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1.
J Hered ; 2024 Feb 28.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38416051

Previous studies of canid population and evolutionary genetics have relied on high-quality domestic dog reference genomes that have been produced primarily for biomedical and trait mapping studies in dog breeds. However, the absence of highly contiguous genomes from other Canis species like the gray wolf and coyote, that represent additional distinct demographic histories, may bias inferences regarding inter-specific genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships. Here, we present single haplotype de novo genome assemblies for the gray wolf and coyote, generated by applying the trio-binning approach to long sequence reads generated from the genome of a female first-generation hybrid produced from a gray wolf and coyote mating. The assemblies were highly contiguous, with contig N50 sizes of 44.6 Mb and 42.0 Mb for the wolf and coyote, respectively. Genome scaffolding and alignments between the two Canis assemblies and published dog reference genomes showed near complete collinearity, with one exception: a coyote-specific chromosome fission of chromosome 13 and fusion of the proximal portion of that chromosome with chromosome 8, retaining the Canis-typical haploid chromosome number of 2n=78. We evaluated mapping quality for previous RAD-seq data from 334 canids and found nearly identical mapping quality and patterns among canid species and regional populations regardless of the genome used for alignment (dog, coyote, or gray wolf). These novel wolf and coyote genome reference assemblies will be important resources for proper and accurate inference of Canis demography, taxonomic evaluation, and conservation genetics.

2.
Science ; 383(6690): eabn3263, 2024 Mar 29.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38422184

Vocal production learning ("vocal learning") is a convergently evolved trait in vertebrates. To identify brain genomic elements associated with mammalian vocal learning, we integrated genomic, anatomical, and neurophysiological data from the Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) with analyses of the genomes of 215 placental mammals. First, we identified a set of proteins evolving more slowly in vocal learners. Then, we discovered a vocal motor cortical region in the Egyptian fruit bat, an emergent vocal learner, and leveraged that knowledge to identify active cis-regulatory elements in the motor cortex of vocal learners. Machine learning methods applied to motor cortex open chromatin revealed 50 enhancers robustly associated with vocal learning whose activity tended to be lower in vocal learners. Our research implicates convergent losses of motor cortex regulatory elements in mammalian vocal learning evolution.


Enhancer Elements, Genetic , Eutheria , Evolution, Molecular , Gene Expression Regulation , Motor Cortex , Motor Neurons , Proteins , Vocalization, Animal , Animals , Chiroptera/genetics , Chiroptera/physiology , Vocalization, Animal/physiology , Motor Cortex/cytology , Motor Cortex/physiology , Chromatin/metabolism , Motor Neurons/physiology , Larynx/physiology , Epigenesis, Genetic , Genome , Proteins/genetics , Proteins/metabolism , Amino Acid Sequence , Eutheria/genetics , Eutheria/physiology , Machine Learning
3.
Cell Genom ; 4(2): 100482, 2024 Feb 14.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38237599

The emergence of COVID-19 and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has prioritized understanding bats' viral tolerance. Myotis bats are exceptionally species rich and have evolved viral tolerance. They also exhibit swarming, a cryptic behavior where large, multi-species assemblages gather for mating, which has been hypothesized to promote interspecific hybridization. To resolve the coevolution of genome architecture and their unusual antiviral tolerance, we undertook a phylogenomic analysis of 60 Old World Myotis genomes. We demonstrate an extensive history of introgressive hybridization that has replaced the species phylogeny across 17%-93% of the genome except for pericentromeric regions of macrochromosomes. Introgression tracts were enriched on microchromosome regions containing key antiviral pathway genes overexpressed during viral challenge experiments. Together, these results suggest that the unusual Myotis karyotype may have evolved to selectively position immune-related genes in high recombining genomic regions prone to introgression of divergent alleles, including a diversity of interleukin loci responsible for the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.


