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- Laine, Veronika N., et al.
(author)
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Whole-genome Analysis Reveals Contrasting Relationships Among Nuclear and Mitochondrial Genomes Between Three Sympatric Bat Species
- 2023
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In: Genome Biology and Evolution. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1759-6653. ; 15:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Understanding mechanisms involved in speciation can be challenging, especially when hybridization or introgression blurs species boundaries. In bats, resolving relationships of some closely related groups has proved difficult due subtle interspecific variation both in morphometrics and molecular data sets. The endemic South American Histiotus bats, currently considered a subgenus of Eptesicus, harbor unresolved phylogenetic relationships and of those is a trio consisting of two closely related species: Eptesicus (Histiotus) macrotus and Eptesicus (Histiotus) montanus, and their relationship with a third, Eptesicus (Histiotus) magellanicus. The three sympatric species bear marked resemblance to each other, but can be differentiated morphologically. Furthermore, previous studies have been unable to differentiate the species from each other at a molecular level. In order to disentangle the phylogenetic relationships of these species, we examined the differentiation patterns and evolutionary history of the three Eptesicus (H.) species at the whole-genome level. The nuclear DNA statistics between the species suggest strong gene flow and recent hybridization between E. (H.) montanus and E. (H.) macrotus, whereas E. (H.) magellanicus shows a higher degree of isolation. In contrast, mitochondrial DNA shows a closer relationship between E. (H.) magellanicus and E. (H.) montanus. Opposing patterns in mtDNA and nuclear markers are often due to differences in dispersal, and here it could be both as a result of isolation in refugia during the last glacial maximum and female philopatry and male-biased dispersal. In conclusion, this study shows the importance of both the nuclear and mitochondrial DNA in resolving phylogenetic relationships and species histories.
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- Neves, Aitana, et al.
(author)
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FAIR+E Pathogen data for surveillance and research : lessons from COVID-19
- 2023
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In: Frontiers In Public Health. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 2296-2565. ; 11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The COVID-19 pandemic has exemplified the importance of interoperable and equitable data sharing for global surveillance and to support research. While many challenges could be overcome, at least in some countries, many hurdles within the organisational, scientific, technical and cultural realms still remain to be tackled to be prepared for future threats. We propose to (i) continue supporting global efforts that have proven to be efficient and trustworthy towards addressing challenges in pathogen molecular data sharing; (ii) establish a distributed network of Pathogen Data Platforms to (a) ensure high quality data, metadata standardization and data analysis, (b) perform data brokering on behalf of data providers both for research and surveillance, (c) foster capacity building and continuous improvements, also for pandemic preparedness; (iii) establish an International One Health Pathogens Portal, connecting pathogen data isolated from various sources (human, animal, food, environment), in a truly One Health approach and following FAIR principles. To get started in these challenging endeavors, we started an ELIXIR Focus Group and invite all interested experts to join in this concerted, expert-driven effort towards sustaining and ensuring high-quality data for global surveillance and research.
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- Sundh, Josefin, 1972-, et al.
(author)
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Beta-blockeRs tO patieNts with CHronIc Obstructive puLmonary diseasE (BRONCHIOLE) - Study protocol from a randomized controlled trial
- 2020
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In: Trials. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1745-6215. ; 21:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Observational studies indicate that beta-blockers are associated with a reduced risk of exacerbation and mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) even without overt cardiovascular disease, but data from randomized controlled trials (RCT) are lacking. The aim of this RCT is to investigate whether beta-blocker therapy in patients with COPD without diagnosed cardiovascular disease is associated with a decreased 1-year risk of the composite endpoint of death, exacerbations, or cardiovascular events.Methods: The Beta-blockeRs tO patieNts with CHronIc Obstructive puLmonary diseasE (BRONCHIOLE) study is an open-label, multicentre, prospective RCT. A total of 1700 patients with COPD will be randomly assigned to either standard COPD care and metoprolol at a target dose of 100 mg per day or to standard COPD care only. The primary endpoint is a composite of death, COPD exacerbations, and cardiovascular events. Major exclusion criteria are ischemic heart disease, left-sided heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, critical limb ischemia, and atrial fibrillation/flutter. Study visits are an inclusion visit, a metoprolol titration visit at 1 month, follow-up by telephone at 6 months, and a final study visit after 1 year. Outcome data are obtained from medical history and record review during study visits, as well as from national registries.Discussion: BRONCHIOLE is a pragmatic randomized trial addressing the potential of beta-blockers in patients with COPD. The trial is expected to provide relevant clinical data on the efficacy of this treatment on patient-related outcomes in patients with COPD.
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