Dispersion routes of the main vectors of human malaria in the Americas: Genetic evidence from the mitochondrial COI gene

Background and objectives: In America, of the 44 species of Anopheles, nine are main vectors of malaria and, of these, genetic information exists for seven. Hence, this study sought to know the gene flow and diversity of the seven principal vectors of malaria at the Americas level. Methods: For the seven species and the sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene obtained from the GenBank and Bold System, genetic analyzes of populations and genetic structure were performed and haplotype networks and phylogenetic trees were obtained. Results: For the seven species, 1440 sequences were analyzed and 519 haplotypes were detected. The Hd and ? values were higher within a continental context than by countries. Neutrality tests indicated positive and negative values with most of these being significant (p < 0.05). Phylogenetic analyses for all the species recovered three clades with no geographic pattern among them. Interpretation & conclusion: Studies suggest that native species of Anopheles from the Americas have greater haplotype diversity and low genetic differentiation due to the lack of physical barriers to impede gene flow among these populations. Moreover, all the species are interconnected by roadways. This scenario complicates the epidemiological picture of malaria in the Americas.

A multidisciplinary framework for biodiversity prediction in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest hotspot / Integrando disciplinas para a predição da biodiversidade da Floresta Atlântica no Brasil

Abstract: We briefly describe selected results from our thematic project focused on the biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest ("AF BIOTA"), which was jointly funded by FAPESP's BIOTA Program, the U.S. National Science Foundation Dimensions of Biodiversity Program, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As one of the five most important hotspots of biodiversity in the world, the Atlantic Forest (AF) holds less than 16% of its vegetation cover, yet, amongst the hotspots, it still harbors one of the highest numbers of species, including endemics. By gathering specialists across multiple disciplines (biology, geology, engineering), we aimed to understand how this megabiodiversity was built through time, informing biodiversity science and conservation. Among the results, we trained 18 Master's and 26 Ph.D. students, published more than 400 peer-reviewed papers that improved our knowledge about the forest's biologic and climatic diversity and dynamics through time, developed new analytical methods, produced outreach videos and articles, and provided data to help define biodiversity conservation policies.

Resumo: Descrevemos de forma resumida resultados selecionados do nosso projeto temático com foco na biodiversidade da Floresta Atlântica ("AF BIOTA"), que foi financiado pelo BIOTA FAPESP e pelo programa "Dimensions of Biodiversity" da "U.S. National Science Foundation" e "National Aeronautics and Space Administration" (NASA). Devido à sua megabiodiversidade (que inclui várias espécies endêmicas), e por restar menos de 16% da vegetação original, a Floresta Atlântica (FA) é uma das cinco áreas mais importantes para a biodiversidade do planeta ("biodiversity hotspot"). Reunimos especialistas de diversas disciplinas (biologia, geologia, engenharia) visando compreender como essa megabiodiversidade evoluiu ao longo do tempo e fornecer informações científicas para a sua conservação. Dentre os resultados obtidos, nós formamos 18 mestres e 26 doutores, publicamos mais de 400 artigos científicos que aumentaram o conhecimento sobre a diversidade biológica e climática da FA e sua dinâmica ao longo do tempo, desenvolvemos novos métodos analíticos, produzimos material de divulgação científica e fornecemos dados para desenvolver políticas públicas de conservação da biodiversidade.

CARACTERIZACIÓN GENÉTICA DE LA POBLACIÓN DE Heliconius sara (Nymphalidae) EN LA ISLA GORGONA, COLOMBIA / Genetic characterization of the Heliconius sara (Nymphalidae) population in the Gorgona Island, Colombia

RESUMEN La estructura genética de poblaciones de mariposas con distribución en islas y sus pares continentales ha sido poco documentada para el neotrópico. Este estudio presenta la caracterización de una población de Heliconius sara con distribución en la Isla Gorgona, ubicada en la región del Pacífico Oriental Colombiano. Para esto se examinaron secuencias parciales de un marcador mitocondrial incluyendo información obtenida del GenBank. Se comparó la diversidad y estructura genética con sus conespecíficos continentales y también con congéneres, con los que comparte un ancestro común cercano en el clado Sapho-Sara. Para el análisis de diversidad y estructura genética se realizó un análisis de varianza molecular. Este análisis muestra que la distancia entre la población de la isla y sus pares en el continente es consistente con la variación intraespecífica observada en otras especies del género Heliconius. Para la reconstrucción de la genealogía y datación reciente en el Pleistoceno superior del grupo monofilético de secuencias de H. sara, se realizó un análisis de inferencia bayesiana, así como una de máxima verosimilitud. Del análisis demográfico se seleccionó un modelo histórico de flujo asimétrico desde la isla hacia el continente que sugiere baja resistencia de la discontinuidad geográfica a la dispersión de esta mariposa diurna desde la isla. Este es el primer estudio en examinar un posible evento de aislamiento de una población insular de mariposas en Colombia.

