Author Correction: Global status and conservation potential of reef sharks.

An Amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Global status and conservation potential of reef sharks.

Decades of overexploitation have devastated shark populations, leaving considerable doubt as to their ecological status1,2. Yet much of what is known about sharks has been inferred from catch records in industrial fisheries, whereas far less information is available about sharks that live in coastal habitats3. Here we address this knowledge gap using data from more than 15,000 standardized baited remote underwater video stations that were deployed on 371 reefs in 58 nations to estimate the conservation status of reef sharks globally. Our results reveal the profound impact that fishing has had on reef shark populations: we observed no sharks on almost 20% of the surveyed reefs. Reef sharks were almost completely absent from reefs in several nations, and shark depletion was strongly related to socio-economic conditions such as the size and proximity of the nearest market, poor governance and the density of the human population. However, opportunities for the conservation of reef sharks remain: shark sanctuaries, closed areas, catch limits and an absence of gillnets and longlines were associated with a substantially higher relative abundance of reef sharks. These results reveal several policy pathways for the restoration and management of reef shark populations, from direct top-down management of fishing to indirect improvement of governance conditions. Reef shark populations will only have a high chance of recovery by engaging key socio-economic aspects of tropical fisheries.

Disentangling Signatures of Selection Before and After European Colonization in Latin Americans.

Throughout human evolutionary history, large-scale migrations have led to intermixing (i.e., admixture) between previously separated human groups. Although classical and recent work have shown that studying admixture can yield novel historical insights, the extent to which this process contributed to adaptation remains underexplored. Here, we introduce a novel statistical model, specific to admixed populations, that identifies loci under selection while determining whether the selection likely occurred post-admixture or prior to admixture in one of the ancestral source populations. Through extensive simulations, we show that this method is able to detect selection, even in recently formed admixed populations, and to accurately differentiate between selection occurring in the ancestral or admixed population. We apply this method to genome-wide SNP data of ∼4,000 individuals in five admixed Latin American cohorts from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. Our approach replicates previous reports of selection in the human leukocyte antigen region that are consistent with selection post-admixture. We also report novel signals of selection in genomic regions spanning 47 genes, reinforcing many of these signals with an alternative, commonly used local-ancestry-inference approach. These signals include several genes involved in immunity, which may reflect responses to endemic pathogens of the Americas and to the challenge of infectious disease brought by European contact. In addition, some of the strongest signals inferred to be under selection in the Native American ancestral groups of modern Latin Americans overlap with genes implicated in energy metabolism phenotypes, plausibly reflecting adaptations to novel dietary sources available in the Americas.

Clinical impact of immunotherapy in Merkel cell carcinoma patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Immunotherapy is emerging as an alternative treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma, but its long-term effects on response, survival, and safety are not well established. High-quality evidence is needed to estimate the efficacy of this treatment and to review the characteristics of patients and tumors that might improve outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To summarize efficacy and safety of immunotherapy in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma. METHODS: A systematic review was performed for studies published in MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE. Two reviewers examined the literature and data extraction in duplicate. We estimated the proportions for objective responses, progression-free survival, overall survival, and treatment-related adverse events. Associations between objective response rate and immunobiologic markers were analyzed. RESULTS: Six clinical trials of 201 patients treated with immunotherapy were included. The objective response rate was 51% (95% confidence interval, 0.40-0.62; I2 = 37.1%) and grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events were observed in 18% (95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.29; I2 = 49.5%) of patients. No significant difference was observed between response rates and immunobiologic characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: A significantly reduced tumor diameter with durable response rates and a safe profile are obtained with immunotherapy. Similar response rates achieved on either subgroup of viral status or programmed death ligand 1 expression suggests that it might act on multiple, unexplored pathways.

Biosorption of Zn(II) from Seawater Solution by the Microalgal Biomass of Tetraselmis marina AC16-MESO.

