From molecular variations to behavioral adaptations: Unveiling adaptive epistasis in primate oxytocin system.

OBJECTIVE: Our primary objective was to investigate the variability of oxytocin (OT) and the GAMEN binding motif within the LNPEP oxytocinase in primates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We sequenced the LNPEP segment encompassing the GAMEN motif in 34 Platyrrhini species, with 21 of them also sequenced for the OT gene. Our dataset was supplemented with primate sequences of LNPEP, OT, and the oxytocin receptor (OTR) sourced from public databases. Evolutionary analysis and coevolution predictions were made followed by the macroevolution analysis of relevant amino acids associated with phenotypic traits, such as mating systems, parental care, and litter size. To account for phylogenetic structure, we utilized two distinct statistical tests. Additionally, we calculated binding energies focusing on the interaction between Callithtrix jacchus VAMEN and Pro8OT. RESULTS: We identified two novel motifs (AAMEN and VAMEN), challenging the current knowledge of motif conservation in placental mammals. Coevolution analysis demonstrated a correlation between GAMEN, AAMEN, and VAMEN and their corresponding OTs and OTRs. Callithrix jacchus exhibited a higher binding energy between VAMEN and Pro8OT than orthologous molecules found in humans (GAMEN and Leu8OT). DISCUSSION: The coevolution of AAMEN and VAMEN with their corresponding OTs and OTRs suggests a functional relationship that could have contributed to specific reproductive and adaptive behaviors, including paternal care, social monogamy, and twin births, prominent traits in Cebidae species, such as marmosets and tamarins. Our findings underscore the coevolution of taxon-specific amino acids among the three studied molecules, shedding light on the oxytocinergic system as an adaptive epistatic repertoire in primates.

Oral microbiota, co-evolution, and implications for health and disease: The case of indigenous peoples.

Evidence indicates that oral microbiota plays a crucial role in human health and disease. For instance, diseases with multifactorial etiology, such as periodontitis and caries, which cause a detrimental impact on human well-being and health, can be caused by alterations in the host-microbiota interactions, where non-pathogenic bacteria give way to pathogenic orange/red-complex bacterial species (a change from a eubiotic to dysbiotic state). In this scenario, where thousands of oral microorganisms, including fungi, archaea, and phage species, and their host are co-evolving, a set of phenomena, such as the arms race and Red or Black Queen dynamics, are expected to operate. We review concepts on the subject and revisit the nature of bacterial complexes linked to oral health and diseases, as well as the problem of the bacterial resistome in the face of the use of antibiotics and what is the impact of this on the evolutionary trajectory of the members of this symbiotic ecosystem. We constructed a 16SrRNA tree to show that adaptive consortia of oral bacterial complexes do not necessarily rescue phylogenetic relationships. Finally, we remember that oral health is not exempt from health disparity trends in some populations, such as Native Americans, when compared with non-Indigenous people.

Insights into the evolutionary history of the most skilled tool-handling platyrrhini monkey: Sapajus libidinosus from the Serra da Capivara National Park.

Sapajus libidinosus members of the Pedra Furada group, living in the Serra da Capivara National Park, use stone tools in a wider variety of behaviors than any other living animal, except humans. To rescue the evolutionary history of the Caatinga S. libidinosus and identify factors that may have contributed to the emergence and maintenance of their tool-use culture, we conducted fieldwork seasons to obtain biological samples of these capuchin monkeys. UsingCYTBsequences, we show a discrete but constant population growth from the beginning of the Holocene to the present, overlapping the emergence of the Caatinga biome. Our habitat suitability reconstruction reports the presence of plants whose hard fruits, seeds, or roots are processed by capuchins using tools. TheS. libidinosusindividuals in the Caatinga were capable of dynamically developing and maintaining their autochthonous culture thanks to: a) cognitive capacity to generate and execute innovation under selective pressure; b) tolerance favoring learning and cultural inheritance; c) an unknown genetic repertoire that underpins the adaptive traits; d) a high degree of terrestriality; e) presence and abundance of natural resources, which makes some places "hot spots" for innovation, and cultural diversification within a relatively short time.

Phylogenetic relationships in the genus Cheracebus (Callicebinae, Pitheciidae).

