The survival of gamebird (Galliformes) chicks in relation to pesticide use on cereals

Field experiments were carried out to test the effects of cereal pesticides (herbicides, fungicides and insecticides) on chick survival of Grey Partridge Perdix perdix , Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa and Pheasant Phasianus colchicus. On fields in experimental plots the outer 6 m of cereal (the headland) were not sprayed with pesticides from 1 January 1984, whereas control plots were fully sprayed. Gamebird brood counts were carried out after the cereal harvest. In addition, nine Grey Partridge broods were radio-tracked for 21 days after hatching (four in sprayed plots and five in unsprayed plots) to determine their movements, home range size and survival in relation to pesticide spraying.
The mean brood size of Grey Partridge and Pheasant was significantly higher on plots where field edges were unsprayed than on fully sprayed control plots. Data for Red-legged Partridge were inconclusive. The survival of individually marked Grey Partridge broods was negatively related to the distance moved between successive nocturnal roost sites. Survival was significantly higher, the distance moved between roost sites significantly shorter and the proportion of home range including headland significantly greater for broods feeding in spring barley fields with unsprayed field edges compared with broods feeding in fully sprayed fields.     

An aid for identification of dermatoglyphic patterns in subjects difficult to fingerprint

The author's in vivo microscopic technique, initially developed for observation of capillaries in human skin, can be helpful for detecting fingerprint patterns in subjects in whom an abnormal skin surface makes it difficult to record or even observe these patterns by the usual techniques.     

Pyrolysis-gas chromatography of the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae: An aid to strain identification

Six strains of the entomopathogenic fungus Matarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae from North and South America and one strain of M. anisopliae var. major from Samoa were compared by pyrolysis-gas chromatography of conidia. Two strains established to be very similar by other methods proved 98% similar by pyrolysis-gas chromatography. Similarities of the other strains ranged from 62 to 88%. The method is proposed as a simple technique for routine identification of M. anisopliae strains.     

Configuration of the digestive tube as an aid to identification of worker Termitidae (Isoptera)

Abstract. The appearance of the digestive tube in situ is shown to be valuable in the identification of worker termites, particularly those of detritus and soil feeding species. Genera, and sometimes species, can be identified by this character. These preliminary findings will be of assistance to termite ecologists interested in population studies, where problems of the identification of mixed samples containing workers from cores or other soil samples are a serious problem.     

Eimeria pavoaegyptica sp. nov. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in faeces of Indian peacocks, Pavo cristatus Linnaeus, 1758 (Galliformes: Phasianidae) from Egypt

Coprological examination of 15 Indian peacocks, Pavo cristatus, revealed the presence of a coccidium species of the genus Eimeria, which apparently represents a previously undescribed species. Sporulation is exogenous and fully developed oocysts of Eimeria pavoaegyptica sp. nov. are ellipsoidal, with a dimension of 15 (13-16) × 12 (10-12.9) microm and with a shape index of 1.25 (1-1.3). The sporulated oocysts have no micropyle but enclose one large rectangular-shaped polar granule and an oocyst residuum. The oocysts have a distinct two-layered wall, which is ~approximately1.7 microm thick. The outer layer has a smooth texture; it fills ~? of the total thickness and appears bicolored. The sporocysts are boat-shaped, of about 10 (9-11) × 4 (4-4.7) microm; their average shape-index is 2.5 microm with a small pointed Stieda body and a smooth, thin single-layered wall. No substieda body is detected. The sporocysts contain numerous, nearly uniform granular residua. The sporozoites are banana-shaped, 6 × 3 microm and each has two different-sized refractile bodies.     