ABSTRACT The genetic structure of butterfly populations among islands and mainland has been poorly documented for the neotropics. This study shows a characterization of the Heliconius sara population with distribution on Gorgona Island in the Colombian Eastern Tropical Pacific region. We obtained partial sequences of a mitochondrial DNA, including information obtained from GenBank. The genetic diversity and structure were compared among the island population and their mainland conspecific, but also with congenerics, with those shared by a recent common ancestor within the Sapho/Sara clade. For the analysis of diversity and genetic structure, an analysis of molecular variance was performed. This analysis shows that the genetic distance between the island's population and that of the mainland is consistent with the intraspecific variation observed in other species of the Heliconious genus. For the reconstruction of the genealogy and the recent dating calibration in the upper Pleistocene of the monophyletic group of H. sara, a Bayesian inference was carried out as well as one of maximum likelihood. From the demographic analysis, an asymmetric gene flow model from the island to the mainland was selected. This model suggests low historical resistance of the geographic discontinuity to dispersal of this small and diurnal butterfly from the island. This is the first study to examine a possible event of local isolation of an island population of a butterfly in Colombia.

Phylogeography of Paris poliphylla var. yunnanensis based on chloroplast gene trnL-trnF sequences / 中国中药杂志

Phylogeography is a research hotspot in the field of the genetic diversity and core germplasm construction of endangered rare plants. Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis is a rare plant species mainly distributed in China. Wild individuals have been overexploited for the last few decades because of increasing demand for such medicines. Therefore, it is great significance to study the phylogeography of P. poliphylla var. yunnanensis based on chloroplast gene trnL-trnF sequences. In this study, chloroplast genes trnL-trnF were used in the phylogeography analysis of 15 wild and 17 cultivated populations of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis. This study revealed that based on the results of neutrality tests and mismatch analysis, the rapid expansion of wild population has not been detected in P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis. After aligning and sorting the obtained cpDNA sequences, a total of 15 haplotypes were detected in all 32 populations. One haplotype was unique to the wild population, and 5 haplotypes were unique to the cultivated population. It can be seen that the haplotype richness of cultivated population was higher than that of wild population. The wild populations of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis were divided into two groups according to evolutionary relationship of haplotypes and distribution map of haplotypes. The haplotype of branch Ⅰ was mainly distributed in Guizhou, and the haplotype of branch Ⅱ was located in Yunnan and Huidong, Sichuan. Therefore, it's speculated that Guizhou and the west Yunnan region may be glacial refuge in the evolutionary history of wild populations of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis, and in order to protect the wild resources more effectively, wild populations of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis in these two areas should be included in the protection zone.

Genetic differentiation through dispersal and isolation in two freshwater fish species from coastal basins of Northeastern Brazil

The coastal basins in Northeastern Brazil used in this study make up two different ecoregions for freshwater fishes (Amazonas estuary and coastal drainages, and Parnaiba) and two areas of endemism for Characiformes (Maranhão and Parnaíba), and exhibits a diversified yet poorly explored freshwater fish fauna. The population structure and biogeography of two migratory freshwater fish species that are commercially exploited from Maranhão and Parnaíba regions were herein analyzed. Molecular sequence data and statistical analyses were used to estimate haplotypes networks and lineage divergence times and correlated with hydrographic history of drainage and paleodrainages of the region. A total of 171 sequences was produced for both species, Schizodon dissimilis (coI, n = 70) and Prochilodus lacustris (D-loop, n = 101). All analyses identified the presence of three genetically delimited groups of S. dissimilis and six groups of P. lacustris. The lineage time analyses indicate diversification among these species within the past 1 million year. The results indicate the influence of geodispersal in the formation of the ichthyofauna in the studied area through headwater stream capture events and reticulated connections between the mouths of rivers along the coastal plain due to eustatic sea level fluctuations.(AU)

