Circumstances that precipitate interactions among species that have never interacted during their evolutionary histories create ideal conditions for the generation of zoonoses. Zoonotic diseases have ...caused some of the most devastating epidemics in human history. Contact among species that come from different ecosystems or regions creates the risk of zoonoses. In certain situations, humans are generating and promoting conditions that contribute to the creation of infectious diseases and zoonoses. These conditions lead to interactions between wildlife species that have hitherto not interacted under normal circumstances. I call for recognition of the zoonotic potential that novel and unwanted interactions have; identification of these new interactions that are occurring among wild animals, domestic animals, and humans; and efforts to stop these kinds of interactions because they can give rise to zoonotic outbreaks. Live animal markets, the exotic pet trade, illegal wildlife trade, human use and consumption of wild animals, invasive non‐native species, releasing of exotic pets, and human encroachment in natural areas are among the activities that cause the most interactions among wild species, domestic species, and humans. These activities should not occur and must be controlled efficiently to prevent future epidemic zoonoses. Society must develop a keen ability to identify these unnatural interactions and prevent them. Controlling these interactions and efficiently addressing their causal factors will benefit human health and, in some cases, lead to positive environmental, ethical, and socioeconomic outcomes. Until these actions are taken, humanity will face future zoonoses and zoonotic pandemic.
Evitar interacciones novedosas e indeseadas entre especies para disminuir el riesgo de zoonosis
Resumen
Las circunstancias que promueven interacciones entre especies que nunca han interactuado durante sus historias evolutivas crean condiciones ideales para la generación de zoonosis. Las enfermedades zoonóticas han causado algunas de las epidemias más devastadoras en la historia de la humanidad. El contacto entre especies que provienen de diferentes ecosistemas o regiones crea el riesgo de zoonosis. En determinadas situaciones, los seres humanos estamos generando y promoviendo condiciones que contribuyen a la creación de enfermedades infecciosas y zoonosis. Estas condiciones conducen a interacciones entre especies silvestres que hasta ahora no habían interactuado en circunstancias normales. Hago un llamado para que se reconozca el potencial zoonótico que tienen las interacciones nuevas y no deseadas; que se identifiquen estas nuevas interacciones que provocamos entre animales silvestres, animales domésticos y humanos; y esforzarnos para detener este tipo de interacciones porque pueden dar lugar a brotes zoonóticos. Los mercados de animales vivos, el comercio de mascotas exóticas, el comercio ilegal de vida silvestre, el uso y consumo humano de animales silvestres, las especies invasoras no nativas, la liberación de mascotas exóticas y la invasión humana en áreas naturales, se encuentran entre las actividades que causan la mayor cantidad de interacciones entre especies silvestres, especies domésticas y humanos. Estas actividades no deberían ocurrir y deben controlarse eficientemente para prevenir futuras zoonosis epidémicas. La sociedad debe desarrollar una gran capacidad para identificar estas interacciones antinaturales y prevenirlas. Controlar estas interacciones y abordar eficientemente sus factores causales beneficiará la salud humana y, en algunos casos, conducirá a resultados ambientales, éticos y socioeconómicos positivos. Mientras estas medidas no se tomen, la humanidad enfrentará futuras zoonosis y pandemias zoonóticas.
El presente texto reseña el libro La teoría del actor-red desde América Latina editado por María de los Ángeles Pozas, Lidia Girola y Leandro Rodriguez-Medina. Es una muestra de los rendimientos que ...esta teoría ha tenido en América Latina. Los comentarios a los catorce capítulos que componen la obra se dividen en cuatro secciones: textos en los que se aclara el significado o se ejemplifica el uso de alguno de los conceptos centrales de la Teoría del Actor-Red (TAR), textos que sirven como guías metodológicas para aprender a hacer investigación con ésta, textos en los que se vincula a tal teoría con otras perspectivas y textos críticos sobre la TAR.
Although cases of independent adaptation to the same dietary niche have been documented in mammalian ecology, the molecular correlates of such shifts are seldom known. Here, we used genomewide ...analyses of molecular evolution to examine two lineages of bats that, from an insectivorous ancestor, have both independently evolved obligate frugivory: the Old World family Pteropodidae and the neotropical subfamily Stenodermatinae. New genome assemblies from two neotropical fruit bats (Artibeus jamaicensis and Sturnira hondurensis) provide a framework for comparisons with Old World fruit bats. Comparative genomics of 10 bat species encompassing dietary diversity across the phylogeny revealed convergent molecular signatures of frugivory in both multigene family evolution and single‐copy genes. Evidence for convergent molecular adaptations associated with frugivorous diets includes the composition of three subfamilies of olfactory receptor genes, losses of three bitter taste receptor genes, losses of two digestive enzyme genes and convergent amino acid substitutions in several metabolic genes. By identifying suites of adaptations associated with the convergent evolution of frugivory, our analyses both reveal the extent of molecular mechanisms under selection in dietary shifts and will facilitate future studies of molecular ecology in mammals.