Biosorption refers to a physicochemical process where substances are removed from the solution by a biological material (live or dead) via adsorption processes governed by mechanisms such as surface complexation, ion exchange, and precipitation. This study aimed to evaluate the adsorption of Zn2+ in seawater using the microalgal biomass of Tetraselmis marina AC16-MESO "in vivo" and "not alive" at different concentrations of Zn2+ (0, 5, 10, and 20 mg L-1) at 72 h. Analysis was carried out by using the Langmuir isotherms and by evaluating the autofluorescence from microalgae. The maximum adsorption of Zn2+ by the Langmuir model using the Qmax parameter in the living microalgal biomass (Qmax = 0.03051 mg g-1) was more significant than the non-living microalgal biomass of T. marine AC16-MESO (Qmax = 0.02297 mg g-1). Furthermore, a decrease in fluorescence was detected in cells from T. marina AC16-MESO, in the following order: Zn2+ (0 < 20 < 5 < 10) mg L-1. Zn2+ was adsorbed quickly by living cells from T. marine AC16-MESO compared to the non-living microalgal biomass, with a decrease in photosystem II activities from 0 to 20 mg L-1 Zn2+ in living cells.

Histopathological lesions, pathogens and parasites as health indicators of an edible clam (Protothaca thaca) inhabiting a bay exposed to anthropogenic activities in Northern Chile.

San Jorge Bay (23° S) is characterised by a permanent coastal upwelling front and a thermal front that influence water circulation into the bay. This bay constantly receives effluents from different mining activities. Several studies have demonstrated different levels of heavy metals in waters and sediments within the bay. The clam Protothaca thaca is a bivalve with sedentary habits, which is distributed along the Peruvian and Chilean coasts and is exploited commercially. During 2010, clams were collected inside the bay: north (La Chimba), centre (Paraíso) and south (Llacolén), as well as from a site outside the bay (Bolsico). Haematological parameters, condition factor index, lesions, parasites and pathogens and heavy metal concentrations in clam tissues were determined. The health indicators of clams inhabiting the bay varied between sites. Clams inside the bay showed higher prevalence and intensity of parasites and lesions than those clams inhabiting the site outside the bay, which could be indicating the presence of some environmental stressor (e.g. heavy metals). This study is the first to evaluate the health status of organisms from San Jorge Bay, and our results support the hypothesis that clams P. thaca can be used to evaluate environmental quality.

Recalibration of the Klales et al. (2012) method of sexing the human innominate for Mexican populations.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to test the accuracy of the Klales et al. (2012) equation for sex estimation in contemporary Mexican population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our investigation was carried out on a sample of 203 left innominates of identified adult skeletons from the UNAM-Collection and the Santa María Xigui Cemetery, in Central Mexico. The Klales' original equation produces a sex bias in sex estimation against males (86-92% accuracy versus 100% accuracy in females). Based on these results, the Klales et al. (2012) method was recalibrated for a new cutt-of-point for sex estimation in contemporary Mexican populations. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The results show cross-validated classification accuracy rates as high as 100% after recalibrating the original logistic regression equation. Recalibration improved classification accuracy and eliminated sex bias. This new formula will improve sex estimation for Mexican contemporary populations.

Admixture in Latin America: geographic structure, phenotypic diversity and self-perception of ancestry based on 7,342 individuals.

The current genetic makeup of Latin America has been shaped by a history of extensive admixture between Africans, Europeans and Native Americans, a process taking place within the context of extensive geographic and social stratification. We estimated individual ancestry proportions in a sample of 7,342 subjects ascertained in five countries (Brazil, Chile, Colombia, México and Perú). These individuals were also characterized for a range of physical appearance traits and for self-perception of ancestry. The geographic distribution of admixture proportions in this sample reveals extensive population structure, illustrating the continuing impact of demographic history on the genetic diversity of Latin America. Significant ancestry effects were detected for most phenotypes studied. However, ancestry generally explains only a modest proportion of total phenotypic variation. Genetically estimated and self-perceived ancestry correlate significantly, but certain physical attributes have a strong impact on self-perception and bias self-perception of ancestry relative to genetically estimated ancestry.

Shifts in subsistence type and its impact on the human skull's morphological integration.

