Electrophoretic variants of red cell phosphoglucose isomerase in some caste populations of Punjab

Hemolysates from a total of 640 blood samples from seven endogamous caste groups of the Patiala and Faridkot districts of Punjab, North-West India, were subjected to horizontal starch gel electrophoresis to study the phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) types. In addition to the usual pattern PGI 1, the only rare phenotype encountered in the present material was PGI 3-1, present in four out of the seven groups investigated. Examination of the available data from Punjab suggests that apparently rare PGI types other than PGI 3-1 are lacking in populations studied.     

Reproductive disturbances in type 1 diabetic women

Among young type 1 diabetic women disturbances of reproductive system and other related disorders are often present. The present paper, which reviews the literature of the part several years aims to present some of those disorders. Special attention is focused on menstrual irregularities, fertility and sexual problems. Type 1 diabetic women usually have a delayed menarche and an early onset of menopause than nondiabetic women. They are also at higher risk of having menstrual disturbances, such as amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea. It has been suggested that the GnRH pulse-generator in the hypothalamus is responsible for diabetic menstrual dysfunction. The risk of sexual and gestational problems is higher in type 1 diabetes than in the general population, but fertility in diabetic women seems to be similar to nondiabetics.     

Reproductive performance of Bhotia women of Mana Valley

This paper reports the preliminary findings on the reproductive performance of 52 Bhotia women from the Mana Valley (Uttar Pradesh; elevation 10 560 ft.), who had approached menopause. The total amount of time available for reproduction and the total time used for effective reproduction as well as the period, which has been wasted as a result of sociocultural and biological factors, have been calculated. The total time available to Bhotia women for reproduction is found to be 1584 years, out of which 1563 years (98.67%) were used for effective reproduction. The reproductive wastage as a result of socio-economic and biological circumstances is calculated as 21 years only or 0.40 years per woman. All pregnancies as well as lactation operate to reduce fecundability. The various family limiting methods also lower the reproductive performance. A comparison has been made with the results of similar studies in other populations.     

Reproductive life history of ocelotsLeopardus pardalis in southern Texas

The ocelotLeopardus pardalis Linnaeus, 1758 is an endangered felid in the United States currently restricted to southern Texas. The objectives of our study were to obtain data on ocelot parturition dates, fecundity, sex ratios, den characteristics, and first year survival, all of which are critical in development of population viability models. Sixteen parturition events were recorded ranging from mid-April to late December for 12 wild ocelots. Cumulatively, litters consisted of 1 or 2 kittens (ˉ = 1.2 ± 0.44 SD). Cumulative sex ratio was 1∶2.5 (male:female); however, there was no significant difference between the observed sex ratio and a 1∶1 sex ratio. Ten den sites were in close proximity (≤ 10 m) to dense thornshrub. Adult female ocelots used 2 to 4 den sites for each litter with distance between consecutively occupied dens ranging from 110 to 280 m (ˉ = 158 m ± 93 SD). An estimated annual survival for ocelots 0 to 1 year of age was 0.68. Evidence suggests that ocelots in the wild may breed more frequently than had been previously hypothesized.     

Reproductive strategy and the life cycle in graptoloid colonies

Urbanek, A. 1990 10 15: Reproductive strategy and the life cycle in graptoloid colonies. Lethaia , Vol. 23, pp. 333–340. Oslo. ISSN 0024–1164.
Graptoloid colonies were clones composed in all probability of hermaphroditic zooids. Their breeding system approaching that of amphicarpic plants, namely distant out crossing combined with selfing, was exceptionally flexible. Moreover, the balanced coexistence of these extreme means of reproduction may be visualized as an evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS). The evolutionary consequences of such a breeding system might have accounted for the overall high rates of graptoloid evolution as well as for the rapid transformations in large populations. Sexual reproduction of graptoloid colonies was complemented by a multiplication through occasional fragmentation of colonies and subsequent regeneration from the fragments. Fragmentation of colonies played an important role in the survival of graptoloid colonies during catastrophic events such as hurricanes and later in recruitment. Fragmentation followed by regeneration, and only later by sexual reproduction of regenerated fragments, constituted the so-called great cycle (GC), whereas the regular course of events initiated by sexual reproduction in an undisturbed (complete) colony resulted in normal colony formation (astogeny) and is termed the small cycle (SC). Thus the adaptive significance of the sexual process in the life cycle is in the restoration of the perfect' pattern of the complete colony, which offered the best hydrodynamic properties and highest fitness. ▭ Graptolithina, Graptoloidea, breeding sysfem, reproductive strategy, fragmentation, life cycle .     

