Balanced polymorphisms and their divergence in a Heliconius butterfly

The evolution of mimicry in similarly defended prey is well described by the Müllerian mimicry theory, which predicts the convergence of warning patterns in order to gain the most protection from predators. However, despite this prediction, we can find great diversity of color patterns among Müllerian mimics such as Heliconius butterflies in the neotropics. Furthermore, some species have evolved the ability to maintain multiple distinct warning patterns in single populations, a phenomenon known as polymorphic mimicry. The adaptive benefit of these polymorphisms is questionable since variation from the most common warning patterns is expected to be disadvantageous as novel signals are punished by predators naive to them. In this study, we use artificial butterfly models throughout Central and South America to characterize the selective pressures maintaining polymorphic mimicry in Heliconius doris. Our results highlight the complexity of positive frequency‐dependent selection, the principal selective pressure driving convergence among Müllerian mimics, and its impacts on interspecific variation of mimetic warning coloration. We further show how this selection regime can both limit and facilitate the diversification of mimetic traits.     

Protonmotive activity of cytochrome c oxidase: control of oxidoreduction of the heme centers by the protonmotive force in the reconstituted beef heart enzyme

This paper contributes to the characterization of partial steps of electron and proton transfer in mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase with respect to their membrane arrangement and involvement in energy-linked protonmotive activity. It is shown that delta psi controls electron flow from cytochrome c to heme a is consistent with the view that the latter center is buried in the membrane in a central position. The pressure exerted by delta psi on oxidation of heme alpha 3 by O2 indicates also that this center is buried in the membrane at some distance from the inner side and is consistent with observations showing that protons consumed in the reduction of O2 to H2O derive from the inner space. Electron flow from heme alpha to heme alpha 3 is shown to be specifically controlled by delta pH and in particular by the pH of the inner phase. Analysis of the effect of DCCD treatment of oxidase vesicles reveals that concentrations of this reagent which result in selective modification of subunit III (Prochaska et al., 1981) produce inhibition of redox-linked proton release. Higher concentrations of DCCD which result also in modification of subunits II and IV (Prochaska et al., 1981) cause inhibition of the pH-dependent electron-transfer step from heme alpha to heme alpha 3.     

An alternative genotyping method using dye-labeled universal primer to reduce unspecific amplifications

We proposed a modification the procedure of genotyping based in labeled universal primer and tailed primer. In the standard protocol, three primers are used in the same PCR reaction, a forward primer with tail added at the 5′ end of the identical sequence to labeled universal primer with dye-fluorescent and a reverse primer. Unfortunately, the choice of a labeled primer characterized by a large number of complementary sequences in target genomes (which is more probable in larger genomes) result in unspecific amplifications (false positive) can cause absence or decrease amplification of the locus of interest and also false interpretation of the analysis. However, identification of possible homologies between the primer chosen for labelling and the genome is rarely possible from the available DNA data bases. In our approach, cycling is interrupted for the addition of the labeled primer only during the final cycles, thus minimizing unspecific amplification and competition between primers, resulting in the more fidelity amplification of the target regions.     

Phenotypic,Molecular and Symbiotic Characterization of the Rhizobial Symbionts of Desmanthus paspalaceus (Lindm.) Burkart That Grow in the Province of Santa Fe,Argentina

Desmanthus paspalaceus (Lindm.) Burkart belongs to the D. virgatus complex, subfamily Mimosoidae. The known potential as livestock fodder of several of these legumes prompted us to undertake a phenotypic, molecular, and symbiotic characterization of the D. paspalaceus symbionts in the Santa Fe province, Argentina. The rhizobia collected—containing isolates with different abiotic-stress tolerances—showed a remarkable genetic diversity by PCR fingerprinting, with 11 different amplification profiles present among 20 isolates. In selected isolates 16S-rDNA sequencing detected mesorhizobia (60%) and rhizobia (40%) within the collection, in contrast to the genus of the original inoculant strain CB3126—previously isolated from Leucaena leucocephala—that we typified here through its 16S rDNA as Sinorhizobium terangae. The results revealed the establishment by diverse bacterial genera -rhizobia, sinorhizobia, and mesorhizobia- of full N₂-fixing symbiotic associations with D. paspalaceus. This diversity was paralleled by the presence of at least two different nodC allelic variants. The identical nodC alleles of the Mesorhizobia sp. 10.L.4.2 and 10.L.5.3 notably failed to group within any of the currently described rhizo-/brady-/azorhizobial nodC clades. Interestingly, the nodC from S. terangae CB3126 clustered close to homologs from common bean nodulating rhizobia, but not with the nodC from S. terangae WSM1721 that nodulates Acacia. No previous data were available on nod-gene phylogeny for Desmanthus symbionts. A field assay indicated that inoculation of D. paspalaceus with the local Rhizobium sp. 10L.11.4 produced higher aerial-plant dry weights compared to S. teranga CB3126–inoculated plants. Neither the mesorhizobia 10.L.4.2 or 10.L.5.3 nor the rhizobium 10L.11.4 induced root nodules in L. leucocephala or P. vulgaris. The results show that some of the local isolates have remarkable tolerances to several abiotic stresses including acidity, salt, and temperature; while exhibiting prominent N₂ fixation; thus indicating suitability as candidates for inoculation of D. paspalaceus.     