OBJECTIVE: Here we evaluate morphological integration patterns and magnitudes in different skull regions to detect if shifts in morphological integration are correlated to the appearance of more processed (softer) diets. METHODS: To do so, three transitional populations were analyzed, including samples from groups that inhabited the same geographical region and for which the evidence shows that major changes occurred in their subsistence mode. Ninety three-dimensional landmarks were digitized on 357 skulls and used as the raw data to develop geometric morphometric analyses. The landmark coordinates were divided into several different regions of biomechanical interest, following a three-level hierarchically nested scheme: the whole skull, further subdivided into neurocranium (divided into the vault and basicranium), the facial (divided into the lower and upper facial), and the masticatory apparatus (divided into alveolar, temporal, and temporo-mandibular joint). RESULTS: Our results indicate that the morphological integration and variability patterns significantly vary across skull regions but are maintained across the transitions. The alveolar border and the lower facial are the regions manifesting greater value of morphological integration and variability, while the upper facial, the temporo-mandibular joint, and the basicranium are highly integrated and poorly variable. CONCLUSIONS: The transition to softer diets increased morphological variation across cranial regions that are more exposed to masticatory strains effects.

Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Plastic Surgery: A Literature Review.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major health concern because it increases morbidity and mortality after a surgical procedure. A number of well-defined, evidence-based guidelines are available delineating suitable use of prophylaxis to prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Despite the available literature, there are clear gaps between recommendations and clinical practice, affecting the incidence of VTE. Plastic surgeons underuse the substantiated literature and risk stratification tools that are available to decrease the incidence of VTE in the office-based surgical setting because of fear of bleeding or hematoma complications postoperatively. Venous thromboembolism creates an economic burden on both the patient and the healthcare system. The intent of this literature review is to determine existing VTE risk using assessment models available to aid in the implementation of protocols for VTE prevention, specifically for high-risk cosmetic surgical patients in office-based settings.

Population Structure and Seasonal Migration of the Spotted Eagle Ray, Aetobatus narinari.

Few studies have reported on the fine-scale population genetics of batoid species in the Atlantic basin. Here, we investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of the spotted eagle ray, Aetobatus narinari, sampled in the northeastern and southwestern parts of the Gulf of Mexico and in the northwestern Caribbean Sea. Samples were collected from 286 individuals sampled across 3 geographic localities. Estimates of divergence based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and 10 nuclear microsatellite loci reveal weak but significant genetic structure among A. narinari populations in this region. Analysis of molecular variance estimates based on both marker types indicate significant differentiation between Florida and Mexico populations, while comparisons with Cuba suggest high levels of gene flow with rays from both Mexico and Florida. Conflicting results were found from the different marker types when sexes were analyzed separately underscoring the importance of applying multiple marker types when making inferences about population structure and sex-biased dispersal. Results from Bayesian clustering analyses suggest rays may be migrating south out of the Gulf of Mexico and into the northwestern Caribbean Sea. Given the impacts of fisheries on this species, coupled with the lack of population genetic data available, these findings offer valuable information to aid with conservation management strategies.

Facial asymmetry and genetic ancestry in Latin American admixed populations.

Fluctuating and directional asymmetry are aspects of morphological variation widely used to infer environmental and genetic factors affecting facial phenotypes. However, the genetic basis and environmental determinants of both asymmetry types is far from being completely known. The analysis of facial asymmetries in admixed individuals can be of help to characterize the impact of a genome's heterozygosity on the developmental basis of both fluctuating and directional asymmetries. Here we characterize the association between genetic ancestry and individual asymmetry on a sample of Latin-American admixed populations. To do so, three-dimensional (3D) facial shape attributes were explored on a sample of 4,104 volunteers aged between 18 and 85 years. Individual ancestry and heterozygosity was estimated using more than 730,000 genome-wide markers. Multivariate techniques applied to geometric morphometric data were used to evaluate the magnitude and significance of directional and fluctuating asymmetry (FA), as well as correlations and multiple regressions aimed to estimate the relationship between facial FA scores and heterozygosity and a set of covariates. Results indicate that directional and FA are both significant, the former being the strongest expression of asymmetry in this sample. In addition, our analyses suggest that there are some specific patterns of facial asymmetries characterizing the different ancestry groups. Finally, we find that more heterozygous individuals exhibit lower levels of asymmetry. Our results highlight the importance of including ancestry-admixture estimators, especially when the analyses are aimed to compare levels of asymmetries on groups differing on socioeconomic levels, as a proxy to estimate developmental noise.

