convergence to the control population that derived from the same geographical origin and had been long-established in the laboratory. Candidate SNPs showed a variety of different allele frequency change patterns across generations, indicative of an underlying polygenic basis. We did not detect strong linkage around candidate SNPs, but rather a small but long-ranging effect. In conclusion, we found that history played a major role in genomic variation and evolution, with initially differentiated populations reaching the same adaptive outcome through different genetic routes.

Neotropical frogs and mating songs: The evolution of advertisement calls in glassfrogs.

Anurans emit advertisement calls with the purpose of attracting mates and repelling conspecific competitors. The evolution of call traits is expected to be associated with the evolution of anatomical and behavioural traits due to the physics of call emission and transmission. The evolution of vocalizations might imply trade-offs with other energetically costly behaviours, such as parental care. Here, we investigated the association between body size, calling site, parental care and call properties (call duration, number of notes, peak frequency, frequency bandwidth and call structure) of the advertisement calls of glassfrogs (Centrolenidae)-a family of Neotropical, leaf-dwelling anurans-using phylogenetic comparative methods. We also explored the tempo and mode of evolution of these traits and compared them with those of three morphological traits associated with body size, locomotion and feeding. We generated and compiled acoustic data for 72 glassfrog species (46% of total species richness), including representatives of all genera. We found that almost all acoustic traits have significant, but generally modest, phylogenetic signal. Peak frequency of calls is significantly associated with body size, whereas call structure is significantly associated with calling site and paternal care. Thus, the evolution of body size, calling site and paternal care could constrain call evolution. The estimated disparity of acoustic traits was larger than that of morphological traits and the peak in disparity of acoustic traits generally occurred later in the evolution of glassfrogs, indicating a historically recent outset of the acoustic divergence in this clade.

shRNA-Based Screen Identifies Endocytic Recycling Pathway Components That Act as Genetic Modifiers of Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation, Secretion and Toxicity.

Alpha-Synuclein (aSyn) misfolding and aggregation is common in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, which are known as synucleinopathies. Accumulating evidence suggests that secretion and cell-to-cell trafficking of pathological forms of aSyn may explain the typical patterns of disease progression. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling aSyn aggregation and spreading of pathology are still elusive. In order to obtain unbiased information about the molecular regulators of aSyn oligomerization, we performed a microscopy-based large-scale RNAi screen in living cells. Interestingly, we identified nine Rab GTPase and kinase genes that modulated aSyn aggregation, toxicity and levels. From those, Rab8b, Rab11a, Rab13 and Slp5 were able to promote the clearance of aSyn inclusions and rescue aSyn induced toxicity. Furthermore, we found that endocytic recycling and secretion of aSyn was enhanced upon Rab11a and Rab13 expression in cells accumulating aSyn inclusions. Overall, our study resulted in the identification of new molecular players involved in the aggregation, toxicity, and secretion of aSyn, opening novel avenues for our understanding of the molecular basis of synucleinopathies.

Patterns of geographic variation of thermal adapted candidate genes in Drosophila subobscura sex chromosome arrangements.

BACKGROUND: The role of chromosomal arrangements in adaptation is supported by the repeatable clinal variation in inversion frequencies across continents in colonizing species such as Drosophila subobscura. However, there is a lack of knowledge on the genetic variation in genes within inversions, possibly targets of climatic selection, across a geographic latitudinal gradient. In the present study we analysed four candidate loci for thermal adaptation, located close to the breakpoints, in two chromosomal arrangements of the sex (A) chromosome of Drosophila subobscura with different thermal preferences. Individual chromosomes with A2 (the inverted arrangement considered warm adapted) or AST (the standard ancestral arrangement considered cold adapted) were sequenced across four European localities at varying latitudes, up to ~ 2500 Kms apart. RESULTS: Importantly, we found very low differentiation for each specific arrangement across populations as well as no clinal patterns of genomic variation. This suggests wide gene exchange along the cline. Differentiation between the sex chromosome arrangements was significant in the two more proximal regions relative to the AST orientation but not in the distal ones, independently of their location inside or outside the inversion. This can be possibly due to variation in the levels of gene flux and/or selection acting in these regions. CONCLUSIONS: Gene flow appears to have homogenized the genetic content within-arrangement at a wide geographical scale, despite the expected diverse selective pressures in the specific natural environments of the different populations sampled. It is thus likely that the inversion frequency clines in this species are being maintained by local adaptation in face of gene flow. The differences between arrangements at non-coding regions might be associated with the previously observed differential gene expression in different thermal regimes. Higher resolution genomic scans for individual chromosomal arrangements performed over a large environmental gradient are needed to find the targets of selection and further elucidate the adaptive mechanisms maintaining chromosomal inversion polymorphisms.