Howler Monkey Die-Off in Southern Mexico.

In May and June 2024, a die-off of Mexican mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata mexicana) occurred in southern Mexico. This commentary documents the event, attributing it to extreme heatwaves, drought, wildfires, and habitat impoverishment. Despite their reported resilience to habitat disturbances, mantled howler monkey mortality rate in some areas reached 31%. Key evidence points to heatstroke as the primary cause of death, exacerbated by limited hydration and reduced dietary diversity in disturbed habitats. Immediate responses included community-led rescues (e.g., hydrating the monkeys), coordination of rescue activities by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) (e.g., managing donations), involvement of scientists (e.g., monitoring of primate populations), and assistance from government officials (e.g., providing legal support for animal management). This event underscores the urgency of developing action plans to prevent and attend future crises. Among other actions, we highlight (i) establishing primate care infrastructure with medical and rehabilitation centers; (ii) developing protocols and training programs to ensure rapid crisis response; (iii) fostering collaboration among government, NGOs, and academic institutions for effective crisis management; and (iv) developing targeted research on climate change impacts, predictive models, and long-term health monitoring. We emphasize the critical need for coordinated conservation efforts to protect wild primates and maintain natural ecosystem resilience in the face of escalating climate challenges.

Co-Infection of Tobacco Rattle and Cycas Necrotic Stunt Viruses in Paeonia lactiflora: Detection Strategies, Potential Origins of Infection, and Implications for Paeonia Germplasm Conservation.

Increasing reports of tobacco rattle virus (TRV) and cycas necrotic stunt virus (CNSV) in herbaceous Paeonia worldwide highlight the importance of conserving the genetic resources of this economically important ornamental and medicinal crop. The unknown origin(s) of infection, differential susceptibility of peony cultivars to these viruses, and elusive disease phenotypes for CNSV in peonies make early detection and management challenging. Here, we report the presence of TRV and CNSV in plants of the University of Michigan living peony collection in the United States and a molecular characterization of their strains. Using sequences of the TRV 194 K RNA polymerase gene, we confirmed TRV infections in seven symptomatic plants (1.07% of all plants in the collection). Using newly developed primers, we recovered sequences of the CNSV RdRp gene and the polyprotein 1 gene region from nine out of twelve samples analyzed, including three from symptomless plants. Four of the nine plants had TRV and CNSV co-infections and showed more severe disease symptoms than plants only infected with TRV. Phylogenetic analyses of isolates from the University of Michigan living peony collection and publicly available isolates point to multiple origins of TRV and CNSV infections in this collection. This is the first report of TRV/CNSV co-infection and of a symptomatic detection of CNSV on cultivated P. lactiflora.

News and Perspectives: Words matter in primatology.

Postings on social media on Twitter (now X), BioAnthropology News (Facebook), and other venues, as well as recent publications in prominent journals, show that primatologists, ecologists, and other researchers are questioning the terms "Old World" and "New World" due to their colonial implications and history. The terms are offensive if they result in erasing Indigenous voices and history, ignoring the fact that Indigenous peoples were in the Americas long before European colonization. Language use is not without context, but alternative terminology is not always obvious and available. In this perspective, we share opinions expressed by an international group of primatologists who considered questions about the use of these terms, whether primatologists should adjust language use, and how to move forward. The diversity of opinions provides insight into how conventional terms used in primatological research and conservation may impact our effectiveness in these domains.

Differences in sperm morphology between Alouatta palliata and Alouatta pigra are consistent with the intensity of sperm competition in each species.

