Multiple factors correlating with wing malformations in the population of Parnassius apollo (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) restituted from a low number of individuals: A mini review

The Apollo butterfly, Parnassius apollo (Linnaeus), was common in Europe over 100 years ago, but currently it is considered as near threatened. Different conservation programs have promoted the persistence of this species;however, it is still endangered. An example of such programs was the action devoted to reestablish the Apollo butterfly population in Pieniny National Park (Poland) from only 20-30 individuals which had survived till the last decade of the 20th century. This reintroduction has been successful;however, unexpected developmental problems appeared. Butterflies with deformed or reduced wings became frequent in the population living in the natural habitat, and particularly among those reared under seminatural conditions (in the same environment, but fenced by a net). Until recently, reasons for these malformations remained unknown. However, reports published during last months indicated that there are genetic, biochemical, and microbiological factors contributing to this phenomenon. In the malformed individuals, lesions in the wingless gene and dysfunctions of laccase 1 and 2 were found to be significantly more frequent than in normal insects. A large fraction of butterflies with deformed or reduced wings was devoid of the prokaryotic symbiont Wolbachia, which was present in most normal individuals. Moreover, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (Pfeiffer) Smith and Thai, and Serratia sp., bacteria pathogenic to insects, were detected in the biological material from both normal and malformed butterflies from this population. These findings are summarized and discussed in this review, in the light of conservation of insects and restitution of their populations from a low number of individuals.     

Assessing the genetic diversity of the critically endangered Chinese sturgeon Acipenser sinensis using mitochondrial markers and genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms from RAD-seq

As a living fossil, the endangered Chinese sturgeon(Acipenser sinensis) has been considered a national treasure in China. Here,the famous Gezhouba Dam and Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River were built in 1988 and 2006, for economic purposes.The natural population of Chinese sturgeon has declined since then, as these dams block its migratory route to the original spawning grounds in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. In 2013 and 2014, there was an absence of spawning where it typically happened near the Gezhouba Dam. Nevertheless, from April to June in 2015, over 1,000 larvae with different body lengths(10–35 cm) were detected along the Shanghai Yangtze Estuary; but only little is currently known about the population genetic structure of the Chinese sturgeon. Herein, we inferred population genetic parameters from 462 available Chinese sturgeon specimens based on a 421-bp fragment of the mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA) D-loop region and 1,481,620 SNPs(singlenucleotide polymorphisms) generated by restriction site-associated DNA sequencing(RAD-seq). For the D-loop dataset, 15 haplotypes were determined. Randomly picked 23 individuals, representing the 15 D-loop haplotype groups, were subsequently used for further RAD-seq validation. The average nucleotide diversity calculated from the mtDNA and RAD datasets was 0.0086 and 0.000478, respectively. The overall effective female population size was calculated to be 1,255 to 2,607, and the long-term effective population size was estimated to range from 11,950 to 119,500. We observed that the genetic variability and the effective female population size of the current population in the Yangtze River are severely low, which are similar to the data reported over 10 years ago. The deduced relatively small effective population of female fish, limiting the genetic connectivity among Chinese sturgeon, should be considered a serious threat to this endangered species.     

Association of three single nucleotide polymorphisms at the SIX1-SIX6 locus with primary open angle glaucoma in the Chinese population

