A seasonal study of the haematology of wild freshwater fish

Various haematological values of wild yellowfish ( Barbus holubi ), carp ( Cyprinus carpio ) and two species of mudfish ( Labeo umbratus and Labeo capensis ) were examined on a seasonal basis from May 1975-April 1976, obtained from three different localities. Haematological values of fish of different length groups (from all four species) were studied at one locality during winter only. (June 1976-August 1976). Seasonal variations were observed in all of the parameters studied but no sexual differences were found and no significant changes in the haematology could be related to breeding season. Wide individual variations were evident in fish of different length groups and no correlation existed between fish length (and mass) and haematological values.     

Hematological and plasma chemistry of Indian major carp,Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822)

Hematological and plasma chemistry indices are simple and essential diagnostic tools for monitoring the physiological and health status of fish. Aim of the present study was to obtain reference values for the hematological and plasma chemistry of wild populations of Labeo rohita captured in a freshwater pond between July 2008 and June 2010. These reference values and the mean were evaluated according to sex and season. In summer, the red blood cells (1.84 × 106 38 per cubic mm), haemoglobin (8.52 gm dl^?1) and haematocrit (31.49%) were highest in males, whereas the maximum values for white blood cells (5.635 × 103 40 per cubic mm) were found in females, however, no significant variation of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) or mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) was observed between sexes. Various blood parameter levels between the sexes in summer were notably different from those measured in other seasons except for MCH and MCHC values (p < 0.05). Compared to most teleosts, the L. rohita has similar mean values for PCV and Hb. Throughout summer the glucose (76.0 mg dl^?1), lipid (3.41 gm dl^?1) and cholesterol (145.0 mg dl^?1) levels were highest. In spring the plasma protein levels were higher in males, but higher in winter for females. Consequently, the seasons are key factors when using blood parameters as biomarkers for environmental alterations.     

Seasonal variation of carrageenan yield,gel strength and viscosity in Sarcopeltis (ex Gigartina) skottsbergii from Southern Chile

Chile is one of the top carrageenan producers worldwide, and Sarcopeltis (ex Gigartina) skottsbergii one of the topmost exploited carrageenophytes from the wild in the world. Total yield, gel strength and viscosity from two contrasting environments Calbuco and Ancud (Inner and Outer Sea, Chile) were estimated monthly in approximately 2 years for this species. While carrageenan yields did not show differences between localities, gametophytes in spring–summer had 15% higher, compared to tetrasporophytes. Sizes (frond surface) normally did not affect carrageenan yields. Gametophytes showed clear differences in gel strength between seasons, but not between localities, with maximum peaks during winter–spring months in Calbuco and autumn-winter months in Ancud. Seasonal variations in viscosity were also significant. While gametophyte viscosity did not exceed 120 cPs, tetrasporophytes reached 1400 cPs in Calbuco and 1000 cPs in Ancud. More remarkably, a positive correlation between viscosity and gel strength was found in S. skottsbergii gametophytes, which is significantly different between both localities. These results suggest that selective harvesting in spring–summer should be preferred to optimize cost–benefit of harvesting activities and subsequent carrageenan productivity.     

TAXONOMIC BIBLIOGRAPHY OF VASCULAR AQUATIC PLANTS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

SUMMARY

The length mass relationship for a Labeo capensis population is described by the equation M = 0,0134 L^2'999 where 2,999 represents a constant the value of which indicates isometric growth. There is very little difference between the length/mass relationship for males and that for females and this is similar to the results found by Mulder (1973) for L. capensis in the Vaal River. The length/mass relationships for gravid males and females are different from that of the population as a whole indicating that maturity does result in a change of the body form which is in accordance with the results of Mulder (1973).