Chiroptera , Animals , Chiroptera/genetics , Genome , Genomics , Karyotype , Antiviral Agents
4.
Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk ; 24(2): 65-76, 2024 02.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37973458

Although a rare subset of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) account for a disproportionate proportion of patient mortality. Conventional therapies are derived from experience treating aggressive B-cell lymphomas and center around CHOP-based chemotherapy. However, due to the unique biology and diverse subtypes of PTCL, most patients fail to durably respond to this approach and 5-year survival is only 20% to 30%. There have been multiple attempts to improve outcomes for patients with PTCL. Among the more successful strategies are the use of consolidative autologous stem cell transplant, the augmentation of CHOP with etoposide (CHOEP), and the use of brentuximab vedotin in CD30-positive PTCL. Advances in the understanding of histology-specific biology has cultivated enthusiasm to evaluate hypomethylating agents, histone deacetylate inhibitors, and phosphoinositol-3-kinase inhibitors in the frontline setting. Improvements in monitoring disease response and prognostication including the use of cell-free DNA, mutational profiling, and interim PET/CT imaging are also on the horizon. For patients with acute T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, the use of mogamulizumab-based therapy in the frontline setting may lead to advances in care. The true impact of these new-era therapies will only be elucidated as clinical practices incorporate the rapidly changing evidence.


Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral , Humans , Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral/diagnosis , Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral/drug therapy , Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Brentuximab Vedotin/therapeutic use , Stem Cell Transplantation
5.
Blood Adv ; 8(3): 513-522, 2024 02 13.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37871306

ABSTRACT: Outcomes in patients with relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who undergo autologous stem cell transplant (auto-SCT) are poor. Blinatumomab is a CD3/CD19 bispecific T-cell engager that directs cytotoxic T cells to CD19+ cells. Here, we performed a pilot study of blinatumomab consolidation after auto-SCT for 14 patients with DLBCL or transformed follicular lymphoma. All patients underwent standard-of-care auto-SCT with carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan (BEAM) conditioning followed by 1 cycle (4 weeks continuous infusion) of blinatumomab consolidation starting at day 42 after auto-SCT. All 14 patients treated on study completed BEAM auto-SCT and 1 cycle of posttransplant blinatumomab. Five patients developed grade 1 cytokine release syndrome (CRS), with no grade 2 or higher CRS. Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome was not observed. Patients were followed up for 3 years after auto-SCT, with median follow-up of 37 (range, 12-65) months. One-hundred days after auto-SCT (1 month after blinatumomab consolidation), 12 patients (86%) had achieved complete remission. At 1 year after auto-SCT, 7 patients (50%) remained in CR, and 1 patient had died of progressive disease. Patients who relapsed had a lower CD8:CD4 T-cell ratio before starting blinatumomab than patients who remained in remission. This pilot study demonstrates blinatumomab consolidation after auto-SCT is safe and well tolerated. Strategies to increase the CD8:CD4 ratio and use additional cycles of consolidation in a larger randomized trial are needed to confirm the efficacy of consolidation with blinatumomab after auto-SCT. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03072771.


Antibodies, Bispecific , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse , Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin , Humans , Pilot Projects , Remission Induction , Transplantation, Autologous , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Stem Cell Transplantation
6.
Nat Genet ; 55(11): 1953-1963, 2023 Nov.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37919451

The role of structurally dynamic genomic regions in speciation is poorly understood due to challenges inherent in diploid genome assembly. Here we reconstructed the evolutionary dynamics of structural variation in five cat species by phasing the genomes of three interspecies F1 hybrids to generate near-gapless single-haplotype assemblies. We discerned that cat genomes have a paucity of segmental duplications relative to great apes, explaining their remarkable karyotypic stability. X chromosomes were hotspots of structural variation, including enrichment with inversions in a large recombination desert with characteristics of a supergene. The X-linked macrosatellite DXZ4 evolves more rapidly than 99.5% of the genome clarifying its role in felid hybrid incompatibility. Resolved sensory gene repertoires revealed functional copy number changes associated with ecomorphological adaptations, sociality and domestication. This study highlights the value of gapless genomes to reveal structural mechanisms underpinning karyotypic evolution, reproductive isolation and ecological niche adaptation.


