Leveraging whole genome sequencing data for demographic inference with approximate Bayesian computation

Accounting for historical demographic features, such as the strength and timing of gene flow and divergence times between closely related lineages, is vital for many inferences in evolutionary biology. Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) is one method commonly used to estimate demographic parameters. However, the DNA sequences used as input for this method, often microsatellites or RADseq loci, usually represent a small fraction of the genome. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) data, on the other hand, have been used less often with ABC, and questions remain about the potential benefit of, and how to best implement, this type of data; we used pseudo‐observed data sets to explore such questions. Specifically, we addressed the potential improvements in parameter estimation accuracy that could be associated with WGS data in multiple contexts; namely, we quantified the effects of (a) more data, (b) haplotype‐based summary statistics, and (c) locus length. Compared with a hypothetical RADseq data set with 2.5 Mbp of data, using a 1 Gbp data set consisting of 100 Kbp sequences led to substantial gains in the accuracy of parameter estimates, which was mostly due to haplotype statistics and increased data. We also quantified the effects of including (a) locus‐specific recombination rates, and (b) background selection information in ABC analyses. Importantly, assuming uniform recombination or ignoring background selection had a negative effect on accuracy in many cases. Software and results from this method validation study should be useful for future demographic history analyses.     

Obesity in Older Adults: Technical Review and Position Statement of the American Society for Nutrition and NAASO,The Obesity Society

Obesity causes serious medical complications and impairs quality of life. Moreover, in older persons, obesity can exacerbate the age‐related decline in physical function and lead to frailty. However, appropriate treatment for obesity in older persons is controversial because of the reduction in relative health risks associated with increasing body mass index and the concern that weight loss could have potential harmful effects in the older population. This joint position statement from the American Society for Nutrition and NAASO, The Obesity Society reviews the clinical issues related to obesity in older persons and provides health professionals with appropriate weight‐management guidelines for obese older patients. The current data show that weight‐loss therapy improves physical function, quality of life, and the medical complications associated with obesity in older persons. Therefore, weight‐loss therapy that minimizes muscle and bone losses is recommended for older persons who are obese and who have functional impairments or medical complications that can benefit from weight loss.     

The binding of folyl polyglutamates by hemoglobin

Pteroyl polyglutamates bind to hemoglobin with an affinity which leaves only a minor fraction of red cell folate in the free state. This could serve as a regulating mechanism for protein synthesis in the differentiating erythroblast.     

Superovulation in cattle: A combined treatment using syncromate B with either pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin or follicle stimulating hormone

A comparison between different superovulatory treatments in dairy cattle was carried out at a commercial embryo transfer unit in Israel. Both pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were used, either alone or combined with Syncromate B (SMB). The use of PMSG + SMB significantly decreased the number of corpora lutea present at the time of embryo collection 7 d after insemination, as compared with other treatment regimens. Consequently, a significantly lower number of ova was found in those animals treated with PMSG + SMB. Better superovulatory responses were obtained when FSH, rather than PMSG, was used, regardless of whether they were administered alone or combined with SMB. It was clear that the use of SMB combined either with PMSG or FSH resulted in poorer responses than when either gonadotrophin was used alone.     

Expression of binding sites for Dolichos biflorus agglutinin at the apical aspect of collecting duct cells in rat kidney

Summary To identify precisely the structural and functional cell type in the collecting duct of the rat kidney expressing binding sites for Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), we stained serial paraffin sections of kidney with horseradish peroxidase-labeled DBA and with immunocytochemical methods for localizing (Na⁺+K⁺)-ATPase and carbonic anhydrase II (CA II), enzymes found preferentially in principal and intercalated cells, respectively. Most principal cells expressing a strong basolateral staining for (Na⁺ + K⁺)-ATPase showed binding sites for DBA at their luminal surfaces. However, a minority of cells rich in CA II and showing morphologic characteristics of intercalated cells also expressed DBA binding sites at their luminal surface and apical cytoplasm. These data suggest that DBA cytochemistrycan provide a useful tool for studying the functional polarity of the main cell types of the collecting duct of the rat kidney.     

A complex balanced chromosomal rearrangement in repeated abortions

Summary A double balanced reciprocal translocation involving four chromosomes, t(1;19;6;14) (1p11; 19p11; 6q25; 14q21), was found in the phenotypically normal husband in a couple referred because of repeated abortions. Reciprocal translocations, t(6;14), had been transmitted by his mother, his father being apparently homozygous for a translocation comprising pairs 1 and 19-t(1;19)(1;19). The genetic consequences of this complex chromosomal rearrangement are analyzed.     

Locations of moose in northwestern Canada with hair loss probably caused by the winter tick, Dermacentor albipictus (Acari: Ixodidae)

Five hundred two trappers representing 389 registered traplines in northern Alberta, northern British Columbia, Northwest Territories and Yukon Territory (Canada) responded to a questionnaire on the occurrence of hair loss and the winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus) on moose (Alces alces). Results suggested that winter ticks may occur as far as 62 degrees N. Several sightings of moose with presumed tick-induced hair loss near Kluane Lake, Yukon Territory, suggest the possibility of introduction of this serious pest into the moose population in Alaska.     

cDNA structures and regulation of two interferon-induced human Mx proteins.

Human cells treated with interferon synthesize two proteins that exhibit high homology to murine Mx1 protein, which has previously been identified as the mediator of interferon-induced cellular resistance of mouse cells against influenza viruses. Using murine Mx1 cDNA as a hybridization probe, we have isolated cDNA clones originating from two distinct human Mx genes, designated MxA and MxB. In human fibroblasts, expression of MxA and MxB is strongly induced by alpha interferon (IFN-alpha), IFN-beta, Newcastle disease virus, and, to a much lesser extent, IFN-gamma, MxA and MxB proteins have molecular masses of 76 and 73 kilodaltons, respectively, and their sequences are 63% identical. A comparison of human and mouse Mx proteins revealed that human MxA and mouse Mx2 are the most closely related proteins, showing 77% sequence identity. Near their amino termini, human and mouse Mx proteins contain a block of 53 identical amino acids and additional regions of very high sequence similarity. These conserved sequences are also present in a double-stranded RNA-inducible fish gene, which suggests that they may constitute a functionally important domain of Mx proteins. In contrast to mouse Mx1 protein, which accumulates in the nuclei of IFN-treated mouse cells, the two human Mx proteins both accumulate in the cytoplasm of IFN-treated cells.