DNA fingerprinting in horses using a simple (TG)n probe and its application to population comparisons

A synthetic polynucleotide (TG)_n was hybridized to equine DNA digested with HinfI and hypervariable hybridization patterns were obtained. Mendelian inheritance of these DNA fingerprinting patterns was confirmed by pedigree analysis. Estimates of the probabilities of identical band patterns in unrelated individuals of different breeds (Swedish Trotters, North Swedish Trotters, Thoroughbreds and Arabians) were in the range 1 times 10-⁴-7 times 10-⁶ The variability derived with the (TG)_n, probe in horses was higher than what we obtained with several other commmonly used probes for DNA fingerprinting. Individuals within breeds tended to be more similar to each other with regard to DNA fingerprint pattern than to individuals of other breeds. Moreover, a parsimony analysis made on the basis of the hybridization patterns gave clustering of individuals within breeds. The possibility of using hypervariable probes for the identification of breed-specific characters is discussed.     

Structural investigations of octocoral sclerites

A common structural pattern (as observed under the SEM) in the main body of sectioned sclerites of the family Alcyoniidae, and octocorals in general, is the arrangement of acicular crystals in concentric layers. The crystals roughly follow the direction of the spicule axis, however, the sectioned tubercles of large Sinularia spicules have the acicular crystals oriented in the direction of the tubercles (i.e. perpendicular to the spicule axis), contrary to the sectioned tubercles of Sarcophyton and Lobophytum spicules. They reveal some rod-like structures, furcating the acute processes at the top of the tubercles. Sectioned small, club-like Sinularia sclerites show numerous tiny acicular crystals, oriented with their long axes at a fairly constant degree of inclination around a central axis. SEM studies of sectioned Cladiella sclerites show a granulate structure organized in concentric layers, but lacking acicular crystals. The Silurian Atractosella cataractaca show important characters in common with Recent alcyoniid species.     

Population differentiation in Crepis tectorum (Asteraceae): patterns of correlation among characters

This study examines the relationship among traits distinguishing populations of C. tectorum and the extent to which existing trait associations reflect underlying (genetic) tradeoffs. Highly consistent trait associations were found in a comparison of 52 populations representing the western part of the geographical range of the species. In addition to a tight integration of traits reflecting plant stature and inflorescence development, there were consistent links between vegetative and reproductive traits; populations characterized by individuals with large leaves and tall stems with terminal branches usually had larger heads, flowers and fruits (achenes) than those whose individuals had small leaves and a short stem branched from the base. There was a weak negative relationship between the extent of leaf dissection and plant stature; short and compact plants had more deeply lobed leaves than tall plants with terminal branches. Few of these associations were present among families representing a single population of C. tectorum , but there was remarkable similarity between the correlations at the between-population level and those obtained in two segregating F2 progenies of crosses between contrasting populations. Hence, provided that the F2 correlations have a strong genetic basis, it appears that the course of population divergence has been constrained by the underlying correlation structure, although some trait associations may also be a result of selection operating in a correlated fashion on functionally related traits, perhaps leading to linkage disequilibrium of parental traits in the first segregating generation of a cross between ecologically differentiated populations.     

Phylogeny and evolution of sexually selected tail ornamentation in widowbirds and bishops (Euplectes spp.)

Despite similar ecology, mating systems and female preferences for supernormal tails, the 17 species of African widowbirds and bishops (Euplectes spp.) show astonishing variation in male tail ornamentation. Whereas bishops retain their brown nonbreeding tails in nuptial plumage, widowbirds grow black nuptial tails, varying in length from a few centimetres in E. axillaris to the extreme half metre train of E. progne. Here, we phylogenetically reconstruct the evolution of the discrete trait, nuptial tail and the continuous trait, tail length, using a molecular phylogeny of 33 Euplectes subspecies. Unlike many recent findings of labile evolution of plumage ornaments, our results suggest that the nuptial tail of Euplectes is a derived and phylogenetically conserved ornamental trait that, once gained, shows directional evolution in its expression. Directionality is demonstrated in the trivial sense of a short‐tailed ancestor, and by contingency and randomization tests suggesting that branches with increasing tail length are overrepresented. This supports an early origin and strong retention of directional female mate choice in widowbirds and bishops, as previously indicated by empirical and experimental results, and provides a less labile, yet rapid scenario of sexually selected diversification.     

Mosaic variation in allozyme and plastid DNA markers in the European ranges of Silene vulgaris and its partially sympatric relative S. uniflora (Caryophyllaceae)

The perennial herbs Silene vulgaris and S. uniflora are closely related, partially sympatric and interfertile, yet morphologically distinct. We used nuclear (allozyme) and plastid (polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism) DNA markers to investigate whether these species have a shared history of postglacial colonization and hybridization in Europe, as inferred from large‐scale patterns of geographic variation. The majority of plastid haplotypes and allozyme alleles were widespread and patchily distributed within both species and there was no geographic structure in the distributions of shared allozymes or haplotypes. The mosaic variation is consistent with a scenario in which repeated episodes of interspecific hybridization pre‐dated the largely allopatric range expansion of the two species during the postglacial period. Our overall results are not consistent with a scenario of extensive hybridization and introgression during the postglacial range expansion of the species or within their current areas of sympatry, but we found some evidence for local, postglacial evolution and hybridization in the Baltic region. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 166 , 127–148.     

Physical illness in patients with severe mental disorders. II. Barriers to care, monitoring and treatment guidelines, plus recommendations at the system and individual level

Physical disorders are, compared to the general population, more prevalent in people with severe mental illness (SMI). Although this excess morbidity and mortality is largely due to modifiable lifestyle risk factors, the screening and assessment of physical health aspects remains poor, even in developed countries. Moreover, specific patient, provider, treatment and system factors act as barriers to the recognition and to the management of physical diseases in people with SMI. Psychiatrists can play a pivotal role in the improvement of the physical health of these patients by expanding their task from clinical psychiatric care to the monitoring and treatment of crucial physical parameters. At a system level, actions are not easy to realize, especially for developing countries. However, at an individual level, even simple and very basic monitoring and treatment actions, undertaken by the treating clinician, can already improve the problem of suboptimal medical care in this population. Adhering to monitoring and treatment guidelines will result in a substantial enhancement of physical health outcomes. Furthermore, psychiatrists can help educate and motivate people with SMI to address their suboptimal lifestyle, including smoking, unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. The adoption of the recommendations presented in this paper across health care systems throughout the world will contribute to a significant improvement in the medical and related psychiatric health outcomes of patients with SMI.     

Galápagos' Opuntia (prickly pear) cacti: extensive morphological diversity, low genetic variability

Due to the pronounced morphological variation and geographical distribution of Galápagos' Opuntia cacti, numerous hypotheses have been advanced regarding their radiation, diversification, and classification. The currently accepted classification is based on morphology and recognizes six species and fourteen varieties, but the plasticity of many of the characteristics renders any morphological taxonomy problematic. Our analysis of previously published morphological data agrees only partially with the current classification. We present the first molecular phylogeny of these plants. Multiple DNA sequences indicate little genetic distinction among the currently identified species, despite restricted gene flow and limited long distance dispersal within the archipelago. No clear relationship exists between morphological and genetic differences. These results suggest that both molecular and morphological data should be used in conservation planning.  © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2009, 96 , 451–461.