Reproductive pattern among women in 19th century Sweden

Among the married female population in rural areas of 19th century Sweden infertility and subfertility were found in 7.5% and 6.1% respectively with increasing incidence during the latter half of the century. In relation to the age group 20-24, fecundity declined by 42% and 92% in the age groups 35-39 and 40-45 respectively. One-third of married women died before age 50. Re-marriages and step-parents were common. Less than half of the married women brought up the majority of the children in the community.     

Preserved life positions of some Jurassic bivalves

The observed life positions of 23 species of Jurassic bivalves are recorded and compared to reconstructions derived from functional interpretations of their morphology and comparisons with Recent relatives. In the majority of cases, these inferences correspond with field observations. There are, however, cases such ashognomon where likely reconstructions differ. These could easily lead to an erroneous interpretation of the autecology of some species.     

Reproductive isolation following reintroduction of Chinook salmon with alternative life histories

We evaluated reproductive isolation of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) life history types that have been reintroduced to northern Idaho, USA. Analysis of 1003 samples at six microsatellite loci revealed strong reproductive isolation between ocean- and stream-type Chinook salmon (fall and summer spawn timing, respectively) within the Clearwater River sub-basin (F _ST = 0.148, P < 0.00001). Very little evidence for gene flow among the two life history types was observed as assignment tests correctly assigned 99.6% of individuals in reference collections to either ocean- and steam-type Chinook salmon. Assignment of naturally reared juveniles indicated that both life history types were present with 24.1% stream-type and 75.9% ocean-type. Previous studies suggest high levels of divergence among the two life history types in natural populations, and our study verifies the persistence of reproductive isolation among types following colonization of habitat. Successful colonization of new habitat by (re)introduced species is likely influenced by diversity in life history types and this strategy has lead to naturally spawning populations in a variety of available habitats in the Clearwater River. As many populations of O. tshawytscha are listed as threatened or endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, hope for recovery lies not only in effective management and habitat improvement, but adaptability of this species.     

Reproductive life history of Thornicroft’s giraffe in Zambia

Knowledge of the reproductive life history of giraffe in the wild is sparse. Giraffe have two fairly unusual reproductive patterns among large mammals: they can become pregnant while lactating, and calf mortality is extremely high. Longitudinal records are largely absent, so tracking reproductive parameters tends to combine information from captive and field studies. In this study, we examine longitudinal data obtained over a 33‐year period in one population of Thornicroft’s giraffe in order to chart their reproductive careers. We found that age at first parturition was 6.4 years, or slightly later than in captivity. Giraffe bred throughout the year, with cows producing offspring on average every 677.7 days. About half of the calves died before one year of age, but death of a calf did not reduce interbirth interval. We conclude that the lifetime reproductive success of giraffe is more dependent on longevity and calf survivorship than on reproductive rate.     

Reproductive hormones and bone mineral density in women runners.

We examined the relationships among reproductive hormone concentrations and bone mineral density (BMD) in 43 women runners classified as eumenorrheic (n = 24), oligomenorrheic (n = 8), or amenorrheic (n = 11). Results were compared with a eumenorrheic nonrunner control group (n = 11). Serum 17 beta-estradiol, progesterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations were determined in daily blood samples for 21 days, and integrated concentrations (areas under the curve) were calculated. BMD was assessed at the lumbar spine and proximal femur by dual-photon absorptiometry. As expected, 17 beta-estradiol, progesterone, and lumbar spine BMD were higher in the control and eumenorrheic runner groups than in the oligomenorrheic and amenorrheic runner groups (P less than 0.05). Progesterone concentration was significantly correlated with lumbar spine BMD in the eumenorrheic runners (r = 0.61). None of the steroid hormones was significantly related to BMD in the oligomenorrheic/amenorrheic group. The present data suggest that circulating levels of gonadal steroid hormones affect axial BMD in eumenorrheic runners.     