This study investigated the genetic association of three single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs; rs10483727, rs33912345, and rs146737847) at the SIX1-SIX6 locus with primary open angle glaucoma(POAG) in the Chinese population. A total of 866 subjects with POAG(685 high-tension glaucoma(HTG) and 181 normal-tension glaucoma(NTG)) and 266 control individuals were included. Significant genetic association was identified for rs10483727 in HTG(P=0.02; odds ratio(OR)=1.31), NTG(P=7.41×10~(-6); OR=2.71), and POAG(i.e., HTG and NTG combined; P=0.001; OR=1.44). rs33912345 was also significantly associated with HTG(P=0.008; OR=1.36), NTG(P=2.72×10~(-6); OR=2.27), and POAG(P=3.84×10~(-4); OR=1.49). The rare SIX6 mutation, rs146737847, was not found in the subjects enrolled in this study. Stratification by patient age identified that both rs10483727 and rs33912345 were significantly associated with NTG in patients aged above 40 years(P=2.08×10~(-5); OR=2.28), whereas in patients aged between 20–40 years, rs33912345 was significantly associated with NTG(P=0.017; OR=2.06). In HTG, the genetic associations for both rs10483727 and rs33912345 were significant in patients aged between 20–40 years(P=0.006; OR=1.56) but not in those aged above 40 years(P=0.118, OR=1.21 and P=0.042, OR=1.29, respectively). This study replicated the association of POAG with two SNPs at the SIX1-SIX6 locus and demonstrated that SNPs, rs10483727 and rs33912345, are significantly associated with POAG, especially with NTG in patients aged above 40 years.     

Smith fir population structure and dynamics in the timberline ecotone of the Sejila Mountain, Tibet, China

Smith fir (Abies georgei var. smithii), which grows on cool aspects with elevations ranging between 3600 m and 4400 m, is a major native dominant alpine tree species in Southeast Tibet, China. The smith fir population structure, dynamics and characteristics were investigated in the timberline ecotone of the Sejila Mountain. Results indicate that the minimum crown closure (≤20%) was reached at 4320 m above sea level, where two types of alpine species exist, smith fir and blackseed savin (Sabina saltuaria). On the warm aspects, blackseed savin is a dominant species. Forest line was formed gradually with a wider timberline ecotone. While on the cool aspects, smith fir is a dominant species. Forest line was formed clearly with a narrow timberline ecotone. Furthermore, the upper limits of the distribution of the alpine species were 4570 m and 4390 m on warm and cool aspects, respectively. The timberline ecotone widths of the two species on the warm and cool aspects were 250 m and 70 m, respectively. The optimal distribution of smith fir on the cool aspects was from 3700 m to 3800 m. The smith fir's diameter class distribution was of reversed “J” shape and its density was about 380 stem·hm?2, while the age structure appeared to be of pyramid-shape, suggesting an expanding population. Finally, the static life table and the survivorship curve showed that the populations had experienced severe environmental selection during their first 20 years, self-thinning between 60 to 100 years, and environmental changes related mortality at later stages. The smith fir's physiological life span was around 200 years, and its maximum age was about 400 years old.     

Smith fir population structure and dynamics in the timberline ecotone of the Sejila Mountain, Tibet, China

Smith fir (Abies georgei var. smithii), which grows on cool aspects with elevations ranging between 3600 m and 4400 m, is a major native dominant alpine tree species in Southeast Tibet, China. The smith fir population structure, dynamics and characteristics were investigated in the timberline ecotone of the Sejila Mountain. Results indicate that the minimum crown closure (≤20%) was reached at 4320 m above sea level, where two types of alpine species exist, smith fir and blackseed savin (Sabina saltuaria). On the warm aspects, blackseed savin is a dominant species. Forest line was formed gradually with a wider timberline ecotone. While on the cool aspects, smith fir is a dominant species. Forest line was formed clearly with a narrow timberline ecotone. Furthermore, the upper limits of the distribution of the alpine species were 4570 m and 4390 m on warm and cool aspects, respectively. The timberline ecotone widths of the two species on the warm and cool aspects were 250 m and 70 m, respectively. The optimal distribution of smith fir on the cool aspects was from 3700 m to 3800 m. The smith fir's diameter class distribution was of reversed “J” shape and its density was about 380 stem·hm?2, while the age structure appeared to be of pyramid-shape, suggesting an expanding population. Finally, the static life table and the survivorship curve showed that the populations had experienced severe environmental selection during their first 20 years, self-thinning between 60 to 100 years, and environmental changes related mortality at later stages. The smith fir's physiological life span was around 200 years, and its maximum age was about 400 years old.     

