Genetic diversity and geographic distribution of Bemisia tabaci species complex in Nepal

Bemisia tabaci species complex comprises at least 44 cryptic species worldwide. Here, we analyze the nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene obtained from 76 samples of B. tabaci collected from 23 districts in Nepal. This is the first genetic and geographic study of B. tabaci species complex in Nepal. Our phylogenetic study identified the presence of three cryptic species—Asia I, Asia II 1, and Asia II 5—with high interspecific but low intraspecific variations. Among the three cryptic species, Asia II 5 was the most prevalent in Nepal, constituting 64.47% of all the sequenced samples. Based on haplotype network analysis of COI sequences, Asia II 1 was more genetically diversified than the other two cryptic species. Our results provided useful information on the genetic diversity and geographic distribution of B. tabaci in Nepal, which help monitor population changes of B. tabaci at cryptic species level and develop sustainable management strategies for its control.     

Flexible chromosome painting based on multiplex PCR of oligonucleotides and its application for comparative chromosome analyses in Cucumis

Chromosome painting is a powerful technique for chromosome and genome studies. We developed a flexible chromosome painting technique based on multiplex PCR of a synthetic oligonucleotide (oligo) library in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L., 2n = 14). Each oligo in the library was associated with a universal as well as nested specific primers for amplification, which allow the generation of different probes from the same oligo library. We were also able to generate double‐stranded labelled oligos, which produced much stronger signals than single‐stranded labelled oligos, by amplification using fluorophore‐conjugated primer pairs. Oligos covering cucumber chromosome 1 (Chr1) and chromosome 4 (Chr4) consisting of eight segments were synthesized in one library. Different oligo probes generated from the library painted the corresponding chromosomes/segments unambiguously, especially on pachytene chromosomes. This technique was then applied to study the homoeologous relationships among cucumber, C. hystrix and C. melo chromosomes based on cross‐species chromosome painting using Chr4 probes. We demonstrated that the probe was feasible to detect interspecies chromosome homoeologous relationships and chromosomal rearrangement events. Based on its advantages and great convenience, we anticipate that this flexible oligo‐painting technique has great potential for the studies of the structure, organization, and evolution of chromosomes in any species with a sequenced genome.     

A bicyclic pentapeptide-based highly potent and selective pan-SIRT1/2/3 inhibitor harboring Nε-thioacetyl-lysine

Past few years have seen an active pursuit of the inhibitors for the deacylation catalyzed by the seven human sirtuins (i.e. SIRT1-7) as valuable chemical biological/pharmacological probes of this enzymatic deacylation and lead compounds for developing novel therapeutics for human diseases. In the current study, we prepared eight monocyclic and one bicyclic analogs of a linear pentapeptide-based potent (sub-μM IC₅₀’s) pan-SIRT1/2/3 inhibitor Zheng laboratory discovered recently that harbors the catalytic mechanism-based SIRT1/2/3 inhibitory warhead N^ε-thioacetyl-lysine at its central position. We found that the bicyclic analog exhibited largely comparable SIRT1/2/3 inhibitory potencies to those of the parent linear pentapeptide, however, the former is proteolytically much more stable than the latter. Moreover, the bicyclic analog displayed very weak inhibition against SIRT5/6/7, was cell permeable, and exhibited an anti-proliferative effect on the human SK-MEL-2 melanoma cells. This bicyclic analog could be a lead for the future development of more potent and still selective pan-SIRT1/2/3 inhibitors whose use in studies on human sirtuin biology, pharmacology, and medicinal chemistry could complement with the use of the potent inhibitors selective for a single human sirtuin.     

Length-to-weight and length-to-length ratios of six cavefish species from the Pearl River Basin,South China

Length-to-weight and length-to-length ratios were estimated for six cavefishes including Yunnanilus longibarbatus, Yunnanilus bailianensis, Yunnanilus jinxiensis, Oreonectes polystigmus, Paranemachilus pingguoensis, and Paranemachilus genilepis from the upper reaches of the Pearl River, Guangxi Province, China (between 106.26E, 23.14N and 111.42E, 24.85N). The fish were captured between May and October in 2018 and 2019 using trap nets (mesh size 7 mm) set in front of selected caves at 6:30–7:30 p.m. and were hauled out at 6:30–7:30 a.m. the next day. After removal, the fish were measured and weighed immediately to the nearest 0.1 cm and 0.1 g, respectively. The regression parameter r² was between .95 and .98. The total length-to-standard length ratios were also calculated with r² ≥ .98. This study should provide a useful reference for biological studies and biodiversity conservation of cavefish.     

Length-weight relationships of 10 fish species from the coastal waters of the East China Sea

The present study provides the length-weight relationships (LWRs) for 10 marine fish species collected from the coastal waters of the East China Sea by bottom trawl surveys. The open width of the sampling net was 40 m and the mesh size of the codend was 20 mm. Specimens were collected from November 2015 to November 2019 at seasonal intervals. The measurement accuracy of weight and length were 0.1 grams and 0.1 centimeters, respectively. This study provides new information of LWRs for nine species which have not yet been reported in FishBase. Also, this study updates the information of maximum length for two species.     

Length–weight relationships of seven fish species in the Yangtze River Estuary and its adjacent waters,Eastern China

The length–weight relationships (LWRs) for seven fish species belonging to five families in the Yangtze River Estuary and its adjacent waters are presented. Cynoglossus gracilis, Cynoglossus macrolepidotus, Ctenotrypauchen chinensis, Collichthys niveatus, Ophichthus apicalis and Erisphex potti were collected monthly in 2009 using trammel nets (the size of smaller mesh net was 1.5 m × 15 m × 4 panels with mesh sizes of 2.5, 3.4, 4.3 and 5.8 cm; the size of larger-mesh net was 2.4 m × 30 m × 4 panels with mesh sizes of 5.0, 6.0, 7.0 and 8.0 cm; soaking overnight). Lophiogobius ocellicauda were collected December in 2020 using shrimp trawl nets (mesh size 2.0 cm). The precision of measurement for the fish specimens is 0.1 cm total length and 0.1 g total weight. The estimated ranges of the parameters a and b for the seven fish species were from 0.0001 to 0.0289 and 2.718 to 3.541, respectively. Two new maximum total length were recorded for Ctenotrypauchen chinensis and Ophichthus apicalis.     

Length weight relationships of five marine fishes from the Bay of Bengal

Length weight relationships (LWR) of five marine fishes were estimated from the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. Fish samples were collected occasionally from fisher's catch with gill net (mesh size: 3 cm) during November 2019 to October 2020. Fishing was done overnight. Total length (0.1 cm) and body weight (0.01 g) of each individual were measured. We recorded maximum total length for P. maculatus (55.0 cm) and P. parmatus (39.0 cm).