Morphological versus molecular identification of Sooty (Phoebetria fusca) and Light-mantled (P. palpebrata) albatross chicks

The two fuliginous albatross species, Phoebetria fusca (the Sooty albatross, SA) and P. palpebrata (the Light-mantled albatross, LMA), are found breeding close to each other on the Prince Edward Islands (Southern Ocean). Adults of these two species are easy to identify in the field, but the chicks are difficult to distinguish on the basis of external morphology, especially at very young ages. Many ecological studies involve sampling of chicks as well as adults, and accurate field identification of chicks is thus crucial. Traditionally, the extent of the ring of pale feathers around the eye (eye-ring) has been used to identify the fledglings. The aim of our study was to investigate the utility of characters associated with the eye-ring (extent, measured as an angle, and colour) for the identification of Phoebetria chicks. This was achieved by comparison of identifications based on morphology, with positive identifications based on DNA sequence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. We confirm the value of morphological criteria in distinguishing LMA and SA chicks, and this technique appears to be accurate in the majority of cases (>80%). However, we recommend using molecular identification for borderline cases (angle of the eye-ring measuring between 85 and 95°) if independent confirmation of chick identity cannot be obtained (e.g. via observed feeding interaction with an adult).     

The pterolichoid feather mites (Acarina, Astigmata) of the Megapodiidae (Aves, Galliformes)

The pterolichoid feather mites of megapodes are reviewed. Named taxa are briefly discussed and most are figured. The Pterolichidae (Pterolichinae) are: Ascetohchus Perez & Atyeo, three species; Echinozonus Atyeo & Perez, six species; Pereziella Atyeo, two species; and Phycoferus Atyeo & Perez, two species. New pterolichine taxa, with the type species listed first, include: Botryaspis cordiforma gen. et sp.n. and B. cordata gen. et sp.n.; Cycloprotarsus lineatus gen. et sp.n., C. centralis gen. et sp.n. and C. monacrotrichus gen. et sp.n.; Eurypterolichus gen.n. for Pterolichus navicula comb.n. Trouessart & Neumann and E. coniger gen. et sp.n.; Goniodurus gen.n. for Pterolichus ( Pseudalloptes ) quadratus comb.n. Trouessart and G. bilobatus gen. et sp.n.; Haptepigynus gen.n. for Pterolichus ( Pseudalloptes ) tridentiger comb.n. Trouessart and H. holonotus gen. et sp.n.; Heliaspis ventralis gen. et sp.n.; Leipobius ocellatus gen. et sp.n.; Maleolichus maleo gen. et sp.n.; Mayracarus gen.n. for Pterolichus (P.) tritilobus comb.n. Trouessart; Megapodobius arcuatus gen. et sp.n. and M. striatus gen. et sp.n.; Oxygynurus brevissimus gen. et sp.n., O. longicaulis gen. et sp.n., O. mediocaulis gen. et sp.n. and O. parvicaulis gen. et sp. n.; Prionoturus amembranatus gen. et sp. n.; Talegallobius bidentatus gen. et sp.n.; and Tanysomacarus imperfectus gen. et sp.n. and T. brachymeles gen. et sp.n. A new taxon of the Thoracosathesidae is: Thoracosathes caudiculata sp.n. Keys are provided and host- commensal associations are discussed. All taxa are restricted to the Megapodiidae. Cheylabis fuscina Trouessart is assigned to Pereziella and has as a synonym P. dupilcata Atyeo.     

Interordinal conservatism of chromosome banding patterns in Gallus domesticus (Galliformes) and Melopsittacus undulatus (Psittaciformes)

Chromosome banding homologies were studied between the domestic chicken, Gallus domesticus (Galliformes), and the budgerigar, Melopsittacus undulatus (Psittaciformes). In spite of large karyological differences, the G-banding patterns were found to be conserved to a considerable extent between the two species. There were some differences in C- and Hoechst 33258/Q-banding patterns.     

Antibodies to Ockelbo virus in three orders of birds (Anseriformes, Galliformes and Passeriformes) in Sweden.

Sera from 324 birds collected in an Ockelbo virus disease endemic area in central Sweden were examined for the presence of specific antibodies to Ockelbo virus by a plaque reduction neutralization test. Birds examined belonged to the orders Anseriformes (n = 207), Galliformes (n = 66) and Passeriformes (n = 51). Ockelbo virus neutralizing antibodies were detected in 26 (8%) of the specimens, including species from each of the three orders tested. Specific antibodies found in caged birds and in 6- to 10-week-old birds suggested local transmission. The highest antibody prevalence (27%, 14/51) was observed in the Passeriformes in which 5 of 9 species tested contained antibodies. The high antibody prevalence in passeriforms and the very large population of this group in relation to other avian groups in Sweden gives them a high potential as amplification hosts for Ockelbo virus.     