Evolution, Molecular , Genomics , Haplotypes/genetics , Genome/genetics , Gene Dosage
7.
Curr Biol ; 33(21): 4751-4760.e14, 2023 11 06.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37935117

Domestic cats were derived from the Near Eastern wildcat (Felis lybica), after which they dispersed with people into Europe. As they did so, it is possible that they interbred with the indigenous population of European wildcats (Felis silvestris). Gene flow between incoming domestic animals and closely related indigenous wild species has been previously demonstrated in other taxa, including pigs, sheep, goats, bees, chickens, and cattle. In the case of cats, a lack of nuclear, genome-wide data, particularly from Near Eastern wildcats, has made it difficult to either detect or quantify this possibility. To address these issues, we generated 75 ancient mitochondrial genomes, 14 ancient nuclear genomes, and 31 modern nuclear genomes from European and Near Eastern wildcats. Our results demonstrate that despite cohabitating for at least 2,000 years on the European mainland and in Britain, most modern domestic cats possessed less than 10% of their ancestry from European wildcats, and ancient European wildcats possessed little to no ancestry from domestic cats. The antiquity and strength of this reproductive isolation between introduced domestic cats and local wildcats was likely the result of behavioral and ecological differences. Intriguingly, this long-lasting reproductive isolation is currently being eroded in parts of the species' distribution as a result of anthropogenic activities.


Felis , Hybridization, Genetic , Humans , Cats/genetics , Animals , Cattle , Bees , Sheep , Swine , Chickens , Felis/genetics , Europe , Gene Flow
8.
J Med Entomol ; 60(4): 808-821, 2023 07 12.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37156099

Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis Say, Acari: Ixodidae) were collected from 432 locations across New York State (NYS) during the summer and autumn of 2015-2020 to determine the prevalence and geographic distribution of Borrelia miyamotoi (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) and coinfections with other tick-borne pathogens. A total of 48,386 I. scapularis were individually analyzed using a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction assay to simultaneously detect the presence of Bo. miyamotoi, Borrelia burgdorferi (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae), and Babesia microti (Piroplasmida: Babesiidae). Overall prevalence of Bo. miyamotoi in host-seeking nymphs and adults varied geographically and temporally at the regional level. The rate of polymicrobial infection in Bo. miyamotoi-infected ticks varied by developmental stage, with certain co-infections occurring more frequently than expected by chance. Entomological risk of exposure to Bo. miyamotoi-infected nymphal and adult ticks (entomological risk index [ERI]) across NYS regions in relation to human cases of Bo. miyamotoi disease identified during the study period demonstrated spatial and temporal variation. The relationship between select environmental factors and Bo. miyamotoi ERI was explored using generalized linear mixed effects models, resulting in different factors significantly impacting ERI for nymphs and adult ticks. These results can inform estimates of Bo. miyamotoi disease risk and further our understanding of Bo. miyamotoi ecological dynamics in regions where this pathogen is known to occur.


Borrelia burgdorferi , Borrelia , Coinfection , Ixodes , Ixodidae , Spirochaetaceae , Humans , Animals , New York , Nymph
9.
Science ; 380(6643): eabl8189, 2023 04 28.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37104581

The precise pattern and timing of speciation events that gave rise to all living placental mammals remain controversial. We provide a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of genetic variation across an alignment of 241 placental mammal genome assemblies, addressing prior concerns regarding limited genomic sampling across species. We compared neutral genome-wide phylogenomic signals using concatenation and coalescent-based approaches, interrogated phylogenetic variation across chromosomes, and analyzed extensive catalogs of structural variants. Interordinal relationships exhibit relatively low rates of phylogenomic conflict across diverse datasets and analytical methods. Conversely, X-chromosome versus autosome conflicts characterize multiple independent clades that radiated during the Cenozoic. Genomic time trees reveal an accumulation of cladogenic events before and immediately after the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary, implying important roles for Cretaceous continental vicariance and the K-Pg extinction in the placental radiation.