The intensity of sperm competition, in which sperm compete within the female reproductive tract to reach and fertilize her eggs, varies in species with different mating systems. Sperm competition is more intense in species where males cannot monopolize access to reproductive females and females mate with multiple males. In this scenario, a morphological change that increases the ability of sperm to reach and fertilize eggs should rapidly spread in the population, leading to sperm morphological differences between closely related species. Differences in sperm morphology have been reported among primate species with different mating systems. However, due to the inherent logistical and ethical difficulties to sample sperm from wild primates, the extent of variation in sperm morphology within species and among closely related species remains understudied. Here, we compared sperm morphological traits from two sister howler monkey species (Alouatta palliata and Alouatta pigra) that have different mating systems to investigate the effect of sperm competition on sperm morphological traits. We predicted that sperm from A. palliata, where females have more opportunities to mate with multiple males, would show differences in traits associated with increase sperm competitiveness compared to A. pigra where females mostly mate with the central male. We used linear mixed models to determine species differences in sperm morphology, controlling for individual variation. We found that midpieces and heads in A. palliata sperm were on average 26.2% and 11.0% longer, respectively, than those of A. pigra. Differences in these traits are important for sperm speed and hydrodynamic movement in other species and can affect fertilization success. This study provides empirical evidence of sperm morphological traits that evolved through sexual selection in sister primate species with different mating systems.

Síndrome de Wildervanck: reporte de un caso clínico / Wildervanck syndrome: clinical case report

El síndrome de Wildervanck (cérvico-óculo-acústico) es una patología muy rara, caracterizada por la tríada clásica de fusión de vértebras cervicales o anomalía de Klippel-Feil, síndrome de Duane (paresia del VI par craneal) e hipoacusia. Se han descrito, además, otras afecciones a nivel vascular, cardíaco y musculoesquelético. En este caso clínico, describimos a una paciente que cumple la tríada cardinal, además de presentar datos clínicos adicionales que no han sido reportados con anterioridad, lo cual contribuye a la ampliación del fenotipo de la enfermedad. Asimismo, realizamos una revisión de la literatura respecto a este síndrome

Wildervanck syndrome (also known as cervico-oculo-acoustic dysplasia) is a very rare disease, characterized by the typical triad of cervical vertebral fusion or Klippel-Feil anomaly, Duane syndrome (paresis of the sixth cranial nerve), and hearing loss. Other vascular, cardiac, and musculoskeletal conditions have also been described. In this case report, we describe a patient who met the cardinal triad and also presented additional clinical data that have not been previously reported, which contribute to broadening the disease phenotype. We have also reviewed the bibliography related to this syndrome.

Wildervanck syndrome: clinical case report. / Síndrome de Wildervanck: reporte de un caso clínico.

Wildervanck syndrome (also known as cervico-oculo-acoustic dysplasia) is a very rare disease, characterized by the typical triad of cervical vertebral fusion or Klippel-Feil anomaly, Duane syndrome (paresis of the sixth cranial nerve), and hearing loss. Other vascular, cardiac, and musculoskeletal conditions have also been described. In this case report, we describe a patient who met the cardinal triad and also presented additional clinical data that have not been previously reported, which contribute to broadening the disease phenotype. We have also reviewed the bibliography related to this syndrome.

El síndrome de Wildervanck (cérvico-óculo-acústico) es una patología muy rara, caracterizada por la tríada clásica de fusión de vértebras cervicales o anomalía de Klippel-Feil, síndrome de Duane (paresia del VI par craneal) e hipoacusia. Se han descrito, además, otras afecciones a nivel vascular, cardíaco y musculoesquelético. En este caso clínico, describimos a una paciente que cumple la tríada cardinal, además de presentar datos clínicos adicionales que no han sido reportados con anterioridad, lo cual contribuye a la ampliación del fenotipo de la enfermedad. Asimismo, realizamos una revisión de la literatura respecto a este síndrome.

La displasia del desarrollo de la cadera puede predisponer a osteoartritis: de la inflamación a la destrucción. Revisión de la literatura / Developmental dysplasia of the hip may predispose to osteoarthritis: From inflammation to destruction. A literature review