Biochemical tests as an aid to the identification of Monascus species

The enzymic activity of nine strains of Monascus (Fungi, Ascomycotina), representing all four accepted species as defined on cultural and microscopical features, were compared by means of API ZYM enzyme testing strips and other tests developed for use in Penicillium. Consistent results were obtained between strains of the same species, confirming their taxonomy. Eight tests showed differential activity between the species and will therefore be of value as an aid to the identification of Monascus species. Strains of M. purpureus , used in the production of red-rice, had a strong polypectase activity at pH 6 which was not evidenced in the other three species even after six weeks incubation; those of M. ruber , which often occurs on cellulosic substrates in nature, were the only ones to exhibit cellulase activity.     

An aid to the determination of the ventilatory threshold

Detection of the ventilatory threshold during an incremental load exercise test by eye can be difficult. Although various alternative methods employing information other than the ventilation can be used to assist in determining the ventilatory threshold, they rely on underlying assumptions about the physiological basis for the ventilatory threshold. The method presented here (CUSUM) uses only the ventilation data, and therefore avoids such assumptions. Twelve subjects performed a total of 47 incremental exercise tests to exhaustion. Determinations of the ventilatory thresholds made by eye from the ventilation data (mean of three independent observers) were used as a standard for comparison with determinations using the modified V-slope method and the CUSUM method. A mean (SD) difference of 0.6 (2.84) ml·min^–1·kg^–1 was found between the standard ventilatory thresholds and those determined using the modified V-slope method. A similar comparison between the standard ventilatory thresholds and those determined using the CUSUM method yielded a difference of –0.11 (2.35) ml min^–1·kg^–1. It was concluded that the CUSUM method was a useful aid for the detection of the ventilatory threshold using the ventilation data alone.     

A rapid biochemical test to aid identification of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides small colony (SC) strains

The ability to utilize maltose, as determined by measurement of oxygen uptake, is used to differentiate Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides small colony (SC) and M. capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae (all strains negative) from other members of the M. mycoides cluster (M. mycoides subsp. capri, M. mycoides subsp. mycoides large colony (LC), M. capricolum subsp. capricolum; and bovine serogroup 7; 94% of strains positive). Rapid tests for maltose utilizing ability were developed, based on hydrolysis of a chromogenic alpha-glucosidase (maltase) substrate (p-nitrophenyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside, colourless) to give a brightly coloured product (p-nitrophenol, yellow). On agar plates, colonies of maltose-utilizing strains became coloured within 40 min.     

Comparative mitochondrial genomics and phylogenetic relationships of the Crossoptilon species (Phasianidae,Galliformes)

Background

Phasianidae is a family of Galliformes containing 38 genera and approximately 138 species, which is grouped into two tribes based on their morphological features, the Pheasants and Partridges. Several studies have attempted to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of the Phasianidae, but many questions still remain unaddressed, such as the taxonomic status and phylogenetic relationships among Crossoptilon species. The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) has been extensively used to infer avian genetic diversification with reasonable resolution. Here, we sequenced the entire mitogenomes of three Crossoptilon species (C. harmani, C. mantchuricum and C. crossoptilon) to investigate their evolutionary relationship among Crossoptilon species.

Results

The complete mitogenomes of C. harmani, C. mantchuricum and C. crossoptilon are 16682 bp, 16690 bp and 16680 bp in length, respectively, encoding a standard set of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and a putative control region. C. auritum and C. mantchuricum are more closely related genetically, whereas C. harmani is more closely related to C. crossoptilon. Crossoptilon has a closer relationship with Lophura, and the following phylogenetic relationship was reconstructed: ((Crossoptilon + Lophura) + (Phasianus + Chrysolophus)). The divergence time between the clades C. harmani-C. crossoptilon and C. mantchuricum-C. auritum is consistent with the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau during the Tertiary Pliocene. The Ka/Ks analysis showed that atp8 gene in the Crossoptilon likely experienced a strong selective pressure in adaptation to the plateau environment.