Comparison of tree sprouting in three regeneration stages of an evergreen broadleaved forest in a karst landscape, SW China

Little is known about the role of tree sprouting in the regeneration of karst forest communities. In Shilin Stone Forest Geographical Park, southwestern China, all genets with the largest stem ?3 cm DBH (diameter at breast height) and/or stumps ?3 cm BD (basal diameter) were identified and number of sprouts counted in 10 transects (10 m × 100 m) in each of three evergreen broadleaved forest stands representing three regeneration stages (about 10, 20, and 30 years old). Species with >10 genets accounted for 72.4% of the 76 species, and all of them showed evidence of sprouting. One-third to two-thirds of the genets in the three forests were sprouting, with an average of 4.0–5.7 sprouts per sprouting genet. Sprouting capability (sprouting genets/total genets) and intensity (sprouts per sprouting genet) differed significantly among the three forest stages. More than 90% of the damaged genets were sprouting. The number of sprouts in a non-damaged genet was determined by intrinsic sprouting ability, and the number of sprouts in damaged genets was determined by stump size. As the forest developed, percentage of damaged genets increased, the portion of shoots ≥3 cm DBH co-existing in a genet decreased, and the portion of shoots <3 cm DBH sprouted from damaged genet increased. Thus the role of sprouting changed from contributing recruitment in the young stage to persistence in the later stage.     

The effect of adjuvants on vaccine-induced antibody response against influenza in aged mice

While influenza remains a major threat to public health, researchers continue to search for a universal solution to improving the efficacy of the influenza vaccine. Even though influenza affects people of all different ages, it can be extremely hazardous to people of 65 years of age or older since that is the population that makes up the high majority of the death toll caused by influenza-related diseases. Elderly individuals suffer the effects of immunosenescence as they age, which is the diminishing of the overall immune response. Immunosenescence occurs by specifically affecting the adaptive immune response which controls the establishment of immunity after vaccination or infection. There are many studies under way that are trying to find a resolution to the problem of the influenza vaccine not providing enough protection in the elderly population. One of the possible strategies is to seek the use of an optimal adjuvant, an immunological agent that can enhance immune responses, with the current vaccine formulation. Here, we used the murine model to review the effects of adjuvants on the antibody response to influenza vaccines in aged mice. Since adjuvants can enhance the production of important inflammatory cytokines and activation of dendritic cells, the stimulation of these cells are boosted to increase the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine in aged mice which would hopefully translate to the elderly.     

Commentary remarks on “HIV/AIDS in China“

The global AIDS epidemic continues to spread in the world. HIV in Factor Ⅷ infected the first Chinese in 1983,while the first AIDS patient was reported in 1985 in China. By the end of 2003, the cumulative estimated number of citizens living with HIV/AIDS is 840,000. At the end of September 2005, the cumulative number of reported HIV/AIDS cases is 135,630. These reports indicate that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is spreading in the general population and that the proportion of female HIV case has increased considerably in recent years. It is predicted that there will be about 10millions HIV/AIDS cases in China by the year 2010 if the appropriate and sufficient action against the AIDS epidemic is not taken.……     

Teleconnection between the early immigration of brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens St?l) and ENSO indices: implication for its medium- and long-term forecast

Teleconnection between the early immigration of brown planthopper (BPH) and El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) indices from January of two years previously to the current June was investigated to make long-term forecast. The teleconnection results were as follows: ENSO indices which were significantly correlated with the early immigration of BPH were primarily sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) in N3, N4 and N3.4 regions, accounting for 71.8% of the total. Significant ENSO indices from two years and one year before the immigration events had a proportion of about 84%, while those in the current year only accounted for 16.7%. There was significantly negative correlation between the early immigration of BPH and SSTA in each Nino region from two years before to the previous spring, whereas there was significantly positive correlation between these two factors during the period from the previous winter to the current spring. The significant correlation between the early immigration of BPH and SSTA in each Nino region in the last summer and autumn did not show any obvious tendencies. The relationship between the southern oscillation index (SOI) and the early immigration of BPH was opposite to that between the immigration and SSTA in each Nino region. The above mentioned significant ENSO indices were used as key factors to build forecasting models for the early immigration of BPH by step-wise multiple linear regression analysis. Finally, 12 integrated forecasting models were obtained, which could make predictions 3–27 months ahead and had a predictive accuracy of 88.9%.     

