Carter, K. A. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2019

Effects of the copper IUD on composition of the vaginal microbiota in the olive baboon

ObjectivesAssess the impact of transcervical insertion, use, and removal of copper intrauterine devices (Cu-IUD) on baboon physiology (e.g. weight, menstruation) and vaginal microbiota.\n\nStudy designVaginal swabs were taken before insertion (pre-IUD), during IUD use (IUD), and after removal (post-IUD) and microbiota assessed by 16S rRNA-encoding gene sequence analysis.\n\nResultsNo animals showed physical changes or discomfort during pre-IUD, IUD, or post-IUD phases. There were no changes to the microbiome associated with insertion or use of Cu-IUD over 16 weeks, although removal resulted in perturbation to community structure.\n\nConclusionsBaboons tolerate Cu-IUD insertion with minimal device-associated changes to their vaginal microbiome throughout use and have no significant changes to their physiology or menstrual cycle during any phase.\n\nImplicationsA baboon model of Cu-IUD may allow investigations into the intersection of Cu-IUDs, reproductive tract disorders and pathogens that would not be possible in human studies.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2019

Target Capture Sequencing Unravels Rubus Evolution

BackgroundRubus (Rosaceae) comprises more than 500 species with additional commercially cultivated raspberries and blackberries. The most recent (> 100 years old) global taxonomic treatment of the genus defined 12 subgenera; two subgenera were subsequently described and some species were rearranged. Intra- and interspecific ploidy levels and hybridization make phylogenetic estimation of Rubus challenging. Our objectives were to: estimate the phylogeny of 94 geographically diverse species and 3 cultivars using chloroplast DNA sequences and target capture of approximately 1,000 low copy nuclear genes; estimate divergence times between major Rubus clades; and examine the historical biogeography of species diversification.\n\nResultsTarget capture sequencing identified eight major groups within Rubus. Subgenus Orobatus and Subg. Anoplobatus were monophyletic, while other recognized subgenera were para- or polyphyletic. Multiple hybridization events likely occurred across the phylogeny at subgeneric levels, e.g., Subg. Rubus (blackberries) x Subg. Idaeobatus (raspberries) and Subg. Idaeobatus x Subg. Cylactis (Arctic berries) hybrids. The raspberry heritage within known cultivated blackberry hybrids was confirmed. The most recent common ancestor of the genus was most likely distributed in North America. Multiple distribution events occurred during the Miocene (about 20 Ma) from North America into Asia and Europe across the Bering land bridge and southward crossing the Panamanian Isthmus. Rubus species diversified greatly in Asia during the Miocene.\n\nConclusionsRubus taxonomy does not reflect phylogenetic relationships and subgeneric revision is warranted. Target capture sequencing confirmed that most subgenera are para- or polyphyletic. The most recent common ancestor migrated from North America towards Asia, Europe, and Central and South America early in the Miocene then diversified. Ancestors of the genus Rubus may have migrated to Oceania by long distance bird dispersal. This phylogeny presents a roadmap for further Rubus taxonomic and phylogenetic research.

evolutionary biology↗