Introducción. La displasia del desarrollo de la cadera (DDC) abarca un conjunto de anormalidades relacionadas con el proceso de maduración del acetábulo y del tercio proximal del fémur Si no se trata de manera adecuada y oportuna, los pacientes con esta condición pueden desarrollar osteoartritis (OA) eventualmente.Objetivo. Recopilar y sintetizar evidencia científica publicada entre enero de 2000 y febrero de 2023 sobre la fisiopatología de la DDC y su relación con el desarrollo de OA de cadera en términos de los mecanismos fisiopatológicos genéticos, inflamatorios e inmunológicos. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura en bases de datos de literatura biomédica (PubMed/Medline, Embase, SciELO) y herramientas bioinformáticas (e-Ensambl, STRING), mediante términos como "displasia de cadera", "osteoartritis", "etiología" y "genes". Se incluyeron estudios observacionales clínicos y genéticos realizados en humanos.Resultados. La búsqueda inicial arrojó 349 registros, de los cuales 23 cumplieron los criterios de elegibilidad. Los genes que interactúan con módulos genéticos parecen participar en el desarrollo articular y la etiología de las enfermedades relacionadas con el cartílago y el hueso; sin embargo, la inestabilidad mecánica producida por la DCC activa factores inflamatorios e inmunológicos, predisponiendo OA. A partir de la información encontrada, se puede considerar que existe una relación muy estrecha entre DDC y OA.Conclusiones. Conocer los mecanismos fisiopatológicos genéticos, inflamatorios e inmunológicos de DDC y OA favorece la realización de un diagnóstico oportuno y, en consecuencia, posibilita brindar un tratamiento adecuado para disminuir y controlar el daño a largo plazo y mejorar la calidad de vida del paciente

Introduction: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) encompasses a set of abnormalities related to the maturation process of the acetabulum and the proximal third of the femur. If not treated properly and promptly, patients with this condition may eventually develop osteoarthritis (OA).Objective: To compile and synthesize scientific evidence published between January 2000 and February 2023 on the pathophysiology of DDH and its relationship to the development of hip OA in terms of genetic, inflammatory and immunological pathophysiological mechanisms.Methodology: A literature review was performed in biomedical literature databases (PubMed/Medline, Embase, SciELO) and bioinformatic resources (e-Ensambl, STRING), using terms such as "hip dysplasia", "osteoarthritis", "etiology", and "genes". Clinical and genetic observational studies involving human subjects were included.Results: The initial search yielded 349 records, of which 23 met the eligibility criteria. Genes that interact with genetic modules may play a role in the development of joints and the etiology of diseases that affect the bones and cartilage; however, the mechanical instability caused by DDH activates inflammatory and immunological factors, predisposing to OA. Based on the information obtained, it is possible to consider that there is a very close relationship between DDH and OA.Conclusions: Knowing the genetic, inflammatory and immunological pathophysiological mechanisms of DDH and OA favors timely diagnosis and, consequently, allows providing proper treatment to reduce and control long-term damage and improve the patient's quality of life

Evaluación de motivación y satisfacción en la intervención educativa "Diseño de Casos Clínico Patológicos": estudio piloto en estudiantes de medicina / Motivation and satisfaction of medical students participating in an educational intervention on Pathology

BACKGROUND: Undergraduate Pathology training in medicine is based on modalities centered on the teacher and associated with controlled motivation, with low satisfaction with the educational process. According to the Self-determination Theory, an early participation with responsibilities in clinical practice and an educational environment that promotes autonomy and basic psychological needs satisfaction (BPNS), would generate intrinsic motivation. AIM: To develop an educational intervention based on the pathologists' workplace model, which supports a learning environment intended to the satisfaction of BPNS in medical students. To evaluate the results of the intervention on the levels of motivation and satisfaction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the first phase of the study, an educational modality focused on the student was planned, consisting of the design of a pathological clinical case (DPC), performing the specialist's steps under minimal supervision and a contextualized environment. In the second phase, the level of satisfaction (Scale of student experience) and intrinsic motivation in 3rd year medical students was evaluated. RESULTS: After the intervention, 99 students showed high levels of satisfaction (94% of agreement) and intrinsic motivation (6.7 of 7 points), including all sub-scales. They considered that their competences had increased and assessed the intervention as useful. CONCLUSIONS: DPC is an innovative, feasible and attractive methodology for Pathology learning, with a high degree of satisfaction and intrinsic motivation. This experience can be extended to similar disciplines.

Large Comparative Analyses of Primate Body Site Microbiomes Indicate that the Oral Microbiome Is Unique among All Body Sites and Conserved among Nonhuman Primates.