As bacias costeiras do nordeste do Brasil usadas neste estudo compõem duas ecorregiões diferentes para peixes de água doce (Estuário do Amazonas e drenagens costeiras e Parnaíba) e duas áreas de endemismo para Characiformes (Maranhão e Parnaíba), exibindo uma diversificada e ainda pouco explorada fauna de peixes de água doce. A estrutura populacional e biogeografia de duas espécies migradoras de peixes de água doce exploradas comercialmente nas regiões do Maranhão e Parnaíba foram analisadas. Dados de sequências moleculares e análises estatísticas foram utilizados para estimar redes de haplótipos e tempos de divergência entre linhagens, e foram correlacionados com a história hidrográfica das drenagens e paleodrenagens da região. Um total de 171 sequências foram geradas para ambas espécies, Schizodon dissimilis (coI, n = 70) e Prochilodus lacustris (D-loop, n = 101). Todas análises identificaram a presença de três grupos geneticamente delimitados para S. dissimilis e seis grupos para P. lacustris. A análise de tempo de divergência das linhagens indicou uma diversificação entre estas espécies nos últimos 1 Ma. Os resultados indicam influência da geodispersão na formação da ictiofauna do Maranhão, devido eventos de capturas de cabeceira e conexões reticuladas entre as fozes dos rios ao longo da planície costeira devido às flutuações eustáticas do nível do mar.(AU)

Phylogenetics applied to the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1): from the cross-species transmissions to the contact network inferences

Phylogenetic analyses were crucial to elucidate the origin and spread of the pandemic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) group M virus, both during the pre-epidemic period of cryptic dissemination in human populations as well as during the epidemic phase of spread. The use of phylogenetics and phylodynamics approaches has provided important insights to track the founder events that resulted in the spread of HIV-1 strains across vast geographic areas, specific countries and within geographically restricted communities. In the recent years, the use of phylogenetic analysis combined with the huge availability of HIV sequences has become an increasingly important approach to reconstruct HIV transmission networks and understand transmission dynamics in concentrated and generalised epidemics. Significant efforts to obtain viral sequences from newly HIV-infected individuals could certainly contribute to detect rapidly expanding HIV-1 lineages, identify key populations at high-risk and understand what public health interventions should be prioritised in different scenarios.

A review on the conservation genetic studies of Indian amphibians and their implications on developing strategies for conservation

Amphibians show a very high level of diversity and endemism and are facing global declines from the past few decades. Studies have shown that the molecular tools can be helpful in their conservation efforts. In India, more than 80% of amphibians are endemic and most show a narrow range of distribution. Most of the Indian amphibians lack information on their genetic diversity. In this study, were view the overall trend on amphibian studies in India with the specific focus on conservation genetics. Overall, of the 173 studies, only 14 dealt with the conservation of amphibians through genetic tools and five studies estimated the genetic diversity or gene structure. Here, we discuss the gaps and provide future directions on how genetic studies can be helpful in Indian amphibian conservation.

Revisión taxonómica de la rana marsupial Gastrotheca peruana (Amphibia: Hemiphractidae) en base al gen mitocondrial 16S / Taxonomic evaluation of the marsupial frog Gastrotheca peruana (Amphibia: Hemiphractidae) based on mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene

Se revisa el estado taxonómico de Gastrotheca peruana usando métodos filogenéticos en base a secuencias de 16S rRNA. Los árboles de máxima verosimilitud y Bayesiano mostraron que las variantes génicas de G. peruana forman dos clados que no son hermanos. Uno de estos clados se distribuye en el norte de Perú, incluyendo un individuo procedente de la localidad típica de G. peruana dissimilis. El segundo clado está restringido al centro de Perú y contiene individuos de las localidades tipo de dos formas nominales, G. p. peruana y G. p. junensis, y es hermano de G. aratia. De esta forma, reconocemos dos especies dentro de lo que actualmente se conoce como G. peruana. Restringimos Gastrotheca peruana a las poblaciones del centro de Perú (departamentos de Ancash, Lima, Pasco y Junín) y asignamos Gastrotheca dissimilis a las poblaciones de los departamentos de La Libertad y Cajamarca.