Patients with the Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) have mutations in the TGF-βR1, TGF-βR2, and SMAD3 genes. However, little is known about the redox homeostasis in the thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) they ...develop. Here, we evaluate the oxidant/antioxidant profile in the TAA tissue from LDS patients and compare it with that in nondamaged aortic tissue from control (C) subjects. We evaluate the enzymatic activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) isoforms, and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR). We also analyze some antioxidants from a nonenzymatic system such as selenium (Se), glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Oxidative stress markers such as lipid peroxidation and carbonylation, as well as xanthine oxidase (ORX) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expressions, were also evaluated. TAA from LDS patients showed a decrease in GSH, Se, TAC, GPx, GST, CAT, and TrxR. The SOD activity and ORX expressions were increased, but the Nrf2 expression was decreased. The results suggest that the redox homeostasis is altered in the TAA from LDS patients, favoring ROS overproduction that contributes to the decrease in GSH and TAC and leads to LPO and carbonylation. The decrease in Se and Nrf2 alters the activity and/or expression of some antioxidant enzymes, thus favoring a positive feedback oxidative background that contributes to the TAA formation.
BatFly: A database of Neotropical bat–fly interactions Zapata‐Mesa, Natalya; Montoya‐Bustamante, Sebastián; Hoyos, Juliana ...
Ecology (Durham),
March 2024, 2024-Mar, 20240301, Letnik:
105, Številka:
3
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Global changes have increased the risk of emerging infectious diseases, which can be prevented or mitigated by studying host–parasite interactions, among other measures. Bats and their ectoparasitic ...flies of the families Streblidae and Nycteribiidae are an excellent study model but, so far, our knowledge has been restricted to fragmented records at a local scale. To help boost research, we assembled a data set of bat–fly interactions from 174 studies published between 1904 and 2022 plus three original data sets. Altogether, these studies were carried out at 650 sites in the Neotropics, mainly distributed in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, southern USA, and Colombia, among other countries. In total, our data set contains 3984 interaction records between 237 bat species and 255 fly species. The bat species with the largest number of recorded interactions were Carollia perspicillata (357), Artibeus jamaicensis (263), and Artibeus lituratus (228). The fly species with the largest number of recorded interactions were Trichobius joblingi (256), Megistopoda aranea (235), and Megistopoda proxima (215). The interaction data were extracted, filtered, taxonomically harmonized, and made available in a tidy format together with linked data on bat population, fly population, study reference, sampling methods and geographic information from the study sites. This interconnected structure enables the expansion of information for each interaction record, encompassing where and how each interaction occurred, as well as the number of bats and flies involved. We expect BatFly to open new avenues for research focused on different levels of ecological organization and spatial scales. It will help consolidate knowledge about ecological specialization, resource distribution, pathogen transmission, and the drivers of parasite prevalence over a broad spatial range. It may also help to answer key questions such as: Are there differences in fly prevalence or mean infestation across Neotropical ecoregions? What ecological drivers explain those differences? How do specialization patterns vary among fly species in the Neotropics? Furthermore, we expect BatFly to inspire research aimed at understanding how climate and land‐use changes may impact host–parasite interactions and disease outbreaks. This kind of research may help us reach Sustainable Development Goal 3, Good Health and Wellbeing, outlined by the United Nations. The data are released under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has been related to rapid population declines and extinction in amphibians around the world. Bd has been associated with a ...severe decline in amphibian populations in southern Mexico. We compare the prevalence and intensity of Bd infection in two tree frogs in southern Mexico with similar life habits (Plectrohyla matudai and Ptychohyla euthysanota), inquiring if they differ across habitat types with different degrees of disturbance: preserved cloud forest, secondary cloud forest and anthropized riparian vegetation, and across three seasons. We examine the relationship between infection prevalence and intensity with biotic and abiotic variables. Infection prevalence differed between the two species, but not among environments, despite their similar life habits. Among seasons, prevalence decreased significantly at the end of the rainy season. There was no indication of significant changes in infection intensity between species, environments, and seasons. Moreover, the interaction among extrinsic factors (canopy cover, temperature, relative humidity) and factors intrinsic factors (body condition) explains the dynamics of Bd infection in the region. In our sample, we found no disease‐affected individuals, which may indicate that both species are resistant to the effects of the pathogen under field conditions. Finally, our results found no evidence to indicate that open canopies and anthropized habitats of the Sierra Madre de Chiapas are a refuge that prevents high prevalence or infection of Bd in stream breeders' amphibians.
in Spanish is available with online material.