The study of the mammalian microbiome serves as a critical tool for understanding host-microbial diversity and coevolution and the impact of bacterial communities on host health. While studies of specific microbial systems (e.g., in the human gut) have rapidly increased, large knowledge gaps remain, hindering our understanding of the determinants and levels of variation in microbiomes across multiple body sites and host species. Here, we compare microbiome community compositions from eight distinct body sites among 17 phylogenetically diverse species of nonhuman primates (NHPs), representing the largest comparative study of microbial diversity across primate host species and body sites. Analysis of 898 samples predominantly acquired in the wild demonstrated that oral microbiomes were unique in their clustering, with distinctive divergence from all other body site microbiomes. In contrast, all other body site microbiomes clustered principally by host species and differentiated by body site within host species. These results highlight two key findings: (i) the oral microbiome is unique compared to all other body site microbiomes and conserved among diverse nonhuman primates, despite their considerable dietary and phylogenetic differences, and (ii) assessments of the determinants of host-microbial diversity are relative to the level of the comparison (i.e., intra-/inter-body site, -host species, and -individual), emphasizing the need for broader comparative microbial analyses across diverse hosts to further elucidate host-microbial dynamics, evolutionary and biological patterns of variation, and implications for human-microbial coevolution. IMPORTANCE The microbiome is critical to host health and disease, but much remains unknown about the determinants, levels, and evolution of host-microbial diversity. The relationship between hosts and their associated microbes is complex. Most studies to date have focused on the gut microbiome; however, large gaps remain in our understanding of host-microbial diversity, coevolution, and levels of variation in microbiomes across multiple body sites and host species. To better understand the patterns of variation and evolutionary context of host-microbial communities, we conducted one of the largest comparative studies to date, which indicated that the oral microbiome was distinct from the microbiomes of all other body sites and convergent across host species, suggesting conserved niche specialization within the Primates order. We also show the importance of host species differences in shaping the microbiome within specific body sites. This large, comparative study contributes valuable information on key patterns of variation among hosts and body sites, with implications for understanding host-microbial dynamics and human-microbial coevolution.

[Motivation and satisfaction of medical students participating in an educational intervention on Pathology]. / Evaluación de motivación y satisfacción en la intervención educativa "Diseño de Casos Clínico Patológicos": estudio piloto en estudiantes de medicina.

BACKGROUND: Undergraduate Pathology training in medicine is based on modalities centered on the teacher and associated with controlled motivation, with low satisfaction with the educational process. According to the Self-determination Theory, an early participation with responsibilities in clinical practice and an educational environment that promotes autonomy and basic psychological needs satisfaction (BPNS), would generate intrinsic motivation. AIM: To develop an educational intervention based on the pathologists' workplace model, which supports a learning environment intended to the satisfaction of BPNS in medical students. To evaluate the results of the intervention on the levels of motivation and satisfaction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the first phase of the study, an educational modality focused on the student was planned, consisting of the design of a pathological clinical case (DPC), performing the specialist's steps under minimal supervision and a contextualized environment. In the second phase, the level of satisfaction (Scale of student experience) and intrinsic motivation in 3rd year medical students was evaluated. RESULTS: After the intervention, 99 students showed high levels of satisfaction (94% of agreement) and intrinsic motivation (6.7 of 7 points), including all sub-scales. They considered that their competences had increased and assessed the intervention as useful. CONCLUSIONS: DPC is an innovative, feasible and attractive methodology for Pathology learning, with a high degree of satisfaction and intrinsic motivation. This experience can be extended to similar disciplines.

Ancient DNA of the pygmy marmoset type specimen Cebuella pygmaea (Spix, 1823) resolves a taxonomic conundrum.