Eutheria , Animals , Female , Biological Evolution , Eutheria/classification , Eutheria/genetics , Evolution, Molecular , Fossils , Genomics/methods , Phylogeny , Genetic Variation , Time Factors
10.
Science ; 380(6643): eabn3943, 2023 04 28.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37104599

Zoonomia is the largest comparative genomics resource for mammals produced to date. By aligning genomes for 240 species, we identify bases that, when mutated, are likely to affect fitness and alter disease risk. At least 332 million bases (~10.7%) in the human genome are unusually conserved across species (evolutionarily constrained) relative to neutrally evolving repeats, and 4552 ultraconserved elements are nearly perfectly conserved. Of 101 million significantly constrained single bases, 80% are outside protein-coding exons and half have no functional annotations in the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) resource. Changes in genes and regulatory elements are associated with exceptional mammalian traits, such as hibernation, that could inform therapeutic development. Earth's vast and imperiled biodiversity offers distinctive power for identifying genetic variants that affect genome function and organismal phenotypes.


Eutheria , Evolution, Molecular , Animals , Female , Humans , Conserved Sequence/genetics , Eutheria/genetics , Genome, Human
11.
J Med Entomol ; 60(4): 708-717, 2023 07 12.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37053492

Ticks and tick-borne diseases are an immense public health burden in New York State (NYS), United States. Tick species and associated pathogens are expanding into new areas, shifting threats to human, and animal health across the state. For example, the invasive tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann (Acari: Ixodidae), was first detected in the United States in 2017 and has since been identified in 17 states, including NYS. In addition, Amblyomma americanum (L.) (Acari: Ixodidae) is a native tick thought to be reestablishing historical populations in NYS. We implemented a community-based science project called the "NYS Tick Blitz" to determine the distribution of A. americanum and H. longicornis in NYS. Community volunteers were recruited, provided with education, training, and materials to conduct active tick sampling during a 2-wk period in June 2021. Fifty-nine volunteers sampled 164 sites across 15 counties, for a total of 179 separate collection events and 3,759 ticks collected. The most frequently collected species was H. longicornis, followed by Dermacentor variabilis Say (Acari: Ixodidae), Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidae), and A. americanum, respectively. Through the NYS Tick Blitz collections, H. longicornis was identified for the first time in Putnam County. We conducted pooled pathogen testing on a subset of specimens, with the highest rates of infection detected for pathogens transmitted by I. scapularis, including Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia microti. Most participants who completed a follow-up survey (n = 23, 71.9%) were promoters of the NYS Tick Blitz and 50% (n = 15) reported that they enjoyed participating in meaningful science.


Ixodes , Ixodidae , Humans , United States , Animals , New York , Nymph
12.
Curr Oncol Rep ; 24(11): 1489-1499, 2022 11.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35947286

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Here, we review the management of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, particularly focusing on the role of autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplant. RECENT FINDINGS: Peripheral T-cell lymphomas are a rare subset of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas that are treated with curative intent. While therapy has been based on other aggressive lymphoid malignancies, outcomes are generally poorer than B-cell lymphomas with 5-year overall and progression-free survival of 30-40% and 20-30%, respectively. In effort to improve outcomes, transplant has been used in both the frontline and salvage settings. Although not studied in randomized studies, consolidation with autologous stem cell transplant in first remission has been associated with an approximate 5-year overall survival of 50-60% and 5-year progression-free survival of 40-45%. Unfortunately, most patients relapse, and, in this setting, allogeneic transplant remains the only curative option for those who are transplant-eligible. Multiple series have now shown that 3-year overall survival with allogeneic transplant is approximately 60%. However, outcomes with transplant are associated with disease control at the time of transplant. In contrast to B-cell malignancies, treatment decisions for peripheral T-cell lymphomas are supported mostly by phase II studies, retrospective series, and expert opinion. For patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma able to achieve sufficient disease control, autologous stem cell transplantation in first remission and allogeneic stem cell transplantation in relapsed disease offer modest benefit over chemotherapy alone.


Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral , Humans , Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral/therapy , Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral/pathology , Transplantation, Autologous , Retrospective Studies , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
13.
Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book ; 42: 1-16, 2022 Apr.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35658497

Recent advances in acute myeloid leukemia biology and drug development have transformed the therapeutic landscape for patients diagnosed with this disease. By harnessing insights from the study of the molecular pathogenesis of the disease, the acute myeloid leukemia treatment armamentarium now extends beyond conventional cytotoxic agents to include targeted therapies, and immunotherapeutics, with multiple novel modalities under investigation. During the past 5 years, recent drug approvals have also focused attention on disease scenarios and patient populations for whom newer therapies might be deployed. In this review, we highlight select acute myeloid leukemia therapies in the frontline setting through the lens of both disease and patient-related factors. Particular emphasis is placed on the assessment of patient fitness, as contemporary acute myeloid leukemia therapy decisions largely hinge on the determination of whether intensive chemotherapy is suitable for a patient. Additionally, we detail scenarios and areas of controversy wherein disease biology may inspire a reframing of traditional intensive treatment philosophies, regardless of patient fitness. Lastly, we provide an overview of emerging agents that are being investigated in the relapsed/refractory setting.


Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Humans , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/diagnosis , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy , Remission Induction
14.
Mol Biol Evol ; 2022 Jun 14.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35700217

Tree House Explorer (THEx) is a genome browser that integrates phylogenomic data and genomic annotations into a single interactive platform for combined analysis. THEx allows users to visualize genome-wide variation in evolutionary histories and genetic divergence on a chromosome-by-chromosome basis, with continuous sliding window comparisons to gene annotations (GFF/GTF), recombination rates, and other user-specified, highly customizable feature annotations. THEx provides a new platform for interactive phylogenomic data visualization to analyze and interpret the diverse evolutionary histories woven throughout genomes. Hosted on Conda, THEx integrates seamlessly into new or pre-existing workflows.

15.
Mol Ecol ; 31(23): 6053-6068, 2022 12.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34387012

Over 20% of all living mammals are bats (order Chiroptera). Bats possess extraordinary adaptations including powered flight, laryngeal echolocation and a unique immune system that enables them to tolerate a diversity of viral infections without presenting clinical disease symptoms. They occupy multiple trophic niches and environments globally. Significant physiological and ecological diversity occurs across the order. Bats also exhibit extreme longevity given their body size with many species showing few signs of ageing. The molecular basis of this extended longevity has recently attracted attention. Telomere maintenance potentially underpins bats' extended healthspan, although functional studies are still required to validate the causative mechanisms. In this review, we detail the current knowledge on bat telomeres, telomerase expression, and how these relate to ecology, longevity and life-history strategies. Patterns of telomere shortening and telomerase expression vary across species, and comparative genomic analyses suggest that alternative telomere maintenance mechanisms evolved in the longest-lived bats. We discuss the unique challenges faced when working with populations of wild bats and highlight ways to advance the field including expanding long-term monitoring across species that display contrasting life-histories and occupy different environmental niches. We further review how new high quality, chromosome-level genome assemblies can enable us to uncover the molecular mechanisms governing telomere dynamics and how phylogenomic analyses can reveal the adaptive significance of telomere maintenance and variation in bats.