A modified formula to take into account, small length intervals of an age group, is used to calculate the relative condition factor for Labeo capensis from the Caledon River for a consecutive “winter” and “summer” period. The results show that the conhd1t10ni for Labeo capensis of the 0⁺, 1⁺ and 2⁺ age groups is better in the summer period than in the winter period, whereas in the older age groups 3⁺ to 5⁺ the condition in winter is better than in summer. This can be attributed to the attainment of sexual maturity at the age of 3⁺ years and the presence of large quantities of fat deposited in the body during the winter months, which are then utilised for the development of the gonads prior to spawning. These results are similar to those obtained for the same species by Mulder (1973) in the Vaal River and by Bloemhof (1974) in the Hardap Dam.     

Botanical and chemical composition of rumen contents of Sika deer on Mt Goyo,northern Japan

Botanical and chemical compositions of the rumen contents of 58 Sika deer on Mt Goyo, northern Japan, collected from summer of 1988 to spring of 1989, were analyzed.Sasa nipponica, a dwarf bamboo, was important in summer (35.0%) and winter (61.4%), but it decreased to 5.6% and was replaced by browse leaves in fall, and to 28.0% and was replaced by dead leaves, twigs and bark of woody plants in winter. Crude protein was 20–25% lower in the washed fraction than in the gross fraction. It was highest (16.2%) in summer and lowest (8.6%) in winter. High protein content in summer and fall foods was attributed to forb and browse leaves. Seasonal fluctuation in protein content in the foods of these Sika deer was greater than red deer on Rhum, Scotland and smaller than wapiti in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA. Climatically, winter severity of Mt Goyo is intermediate between the two localities, which seems to explain the seasonal fluctuation of the protein level. Crude fiber wasca 33% in the ‘washed’ fraction, and did not change seasonally.     

The haemoglobin system of the mudfish, Labeo capensis: adaptations to temperature and hypoxia

The effect of temperature and hypoxic acclimation on the haemoglobin system and intraerythrocytic organic phosphate concentrations in the South African mudfish, Labeo capensis, have been investigated. Exposure to hypoxia or increased temperature raised haemoglobin concentration and decreased NTP/Hb ratio. Temperature acclimation did not effect the oxygenation characteristics of the haemolysate or haemoglobin multiplicity, as evident from isoelectric focussing experiments that showed one cathodic (Hb I) and three anodic haemoglobins (Hb II, III and IV). Oxygen equilibria of the isolated components showed a smaller Bohr effect and lower temperature and organic phosphate sensitivities in the cathodic than in the anodic haemoglobins. Unlike the trout and eel haemoglobin systems, both the anodic and cathodic haemoglobins from L. capensis exhibited sensitivity to organic phosphates but the effect was smaller in the latter. The results indicate that oxygen transport in mudfish blood is supported by variations in the red cell organic phosphate\haemoglobin ratio and the functional differentiation between anodic and cathodic haemoglobins.     

不同季节冬水田紫色土细菌群落的垂直分布规律

【背景】土壤细菌对环境变化非常敏感,是土壤环境质量检测的重要指标。【目的】为研究不同季节冬水田紫色土细菌的垂直分布规律,揭示土壤细菌群落结构和物种多样性与土壤环境因子的相互关系。【方法】以冬水田紫色土为研究对象,分别于2020年8月(夏季)和2021年 1月(冬季)采集不同深度土壤样品,对土壤细菌16S rRNA基因进行Illumina MiSeq高通量测序,分析在不同季节细菌群落组成和多样性的垂直分布规律。【结果】冬水田紫色土细菌ACE指数、Chao1指数和Shannon指数均呈现出夏季高于冬季,并且随土层深度增加呈现降低的趋势。冬水田紫色土优势菌门为变形菌门(Proteobacteria)、绿弯菌门(Chloroflexi)、酸杆菌门(Acidobacteria)、硝化螺旋菌门(Nitrospirae)、放线菌门(Actinobacteria)和浮霉菌门(Planctomycetes),优势菌属为Desulfobacca、Haliangium、Anaeromyxobacter、Candidatus_Omnitrophus和Defluviicoccus。Chloroflexi和Actinobacteria在夏季相对丰度较高,Proteobacteria和Nitrospirae在冬季相对丰度较高;Anaeromyxobacter和Candidatus_Omnitrophus在夏季相对丰度较高,Desulfobacca、Haliangium和Defluviicoccus在冬季相对丰度较高。冗余分析(redundancy analysis,RDA)和环境因子热图分析结果均表明,总氮(total nitrogen,TN)、土壤有机质(soil organic matter,SOM)和土壤氧化还原电位(soil redox potential,Eh)是显著影响紫色水稻土细菌群落的主要因子。【结论】本研究丰富了对冬水田紫色水稻土细菌群落组成和多样性的认识,证实了不同季节冬水田紫色土细菌群落组成和多样性存在差异。     