Cultural diversification promotes rapid phenotypic evolution in Xavánte Indians.

Shifts in social structure and cultural practices can potentially promote unusual combinations of allele frequencies that drive the evolution of genetic and phenotypic novelties during human evolution. These cultural practices act in combination with geographical and linguistic barriers and can promote faster evolutionary changes shaped by gene-culture interactions. However, specific cases indicative of this interaction are scarce. Here we show that quantitative genetic parameters obtained from cephalometric data taken on 1,203 individuals analyzed in combination with genetic, climatic, social, and life-history data belonging to six South Amerindian populations are compatible with a scenario of rapid genetic and phenotypic evolution, probably mediated by cultural shifts. We found that the Xavánte experienced a remarkable pace of evolution: the rate of morphological change is far greater than expected for its time of split from their sister group, the Kayapó, which occurred around 1,500 y ago. We also suggest that this rapid differentiation was possible because of strong social-organization differences. Our results demonstrate how human groups deriving from a recent common ancestor can experience variable paces of phenotypic divergence, probably as a response to different cultural or social determinants. We suggest that assembling composite databases involving cultural and biological data will be of key importance to unravel cases of evolution modulated by the cultural environment.

FGFR1 signaling is associated with the magnitude of morphological integration in human head shape.

OBJECTIVES: The head can be used as a model to study complex phenotypes controlled simultaneously by morphological integration (MI) due to common factors, and modular patterns caused by local factors affecting the development and functional demands of specific structures. The fibroblast growth factor and receptor system (FGF/FGFR) participates in cell communication and pattern formation in osseous tissues, among others, and there is compelling evidence from mouse model studies suggesting a role of the FGF/FGFR pathway as a covariance-generating signaling process in head development. Here we use human data to test if specific genetic variants of another gene of this pathway, the FGFR1 gene, can be associated with differences in the integration of the head. METHODS: We explored whether and how three specific variants on FGFR1, previously associated with human cephalic index, influence the pattern and level of head integration of one Native American and one admixed group from Mexico. MI, measured as the intensity of covariation among head traits, was assessed using data from three-dimensional head landmark coordinates taken on 176 individuals. RESULTS: Individuals carrying the derived allele of the rs4647905:G>C polymorphism present significantly greater levels of head MI, especially in facial structures and on the shape space where the modular portion of the covariation is explicitly removed. CONCLUSIONS: Since FGFR genes present nonconservative and tissue-specific splicing sites, they may have some effect on protein structure and performance likely involved in developmental processes responsible for the magnitude and pattern of MI in the human head.

The concept of reentry in the addicted anesthesia provider.

Substance abuse among healthcare providers is a serious issue affecting patient care and patient outcomes. Substance abuse among anesthesia providers is of extreme concern because of the type of drugs and easy access providers are granted. Impaired anesthesia providers jeopardize not only their own safety but also the safety of their patients. Accidental death of either the healthcare provider or the patient is often the unfortunate first sign of addiction among anesthesia providers. Most states, in the United States offer treatment programs for anesthesia providers as an option to disciplinary action, and on completion of the Substance abuse is the primary occupational program, the provider is allowed to reenter practice. Successful reentry is sometimes rare, and providers are plagued with the stigma of abuse, shame, and a high incidence of relapse. This article is an analysis of the concept of reentry into anesthesia practice, using Walker and Avant's model of concept analysis. Tenets of successful reentry are discussed. Implications for further concept analysis, practice, and research are presented.

Global transcriptome profiles provide insights into muscle cell development and differentiation on microstructured marine biopolymer scaffolds for cultured meat production.