The taxonomic status of Gastrotheca peruana is evaluated using phylogenetic methods and 16S gene sequences. The maximum likelihood and Bayesian trees showed that the genetic variants of G. peruana form two clades that are not sister to each other. One of these clades is present in northern Perú and includes a specimen collected at the type locality of G. peruana dissimilis. The other clade is restricted to central Peru and contains individuals from type localities of two nominal forms, G. p. peruana and G. p. junensis, and is sister to G. aratia. Our results suggest that G. peruana sensu lato currently encompass two species. We restrict Gastrotheca peruana to populations from central Perú (departments of Ancash, Lima, Pasco and Junín) and assign populations from departments of La Libertad and Cajamarca to Gastrotheca dissimilis.

Combination of surveillance tools reveals that Yellow Fever virus can remain in the same Atlantic Forest area at least for three transmission seasons

BACKGROUND In Brazil, the Yellow Fever virus (YFV) is endemic in the Amazon, from where it eventually expands into epidemic waves. Coastal south-eastern (SE) Brazil, which has been a YFV-free region for eight decades, has reported a severe sylvatic outbreak since 2016. The virus spread from the north toward the south of the Rio de Janeiro (RJ) state, causing 307 human cases with 105 deaths during the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 transmission seasons. It is unclear, however, whether the YFV would persist in the coastal Atlantic Forest of RJ during subsequent transmission seasons. OBJECTIVES To conduct a real-time surveillance and assess the potential persistence of YFV in the coastal Atlantic Forest of RJ during the 2018-2019 transmission season. METHODS We combined epizootic surveillance with fast diagnostic and molecular, phylogenetic, and evolutionary analyses. FINDINGS Using this integrative strategy, we detected the first evidence of YFV re-emergence in the third transmission season (2018-2019) in a dying howler monkey from the central region of the RJ state. The YFV detected in 2019 has the molecular signature associated with the current SE YFV outbreak and exhibited a close phylogenetic relationship with the YFV lineage that circulated in the same Atlantic Forest fragment during the past seasons. This lineage circulated along the coastal side of the Serra do Mar mountain chain, and its evolution seems to be mainly driven by genetic drift. The potential bridge vector Aedes albopictus was found probing on the recently dead howler monkey in the forest edge, very close to urban areas. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our data revealed that YFV transmission persisted at the same Atlantic Forest area for at least three consecutive transmission seasons without the need of new introductions. Our real-time surveillance strategy permitted health authorities to take preventive actions within 48 h after the detection of the sick non-human primate. The local virus persistence and the proximity of the epizootic forest to urban areas reinforces the concern with regards to the risk of re-urbanisation and seasonal re-emergence of YFV, stressing the need for continuous effective surveillance and high vaccination coverage in the SE region, particularly in RJ, an important tourist location.

Historical biogeography of fishes from coastal basins of Maranhão State, northeastern Brazil

The Amazonian ichthyofauna is one of the most diverse in the world, yet fishes from the adjacent coastal basins of Maranhão State in Northeastern Brazil remain poorly known. We use phylogeographic, community phylogenetic and phylogenetic beta diversity methods to study the biogeographic history of fishes from the coastal basins of Maranhão State. We report a total of 160 fish species from the basins of the Maranhão region, representing a 93% increase over results of previous studies. All the fish species assemblages from Maranhão are polyphyletic, with only a few putative sister species pairs inhabiting the region. The modern watershed divides among Maranhão basins do not form substantial barriers to dispersal for freshwater fish species, and are more effectively modelled as biogeographic islands than as biogeographic provinces. In combination these results suggest that the Maranhão ichthyofauna was assembled under the influence of several macroevolutionary (extinction, dispersal) and landscape evolution processes, during the Miocene and Pliocene, as well as by the modern ecological characteristics of the region. The results indicate that the distinctive geological and climatic conditions and history of Northeastern Brazil strongly constrained the formation of aquatic faunas in coastal basins of Maranhão State.(AU)