Effect of different seasons on concentration of plasma luteinizing hormone and seminal quality vis-à-vis freezability of buffalo bulls (Bubalus bubalis)

Seasonal variations in semen quality, freezability and plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were studied between summer and spring. Semen volume, density and initial sperm motility did not differ significantly between different seasons. Plasma LH decreased between summer and spring but the differences were, however, not significant. Pre-freezing motility did not differ significantly but post-freezing motility varied significantly (P<0.01) between seasons. Post-freezing motility was lowest during summer and highest during winter. It can be concluded that summer spermatozoa may be fragile and cannot withstand freezing stress. To increase reproductive efficiency in buffalo during summer, semen should be frozen during winter and spring and used during hot weather conditions. Seasonal variations in plasma LH levels were insignificant.     

Impact of season on antioxidants,nutritional metabolic status,cortisol and heat shock proteins in Hariana and Sahiwal cattle

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of summer and winter seasons on antioxidant status, body reserve mobilization and biomarkers of stress in Hariana and Sahiwal cows. Twelve lactating cows (six of each Hariana and Sahiwal cows) were included in summer (May to July) and winter season (November to January) study. Microclimatic observations were recorded on daily basis during the experimental period. In both seasons, blood samples were collected at fortnightly intervals for analysis of total antioxidant activity, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-Hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), heat shock protein 70 and 90 (HSP70 and HSP90). Antioxidant activity reduced significantly (p < 0.05) in Hariana cattle during summers as compared to winters; whereas, seasonal variation exerts no effect on antioxidant activity in Sahiwal. Blood NEFA concentration was similar among both the breeds over both the seasons but reduced significantly (p < 0.05) during summer season as compared to winters in both the breeds. BHBA concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in Hariana cows than Sahiwal cows during winters, however, no effect on BHBA level was observed during summer season in both the breeds. Significantly, lower plasma cortisol level (p < 0.05) was found during winter season in Sahiwal as well as Hariana cows. Further, Sahiwal exhibited lower plasma cortisol as compared to Hariana in both the seasons. HSP 70 and 90 showed non-significant differences between breeds within both the seasons. However, significantly, lower plasma HSP 70 levels (p < 0.05) were reported during winter season in Sahiwal as well as in Hariana cows. Results of present study revealed that indigenous Sahiwal is more heat tolerant as compared to Hariana breed.     

Seasonal Variation in the Chemical Composition of Tropical Australian Marine Macroalgae

The proximate chemical composition (ash, soluble carbohydrate, lipid and protein) was determined in 30 common species of tropical Australian marine macroalgae from Darwin Harbour (12^∘26′S, 130^∘51′E), in summer (hot and wet) and winter (cool and dry). There was a wide diversity of species in both seasons (19 species in summer and 20 species in winter). In most species, the major component was soluble carbohydrate (chlorophytes range 2.5–25.8% dry weight (dw), phaeophytes range 8.4–22.2% dw, rhodophytes range 18.7–39.2% dw) with significantly higher (p < 0.05) percentages only in winter season rhodophytes. Highest percentages of protein were found in rhodophytes collected in the summer (range 4.8–12.8% dw), with significantly lower percentages (p < 0.05) during winter. All species had lipid contents within the range 1.3–7.8% dw, with highest percentages in summer phaeophytes, but no significant differences between species or season. Most species had moderate to high ash contents (24.2–89.7% dw), with the highest percentages during summer. Compared with summer samples, macroalgae collected in winter had higher energy value and slightly lower percentages of inorganic matter. The variation of algal groups and chemical composition may influence the availability of the food source for the majority of herbivores, which in turn is likely to effect their ecology and community structure.     