滇池太湖新银鱼的生长特性与资源量关系的研究

为了滇池中太源新银鱼（ＮｅｏｓａｌａｎｘｔａｉｈｕｅｎｓｉｓＣｈｅｎ）达到稳产,高产,优质,高效的目的,管理部门急需寻求一个合理的资源平衡点,经３１个月的连续采样调查,应用ＶｏｎＢｅｒｔａｌａｎｆｆｙ生长方程,得到太湖新银鱼１９８９年和１９９０年生长方程分别为：Ｌ＝６．７０（１－ｅ＾－０．１９８（ｔ－０．２２５）,Ｗ＝１．７８（１－ｅ＾－０．１９８（ｔ－０．２２５））＾３和Ｌ＝７．４８（１－ｅ＾－     

Age and growth of albacore Thunnus alalunga in the North Pacific Ocean

The age and growth of North Pacific albacore Thunnus alalunga were investigated using obliquely sectioned sagittal otoliths from samples of 126 females and 148 males. Otolith edge analysis indicated that the identified annulus in a sagittal otolith is primarily formed during the period from September to February. The assessments of the fish age at first annulus formation indicated that the first annulus represents an age of <1 year. This study presents an age estimate (0·75 years) for the formation of the first annulus. The oldest fish ages observed in this study were 10 years for females and 14 years for males. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters of females estimated were L(∞) = 103·5 cm in fork length (L(F) ), K = 0·340 year(-1) and t(0) = -0·53 years, and the parameters of males were L(∞) = 114·0 cm, K = 0·253 year(-1) and t(0) = -1·01 years. Sexual size dimorphism between males and females seemed to occur after reaching sexual maturity. The coefficients of the power function for expressing the L(F) -mass relationship obtained from sex-pooled data were a = 2·964 × 10(-5) and b = 2·928.     

Age and growth of the hybrid tilapia Oreochromis niloticus x Oreochromis aureus (Perciformes: Cichlidae) in the dam "Zimapan" Mexico

Studies on age and growth in fishes are essential to establish models on population dynamics. The previous issues were determined in this study by scale growth analyses. Between September 2003 and May 2004, 382 organisms were captured using gill and atarraya nets. Eight samples were developed every month a long this study. Standard length in centimeters (L(e)), total weight in grams (P9t)), scale length in centimeters (L(esc)) and growth rings were determined. The size and weight ranged from 38 to 232 mm (L(e)) and 8.7 to 311.9 g (P(t)), respectively. The growth rings analyses reveal four age groups, being the second group the most representative with 34.3% of the total sampled. The scale ring analyses showed two growth rings, one develops between November-January and the other between April-May, in good correlation with low temperature and gonad development, respectively. The growth parameters were established as: L infinity = 281.1mm, W infinity = 877.1g, K = 0.33 and T(0) = 0.88 year(-1). The growth curves based on length and weight were described by using the von Bertalanffy model: L(e) = 28.11[1 -e (-0.33(t+0.88))] and P(t) = 877.17[1-e (-0.33(t+0.88))]3. Finally, it is concluded that commercial catches in this dam are between a year and year and half-old when exploited.     