A ictiofauna da Amazônia é uma das mais diversificadas do mundo, mas os peixes das bacias costeiras adjacentes do estado do Maranhão, no Nordeste do Brasil, ainda são pouco conhecidos. Utilizamos métodos filogeográficos, filogenia de comunidade e de diversidade beta filogenética para estudar a história biogeográfica de peixes das bacias costeiras do estado do Maranhão. Nós relatamos um total de 160 espécies de peixes das bacias da região do Maranhão, representando um aumento de 93% sobre os resultados de estudos anteriores. Todas as assembleias de espécies de peixes do Maranhão são polifiléticas, com apenas alguns supostos pares de espécies irmãs habitando a região. As divisões modernas das bacias hidrográficas do Maranhão não formam barreiras substanciais para a dispersão de espécies de peixes de água doce, e são mais efetivamente modeladas como ilhas biogeográficas do que como províncias biogeográficas. Em conjunto, esses resultados sugerem que a ictiofauna maranhense foi montada sob a influência de vários processos de evolução macroevolutiva (extinção, dispersão) e paisagística, durante o Mioceno e Plioceno, bem como pelas características ecológicas modernas da região. Os resultados indicam que as distintas condições geológicas e climáticas e a história do Nordeste do Brasil restringiram fortemente a formação de faunas aquáticas em bacias costeiras do estado do Maranhão.(AU)

Trypanosoma janseni n. sp. (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae) isolated from Didelphis aurita (Mammalia: Didelphidae) in the Atlantic Rainforest of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: integrative taxonomy and phylogeography within the Trypanosoma cruzi clade

BACKGROUND Didelphis spp. are a South American marsupial species that are among the most ancient hosts for the Trypanosoma spp. OBJECTIVES We characterise a new species (Trypanosoma janseni n. sp.) isolated from the spleen and liver tissues of Didelphis aurita in the Atlantic Rainforest of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS The parasites were isolated and a growth curve was performed in NNN and Schneider's media containing 10% foetal bovine serum. Parasite morphology was evaluated via light microscopy on Giemsa-stained culture smears, as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Molecular taxonomy was based on a partial region (737-bp) of the small subunit (18S) ribosomal RNA gene and 708 bp of the nuclear marker, glycosomal glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gGAPDH) genes. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods were used to perform a species coalescent analysis and to generate individual and concatenated gene trees. Divergence times among species that belong to the T. cruzi clade were also inferred. FINDINGS In vitro growth curves demonstrated a very short log phase, achieving a maximum growth rate at day 3 followed by a sharp decline. Only epimastigote forms were observed under light and scanning microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed structures typical to Trypanosoma spp., except one structure that presented as single-membraned, usually grouped in stacks of three or four. Phylogeography analyses confirmed the distinct species status of T. janseni n. sp. within the T. cruzi clade. Trypanosoma janseni n. sp. clusters with T. wauwau in a well-supported clade, which is exclusive and monophyletic. The separation of the South American T. wauwau + T. janseni coincides with the separation of the Southern Super Continent. CONCLUSIONS This clade is a sister group of the trypanosomes found in Australian marsupials and its discovery sheds light on the initial diversification process based on what we currently know about the T. cruzi clade.

Phylogeographic analyses of the pampas cat (Leopardus colocola; Carnivora, Felidae) reveal a complex demographic history

Abstract The pampas cat is a small felid that occurs in open habitats throughout much of South America. Previous studies have revealed intriguing patterns of morphological differentiation and genetic structure among its populations, as well as molecular evidence for hybridization with the closely related L. tigrinus. Here we report phylogeographic analyses encompassing most of its distribution (focusing particularly on Brazilian specimens, which had been poorly sampled in previous studies), using a novel dataset comprising 2,143 bp of the mitogenome, along with previously reported mtDNA sequences. Our data revealed strong population strutucture and supported a west-to-east colonization process in this species' history. We detected two population expansion events, one older (ca. 200 thousand years ago [kya]) in western South America and another more recent (ca. 60-50 kya) in eastern areas, coinciding with the expansion of savanna environments in Brazil. Analyses including L. tigrinus individuals bearing introgressed mtDNA from L. colocola showed a complete lack of shared haplotypes between species, indicating that their hybridization was ancient. Finally, we observed a close relationship between Brazilian/Uruguayan L. colocola haplotypes and those sampled in L. tigrinus, indicating that their hybridization was likely related to the demographic expansion of L. colocola into eastern South America.