Biomaterial scaffolds play a pivotal role in the advancement of cultured meat technology, facilitating essential processes like cell attachment, growth, specialization, and alignment. Currently, there exists limited knowledge concerning the creation of consumable scaffolds tailored for cultured meat applications. This investigation aimed to produce edible scaffolds featuring both smooth and patterned surfaces, utilizing biomaterials such as salmon gelatin, alginate, agarose and glycerol, pertinent to cultured meat and adhering to food safety protocols. The primary objective of this research was to uncover variations in transcriptomes profiles between flat and microstructured edible scaffolds fabricated from marine-derived biopolymers, leveraging high-throughput sequencing techniques. Expression analysis revealed noteworthy disparities in transcriptome profiles when comparing the flat and microstructured scaffold configurations against a control condition. Employing gene functional enrichment analysis for the microstructured versus flat scaffold conditions yielded substantial enrichment ratios, highlighting pertinent gene modules linked to the development of skeletal muscle. Notable functional aspects included filament sliding, muscle contraction, and the organization of sarcomeres. By shedding light on these intricate processes, this study offers insights into the fundamental mechanisms underpinning the generation of muscle-specific cultured meat.

Comparative genomics sheds light on transcription factor-mediated regulation in the extreme acidophilic Acidithiobacillia representatives.

Extreme acidophiles thrive in acidic environments, confront a multitude of challenges, and demonstrate remarkable adaptability in their metabolism to cope with the ever-changing environmental fluctuations, which encompass variations in temperature, pH levels, and the availability of electron acceptors and donors. The survival and proliferation of members within the Acidithiobacillia class rely on the deployment of transcriptional regulatory systems linked to essential physiological traits. The study of these transcriptional regulatory systems provides valuable insights into critical processes, such as energy metabolism and nutrient assimilation, and how they integrate into major genetic-metabolic circuits. In this study, we examined the transcriptional regulatory repertoires and potential interactions of forty-three Acidithiobacillia complete and draft genomes, encompassing nine species. To investigate the function and diversity of Transcription Factors (TFs) and their DNA Binding Sites (DBSs), we conducted a genome-wide comparative analysis, which allowed us to identify these regulatory elements in representatives of Acidithiobacillia. We classified TFs into gene families and compared their occurrence among all representatives, revealing conservation patterns across the class. The results identified conserved regulators for several pathways, including iron and sulfur oxidation, the main pathways for energy acquisition, providing new evidence for viable regulatory interactions and branch-specific conservation in Acidithiobacillia. The identification of TFs and DBSs not only corroborates existing experimental information for selected species, but also introduces novel candidates for experimental validation. Moreover, these promising candidates have the potential for further extension to new representatives within the class.

Early Colonial Diet in El Japón, Xochimilco, Mexico: Examining dietary continuity through stable isotope analysis of bone collagen and bioapatite.

OBJECTIVES: Early colonial documents from central Mesoamerica detail raising and planting of European livestock and crops alongside native ones. The extent to which Indigenous people, especially of the rural commoner class, consumed newly introduced foods is less known. This gap in knowledge is addressed through stable isotope analysis and comparison to published archaeological botanical, human, and faunal data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stable isotope analysis of bone collagen and bioapatite is applied to 74 skeletal samples of Indigenous human remains representing Colonial period individuals from El Japón-a farming hamlet in the Xochimilco area-to provide insight into long-term individual dietary practices in the context of a rapidly transforming Mesoamerican world. RESULTS: Carbon isotope ratios in collagen (δ13Ccollagen) average -8.10/00 VPDB (SD 0.55), while δ15N averages 8.90/00 AIR (SD 0.50). δ13Cbioapatite averages -2.90/00 VPDB (SD 0.60). Modest increase in carbon isotopic diversity is observed among more recent males from El Japón when compared to earlier males and females. DISCUSSION: Based on the isotopic results, it is estimated that the individuals of El Japón consumed maize or other C4 plants as a central source of carbohydrates. Dietary protein was largely supplied through domestic maize-fed fauna but potentially supplemented by wild terrestrial and aquatic fauna and fowl. Similarity in skeletal isotopic composition between precontact Mesoamericans from other sites and El Japón individuals of both earlier and later stratigraphy is interpreted as continuity in local diets and foodways despite potentially available European alternatives. Colonial taxation demands on preexisting agricultural regimes may have incentivized maize production, thus indirectly contributing to the maize-centered aspect of local foodways.