Conclusions

C. auritum with C. mantchuricum and C. harmani with C. crossoptilon form two pairs of sister groups. The genetic distance between C. harmani and C. crossoptilon is far less than the interspecific distance and is close to the intraspecific distance of Crossoptilon, indicating that C. harmani is much more closely related to C. crossoptilon. Our mito-phylogenomic analysis supports the monophyly of Crossoptilon and its closer relationship with Lophura. The uplift of Tibetan Plateau is suggested to impact the divergence between C. harmani-C. crossoptilon clade and C. mantchuricum-C. auritum clade during the Tertiary Pliocene. Atp8 gene in the Crossoptilon species might have experienced a strong selective pressure for adaptation to the plateau environment.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1234-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

A method of isolating the collagen (I) alpha2 chain carboxytelopeptide for species identification in bone fragments

We present a novel method for the isolation and analysis of the bone collagen (I) α2 chain carboxytelopeptide as a species biomarker. Conventional methods for the analysis and sequencing of mixtures of proteins and peptides commonly involve using the protease trypsin to cleave proteins present in the sample. However, in the study of collagen, these methods result in very complex mixtures of peptides that are difficult to analyze and the acquired results are not reproducible. Here we use bacterial collagenase (from Clostridium histolyticum) for its ability to cleave the highly unusual Gly-Xaa-Yaa repeating sequence of collagen, where Xaa usually is Pro and Yaa often is Hyp. Followed by a simple isolation step using a reverse phase solid phase extraction cartridge, the α2 (I) chain carboxytelopeptide can be readily analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) and the results can be used to distinguish between different species of origin.     

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa) decarboxylase activity in the arthropod nervous system

1. When homogenates of brains from mature adult locusts (Locusta migratoria) were incubated with l-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)[3-(14)C]alanine the major radioactive metabolite was dopamine, suggesting the presence of a dopa (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) decarboxylase. 2. Decarboxylation of l-dopa by this tissue, measured under optimum conditions by a radiochemical method, was 21mumol of CO(2)/h per g wet wt. Apparent decarboxylation of l-tyrosine proceeded at 0.34mumol of CO(2)/h per g wet wt. There was no detectable decarboxylation of l-tryptophan, l-histidine or l-phenylalanine. 3. Dopa decarboxylase activity was found in all major regions of the ventral nerve cord of the mature locust (range: 4-7mumol of CO(2)/h per g wet wt.) but was low or absent in thoracic peripheral nerve. 4. Marked decarboxylation of l-dopa was found in homogenates of brains of four other species of insects, and in brain and ventral nerve cord, but not in the claw nerve, of the crayfish. 5. The activity of the locust brain enzyme may be slightly lower at the time of imaginal ecdysis than during the mature period. By contrast, the dopa decarboxylase that produces dopamine as an intermediate in cuticle biosynthesis is known to be high in activity at the time of ecdysis and low in activity during the intermoult stages.     

A simplified arthropod genomic-DNA extraction protocol for polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based specimen identification through barcoding

Genomic DNA extraction protocols generally require the use of expensive and hazardous reagents necessary for decontamination of phenolic compounds from the extracts. In addition, they are lengthy, hindering large-scale sample extractions necessary for high-throughput analyses. Here we describe a simple, time and cost-efficient method for genomic DNA extraction from insects. The extracted DNA was successfully used in a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), making it suitable for automation for large-scale genetic analysis and barcoding studies. The protocol employs a single purification step to remove polysaccharides and other contaminating compounds using a non-hazardous reagent buffer. In addition, we conducted a bioinformatics database analysis as proof of concept for the efficiency of the DNA extraction protocol by using universal barcoding primers specific for cytochrome c oxidase I gene to identify different arthropod specimens through Barcode of Life Database (BOLD) database search. The usefulness of this protocol in various molecular biology and biodiversity studies is further discussed.