Genome-wide species delimitation analyses of a silverside fish species complex in central Mexico indicate taxonomic over-splitting.

BACKGROUND: Delimiting species across a speciation continuum is a complex task, as the process of species origin is not generally instantaneous. The use of genome-wide data provides unprecedented resolution to address convoluted species delimitation cases, often unraveling cryptic diversity. However, because genome-wide approaches based on the multispecies coalescent model are known to confound population structure with species boundaries, often resulting in taxonomic over-splitting, it has become increasingly evident that species delimitation research must consider multiple lines of evidence. In this study, we used phylogenomic, population genomic, and coalescent-based species delimitation approaches, and examined those in light of morphological and ecological information, to investigate species numbers and boundaries comprising the Chirostoma "humboltianum group" (family Atherinidae). The humboltianum group is a taxonomically controversial species complex where previous morphological and mitochondrial studies produced conflicting species delimitation outcomes. We generated ddRADseq data for 77 individuals representing the nine nominal species in the group, spanning their distribution range in the central Mexican plateau. RESULTS: Our results conflict with the morphospecies and ecological delimitation hypotheses, identifying four independently evolving lineages organized in three geographically cohesive clades: (i) chapalae and sphyraena groups in Lake Chapala, (ii) estor group in Lakes Pátzcuaro and Zirahuén, and (iii) humboltianum sensu stricto group in Lake Zacapu and Lerma river system. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our study provides an atypical example where genome-wide analyses delineate fewer species than previously recognized on the basis of morphology. It also highlights the influence of the geological history of the Chapala-Lerma hydrological system in driving allopatric speciation in the humboltianum group.

New insights about species delimitation in red snappers (Lutjanus purpureus and L. campechanus) using multilocus data.

Lutjanus campechanus and Lutjanus purpureus are two commercially important lutjanid fishes (snappers) with non-sympatric distribution throughout Western Atlantic. Even though both taxa have traditionally been regarded as valid species, their taxonomic status remains under debate. In the present study, we used phylogeographic approaches and molecular methods of species delimitation to elucidate the taxonomic issues between both species, based on 1478 base pairs from four genomic regions. We found haplotypes shared between the two species, particularly in relation to nuclear DNA (nuDNA) sequences. The molecular delimitation of species supported the discrimination of L. purpureus and L. campechanus as distinct evolutionary units. Nonetheless, a unidirectional gene flow was found from L. campechanus towards L. purpureus. Therefore, it seems plausible to infer that L. campechanus and L. purpureus are two evolutionary units in which the apparent sharing of haplotypes should be driven by introgression.

Genomics overrules mitochondrial DNA, siding with morphology on a controversial case of species delimitation.

Species delimitation is a major quest in biology and is essential for adequate management of the organismal diversity. A challenging example comprises the fish species of red snappers in the Western Atlantic. Red snappers have been traditionally recognized as two separate species based on morphology: Lutjanus campechanus (northern red snapper) and L. purpureus (southern red snapper). Recent genetic studies using mitochondrial markers, however, failed to delineate these nominal species, leading to the current lumping of the northern and southern populations into a single species ( L. campechanus). This decision carries broad implications for conservation and management as red snappers have been commercially over-exploited across the Western Atlantic and are currently listed as vulnerable. To address this conflict, we examine genome-wide data collected throughout the range of the two species. Population genomics, phylogenetic and coalescent analyses favour the existence of two independent evolutionary lineages, a result that confirms the morphology-based delimitation scenario in agreement with conventional taxonomy. Despite finding evidence of introgression in geographically neighbouring populations in northern South America, our genomic analyses strongly support isolation and differentiation of these species, suggesting that the northern and southern red snappers should be treated as distinct taxonomic entities.

Desarrollo de un programa de donación pulmonar en asistolia con «preservación en bitermia» y resultados tras un año de experiencia clínica / Development of a Non-Heart-Beating Lung Donor Program With «Bithermia Preservation», and Results After One Year of Clinical Experience

El número de trasplantes pulmonares que se realizan en España continúa en ascenso, con 235 pacientes trasplantados en 2010. Los programas de donantes en asistolia han contribuido a esta progresión. Nuestra Unidad de Trasplante Pulmonar comenzó su actividad en octubre de 2008, y en estos 3 años se han trasplantado con éxito el 97% de los pacientes intervenidos. Para obtener un mayor número de donantes hemos desarrollado un programa de donación pulmonar en asistolia a partir del programa existente en nuestro hospital. Fue necesario la elaboración de una metodología de preservación multiorgánica (pulmonar, hepática y renal) que hemos denominado «preservación en bitermia». Presentamos la experiencia de su aplicación clínica durante el primer año. Hemos trasplantado 3 pacientes utilizando este tipo de donantes en asistolia. Ninguno de los pacientes desarrolló disfunción primaria del injerto, todos fueron dados de alta, realizan vida activa y sin datos de síndrome de bronquiolitis obliterante (AU)

The number of lung transplantations that are performed in Spain continues to grow, with 235 transplant recipients 2010. Non-heart-beating donations have contributed to this upward progression. Our Lung Transplant Unit began its activity in October 2008 and during these last three years 97% of the transplant interventions performed have been successful. In order to increase the number of donations, we have developed a non-heart-beating donor program as part of the existing organs program in our hospital. In doing so, the development of a multi-organic preservation method (lung, liver and kidney), which we call «Bithermia Preservation», was necessary. This paper presents this methodology as well as the first year of clinical application experience. During this time, 3 patients have been transplanted using such non-heart-beating donations. None of them developed primary graft dysfunction; all the patients have been discharged and lead active lives without any evidence of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (AU)

Development of a non-heart-beating lung donor program with «Bithermia Preservation¼, and results after one year of clinical experience.