Chiroptera , Telomerase , Animals , Chiroptera/genetics , Telomerase/genetics , Biological Evolution , Mammals/genetics , Genomics , Telomere/genetics
16.
J Hered ; 112(2): 165-173, 2021 03 29.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33305796

In addition to including one of the most popular companion animals, species from the cat family Felidae serve as a powerful system for genetic analysis of inherited and infectious disease, as well as for the study of phenotypic evolution and speciation. Previous diploid-based genome assemblies for the domestic cat have served as the primary reference for genomic studies within the cat family. However, these versions suffered from poor resolution of complex and highly repetitive regions, with substantial amounts of unplaced sequence that is polymorphic or copy number variable. We sequenced the genome of a female F1 Bengal hybrid cat, the offspring of a domestic cat (Felis catus) x Asian leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) cross, with PacBio long sequence reads and used Illumina sequence reads from the parents to phase >99.9% of the reads into the 2 species' haplotypes. De novo assembly of the phased reads produced highly continuous haploid genome assemblies for the domestic cat and Asian leopard cat, with contig N50 statistics exceeding 83 Mb for both genomes. Whole-genome alignments reveal the Felis and Prionailurus genomes are colinear, and the cytogenetic differences between the homologous F1 and E4 chromosomes represent a case of centromere repositioning in the absence of a chromosomal inversion. Both assemblies offer significant improvements over the previous domestic cat reference genome, with a 100% increase in contiguity and the capture of the vast majority of chromosome arms in 1 or 2 large contigs. We further demonstrated that comparably accurate F1 haplotype phasing can be achieved with members of the same species when one or both parents of the trio are not available. These novel genome resources will empower studies of feline precision medicine, adaptation, and speciation.


Cats/genetics , Felidae/genetics , Genome , Animals , Chromosome Mapping , Female , Haplotypes , Hybridization, Genetic , Male
17.
Annu Rev Anim Biosci ; 9: 29-53, 2021 02 16.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33228377

The genomes of placental mammals are being sequenced at an unprecedented rate. Alignments of hundreds, and one day thousands, of genomes spanning the rich living and extinct diversity of species offer unparalleled power to resolve phylogenetic controversies, identify genomic innovations of adaptation, and dissect the genetic architecture of reproductive isolation. We highlight outstanding questions about the earliest phases of placental mammal diversification and the promise of newer methods, as well as remaining challenges, toward using whole genome data to resolve placental mammal phylogeny. The next phase of mammalian comparative genomics will see the completion and application of finished-quality, gapless genome assemblies from many ordinal lineages and closely related species. Interspecific comparisons between the most hypervariable genomic loci will likely reveal large, but heretofore mostly underappreciated, effects on population divergence, morphological innovation, and the origin of new species.


Biological Evolution , Eutheria/genetics , Phylogeny , Adaptation, Biological , Animals , Eutheria/classification , Genetic Speciation , Genomics
18.
J Geriatr Oncol ; 11(8): 1274-1278, 2020 11.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32169544

OBJECTIVES: Tremendous progress has been made in the treatment of multiple myeloma; however, the majority of this success has been demonstrated in younger patients. With 36% of patients >80 years-old at diagnosis, it is important to understand if older patients are receiving similar benefits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified 2155 patients diagnosed with myeloma at age 80 or older in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER)-Medicare database from 2007 to 2013. A cohort of 2933 similar patients diagnosed with myeloma at age 70-79 was used for comparison using a difference-in-differences design. RESULTS: Only 51% of patients >80 years-old at diagnosis received systemic anti-myeloma treatment. Treatment was associated with a 26% decrease in hazard for death, independent of age, race, gender, poverty, comorbidities, and proxy measures of performance status. In the 70-79 cohort, treatment was associated with a 22% decrease in hazard for death. Based on the difference-in-differences design, there is no statistically significant difference in treatment benefit based on age cohort (p = .610). CONCLUSIONS: Anti-myeloma treatment produces a similar survival benefit among the oldest patients. The population over 80, when myeloma incidence peaks, is projected to triple over the next few decades. It is imperative that we continue to advance our understanding of the needs of this vulnerable subgroup of patients with myeloma.