Cheracebus is a new genus of New World primate of the family Pitheciidae, subfamily Callicebinae. Until recently, Cheracebus was classified as the torquatus species group of the genus Callicebus. The genus Cheracebus has six species: C. lucifer, C. lugens, C. regulus, C. medemi, C. torquatus, and C. purinus, which are all endemic to the Amazon biome. Before the present study, there had been no conclusive interpretation of the phylogenetic relationships among most of the Cheracebus species. The present study tests the monophyly of the genus and investigates the relationships among the different Cheracebus species, based on DNA sequencing of 16 mitochondrial and nuclear markers. The phylogenetic analyses were based on Maximum Likelihood, Bayesian Inference, and multispecies coalescent approaches. The divergence times and genetic distances between the Cheracebus taxa were also estimated. The analyses confirmed the monophyly of the genus and a well-supported topology, with the following arrangement: ((C. torquatus, C. lugens), (C. lucifer (C. purinus, C. regulus))). A well-differentiated clade was also identified within part of the geographic range of C. lugens, which warrants further investigation to confirm its taxonomic status.

Propriedades psicométricas do Teste de Positividade de Fredrickson em um contexto militar / Psychometric properties of Fredrickson's Positivity Test in a military context / Propiedades psicométricas de la Prueba de Positividad de Fredrickson en un contexto militar

A importância dos afetos para a adaptabilidade a circunstâncias adversas tem sido amplamente discutida na literatura, sendo enfatizado o papel central que exercem para o funcionamento psicológico. O presente estudo teve como objetivo validar, para o Brasil, o Teste de Positividade, desenvolvido por Fredrickson (2009). O instrumento possui 20 itens igualmente divididos em dois fatores: afetos positivos e afetos negativos. Participaram do estudo 1097 cadetes do curso de Oficiais do Exército. Foram realizadas duas coletas de dados, na primeira, foram reunidos 354 cadetes; na segunda, 743. Com os dados da primeira coleta realizou-se uma Análise Fatorial Exploratória, que confirmou a estrutura original do instrumento. A Análise Fatorial Confirmatória, realizada com os dados da segunda coleta, corroborou o modelo original do instrumento. Encontrou-se correlações positivas significativas entre esta medida e as de satisfação com a vida e com o trabalho. Os resultados demonstram a adequação do instrumento em contextos militares.

The role of affections for adaptability to adverse circumstances has been widely discussed in the literature, emphasizing the central role they play in psychological functioning. The present study aimed to validate, for Brazil, the Positivity Test, developed by Fredrickson (2009). The instrument has 20 items equally divided into two factors: positive affects and negative affects. This study included 1097 cadets of the course of army officers. There were two data collection; in the first one, 354 cadets participated, in the second, 743. With the first collection data held an Exploratory Factor Analysis which confirmed the original structure of the instrument. The Confirmatory Factor Analysis, performed with data from the second collection, corroborated the original model of the instrument. There were significant positive correlations between this measure and satisfaction with life and work. The results demonstrate the suitability of the instrument in military contexts.

El papel de los afectos para la adaptabilidad a las circunstancias adversas ha sido discutido en la literatura, siendo enfatizado el papel que ejercen para el funcionamiento psicológico. El presente estudio ha tenido como objetivo validar, para Brasil, el Test de Positividad, desarrollado por Fredrickson (2009). El instrumento tiene 20 ítems divididos en dos factores: afectos positivos y afectos negativos. Fueron entrevistados 1097 cadetes del curso del Ejército. En la primera recolección de datos se reunieron 354 cadetes; en la segunda, 743. Con los datos de la primera recolección se realizó un Análisis Factorial Exploratorio que confirmó la estructura original del instrumento. El Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio, realizado con los datos de la segunda recolección, corroboró el modelo original del instrumento. Se han encontrado correlaciones positivas significativas entre esta medida y las de satisfacción con la vida y con el trabajo. Los resultados demuestran la adecuación del instrumento en contextos militares.

Is DNA ploidy related to smoking?

BACKGROUND: In the oral cavity, genomic instability is caused by long-term exposure to carcinogens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between smoking and DNA ploidy. METHODS: Cytological material was obtained from patients participating in the Outpatient Smoking Treatment Program of the Heart Institute (INCOR-HCFMUSP), and of the Discipline of Oral Medicine (ICT-UNESP). The inclusion criteria for all groups were the absence of a history of malignant tumors, absence of clinical signs of changes in the selected area, and alcohol consumption of less than 3 units per week. Group 1:30 smokers before smoking cessation treatment; Group 2:30 non-smokers; Group 3:30 ex-smokers abstinent for at least 1 year. Cytological smears were collected from the floor of the mouth and border of the tongue and stained by Feulgen. Aneuploidy was evaluated using the ACIS® III system. RESULTS: The Kruskal-Wallis test showed no statistically significant difference (P = .4383) between the groups studied. No association between tobacco consumption and aneuploidy was observed in group 1 (P = 1) or group 2 (P = .68; Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSION: Smoking was not associated with changes in DNA content or the incidence of aneuploidy in normal oral mucosa.