Ecology of Heard Island Diptera

Phenology, distribution and abundance of three Diptera species on Heard Island were investigated to provide baseline data for monitoring the effect on climate change on populations. Five vegetation types at two localities were sampled in two different years, firstly in the summer of 1987–1988 at Atlas Cove and secondly at Spit Bay over 12 months from summer 1992 to summer 1993. Pitfall traps and soil core extractions were operated in summer at both localities and pitfalls alone for 12 months from Spit Bay. The wingless Anatalanta aptera was the most abundant species in traps at Atlas Cove with most individuals collected from Poa tussock grassland, half as many from Pringlea and Azorella vegetation and fewest with a significantly higher level of asymmetry in the large katepisternal setae, from Azorella and Fellfield. Calycopteryx moseleyi was the most abundant fly in traps at Spit Bay, and A. maritima was the least abundant at both localities. Monthly pitfall catches from 1992–1993 indicated that A. aptera was active in most months of the year apart from winter, females early in the season and males active throughout the summer; teneral individuals only detected in January. C. moseleyi was more strongly seasonal with peak adult numbers occurring in January. Amalopteryx maritima was least seasonal in activity. Asymmetry in A. aptera suggests that it was at the limit of its ecological tolerance in Fellfield and Azorella on Heard Island. Changes caused by climate warming or invasive species are mooted.     

Digestibility of timothy hay by African elephants

Two juvenile, female African elephants (Loxodonta africana) were used in summer and winter trials to determine the apparent digestibility of timothy (Phleum pratense) hay. After 12–14 days of dietary adjustment, dry matter intake and fecal excretion were quantitatively measured for 7 days. Dry matter of timothy hay contained 8.6 and 7.7% crude protein, 57.3 and 44.0% acid detergent fiber, and 6.5 and 6.4% ash during the summer and winter trials, respectively. Estimates of apparent digestibility during summer and winter, respectively, were 39 and 35% for dry matter, 43 and 32% for gross energy (GE), 45 and 30% for crude protein (CP), and 36 and 24% for acid detergent fiber (ADF). While GE and CP digestibility estimates tended (P < .09) to be greater in the summer trial, only the digestibility of ADF was different (P < .05) between summer and winter. Dry matter intake was 1.4–1.6% of body weight (BW), providing an average of 144 kcal of digestible energy per kg BW^0.75. This value is similar to that (155 kcal per kg BW^0.75) used for estimating digestible energy requirements for maintenance of light-breed horses.     

Variability and seasonality of the growth of some corticolous pleurocarpous mosses

Abstract

Field measurements of the elongation of shoots of Hypnum cupressiforme and lsothecium myosuroides reveal considerable variation. Differences in growth rates in the following situations were found to be significant: at different heights on a trunk, on different sides of sloping trunks, on different species of tree and, over a period, on different trees of a single species at a site.

Monthly growth measurements of H. cupressiforme and Platygyrium repens in Wytham Wood, Berkshire, show that H. cupressiforme grows faster, but that the growth patterns of these species are similar. Most of the annual growth for 1970 and 1971 took place during the autumn and winter. Growth between April and August was very slight. The seasonality of the growth of four pleurocarpous mosses at Wychwood, Oxfordshire, was very similar to the species measured at Wytham. Comparison of seasonal growth records with climatic records for stations near Oxford shows a close correlation Qetween growth and wetness. Monthly rainfall minus potential evapotranspiration (Rf–Et) is particularly closely related to monthly shoot growth.

At Roborough, North Devon, growth of H. cupressiforme was measured every 3 months. Considerable growth occurred during autumn and winter. At this site the summers are wetter and this appears to permit an extension of the growing period, considerable growth occurring between May and October.

In 1970 and 1971 summer growth at several localities was compared. Summer growth was again closely related to Rf–Et. The summer growth in wetregions does not seem to be accompanied by a proportionally high winter growth rate. The wetter the climate, the earlier in the year the peak period of bryophyte growth occurs and the more closely the annual pattern of growth correlates with temperature and day length.     