OBJETIVOS: Los textos de la época colonial temprana del centro de México documentan la producción de cultivos y ganado europeo a la par de los productos agropecuarios nativos. La magnitud a la cuál las comunidades indígenas consumieron estos productos se conoce con menos certeza en especial dentro de los asentamientos rurales. En este trabajo, se analiza la variabilidad de datos de isótopos estables en el sitio El Japón, Xochimilco y los resultados se comparan con respecto al sexo biológico y la cronología; así como también con datos publicados de muestras humanas y faunísticas. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se aplican los estudios de isotopos estables en colágeno y bioapatita a 74 muestras esqueléticas de El Japón de la época colonial temprana, una aldea agrícola del área de Xochimilco, con tal de abordar las practicas dietéticas en el contexto de un mundo Mesoamericano en transformación tras el contacto europeo. RESULTADOS: Los isótopos estables de carbono en colágeno (δ13Ccollagen) producen un promedio de −8.10/00 VPDB (DE 0.55), mientras tanto los isótopos estables de nitrógeno en el mismo tejido producen un promedio de 8.90/00 AIR (DE 0.50). Los isótopos estables de carbono en la bioapatita (δ13Cbioapatite) producen un promedio de −2.90/00 VPDB (DE 0.60). Se observa un incremento mínimo en la diversidad isotópica entre los individuos de sexo masculino en comparación a los individuos de sexo femenino de la etapa temprana y tardía del sitio. DISCUSIÓN: Con base en los resultados isotópicos, y con base en comparación a muestras humanas de contextos arqueológicos europeos y norteamericanos se estima que los individuos de El Japón consumieron maíz u otros cultivos tipo C4 como fuentes principales de carbohidratos. Las fuentes de proteína dietética posiblemente fueron fauna alimentada con maíz, pero también se pudieron haber suplementado con alimentos silvestres incluyendo aves silvestres, y fauna terrestre o acuática. La similitud en variación isotópica entre sitios mesoamericanos que preceden el contacto europeo y El Japón de ambas etapas (temprana y tardía) se interpretan como persistencia en fuentes de alimentación y tradiciones culinarias a pesar de las posibles alternativas europeas. Las demandas tributarias coloniales sobre la producción agrícola chinampera pudiesen haber contribuido indirectamente a la continuidad del maíz como fuente alimenticia principal.

Graft-versus-host disease after an outpatient peripheral blood hematopoietic cell transplant using reduced-intensity conditioning: a single-center LATAM experience.

BACKGROUND: HLA compatibility predicts allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) outcomes. There is insufficient information regarding GvHD outcomes for outpatient HLA-identical and haploidentical-HCT employing reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We compare GvHD outcomes between donor types and report risk factors associated with GvHD. Stem cell source was T-cell replete peripheral blood. GvHD prophylaxis was post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PT-CY), mycophenolic acid, and calcineurin inhibitors for haploidentical (n = 107) and oral cyclosporine (CsA) plus methotrexate i.v. for HLA-identical (n = 89) recipients. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-six HCT transplant patients were included. aGvHD and cGvHD frequency were similar between HCT types. aGvHD severity was comparable, but severe cGvHD was less frequent in the haploidentical group (p = .011). One-hundred-day cumulative incidence (CI) of aGvHD for haploidentical and HLA-identical was 31% and 33% (p = .84); 2-year CI of cGvHD was 32% and 38% (p = .6), respectively. Haploidentical recipients had less steroid-refractory cGvHD (p = .043). Patients with cGvHD had less 2-year relapse (p = .003); both aGvHD and cGvHD conferred higher OS (p = .010 and p = .001), respectively. Male sex was protective for steroid-refractory cGvHD (p = .028). CONCLUSIONS: Acute and chronic GvHD rates were comparable between HLA-identical and haploidentical transplant groups. cGvHD severity was lower in the haploidentical group.