The pygmy marmoset, the smallest of the anthropoid primates, has a broad distribution in Western Amazonia. Recent studies using molecular and morphological data have identified two distinct species separated by the Napo and Solimões-Amazonas rivers. However, reconciling this new biological evidence with current taxonomy, i.e., two subspecies, Cebuella pygmaea pygmaea (Spix, 1823) and Cebuella pygmaea niveiventris (Lönnberg, 1940), was problematic given the uncertainty as to whether Spix's pygmy marmoset ( Cebuella pygmaea pygmaea) was collected north or south of the Napo and Solimões-Amazonas rivers, making it unclear to which of the two newly revealed species the name pygmaea would apply. Here, we present the first molecular data from Spix's type specimen of Cebuella pygmaea, as well as novel mitochondrial genomes from modern pygmy marmosets sampled near the type locality (Tabatinga) on both sides of the river. With these data, we can confirm the correct names of the two species identified, i.e., C. pygmaea for animals north of the Napo and Solimões-Amazonas rivers and C. niveiventris for animals south of these two rivers. Phylogenetic analyses of the novel genetic data placed into the context of cytochrome b gene sequences from across the range of pygmy marmosets further led us to re-evaluate the geographical distribution for the two Cebuella species. We dated the split of these two species to 2.54 million years ago. We discuss additional, more recent, subdivisions within each lineage, as well as potential contact zones between the two species in the headwaters of these rivers.

Taxonomic diversity of Cebuella in the western Amazon: Molecular, morphological and pelage diversity of museum and free-ranging specimens.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the diversity of the pygmy marmoset, Cebuella pygmaea, by comparing genetic, morphological and pelage traits of animals from Peru and Ecuador. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We extracted DNA from museum specimen osteocrusts and from fecal samples collected from free-ranging individuals. We sequenced the mtDNA cytochrome b gene and the control region from samples collected at 13 different sites and used Bayesian inference and Maximum Likelihood to identify distinct clades. We took measurements of the crania of a subset of these specimens (n = 26) and ran a logistic regression to determine if any of the cranial measurements (n = 22) could predict a specimen's clade. In addition, we examined the pelage patterns of the museum specimens and photographs taken of free-ranging individuals and divided them into pelage types based on coloration of the underbelly. RESULTS: We identified two divergent clades, and two distinct groups with clear geographic boundaries within one of those clades. Two measurements of the zygomatic bone perfectly predicted a given individual's mtDNA clade. We found four distinct pelage patterns in our samples, but these patterns are variable within clades and among individuals within the same population. CONCLUSION: These analyses indicate that the two recognized subspecies of pygmy marmoset should be elevated to the species level (C. pygmaea and C. niveiventris) based on molecular and cranial differences but not on pelage patterns. We provide evidence on the geographic limits of the two clades and identify regions where additional sampling is required to better define the geographic distribution of the two clades.

Corrigendum: A Severe Lack of Evidence Limits Effective Conservation of the World's Primates.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biaa082.].

A Severe Lack of Evidence Limits Effective Conservation of the World's Primates.

Threats to biodiversity are well documented. However, to effectively conserve species and their habitats, we need to know which conservation interventions do (or do not) work. Evidence-based conservation evaluates interventions within a scientific framework. The Conservation Evidence project has summarized thousands of studies testing conservation interventions and compiled these as synopses for various habitats and taxa. In the present article, we analyzed the interventions assessed in the primate synopsis and compared these with other taxa. We found that despite intensive efforts to study primates and the extensive threats they face, less than 1% of primate studies evaluated conservation effectiveness. The studies often lacked quantitative data, failed to undertake postimplementation monitoring of populations or individuals, or implemented several interventions at once. Furthermore, the studies were biased toward specific taxa, geographic regions, and interventions. We describe barriers for testing primate conservation interventions and propose actions to improve the conservation evidence base to protect this endangered and globally important taxon.

X-Linked Signature of Reproductive Isolation in Humans is Mirrored in a Howler Monkey Hybrid Zone.

Reproductive isolation is a fundamental step in speciation. While sex chromosomes have been linked to reproductive isolation in many model systems, including hominids, genetic studies of the contribution of sex chromosome loci to speciation for natural populations are relatively sparse. Natural hybrid zones can help identify genomic regions contributing to reproductive isolation, like hybrid incompatibility loci, since these regions exhibit reduced introgression between parental species. Here, we use a primate hybrid zone (Alouatta palliata × Alouatta pigra) to test for reduced introgression of X-linked SNPs compared to autosomal SNPs. To identify X-linked sequence in A. palliata, we used a sex-biased mapping approach with whole-genome re-sequencing data. We then used genomic cline analysis with reduced-representation sequence data for parental A. palliata and A. pigra individuals and hybrids (n = 88) to identify regions with non-neutral introgression. We identified ~26 Mb of non-repetitive, putatively X-linked genomic sequence in A. palliata, most of which mapped collinearly to the marmoset and human X chromosomes. We found that X-linked SNPs had reduced introgression and an excess of ancestry from A. palliata as compared to autosomal SNPs. One outlier region with reduced introgression overlaps a previously described "desert" of archaic hominin ancestry on the human X chromosome. These results are consistent with a large role for the X chromosome in speciation across animal taxa and further, suggest shared features in the genomic basis of the evolution of reproductive isolation in primates.

