Transcriptomic data reveal divergent paths of chitinase evolution underlying dietary convergence in anteaters and pangolins.

Ant-eating mammals represent a textbook example of convergent evolution. Among them, anteaters and pangolins exhibit the most extreme convergent phenotypes with complete tooth loss, elongated skulls, protruding tongues, and hypertrophied salivary glands producing large amounts of saliva. However, comparative genomic analyses have shown that anteaters and pangolins differ in their chitinase acidic gene (CHIA) repertoires, which potentially degrade the chitinous exoskeletons of ingested ants and termites.

Exon capture museomics deciphers the nine-banded armadillo species complex and identifies a new species endemic to the Guiana Shield.

The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is the most widespread xenarthran species across the Americas. Recent studies have suggested it is composed of four morphologically and genetically distinct lineages of uncertain taxonomic status. To address this issue, we used a museomic approach to sequence 80 complete mitogenomes and capture 997 nuclear loci for 71 Dasypus individuals sampled across the entire distribution.

Non-surgical correction of knee flexion deformity in persons with haemophilia: A staged multidisciplinary approach.

Introduction: Flexion deformity of the knee is a common complication following recurrent haemarthrosis in persons with haemophilia (PWH) on episodic factor replacement therapy, restricting independent mobility. There is limited literature on the comprehensive management of this condition. This report provides the outcome of a staged multidisciplinary approach for the correction of knee flexion deformity (KFD) even in limited resource settings.

Pelvic Floor Health Index: Initial validation of a practical postpartum tool for busy clinicians.

Objective: To design a primary care clinical tool (Pelvic Floor Health Index [PFHI]) to screen for postpartum pelvic floor disorders, as well as complete its psychometric validation.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: Two tertiary care obstetric centres in Vancouver, BC.