Construction of core collection of Psammosilene tunicoides based on polymorphism of β-AS gene / 中国中药杂志

Psammosilene tunicoides is one of the main ingredients of the "Yunnan Baiyao". P. tunicoides is an endangered species included in the secondary protection list in China Plant Red Data Book as well as the endemic species in Southwest China. Its natural resources could not meet the needs of pharmaceutical production. Construction of core collection of P. tunicoides will lay the foundation for germplasm improvement and molecular breeding. The sequence variation of the key enzymes gene locus (β-AS) were carried out to survey the population structure and population history of the species. Among the 11 populations across its geographical range, 36 haplotypes were identified. The levels of haplotype diversity (Hd=0.905) were high, while the levels of population differentiation (GST=0.280) were low. Analysisof molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that a significantly greater proportion of total genetic variationpartitioned among populations thanwithin populations (values of 77.43% and 22.57%, respectively). These results in combination with the star-like phylogenetic network analysis indicate that Hap1 as an ancestral haplotypewas shared in four populations, Hap2, Hap4, Hap15 and Hap16 are occurred in two populations, the remains as private haplotype only distributed in single population. The strategy of core collection was constructed in order to maximumpreserve genetic diversity of P. tunicoides.

A systematic review of East African-Indian family of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Brazil

ABSTRACT Introduction: The Mycobacterium tuberculosis East African-Indian (EAI) spoligotyping family (belonging to lineage 1, Indo-Oceanic, defined by the region of deletion RD239) is distributed worldwide, but is more prevalent in Southeast Asia, India, and East Africa. Studies in Latin America have rarely identified EAI. In this study, we describe the occurrence of the EAI family in Brazil. Methods: EAI was identified in a systematic literature review of genetic diversity studies pertaining to M. tuberculosis in Brazil, as well as in a survey conducted in Salvador, Bahia, located in the northeastern region of this country. Results: The EAI6-BGD1 spoligotyping family and the EAI5 Spoligotype International Type (SIT) 1983 clade were the most frequently reported, with wide distribution of this particular clade described in Brazil. The distribution of other EAI spoligotyping patterns with broader worldwide distribution was restricted to the southeastern region of the country. Conclusions: EAI may be endemic at a low frequency in Brazil, with some clades indicating increased fitness with respect to this population.

Ontogenetic changes in mouth morphology triggers conflicting hypotheses of relationships in characid fishes (Ostariophysi: Characiformes)

Bryconamericus lethostigmus is the type-species of the monotypic genus Odontostoechus, diagnosed in part based on the presence of a unique tooth series in the premaxilla. Recently a new proposal of classification of the Stevardiinae placed Odontostoechus as a junior synonym of a monophyletic genus Bryconamericus sensu stricto, a genus characterized by the presence of two tooth series. Bryconamericus lethostigmus is redescribed herein and the single tooth series in the premaxilla is demonstrated to originate from merging of the external tooth row with the inner row during ontogeny refuting primary hypothesis of homology between the mouth morphology of B. lethostigmus and the genera Bryconacidnus, Ceratobranchia, Monotocheirodon, Othonocheirodus, Rhinopetitia and Rhinobrycon. A phylogeographic analysis indicated that the pattern described for the sympatric species Diapoma itaimbe is not mirrored by B. lethostigmus. The results also do not support the hypothesis of a new species in the rio Araranguá drainage.(AU)

Bryconamericus lethostigmus é a espécie tipo do gênero monotípico Odontostoechus, diagnosticado em parte pela presença de uma única série de dentes na pré-maxila. Recentemente uma nova proposta de classificação de Stevardiinae considerou Odontostoechus como sinônimo júnior do gênero monofilético Bryconamericus sensu stricto caracterizado pela presença de duas séries de dentes. Bryconamericus lethostigmus é redescrito e demonstra-se que a única série de dentes no premaxilar se origina pela junção da série externa de dentes com a série interna durante a ontogenia, refutando a hipótese de homologia primária entre a morfologia da boca de B. lethostigmus e os gêneros Bryconacidnus, Ceratobranchia, Monotocheirodon, Othonocheirodus, Rhinopetitia e Rhinobrycon. A análise filogeográfica indica que o padrão descrito para a espécie simpátrica Diapoma itaimbe não se repete em B. lethostigmus. Os resultados também não suportam a hipótese de uma nova espécie para a bacia do rio Araranguá.(AU)

Origin and Phylogenetic Characteristics of Dengue Virus Isolated from the Large Outbreak of Dengue in Guangdong Province in 2014 / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