Multiple Myeloma , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cohort Studies , Comorbidity , Databases, Factual , Humans , Medicare , Multiple Myeloma/epidemiology , Multiple Myeloma/therapy , SEER Program , United States/epidemiology
19.
Mol Ecol ; 29(16): 2963-2977, 2020 08.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32105386

Age-related telomere shortening is considered a hallmark of the ageing process. However, a recent cross-sectional ageing study of relative telomere length (rTL) in bats failed to detect a relationship between rTL and age in the long-lived genus Myotis (M. myotis and M. bechsteinii), suggesting some other factors are responsible for driving telomere dynamics in these species. Here, we test if longitudinal rTL data show signatures of age-associated telomere attrition in M. myotis and differentiate which intrinsic or extrinsic factors are likely to drive telomere length dynamics. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, rTL was measured in 504 samples from a marked population, from Brittany, France, captured between 2013 and 2016. These represent 174 individuals with an age range of 0 to 7+ years. We find no significant relationship between rTL and age (p = .762), but demonstrate that within-individual rTL is highly variable from year to year. To investigate the heritability of rTL, a population pedigree (n = 1744) was constructed from genotype data generated from a 16-microsatellite multiplex, designed from an initial, low-coverage, Illumina genome for M. myotis. Heritability was estimated in a Bayesian, mixed model framework, and showed that little of the observed variance in rTL is heritable (h2  = 0.01-0.06). Rather, correlations of first differences, correlating yearly changes in telomere length and weather variables, demonstrate that, during the spring transition, average temperature, minimum temperature, rainfall and windspeed correlate with changes in longitudinal telomere dynamics. As such, rTL may represent a useful biomarker to quantify the physiological impact of various environmental stressors in bats.


Chiroptera , Animals , Bayes Theorem , Child , Child, Preschool , Chiroptera/genetics , Cross-Sectional Studies , France , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Telomere/genetics , Telomere Shortening/genetics
20.
Front Genet ; 10: 1241, 2019.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31850081

Deciphering the timing of the placental mammal radiation is a longstanding problem in evolutionary biology, but consensus on the tempo and mode of placental diversification remains elusive. Nevertheless, an accurate timetree is essential for understanding the role of important events in Earth history (e.g., Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution, KPg mass extinction) in promoting the taxonomic and ecomorphological diversification of Placentalia. Archibald and Deutschman described three competing models for the diversification of placental mammals, which are the Explosive, Long Fuse, and Short Fuse Models. More recently, the Soft Explosive Model and Trans-KPg Model have emerged as additional hypotheses for the placental radiation. Here, we review molecular and paleontological evidence for each of these five models including the identification of general problems that can negatively impact divergence time estimates. The Long Fuse Model has received more support from relaxed clock studies than any of the other models, but this model is not supported by morphological cladistic studies that position Cretaceous eutherians outside of crown Placentalia. At the same time, morphological cladistics has a poor track record of reconstructing higher-level relationships among the orders of placental mammals including the results of new pseudoextinction analyses that we performed on the largest available morphological data set for mammals (4,541 characters). We also examine the strengths and weaknesses of different timetree methods (node dating, tip dating, and fossilized birth-death dating) that may now be applied to estimate the timing of the placental radiation. While new methods such as tip dating are promising, they also have problems that must be addressed if these methods are to effectively discriminate among competing hypotheses for placental diversification. Finally, we discuss the complexities of timetree estimation when the signal of speciation times is impacted by incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) and hybridization. Not accounting for ILS results in dates that are older than speciation events. Hybridization, in turn, can result in dates than are younger or older than speciation dates. Disregarding this potential variation in "gene" history across the genome can distort phylogenetic branch lengths and divergence estimates when multiple unlinked genomic loci are combined together in a timetree analysis.

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