Maternal footprints of Southeast Asians in North India

We have analyzed 7,137 samples from 125 different caste, tribal and religious groups of India and 99 samples from three populations of Nepal for the length variation in the COII/tRNA(Lys) region of mtDNA. Samples showing length variation were subjected to detailed phylogenetic analysis based on HVS-I and informative coding region sequence variation. The overall frequencies of the 9-bp deletion and insertion variants in South Asia were 1.9 and 0.6%, respectively. We have also defined a novel deep-rooting haplogroup M43 and identified the rare haplogroup H14 in Indian populations carrying the 9-bp deletion by complete mtDNA sequencing. Moreover, we redefined haplogroup M6 and dissected it into two well-defined subclades. The presence of haplogroups F1 and B5a in Uttar Pradesh suggests minor maternal contribution from Southeast Asia to Northern India. The occurrence of haplogroup F1 in the Nepalese sample implies that Nepal might have served as a bridge for the flow of eastern lineages to India. The presence of R6 in the Nepalese, on the other hand, suggests that the gene flow between India and Nepal has been reciprocal.     

Characteristics of redox-linked proton ejection in cytochrome c oxidase reconstituted in phospholipid vesicles. New observations support mechanisms different from proton pumping

Experimental observations reveal a number of characteristics of the redox-linked proton ejection from cytochrome c oxidase vesicles, which apparently cannot be explained by a proton pumping activity of the oxidase. These observations seem, on the other hand, to provide useful elements for alternative explanation(s) of the proton ejection. It is proposed here that the process is scalar and not vectorial and can derive from redox-linked rupture of protonated salt-bridges in the oxidase-lipid complex.     

Hyperthermia triggers apoptosis and affects cell adhesiveness in human neuroblastoma cells

Hyperthermia is a known apoptotic inducer and has been recently utilized in combination with chemo-and/or radiotherapy in cancer treatment. In this study we have described its effect on SK-N-MC human neuroblastoma tumor cells, a line which grows as a double adherent and floating population. Considering this particular culture behavior, we also investigated the relationship between hyperthermia and cell adhesiveness by evaluating integrin expression, namely CD11a, which is, as known, closely correlated to cell adhesion properties. By a multiple, ultrastructural and flow cytometrical approach, we have demonstrated that hyperthermia, while triggering apoptosis, also determines a CD11a surface expression decrease in apoptotic and living cells. We thus suggest a further role for this treatment, which, affecting adhesion mechanisms, could down-regulate metastatic diffusion.     

Ectomycorrhizal fungi are shared between seedlings and adults in a monodominant Gilbertiodendron dewevrei rain forest in Cameroon

Ectomycorrhizal networks may facilitate the establishment and survival of seedlings regenerating under the canopies of tropical forests and are often invoked as a potential contributor to monodominance. We identified ectomycorrhizal fungi in a monodominant Gilbertiodendron dewevrei (Fabaceae) rain forest in Cameroon, using sporocarps and ectomycorrhizae of three age categories (seedlings, intermediate trees, and large trees) and tentatively revealed nutrient transfer through ectomycorrhizal networks by measuring spontaneous isotopic (¹³C and ¹⁵N) abundances in seedlings. Sporocarp surveys revealed fewer ectomycorrhizal fungal taxa (59 species from 1030 sporocarps) than molecular barcoding of ectomycorrhizal roots (75 operational taxonomic units from 828 ectomycorrhizae). Our observations suggest that ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity is similar to that in other mixed tropical forests and provide the first report of the Tuber‐Helvella lineage in a tropical forest. Despite some differences, all age categories of G. dewevrei had overlapping ectomycorrhizal fungal communities, with families belonging to Thelephoraceae, Russulaceae, Sebacinaceae, Boletaceae, and Clavulinaceae. Of the 49 operational taxonomic units shared by the three age categories (65.3% of the ectomycorrhizal fungal community), 19 were the most abundant on root tips of all categories (38.7% of the shared taxa), supporting the likelihood of ectomycorrhizal networks. However, we obtained no evidence for nutrient transfer from trees to seedlings. We discuss the composition of the ectomycorrhizal fungal community among the G. dewevrei age categories and the possible role of common ectomycorrhizal networks in this rain forest.     

High Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity and Malnutrition among HIV-Infected Adults in Senegal,West Africa

Background

Malnutrition and food insecurity are associated with increased mortality and poor clinical outcomes among people living with HIV/AIDS; however, the prevalence of malnutrition and food insecurity among people living with HIV/AIDS in Senegal, West Africa is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of food insecurity and malnutrition among HIV-infected adults in Senegal, and to identify associations between food insecurity, malnutrition, and HIV outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study at outpatient clinics in Dakar and Ziguinchor, Senegal. Data were collected using participant interviews, anthropometry, the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, the Individual Dietary Diversity Scale, and chart review.

Results

One hundred and nine HIV-1 and/or HIV-2 participants were enrolled. The prevalence of food insecurity was 84.6% in Dakar and 89.5% in Ziguinchor. The prevalence of severe food insecurity was 59.6% in Dakar and 75.4% in Ziguinchor. The prevalence of malnutrition (BMI <18.5) was 19.2% in Dakar and 26.3% in Ziguinchor. Severe food insecurity was associated with missing clinic appointments (p = 0.01) and not taking antiretroviral therapy due to hunger (p = 0.02). Malnutrition was associated with lower CD4 cell counts (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Severe food insecurity and malnutrition are highly prevalent among HIV-infected adults in both Dakar and Ziguinchor, and are associated with poor HIV outcomes. Our findings warrant further studies to determine the root causes of malnutrition and food insecurity in Senegal, and the short- and long-term impacts of malnutrition and food insecurity on HIV care. Urgent interventions are needed to address the unacceptably high rates of malnutrition and food insecurity in this population.