Reproductive variables of Urotrygon rogersi (Batoidea: Urotrygonidae): a species with a triannual reproductive cycle in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean

Reproductive aspects of the round ray Urotrygon rogersi were studied based on 2005 specimens obtained in the artisanal shrimp fishery operating on the Colombian Pacific coast. Females reached greater maximum total length (L(T) ), disc width (W(D) ) and mass (M) (38·0 cm, 19·9 cm and 348 g) than males (32·5 cm, 17·0 cm and 165 g). Sex ratio of juveniles and adults was 1:1. Clasper length increased rapidly between 10·0 and 12·5 cm W(D) . The smallest mature male measured 10·5 cm W(D) and the largest immature individual 13·7 cm W(D) . Male first maturity was reached at 61·8% of maximum W(D) , and estimated W(D50) was between 11·5 and 11·8 cm. The smallest mature female measured 10·5 cm W(D) ; the size at first maturity was 52·8% of maximum W(D) , and estimated W(D50) was between 11·8 and 12·3 cm. Embryos were found in females ≥ 10·5 cm W(D) and maximum fecundity was three embryos per female (mode = 1) and varied with maternal size. Embryos were found in all months, but three birthing peaks per year were identified and a gestation period of 4-5 months estimated. Based on ovulation time, embryonic growth and parturition dates, a triannual reproductive cycle was inferred for this species, with overlapping ovarian and uterine cycles. These results suggest that U. rogersi has a reproductive strategy based on low fecundity, a rapid reproductive cycle (short ovulation and gestation time), three birth peaks per year and large embryos. This strategy probably allows U. rogersi to withstand the fishing pressure they are subject to on the Colombian Pacific coast. The results also suggest that the study area is an important nursery and reproductive area for this species.     

Mumps, measles, and rubella vaccine and the incidence of autism recorded by general practitioners: a time trend analysis

ObjectiveTo estimate changes in the risk of autism and assess the relation of autism to the mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. DesignTime trend analysis of data from the UK general practice research database (GPRD).SettingGeneral practices in the United Kingdom.SubjectsChildren aged 12 years or younger diagnosed with autism 1988-99, with further analysis of boys aged 2 to 5 years born 1988-93.ResultsThe incidence of newly diagnosed autism increased sevenfold, from 0.3 per 10 000 person years in 1988 to 2.1 per 10 000 person years in 1999. The peak incidence was among 3 and 4 year olds, and 83% (254/305) of cases were boys. In an annual birth cohort analysis of 114 boys born in 1988-93, the risk of autism in 2 to 5 year old boys increased nearly fourfold over time, from 8 (95% confidence interval 4 to 14) per 10 000 for boys born in 1988 to 29 (20 to 43) per 10 000 for boys born in 1993. For the same annual birth cohorts the prevalence of MMR vaccination was over 95%.ConclusionsBecause the incidence of autism among 2 to 5 year olds increased markedly among boys born in each year separately from 1988 to 1993 while MMR vaccine coverage was over 95% for successive annual birth cohorts, the data provide evidence that no correlation exists between the prevalence of MMR vaccination and the rapid increase in the risk of autism over time. The explanation for the marked increase in risk of the diagnosis of autism in the past decade remains uncertain.     

西藏浪错兰格湖裸鲤的年龄与生长

2017年7月—2018年5月,于西藏自治区昂仁县浪错采集268尾兰格湖裸鲤Gymnocypris chui开展种群年龄结构和生长特征研究。结果显示:雌、雄鱼体长与体质量的关系式分别为W♀=2.03×10-2L2.822(n=134,R2=0.969)、W♂=2.52×10-2L2.738(n=105,R2=0.966)。通过观察微耳石,发现样本由1~23龄组成;采用VonBertalanffy生长方程拟合雌、雄鱼体长、体质量生长方程:Lt♀=34.239[1-e-0.136(t+0.11)]、Wt♀=434.42[1-e-0.136(t+0.11)]2.822;Lt♂=32.201[1-e-0.136(t+0.287)]、Wt♂=338.8[1-e-0.136(t+0.287)]2.738;拐点年龄分别为7.52龄和7.12龄,对应体长分别为22.12cm和20.45cm,体质量分别为126.59g和97.71g。初步研究表明,兰格湖裸鲤生长慢、体型小,种群被破坏后不易恢复,亟待开展资源评估及保护工作。     

傀儡湖似刺鳊种群生长特征及资源量评估研究

2013年4月至2014年12月,在昆山市傀儡湖开展了似刺鳊种群生长特征及资源量评估的研究.结果表明,傀儡湖似刺鳊种群共有6个年龄组,优势年龄组为1至2龄,占总数的72.18％;其次为3至4龄年龄组(22.59％);5至6龄年龄组仅占4.62％.全长与体重呈幂函数的增长关系:W=0.0037L3.3137(n=51...     