The number of lung transplantations that are performed in Spain continues to grow, with 235 transplant recipients 2010. Non-heart-beating donations have contributed to this upward progression. Our Lung Transplant Unit began its activity in October 2008 and during these last three years 97% of the transplant interventions performed have been successful. In order to increase the number of donations, we have developed a non-heart-beating donor program as part of the existing organs program in our hospital. In doing so, the development of a multi-organic preservation method (lung, liver and kidney), which we call «Bithermia Preservation¼, was necessary. This paper presents this methodology as well as the first year of clinical application experience. During this time, 3 patients have been transplanted using such non-heart-beating donations. None of them developed primary graft dysfunction; all the patients have been discharged and lead active lives without any evidence of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome.

The use of P63 immunohistochemistry for the identification of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.

INTRODUCTION: While some targeted agents should not be used in squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), other agents might preferably target SCCs. In a previous microarray study, one of the top differentially expressed genes between adenocarcinomas (ACs) and SCCs is P63. It is a well-known marker of squamous differentiation, but surprisingly, its expression is not widely used for this purpose. Our goals in this study were (1) to further confirm our microarray data, (2) to analize the value of P63 immunohistochemistry (IHC) in reducing the number of large cell carcinoma (LCC) diagnoses in surgical specimens, and (3) to investigate the potential of P63 IHC to minimize the proportion of "carcinoma NOS (not otherwise specified)" in a prospective series of small tumor samples. METHODS: With these goals in mind, we studied (1) a tissue-microarray comprising 33 ACs and 99 SCCs on which we performed P63 IHC, (2) a series of 20 surgically resected LCCs studied for P63 and TTF-1 IHC, and (3) a prospective cohort of 66 small thoracic samples, including 32 carcinoma NOS, that were further classified by the result of P63 and TTF-1 IHC. RESULTS: The results in the three independent cohorts were as follows: (1) P63 IHC was differentially expressed in SCCs when compared to ACs (p<0.0001); (2) half of the 20 (50%) LCCs were positive for P63 and were reclassified as SCCs; and (3) all P63 positive cases (34%) were diagnosed as SCCs. CONCLUSIONS: P63 IHC is useful for the identification of lung SCCs.

Conservative management of postsurgical chylothorax with octreotide.

Postsurgical chylothorax after lung resection has an important associated rate of morbidity and mortality, and a large proportion of cases require re-exploration. The most desirable and least aggressive option is conservative treatment. The use of octreotide seems to be associated with a higher rate of resolution without the need for surgical intervention. We present 4 cases in which this drug showed excellent efficacy and minimal adverse effects in the resolution of postsurgical chylothorax.

Lesión traqueal por puñalada cervical / Tracheal injury from cervical stabbing

Presentamos un caso de lesión traqueal por puñalada cervical sin otras lesiones asociadas. El diagnóstico fue realizado por exploración clínica y fibrobroncoscopia flexible. Se realizó desbridamiento y anastomosis término-terminal. El paciente fue dado de alta en buen estado a los 11 días postoperatorios (AU)

We report a case of isolated tracheal injury after a cervical stab without any other cervical damage. Diagnosis was performed by bronchoscopic and clinical examination. Plastic suture was performed with end-to-end anastomosis. The patient was discharged with good health status on the eleventh postoperative day (AU)

[Tracheal injury from cervical stabbing]. / Lesión traqueal por puñalada cervical.

We report a case of isolated tracheal injury after a cervical stab without any other cervical damage. Diagnosis was performed by bronchoscopic and clinical examination. Plastic suture was performed with end-to-end anastomosis. The patient was discharged with good health status on the eleventh postoperative day.

Surgical lung cancer. Risk operative analysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To identify those variables that are associated with operative morbidity or mortality in cases of thoracotomy in lung cancer. SETTING: Third level university hospital. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients with thoracotomy due to lung cancer operated on between 1994 and 1997 (n = 115). METHODS: Pre- and postoperative variables potentially associated with operative morbidity or mortality were retrieved prospectively as follows: demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, cardiopulmonary function characteristics, tumour characteristics, and treatment characteristics. A bivariate analysis of all variables under evaluation was carried out in order to identify those variables associated with operative morbidity and mortality. A multivariable analysis of the selected variables was then conducted using a logistic model. RESULTS: The predicted postoperative product (predicted FEV1 x predicting diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide), the carbon monoxide diffusion coefficient (Kco) and the contralateral pulmonary perfusion are variables that relate to the overall morbidity or mortality (number of events 63, 55%) (-2 log likelihood chi2 = 22.9; R2 = 0.27). For variables associated with postoperative morbidity, the best associative model combines functional variables (diffusion, predicted FEV1), endoscopic variables (obstructed segments to be resected), clinical variables (comorbidity) and an important postoperative variable, the pathological tumoural staging (pN) (number of events 49, 43%) (-2 log likelihood chi2 = 32.9; R2 = 0.36). CONCLUSION: The numerous variables under analysis are poorly associated with morbidity or mortality after thoracotomy in lung cancer. With regard to postoperative morbidity, the best associative models combine information that is known pre- and postoperatively and which is provided by both the patient and the tumour.