四川黑竹沟地区非飞行小型兽类物种多样性与群落组成

四川黑竹沟国家级自然保护区位于生物多样性丰富的凉山山系, 在保护和维持区域生物多样性方面具有极其重要的地位, 然而对该自然保护区兽类群落的研究却极为缺乏。为了了解该自然保护区及周边的小型兽类群落,本文作者在2018年4-10月调查了该区域的非飞行小型兽类物种多样性及其群落组成。在海拔1,537-3,830 m间共设置样方184个, 布设鼠夹9,016铗日, 捕获小型兽类536只, 隶属4目7科13属21种。包括滇攀鼠(Vernaya fulva)和等齿鼩鼹(Uropsilus aequodonenia)两个稀有物种在内的共计9个物种为该地区首次报道, 丰富了物种分布记录。结合历史资料, 黑竹沟地区共记录小型兽类43种, 隶属4目9科28属。在43种小型兽类中, 东洋界物种37种, 占绝对优势(86%), 分布型以喜马拉雅-横断山型占优, 为18种(占东洋界48.6%)。本次调查捕获的21种小型兽类中, 群落优势种为中华姬鼠(Apodemus draco, 33.2%)、北社鼠(Niviventer confucianus, 21.3%)和中华绒鼠(Eothenomys chinensis, 12.7%)。随着海拔上升, 群落优势种组成发生变化, 由北社鼠 + 中华姬鼠 + 针毛鼠(Niviventer fulvescens) + 短尾鼩(Anourosorex squamipes)群落, 转变为中华绒鼠 + 中华姬鼠 + 凉山沟牙田鼠(Proedromys liangshanensis) + 西南绒鼠(Eothenomys custos)群落。群落物种区系的分布型组成随着海拔升高而发生变化, 喜马拉雅-横断山型物种随海拔升高所占比例增大; 分布于喜马拉雅-横断山的特有种分布的下限、中点和上限平均海拔都高于非特有种, 且特有种和非特有种的中点和下限平均海拔差异显著(n = 21, df = 19, P = 0.013; n = 21, df = 19, P < 0.01), 说明该区域物种具有明显的东洋界特征, 中高海拔主要由特有种构成。本研究丰富了黑竹沟地区小型兽类及群落多样性的数据资料, 有利于该地区物种多样性的研究和保护。     

Large‐scale patterns of seed removal by small mammals differ between areas of low‐ versus high‐wolf occupancy

Because most tree species recruit from seeds, seed predation by small‐mammal granivores may be important for determining plant distribution and regeneration in forests. Despite the importance of seed predation, large‐scale patterns of small‐mammal granivory are often highly variable and thus difficult to predict. We hypothesize distributions of apex predators can create large‐scale variation in the distribution and abundance of mesopredators that consume small mammals, creating predictable areas of high and low granivory. For example, because gray wolf (Canis lupus) territories are characterized by relatively less use by coyotes (C. latrans) and greater use by foxes (Vulpes vulpes, Urocyon cinereoargentus) that consume a greater proportion of small mammals, wolf territories may be areas of reduced small‐mammal granivory. Using large‐scale, multiyear field trials at 22 sites with high‐ and low‐wolf occupancy in northern Wisconsin, we evaluated whether removal of seeds of four tree species was lower in wolf territories. Consistent with the hypothesized consequences of wolf occupancy, seed removal of three species was more than 25% lower in high‐wolf‐occupancy areas across 2 years and small‐mammal abundance was more than 40% lower in high‐wolf areas during one of two study years. These significant results, in conjunction with evidence of seed consumption in situ and the absence of significant habitat differences between high‐ and low‐wolf areas, suggest that top‐down effects of wolves on small‐mammal granivory and seed survival may occur. Understanding how interactions among carnivores create spatial patterns in interactions among lower trophic levels may allow for more accurate predictions of large‐scale patterns in seed survival and forest composition.     

聚焦超声消融治疗子宫小肌瘤的疗效评价

摘要 目的：探讨聚焦超声消融治疗无症状子宫小肌瘤的临床价值。方法：采用对照回顾性研究,将2011年03月至2018年03月在遂宁市中心医院妇科收治入院行聚焦超声消融治疗的无症状的子宫小肌瘤患者设置为治疗组,将同期未经任何治疗的门诊随访的无症状子宫小肌瘤患者设置为对照组,比较两组在6个月、12个月、18个月、24个月后子宫肌瘤的体积变化、是否出现临床症状及妊娠情况。结果：治疗组在聚焦超声消融治疗后6个月、12个月、18个月、24个月,随着时间的推移,子宫小肌瘤的体积较治疗前逐渐缩小,均未出现临床症状;对照组子宫小肌瘤的体积逐渐增大,并出现临床症状;治疗组和对照组24个月内的妊娠率分别为17.48%和8.42%,比较两组差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。聚焦超声消融治疗后无严重并发症发生。结论：对于孕龄期有生育要求的黏膜下或肌壁间的无症状子宫小肌瘤患者,可行聚焦超声消融手术缩小病灶,维持子宫腔的正常形态,避免或延迟临床症状的出现,提高妊娠率。     