Pressure and life: some biological strategies

All biological processes of life on Earth experience varying degrees of pressure. Aquatic organisms living in the deep-sea, as well as chondrocytic cells of articular cartilage are exposed to hydrostatic pressures that rise up to several hundred times that of atmospheric pressure. In the case of marine larvae that disperse through the oceanic water column, pressure changes might be responsible for stress conditions during development, limiting colonisation capabilities. In a number of biological systems, life strategies may be significantly influenced by pressure. In this review, we will focus on the consequences of pressure changes on various biological processes, and more specifically on animals living in the deep-sea. Revisiting general principles of pressure effects on biological systems, we present recent data illustrating the diversity of effects pressure may have at different levels in biological systems, with particular attention to effects on gene expression. After a review of the main pressure equipments available today for studying species living naturally at high pressure, we summarise what is known concerning pressure impact during animal development.     

Reproductive life history of the introduced peacock grouper Cephalopholis argus in Hawaii

This research investigated the reproductive biology (sex ratio, hermaphroditic pattern, size and age at maturity) of Cephalopholis argus, known locally in Hawaii by its Tahitian name roi. The results suggest that C. argus exhibits monandric protogyny (female gonad differentiation with female to male sex change) with females reaching sexual maturity at 1.2 years (95% c.i .: 0.6, 1.6) and 20.0 cm total length (L_T; 95% c.i .: 19.6, 21.2). The female to male sex ratio was 3.9:1. The average age and L_T at sex change was 11.5 years (95% c.i .: 11.1, 12.9) and 39.9 cm (95% c.i .: 39.5, 41.2), respectively. Current information on spawning seasonality of this species is incomplete, but based on the occurrence of spawning capable and actively spawning females, spawning probably takes place from May to October. Evidence of lunar spawning periodicity was found, with an increased proportion of spawning capable and actively spawning females, and an increased female gonado‐somatic index during first quarter and full‐moon phases. This information fills a valuable information gap in Hawaii and across the species' native range.     

Reproductive strategy and carry-over effects for species with complex life histories

We investigated the influences of natal-pool and metamorph characteristics on juvenile survival, age-specific breeding probabilities, and dispersal of wood frogs (Lithobates sylvatica) and used this information to infer how life history strategies of short-lived species may offset risks associated with breeding in highly variable habitats. We used multistate mark-recapture data from eight wood frog populations in Maryland, USA, to investigate the influences of natal-pond and metamorph characteristics on post-metamorphic demographics. We found that post-metamorphic juvenile survival was highly variable and negatively influenced by abiotic conditions experienced during development but showed little relationship to larval density or size at metamorphosis. Estimates of recruitment and dispersal probabilities indicated that males mature earlier than females, and a small percentage of each sex disperse to non-natal pools. Survival probabilities for adults during the non-breeding season were less variable than juvenile rates, lower for females, and negatively related to mean monthly precipitation. Survival of adults during the breeding season was generally very high. We provide the first robust estimates of post-metamorphic vital rates of wood frogs that allow for variation in capture probabilities. We found little evidence for an effect of metamorph traits on juvenile survival, suggesting that wood frogs may be able to overcome initial disadvantages to have similar post-metamorphic performance. Our study suggests that variation in the age of maturity for wood frogs may mitigate risks associated with breeding in a highly variable habitat to maximize lifetime fitness without increasing lifespan, and this strategy is minimally affected by carry-over effects from the larval stage.     