[Objects]To isolate and identify the pathogen of the large outbreak of dengue in Guangdong province in 2014. To understand the origin and the phylogenetic characteristics of the isolates ,and provide scientific foundation for the surveillance and prevention of dengue fever.[Methods]Collected the patient serum samples over all the Guangdong province during the 2014 outbreakperiod,isolated and identified the virus from these samples. Amplified complete E gene and complete genome with certain primers and sequenced all the products. Then the Phylogenetic ,Bayesian phylogeography and mutations analysis were carried.[Results]40 DENV-1 strains were isolated and identified. 40 complete E gene sequences and 6 complete genome sequences of DENV-1 were obtained. Phylogenetic analysis with E gene sequences revealed that the 40 isolates were classified into two genotypes including 16 genotypeⅠ(Asia)and 24 genotypeⅤ(America/Africa). 14 genotypeⅠisolates were clustered closest with isolates from Guangdong province(2013)and Sigapore(2013)which share the nucletide identities of 99.6% ~ 99.9%,other two genotypeⅠisolates were clustered with strains from Malaysia (2013) and both share the nucletide identities of 99.7%;24 genotypeⅤisolates were all classified in one clade with striains from Bangladesh(2009),China(2009)and Bhutan(2013)which share nucletide identities of 99.0%-99.9%. Further analysis with six complete genome sequences showed that five isolates were clustered closest with strains isolated from Guangdong province(2013)share the nucletide identities of 99.6%-99.8% while the sixth stains closest with strains isolated from Myanmar(2002)share the nucletide identities of 98.8%. The isolates have five amino acid mutations compared with strains epidemic in Guangdong province in 2013,three mutations(S88V,E203G,T275R)are in the EⅡdomain and one mutation (S305P)is in the EⅢdomain which associated with virulence.[Conclusions]During the outbreak in Guangdong province in 2014, DENV-1 is the predominant causative serotype,and there are at least two different kinds of genotypes of DENV-1 largely epidemiced in the whole province. Evolution analysis reveals the multiple origins of the isolates which may origin from Guangdong province , Sigapore,Malaysia,Myanmar so that we should enhance the study and surveillance of autochthonous and vectors in order to understand the epidemic way of dengue in Guangdong province. The isolates have had four mutations in the domain associated with virulence which remain further study to know their biological effects.

High-level phylogeographic structuring of Neoleucinodes elegantalis Guenée (Lepidoptera, Crambridae) in Brazil: an important tomato pest

ABSTRACT Neoleucinodes elegantalis is an important tomato pest in Brazil, occurring throughout the country and resulting in economic losses in agriculture. In several species, biogeographic studies in Brazil indicate the structuring of populations, following the refuge model, with a split between the populations of the northeast and the southeast regions of Brazil. The objective of this work was to analyze the phylogeography of N. elegantalis in Brazil, understanding its population structure and the demographic patterns. Larvae were collected from eight locations throughout Brazil, and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene was analyzed. A total of 628 bp in 51 individuals were obtained, showing 12 haplotypes with a haplotype diversity of 0.836. Spatial analysis of molecular variance (SAMOVA) and cluster analysis showed two populations, indicating population structuring between individuals from the northeast (population 1) and southeast (population 2) regions of Brazil. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the clades corresponding to the groups defined by SAMOVA have a divergence time of 0.2–0.5 million years, suggesting isolation during climatic events and a separation of the two populations coinciding with the predicted refuges to the Atlantic forest.

Marcadores moleculares como herramientas en la identificación y análisis genético de especies vectores de interés en salud pública, género Lutzomyia (Grupo Verrucarum Theodor, 1965) / Molecular markers as tools in the identification and genetic analysis of vector species of interest in public health, type Lutzomyia (Verrucarum Theodor group, 1965)