Aspects of the Life History of the Salema, Sarpa salpa (Pisces, Sparidae), off the Canarian Archipelago (Central-East Atlantic)

Life history of the salema, Sarpa salpa, off the Canarian archipelago was studied from samples collected between January 1998 and December 1999. Fish ranged from 119 to 452 mm in total length and from 24.9 to 1491.7 g in weight. The species was characterized by a protandric hermaphroditism. The overall sex ratio was unbalanced in favour of males (1 : 0.41). The reproductive season extends from September to March, with a peak in spawning activity in December–January. Males reached maturity at a smaller length (226 mm, 2 years old) than females (294 mm, 3 years old). Males, females and all fish showed an isometric growth. The morphometric relationship between length and mass for the whole population was described by the parameters: a = 0.0000134 and b = 3.01. A concentric pattern of opaque and translucent zones was readily distinguishable on the otoliths. Two rings, one opaque and one translucent, were laid down each year on the otoliths; the opaque zone was formed during the summer months, and the translucent zone during the winter months. Individuals aged 0 to 11 years were found. The parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth equation for all individuals were: L = 479 mm, k = 0.212 year^–1, and t₀ = –1.08 year.     

Population dynamics and life history of a geographically restricted seahorse, Hippocampus whitei

The aim of this study was to collect data on population dynamics and life history for White's seahorse Hippocampus whitei, a geographically restricted species that is listed as data deficient under the IUCN Red List. Data from H. whitei populations were collected from two regions, Port Stephens (north) and Sydney Harbour (south) in New South Wales, Australia, covering most of the known range of H. whitei, from 2005 to 2010. Over 1000 individuals were tagged using fluorescent elastomer and on subsequent recaptures were re-measured for growth data that were used in a forced Gulland-Holt plot to develop growth parameters for use in a specialized von Bertalanffy growth-function model. Growth parameters for Port Stephens were: females L(∞) = 149·2 mm and K = 2·034 per year and males L(∞) = 147·9 mm and K = 2·520 per year compared with estimates from Sydney Harbour: females L(∞) = 139·8 mm and K = 1·285 per year and males L(∞) = 141·6 mm and K = 1·223 per year. Whilst there was no significant difference in growth between sexes for each region, H. whitei in Port Stephens grew significantly quicker and larger and matured and reproduced at a younger age than those from Sydney Harbour. The life span of H. whitei is at least 5 years in the wild with six individuals recorded reaching this age. Data collected on breeding pairs found that H. whitei displays life-long monogamy with three pairs observed remaining pair bonded over three consecutive breeding years. Baseline population densities were derived for two Port Stephens' sites (0·035 and 0·110 m(-2) ) and for Manly in Sydney Harbour (1·050 m(-2) ). Even though the life-history parameters of H. whitei suggest it may be reasonably resilient, precaution should be taken in its future management as a result of its limited geographical distribution and increasing pressures from anthropogenic sources on its habitats.     

黑线仓鼠种群数量动态预测研究

１９８４－１９９１年３－１０月,每月中旬在中国农科院草原研究所试验场的不同牧草和作物地进行调查,１９８４－１９９１年共捕获鼠４０９３只,其中黑线仓鼠２９２０只占７１．３４％。黑线仓鼠种群数量季节和年度变化明显,利用电子计算机对黑线仓鼠种数量进行分析,提出种群数量繁殖指数和动态模型以及短、中、长期预测公式、预测准确率为９０．０％。并对影响种群数量的因素进行了初步分析。