Parallel introgression, not recurrent emergence, explains apparent elevational ecotypes of polyploid Himalayan snowtrout.

The recurrence of similar evolutionary patterns within different habitats often reflects parallel selective pressures acting upon either standing or independently occurring genetic variation to produce a convergence of phenotypes. This interpretation (i.e. parallel divergences within adjacent streams) has been hypothesized for drainage-specific morphological 'ecotypes' observed in polyploid snowtrout (Cyprinidae: Schizothorax). However, parallel patterns of differential introgression during secondary contact are a viable alternative hypothesis. Here, we used ddRADseq (N = 35 319 de novo and N = 10 884 transcriptome-aligned SNPs), as derived from Nepali/Bhutanese samples (N = 48 each), to test these competing hypotheses. We first employed genome-wide allelic depths to derive appropriate ploidy models, then a Bayesian approach to yield genotypes statistically consistent under the inferred expectations. Elevational 'ecotypes' were consistent in geometric morphometric space, but with phylogenetic relationships at the drainage level, sustaining a hypothesis of independent emergence. However, partitioned analyses of phylogeny and admixture identified subsets of loci under selection that retained genealogical concordance with morphology, suggesting instead that apparent patterns of morphological/phylogenetic discordance are driven by widespread genomic homogenization. Here, admixture occurring in secondary contact effectively 'masks' previous isolation. Our results underscore two salient factors: (i) morphological adaptations are retained despite hybridization and (ii) the degree of admixture varies across tributaries, presumably concomitant with underlying environmental or anthropogenic factors.

The burden of injuries at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu, Bhutan.

A review of the surgical admission, operating room records, and emergency room consultations for the 2006 was undertaken with the objective of assessing the injury burden at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu. The study revealed that trauma accounted for 20% of all surgical admissions in 2006, out of which the Orthopedic department bore the major chunk of trauma admissions at 61%. Trauma was responsible for more than 5000 disability-adjusted life years lost (DALYs) in 2006. On an average, 2 out of 3 orthopedic procedures were performed for trauma-related conditions. It is hoped that this study will stimulate the local practitioners and policy makers to initiate further studies to build up standardized database on injury burden in Bhutan to facilitate evidence-based decisions by the stakeholders.