Introducción: Los insectos flebotomíneos del grupo Verrucarum, son vectores de interés en salud pública dada su participación en la transmisión de las enfermedades tropicales: leishmaniasis y bartonelosis. El empleo de marcadores moleculares como herramienta de identificación y análisis genético de especies que se comportan como vectores potenciales y confirmados, muestran un uso ampliamente difundido, que genera un conjunto de información que se actualiza constantemente, más aun cuando la identificación de estas especies, es prioritaria en los países donde estas enfermedades ocurren de forma recurrente. Objetivo: Se presenta una revisión sistemática con el objetivo de recopilar y presentar una actualización sobre el uso de marcadores moleculares empleados en especies del grupo Verrucarum. Materiales y métodos: Esta búsqueda se efectuó en un rango de literatura relevante publicada en un periodo de 24 años que incluyó 23 artículos en la temática de genética y biología molecular de flebótomos y 39 artículos de otras áreas como sistemática, ecología de flebótomos y microbiología de agentes patógenos asociados. Resultados: Los resultados muestran el empleo de los genes que codifica para el ARN ribosomal 18S y para el citocromo oxidasa subunidad I como los más efectivos para observar las relaciones filogenéticas entre especies del grupo Verrucarum; el uso del gen citocromo b como carácter taxonómico alternativo para identificar correctamente los flebótomos y, el uso de secuencias espaciadoras de la transcripción interna del ARN ribosomal y el gen citocromo b para determinar la variación genética intra e interespecífica de las poblaciones. Conclusión: Esta revisión contribuirá a estudios filogenéticos de vectores de importancia en salud pública.

Introduction: The phlebotomine flies of the Verrucarum group are vectors of interest in public health because of their participation in the transmission of the tropical diseases: leishmaniasis and bartonellosis. The use of molecular markers, as a tool for the identification and genetic analysis of species that behave as potential and confirmed vectors, show a widely disseminated use that generates a set of information that is constantly updated, even more when the identification of these species is a priority in the countries where these diseases occur on a recurring basis. Objective: The paper presents a systematic review that aims at compiling and presenting an update on the use of molecular markers employed in species of the Verrucarum group. Materials and methods: This search was conducted in a range of relevant literature published in a period of 24 years which included 23 articles on the subject of genetics and molecular biology of sand flies, and 39 articles from other areas such as systematic, ecology of sand flies and microbiology of related pathogenic agents. Results: The results show the use of genes coding for ribosomal 18S RNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit I as the most effective to observe the phylogenetic relationships among species of the Verrucarum group; the use of the cytochrome b gene as alternative taxonomic character to correctly identify the sand flies, and the use of spacer sequences of the internal transcript of the ribosomal RNA and the Cytochrome b gene to determine the genetic variation of intra- and inter-specific populations. Conclusions: This review will contribute to phylogenetic studies of vectors of public health importance.

Genetic diversity of Francisella tularensis subsp.holarctica in China / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To explore the genetic relationship between the Chinese and the foreign species of Francisella tularensis.Methods Based on our own findings and from the literature,17 SNP,4 INDEL,and 12 VNTR were selected for phylogenetic analysis on 39 strains of F.tularensis,including 10 strains of Chinese F.tularensis and 29 strains of foreign F.tularensis that had been sequenced and published.SNP-INDEL and MLVA were used for the separation and combination.Results Data from the combined analysis indicated that 3 strains of Chinese F.tularensis with Japanese FSC022 were assigned to B5;3 strains,with Swedish FSC200 to B1;3 strains with American OSU18 to B2 and 1 strain with French FTNF002-00,German F92,and American OR96246 to B4,respectively.10 strains of Chinese F.tularensis were assigned to 4 clades and the result demonstrated a wide diversity of F.tularensis subsp.holarctica in China.Conclusion A set of simple and robust typing tools for F.tularensis subsp.holarctica were established in this study.Based on the results,F.tularensis subsp.holarctica might have had its origins in Asia.

Research progress in genes level of medicinal plants based on molecular phylogeography / 中草药

Phylogeography is a hot point in the field of Chinese materia medica (CMM) in the study on the genetic diversity of medicinal plants, geo-herbs formation mechanisms, and the construction of core collection. In recent years, the scholars in China studied the functional gene screening and the genomics associated with DNA differences in the field of CMM resources. And they have in-depth studied the functional genes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Artemisia annua, Salvia miltiorrhiza, and other medicinal plants. It will be the mainstream for functional gene screening of medicinal plants based on molecular phylogeography and geo-herbs genomics in the future researches and applications. In the paper, the authors review the recent progress in molecular phylogeography in the molecular identification of CMM, the formation mechanism of CMM genuineness, particularly the medicinal plant functional genes screening on which the genomic study is carried, and so on.