Effects of grazing on the abundance and diversity of annual plants in Chihuahuan desert scrub habitat

We assess the impact of release from cattle grazing on the abundance and diversity of both winter and summer annual plant communities at an upper Chihuahuan Desert scrub site in south-eastern Arizona. In contrast to previous studies, we found that removal of herbivores (cattle) had little impact on ephemeral plant assemblages at our site. The total number of summer annual individuals per quadrat did not differ significantly, but there were significantly more winter annual plants on ungrazed quadrats. The number of species per quadrat, however, did not differ significantly between sites exposed to, or protected from, grazing in either season. Of 79 annual species recorded (34 in winter, 45 in summer), only 2 species, 1 in each season, responded significantly to the removal of cattle: Stephanomeria exigua and Polygala tweedyi were more abundant on ungrazed plots. Three additional species, Eriastrum diffusum and Cryptantha micrantha in winter, and Mollugo cerviana (summer), approached statistical significance. Differences in the effect of cattle grazing on annual plants between our results and those at other sites in the arid southwest most likely reflect differences in the speed of response by annuals in different areas. Comparisons of this with other studies underscores recent calls for studies at broader spatial and greater temporal scales.     

Temperature stress and survival ability of Mediterranean sclerophyllous plants

ABSTRACT

The Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summer periods, and low winter temperatures and episodic frosts in northern, altitudinal and continental districts, demands from evergreen broadleaved woody plants an adequate and flexible acclimation to the climatic constraints.

In this brief survey on some responses of Mediterranean sclerophylls to temperature stress, the following is presented and discussed: criteria for cold and heat limits of photosynthetic function; winter depression and summer photoinactivation of photosynthesis; peculiar patterns of tissue freezing of scleromorphous leaves and limits of frost resistance of various plant parts and ontogenetic stages; heat impairment of chloroplasts and thermotolerance of sclerophyllous species; survival capacity and recovery after damage. Risks of damage to plants in relation to stressful temperatures in Mediterranean regions are estimated. Cold stress and drought stress indices, according to Mitrakos (1980), have been applied to characterise different localities in Italy. Additionally, a heat stress index for the Mediterranean region is proposed. Future research topics are suggested.     

Subjective and objective sleep among air ambulance personnel

ABSTRACT

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of shift work on sleep among pilots and Helicopter Emergency Medical Service crew members (HCM) in the Norwegian Air Ambulance. Sleep was assessed by diaries and actigraphy during a workweek (24 h duty for 7 consecutive days) in the winter season and a workweek during the summer season in pilots and HCM (N = 50). Additionally, differences in sleep were studied between the week before work, the workweek, and the week after work in both seasons. Results indicated that bedtime was later (p <.001) and time spent in bed (p <.05) was shorter during the summer, compared to the winter, season. The workers delayed the sleep period in the workweek, compared to the week before (winter: p <.001, summer: p <.001) and the week after (winter: p <.05-.001, summer: p <.001). They spent more time in bed during the workweek, compared to the week before (winter: p <.001, summer: p <.01) and after (winter: p <.001, summer: p =.37). Further, the workers had longer wake after sleep onset during the workweek, compared to the week before (winter: p <.001, summer: p <.01) and the week after (winter: p <.01, summer: p <.01). Finally, the workers had lower sleep efficiency during the workweek recorded by actigraphy compared to the week before (winter: p <.01, summer: p <.001) and the week after (winter: p <.01, summer: p <.001). According to the sleep diaries the total sleep time was 7:17 h in the winter and 7:03 h in the summer season. Overall, the sleep was somewhat affected during the workweek, with delayed sleep period, longer wake after sleep onset, and lower sleep efficiency compared to when off work. However, the workers spent more time in bed during the workweek compared to the weeks off, and they obtained over 7 h of sleep in both workweeks. Our findings suggest that the pilots and the HCM sleep well during the workweek, although it affected their sleep to some extent.     