Reproductive behavior and social organization of some Pacific hawkfishes (Cirrhitidae)

Ten species of Pacific hawkfishes occur in small social groups consisting of a single male and one or more females. Facultative monogamy occurred regularly in two obligate coral dwelling species while the remaining species were largely haremic. Males had larger body sizes than females within groups but not necessarily between groups. Males defended territories in which females had home areas. Females defended courtship sites within a male’s territory against neighboring females of the same social group. Courtship was paired and sequential within groups, commencing just prior to or after sunset and concluding at dusk. Spawning, when observed, was pelagic.     

Reproductive mode and life cycle of the ash dieback pathogen Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus

Ash dieback caused by the fungal pathogen Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus is currently ravaging in Europe, killing Fraxinus excelsior and Fraxinus angustifolia trees of all age classes. The aim of this work was to elucidate aspects of the reproduction biology of this fungal pathogen and its cryptic, non-pathogenic sister species Hymenoscyphus albidus. The mating type (MAT) locus of both species was identified, partly sequenced and characterized. Whereas a heterothallic MAT organization was detected in H. pseudoalbidus, H. albidus was shown to be structurally homothallic. The molecular MAT determination of H. pseudoalbidus was confirmed by crossing experiments on sterile ash petioles. Crossings of strains exhibiting alternate MAT idiomorphs produced fertile apothecia whereas crosses of strains with identical MAT idiomorphs were never successful. Offspring genotyping with microsatellites (MSs) and the MAT marker confirmed that both parental strains were involved in apothecia formation. In addition, polymorphic MS were shown to follow Mendelian inheritance. However, for yet unknown reasons the MAT ratio of progenies of one successful cross revealed a significant segregation distortion. Based on the MAT sequences of H. pseudoalbidus a multiplex PCR was developed, allowing for a quick and reliable MAT determination. The PCR was applied to screen the MAT ratio of two H. pseudoalbidus populations derived from the country of the disease outbreak in Poland and two populations from the disease periphery in Switzerland. None of the screened populations showed a significant deviation from the 1:1 ratio, expected under random mating. Therefore, an initial clonal distribution through asexually produced conidiospores as observed for other fungal pathogens holds not true for H. pseudoalbidus. Instead, our data is highly supportive for a distribution through ascospores. Leaf petioles collected in the field were thoroughly analyzed for the number of different colonizing strains and their mating behavior. Up to eight different H. pseudoalbidus genotypes were found on a single petiole. Cross-fertilizations of strains on the same petiole and fertilizations of unknown strains from outside were found, indicating that fertilization is mediated by spermatia. The presented study complements our understanding of the life cycle of this highly destructive pathogen. The possibility to perform sexual crosses in the lab provides ample opportunities for further genetic studies of H. pseudoalbidus and related species in the future.     

妊娠期妇女生殖道大肠埃希菌感染与妊娠不良结局分析

目的探讨妊娠期妇女生殖道大肠埃希菌感染对妊娠不良结局的影响。方法回顾性分析2011年1月至2013年12月在石家庄市第四医院住院孕产妇共2 053例,进行阴道分泌物细菌培养,对大肠埃希菌培养阳性组与正常对照组的妊娠结局进行分析,以探讨妊娠合并生殖道大肠埃希菌感染与围产期并发症的关系。结果在2 053例围产期妇女中,无致病菌组（对照组）为1230例,大肠埃希菌培养阳性组（感染组）为103例,总患病率为5.02%。感染组与对照组的绒毛膜羊膜炎的发生率分别为78.64%、12.20%（P〈0.01）,产褥感染率分别为24.27%、3.41%（P〈0.01）,新生儿黄疸的发生率58.25%、12.36%（P〈0.01）,胎膜早破率分别为11.65%、10.57%（P〉0.05）,早产率分别为3.88%、3.09%（P〉0.05）,胎儿窘迫的发生率2.91%、2.76%（P〉0.05）,低体重儿的发生率1.94%、2.03%（P〉0.05）。结论妊娠期妇女生殖道大肠埃希菌感染与绒毛膜羊膜炎、产褥感染及新生儿黄疸的发生相关,孕期及早发现、诊断、治疗妊娠期妇女生殖道大肠埃希菌感染是有重要意义。