Pathogenic fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), globally distributed, is considered one of the causes of decline in amphibian populations. We compare prevalence and intensity of Bd infection in two frogs with a similar life habit (Plectrohyla matudai, Ptychohyla euthysanota) in three environments with different degrees of disturbance. Prevalence in both species might differ despite their similarity in life habits, environments, and regardless of the degree of conservation. No disease‐affected individuals was found, indicating that both species are somehow resistant to Bd, providing adequate conditions for survival.
Chytridiomycosis caused by fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is one of the decline global causes of amphibians. Currently, it is distributed throughout a broad range of climates and ...ecosystems around the world. An epidemic wave of chytridiomycosis began in North America, resulting in population decline and local extinction of many species, reconfiguring species composition of amphibian communities in the Americas. In Mexico, Bd has caused an amphibian population decrease, and its potential distribution area has not been determined. We reviewed the number of species infected, obtaining Bd frequency of infection by land use and vegetation type, and by elevation range. We examined the known distribution of Bd, estimated the potential distribution, and obtained the bioclimate variables relevant for Bd. Our results indicate that in Mexico, Bd has been detected in 78 species of amphibians in 10 families, from 29 different land use and vegetation types, with cloud forest having the highest number of cases (139) and infected species (15). Bd occurs over an elevation range of 1–3,300 m asl and is most frequent at 1,200–1,500 m asl (36%). In addition to the regions previously described as suitable for Bd, our model included desert, coastal, and tropical forest regions, revealing an increase in the area where amphibians could be at risk of infection. Distribution of Bd is mainly associated with temperature of the wettest quarter and potential evapotranspiration of the warmer quarter. We offer an estimate of the ideal conditions for Bd in Mexico, also information for future studies on Bd and the conservation of amphibians.
in Spanish is available with online material.
Resumen
La quitridiomicosis ocasionada por el hongo Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), es una de las causas del declive global de los anfibios. Actualmente se distribuye en un amplio rango de climas y ecosistemas alrededor del mundo. Una ola epidémica de quitridiomicosis comenzó en el norte del continente Americano y ocasionó el declive poblaciones y la extinción local de numerosas especies de anfibios, reconfigurando la composición de las comunidades. En México, Bd ocasionó la reducción poblacional de los anfibios, y su área de distribución potencial no se ha determinado. Revisamos el número de especies infectadas, obtuvimos la frecuencia de infecciones por tipo vegetación y uso de suelo, además de su rango altitudinal. Examinamos la distribución conocida, estimamos la distribución potencial de Bd y obtuvimos las variables bioclimáticas relevantes para Bd. Nuestros resultados muestran que en México, el Bd fue detectado en 78 especies de anfibios de 10 familias, en 29 tipos de vegetación y uso de suelo, siendo el bosque de niebla el que posee el mayor número de casos (139) y especies infectadas (15). Bd se presenta en un intervalo altitudinal de 1 a 3,300 msnm, con mayor frecuencia entre los 1,200 a 1,500 msnm (36%). Además de las regiones previamente descritas con condiciones adecuadas para Bd, nuestro modelo incluye regiones desérticas, zonas costeras y selvas tropicales, mostrando un incremento de las áreas donde los anfibios pueden estar en riesgo de infección. La distribución de Bd, está asociada principalmente con la temperatura del trimestre más húmedo y la evapotranspiración potencial del trimestre más cálido. Proporcionamos una estimación de las condiciones idóneas para Bd en México, además de información para estudios futuros de Bd y la conservación de anfibios.
Functional diversity is the variability in the functional roles carried out by species within ecosystems. Changes in the environment can affect this component of biodiversity and can, in turn, affect ...different processes, including some ecosystem services. This study aimed to determine the effect of forest loss on species richness, abundance and functional diversity of Neotropical bats. To this end, we identified six landscapes with increasing loss of forest cover in the Huasteca region of the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. We captured bats in each landscape using mist nets, and calculated functional diversity indices (functional richness and functional evenness) along with species richness and abundance. We analyzed these measures in terms of percent forest cover. We captured 906 bats (Phyllostomidae and Mormoopidae), including 10 genera and 12 species. Species richness, abundance and functional richness per night are positively related with forest cover. Generalized linear models show that species richness, abundance and functional richness per night are significantly related with forest cover, while seasonality had an effect on abundance and functional richness. Neither forest cover nor season had a significant effect on functional evenness. All these findings were consistent across three spatial scales (1, 3 and 5 km radius around sampling sites). The decrease in species, abundance and functional richness of bats with forest loss may have implications for the ecological processes they carry out such as seed dispersal, pollination and insect predation, among others.
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