Effects of body mass,temperature, and season on resting metabolism of the nocturnal gecko Hemidactylus flaviviridis

Abstract

The resting metabolic rate (RMR) of Hemidactylus flaviviridis was measured at different temperatures from 20 to 35°C during winter and summer acclimatization. The mass exponent b values ranged between 0.67 and 0.72. Winter-acclimatized geckos of various body masses had significantly lower RMRs than summer-acclimatized geckos only at 20°C. It seems that low thermal sensitivity for summer–acclimatized group may facilitate activity during its active seasons, and high thermal sensitivity between 20 and 25°C for winter–acclimatized group may conserve energy during inactivity in winter.     

龙凤湿地与珰奈湿地底泥细菌古菌多样性及其对环境因子的响应

【背景】城市湿地和天然湿地受到人为扰动影响的程度显著不同。【目的】研究2种不同类型湿地底泥微生物多样性及种类的差异。【方法】采集冬夏两季城市湿地(龙凤湿地)和天然湿地(珰奈湿地)的底泥样品,使用16S rRNA基因测序技术测定底泥中细菌和古菌群落结构,分析2种湿地底泥的细菌、古菌差异及环境因素与微生物的相关性。【结果】龙凤湿地底泥中的硫杆菌属(Thiobacillus)、芽孢杆菌属(Bacillus)和鞘氨醇单胞菌属(Sphingomonas)丰度显著高于珰奈湿地(P<0.05);Methanoregula在珰奈湿地底泥中的丰度高于龙凤湿地;冬季厌氧绳菌属(Anaerolinea)和甲烷八叠球菌属(Methanosarcina)在珰奈湿地底泥中的丰度显著高于龙凤湿地(P<0.05)。【结论】龙凤湿地与珰奈湿地的差异主要影响湿地底泥中参与元素循环的细菌和产甲烷古菌的丰度,人为干扰和低温会降低湿地中微生物的多样性,pH、盐分和碱性磷酸酶是显著影响微生物多样性的环境因素。     

Prawn community structure in the subtropical Mfolozi–Msunduzi estuarine system,KwaZulu-Natal,South Africa

The life cycles of many marine and freshwater prawn species are closely associated with estuarine habitat. Here, the prawn community of the Mfolozi–Msunduzi estuarine system is described and the system's potential as an alternative nursery for prawns during prolonged closure of the adjacent St Lucia estuarine system is examined. Sampling was conducted at five localities in summer and winter in 2007–2012. The Mfolozi–Msunduzi Estuary is a river-dominated system with mouth condition, sediment grain size and turbidity being the most important factors affecting the structure of its prawn community. Twelve prawn species were recorded, including five marine penaeid and five freshwater palaemonid species. The prawn community was numerically dominated by freshwater Macrobrachium equidens and two penaeids, Fenneropenaeus indicus and Metapenaeus monoceros. Significant differences were recorded between summer and winter samples, with freshwater species dominating the catch in summer, while penaeid species were dominant in winter. The marked seasonal change in the prawn community was related to strong river flows during summer creating low-salinity conditions, unsuitable for penaeid postlarval development, throughout most of the system. Compared to St Lucia, the Mfolozi–Msunduzi Estuary can be regarded as a poor alternative nursery area for penaeids during the summer peak postlarval recruitment period.     

Growth and development of Australian soldier fly,Inopus rubriceps (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), in New Zealand

Abstract

Larvae of Inopus rubriceps (Macquart) were reared from eggs originating from spring and autumn adult emergence periods (1975–78), under both insectary and field conditions. Rate of development appeared to depend largely on temperature. Autumn-hatched larvae showed little growth for the initial 6 months, but then grew rapidly until the end of summer. Spring-hatched larvae also grew rapidly over summer, but their development slowed over winter. Year-to-year differences were found in larval survival, weight gain, and rate of development, and in subsequent adult emergence. Pest status appeared to be related to the cumulative yearly heat budget. Overall, larval survival was higher and growth and development were more rapid in the insectary than under field conditions. A male-dominant sex ratio was demonstrated.