极小种群野生植物海南风吹楠的遗传多样性研究

为探讨海南风吹楠(Horsfieldiahainanensis)的濒危原因,利用限制性酶切位点相关的DNA测序技术(RAD-seq)开发单核苷酸多态性(SNPs),评估居群的遗传多样性和遗传结构。结果表明,海南风吹楠的遗传多样性较低(Ho=0.167),其中BWL居群表现出最高的遗传多样性;居群间存在中等程度的遗传分化(Fst=0.120)。Structure分析表明居群的最佳聚类值为2,但个别居群的遗传结构混杂,Mantel检测结果也表明遗传距离和地理距离没有相关性(r=0.733,P0.075)。自身更新能力低以及过度的人为活动干扰,可能是导致其濒危的主要原因。建议加强对遗传多样性高的居群(BWL和YGL)进行就地保护;对生境破坏严重的居群(EXL和DLS)进行近地或迁地保护,以增加居群间的基因交流,同时构建核心种质,防止遗传资源丢失加剧。     

Understanding cytokine and growth factor receptor activation mechanisms

Our understanding of the detailed mechanism of action of cytokine and growth factor receptors – and particularly our quantitative understanding of the link between structure, mechanism and function – lags significantly behind our knowledge of comparable functional protein classes such as enzymes, G protein-coupled receptors, and ion channels. In particular, it remains controversial whether such receptors are activated by a mechanism of ligand-induced oligomerization, versus a mechanism in which the ligand binds to a pre-associated receptor dimer or oligomer that becomes activated through subsequent conformational rearrangement. A major limitation to progress has been the relative paucity of methods for performing quantitative mechanistic experiments on unmodified receptors expressed at endogenous levels on live cells. In this article, we review the current state of knowledge on the activation mechanisms of cytokine and growth factor receptors, critically evaluate the evidence for and against the different proposed mechanisms, and highlight other key questions that remain unanswered. New approaches and techniques have led to rapid recent progress in this area, and the field is poised for major advances in the coming years which promise to revolutionize our understanding of this large and biologically and medically important class of receptors.     

Beyond Eyeballing: Fitting Models to Experimental Data

Abstract

As we learn more about the biology of the Toll-like receptors (TLRs), a wide range of molecules that can activate this fascinating family of pattern recognition receptors emerges. In addition to conserved pathogenic components, endogenous danger signals created upon tissue damage are also sensed by TLRs. Detection of these types of stimuli results in TLR mediated inflammation that is vital to fight pathogenic invasion and drive tissue repair. Aberrant activation of TLRs by pathogenic and endogenous ligands has also been linked with the pathogenesis of an increasing number of infectious and autoimmune diseases, respectively. Most recently, allergen activation of TLRs has also been described, creating a third broad class of TLR stimulus that has helped to shed light on the pathogenesis of allergic disease. To date, microbial activation of TLRs remains best characterized. Each member of the TLR family senses a specific subset of pathogenic ligands, pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPS), and a wealth of structural and biochemical data continues to reveal the molecular mechanisms of TLR activation by PAMPs, and to demonstrate how receptor specificity is achieved. In contrast, the mechanisms by which endogenous molecules and allergens activate TLRs remain much more mysterious. Here, we provide an overview of our current knowledge of how very diverse stimuli activate the same TLRs and the structural basis of these modes of immunity.     

Enquêtes sur l'archipel de la Maddalena (Sardaigne NE): la flore et le paysage végétal de l'[icaron]le des Bisce

Abstract

Presented herevin are the results of research on the flora and vegetable landscape of the isola delle Bisce (NE Sardinia). The flora was found to be composed of 230 entities (1 Gymnospermae, 229 Angiospermae) belonging to 47 families and included in 156 genera. Failure to find numerous species is underscored and an overview of the vegetation landscape based on aerial photography is presented, with the identification of the vegetation formations and sites on the islands most sensitive to anthropic impact.     

Heat shock response in olive (Olea europaea L.) twigs: Identification and analysis of a cDNA coding a class I small heat shock protein

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate at the molecular level the heat shock response in olive by identifying sequences coding for heat shock proteins (HSPs). Young twigs of Olea europaea trees (cv Cellina di Nardò) were subjected to different temperature treatments in order to induce the expression of heat shock genes. In order to identify genes induced by heat treatment, we used a PCR-based approach to amplify specific HS cDNAs. Search for low molecular weight HSP sequences was performed in public domain databases in order to design specific primers based upon multisequence alignments. By this approach, we isolated the first full length cDNA encoding a low-molecular weight HSP from O. europaea. This is a class I low molecular weight HSP of 18.3 kDa, which is highly expressed in young twigs subjected to heat stress.     

First record of the genus Dudresnaya (Dumontiaceae,Rhodophyta) in New Zealand waters

The genus Dudresnaya is reported for the first time in New Zealand waters. Samples were collected in Bay of Islands, northern New Zealand, on rhodolith beds and at the edge of a rocky reef, between ?5 and ?10 m depth. The species was identified by morphological and anatomical characters as Dudresnaya capricornica and its identity was confirmed by molecular sequence data. This species is characterized by terete radial branches, outer cortical cells cylindrical, presence of hexagonal crystals, lack of annulation and mucilage coat on auxiliary cell branches, oblique division of carpogonium and cystocarps no cleft. The rbcL phylogenetic analysis showed the genus Dudresnaya is strongly supported and sister to taxa in the family Dumontiaceae. This family is also closely related to the families Rhizophillidaceae and Kallymeniaceae. This is the first record of the family Dumontiaceae in New Zealand.