Low genetic diversity and limited genetic structure across the range of the critically endangered Mexican howler monkey (Alouatta palliata mexicana).

Genetic diversity provides populations with the possibility to persist in ever-changing environments, where selective regimes change over time. Therefore, the long-term survival of a population may be affected by its level of genetic diversity. The Mexican howler monkey (Alouatta palliata mexicana) is a critically endangered primate restricted to southeast Mexico. Here, we evaluate the genetic diversity and population structure of this subspecies based on 83 individuals from 31 groups sampled across the distribution range of the subspecies, using 29 microsatellite loci. Our results revealed extremely low genetic diversity (HO = 0.21, HE = 0.29) compared to studies of other A. palliata populations and to other Alouatta species. Principal component analysis, a Bayesian clustering method, and analyses of molecular variance did not detect strong signatures of genetic differentiation among geographic populations of this subspecies. Although we detect small but significant FST values between populations, they can be explained by a pattern of isolation by distance. These results and the presence of unique alleles in different populations highlight the importance of implementing conservation efforts in multiple populations across the distribution range of A. p. mexicana to preserve its already low genetic diversity. This is especially important given current levels of population isolation due to the extreme habitat fragmentation across the distribution range of this primate.

The evidence supporting educational videos for patients and caregivers receiving hospice and palliative care: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to explore the evidence surrounding educational videos for patients and family caregivers in hospice and palliative care. We ask three research questions: 1. What is the evidence for video interventions? 2. What is the quality of the evidence behind video interventions? 3. What are the outcomes of video interventions? METHODS: The study is a systematic review, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Researchers systematically searched five databases for experimental and observational studies on the evidence supporting video education for hospice and palliative care patients and caregivers, published in 1969-2019. RESULTS: The review identified 31 relevant articles with moderate-high quality of evidence. Most studies were experimental (74 %), came from the United States (84 %) and had a mean sample size of 139 participants. Studies showed that video interventions positively affect preferences of care and advance care planning, provide emotional support, and serve as decision and information aids. CONCLUSION: A strong body of evidence has emerged for video education interventions in hospice and palliative care. Additional research assessing video interventions' impact on clinical outcomes is needed. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Videos are a promising tool for patient and family education in hospice and palliative care.

Isotopic niche partitioning in two sympatric howler monkey species.

OBJECTIVES: Ecological similarity between species can lead to interspecific trophic competition. However, when ecologically similar species coexist, they may differ in foraging strategies and habitat use, which can lead to niche partitioning. As the body tissues of consumers contain a stable isotope signature that reflects the isotopic composition of their diet, stable isotope analysis is a useful tool to study feeding behavior. We measured the isotopic niche width, which is a proxy for trophic niche width, of mantled (Alouatta palliata) and black (A. pigra) howler monkeys. Specifically, studied populations in allopatry and sympatry to assess whether these species showed niche partitioning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2008 and 2012, we collected hair samples from 200 subjects (113 black and 87 mantled howler monkeys) and used continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry to estimate δ13 C and δ15 N. We described the isotopic niche width of each species in allopatry and sympatry with the Bayesian estimation of the standard ellipse areas. RESULTS: In allopatry, isotopic niche width and isotopic variation were similar in both species. In sympatry, black howler monkeys had a significantly broader isotopic niche, which was mainly determined by high δ15 N values, and included the majority of mantled howler monkeys' isotopic niche. The isotopic niche of mantled howler monkeys did not differ between sympatry and allopatry. CONCLUSIONS: The coexistence of these ecologically similar species may be linked to trophic niche adjustments by one species, although the particular features of such adjustments (e.g., dietary, spatial, or sensory partitioning) remain to be addressed.