Migration patterns and phenotypic diversity of underyearlings of sockeye salmon <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oncorhynchus nerka</Emphasis> in the Ozernaya River basin (Kamchatka)

Migratory behavior, size composition, and feeding patterns of the underyearlings of sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka from different intraspecific phenotypic groups in the Ozernaya River basin are studied. Complex organization of main phenotypic groups is demonstrated: several labile spatial-temporal groups are defined within them. The discovered phenotypic polymorphism is temporal and manifested by the sockeye salmon underyearlings only during the period in which they reach the main rearing grounds.     

Genetic diversity of sockeye salmon <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oncorhynchus nerka</Emphasis> Walbaum of Kamchatka and the Commander Islands based on analysis of the variability of microsatellite DNA

The genetic diversity of the resident and migratory forms of sockeye salmon is investigated in 14 populations from various water bodies of Kamchatka and the Commander Islands by ten loci of microsatellite DNA. There are considerable differences in the frequencies of alleles among the populations of kokanee from Lake Kronotskoe, the residual form of sockeye salmon from Lake Kopylie, and other populations analyzed. Clustering of samples corresponds to their geographic position. No differences in the frequencies of alleles of the investigated loci are found between two forms of resident sockeye salmon from Kronotskoe Lake. In the sockeye salmon from the Commander Islands, a relatively low genetic diversity is found, as well as the greatest remoteness from the other Kamchatka group.     

The effect of the infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus on the population of sockeye salmon <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oncorhynchus nerka</Emphasis> (Salmoniformes,Salmonidae) from Lake Nachikinskoe

The results of virological examination of adult sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka in Lake Nachikinskoe from 2003 to 2008 demonstrated high values of prevalence of the infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) in the fish population (up to 100%). In the studied water reservoir there are optimal conditions for the development and revealing of the epizootic of infectious hematopoietic necrosis (IHN). In Lake Nachikinskoe, two natural epizootics of IHN in juvenile sockeye salmon were recorded in 2003 and 2006. The tendencies for change of prevalence of IHNV by years were analyzed, and their relation to the numbers of adult sockeye salmon at the spawning grounds of Lake Nachikinskoe was determined. The correlation of IHNV prevalence with the numbers of adult sockeye salmon in the studied water reservoir is direct but insignificant (r _s = 0.695, p < 0.05). It was shown that the epizootic of 2003 could affect the fact that fish return in 2007 and 2008 was minimum for the considered time interval while the numbers of their parents were, on the other hand, very high.     

Seasonal and interannual variations of sockeye salmon (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oncorhynchus nerka</Emphasis>) microsatellite DNA in two Kamchatka lake-river systems

Seasonal and interannual variations in the sockeye salmon populations from two lake-river systems of the East and West Kamchatka were studied. Stability of allele and genotypic frequencies of six microsatellite DNA loci in the adjacent generations and spawning populations of the sockeye salmon of the Bol’shaya River was confirmed experimentally. The pairwise intersample differentiation (F _st) of the local sockeye salmon populations from the southwestern Kamchatka coast (Ozernaya and Bol’shaya Rivers) was almost 7 times higher than the corresponding values for the spawning populations of the Bol’shaya River sockeye salmon of the adjacent years; 15 times, for the adjacent Bol’shaya River sockeye salmon generations; and four times, for the seasonal races within the Kamchatka River.     

Structure of the school of sock-eyed salmon <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oncorhynchus nerka</Emphasis> from the Apuka River (the Northeastern Kamchatka)

Results of study of sock-eyed salmon Oncorhynchus nerka from the Apuka River—the largest river of the northeast of Kamchatka—inflowing Olyutorskii Bay of the Bering Sea are presented. It is established that the school of the Apuka River is represented by the early-run sock-eyed salmon that spawns in Lake Vatyg-Gytkhyn located in the lower part of the basin and by individuals of the later run that spawn in the upper reaches of the river. Early-run sock-eyed salmon appears in the river with signs of spawning changes and a high value of gonadosomatic index (GSI). Late-run sock-eyed salmon migrates to the river without signs of spawning changes and with a relatively low GSI. The age composition of spawners of the early- and late-run sock-eyed salmon is different.     

The state of gonads of resident sockeye salmon <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oncorhynchus nerka</Emphasis> from the Tolmachev Reservoir

Morphology of gonads and structure of sex cells in females and males of the resident sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka—kokanee—from Tolmachevskoe Reservoir are investigated. Anomalies in structure of sex cells and structure of oocytes are found. Partial or mass resorpbion of cells in the ovaries of males and testes of males is found, leading to sterility of gonads. The relationship between anomalies found in structure of the sex system of kokanee, changes in biological parameters of fish and the increase of the population abundance is discussed.     

Comparative analysis of STR and SNP polymorphism in the populations of sockeye salmon (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oncorhynchus nerka</Emphasis>) from Eastern and Western Kamchatka

Sockeye salmon samples from five largest lacustrine-riverine systems of Kamchatka Peninsula were tested for polymorphism at six microsatellite (STR) and five single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci. Statistically significant genetic differentiation among local populations from this part of the species range examined was demonstrated. The data presented point to pronounced genetic divergence of the populations from two geographical regions, Eastern and Western Kamchatka. For sockeye salmon, the individual identification test accuracy was higher for microsatellites compared to similar number of SNP markers. Pooling of the STR and SNP allele frequency data sets provided the highest accuracy of the individual fish population assignment.     

Morphological and molecular characterization of two ITS groups of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Erysiphe</Emphasis> (Erysiphales) occurring on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Syringa</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ligustrum</Emphasis> (Oleaceae)

ITS sequences determined for 53 Erysiphe specimens on Syringa and Ligustrum collected in Europe, East Asia, and North and South America were divided into two ITS groups, S and K types. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these two ITS types do not share a common ancestor and form separate clades. The K type on Ligustrum was identified as Erysiphe ligustri based on the three-dimensional branching pattern of appendages. Morphological observations showed that there are some morphological differences—pigmentation of appendages and number of ascospores per ascus—between the S and K types on Syringa. Based on these morphological observations, the S and K types on Syringa were identified as E. syringae and E. syringae-japonicae, respectively. The recent abundant production of chasmothecia by lilac powdery mildew in Europe was caused by E. syringae-japonicae introduced from East Asia. DNA sequence analyses of the rDNA ITS region and the 28S rDNA, tub2, CYP51, and Chs1 genes did not support an interspecific hybrid origin for E. syringae-japonicae. Haplotype analysis suggested that E. syringae originated in North America and independently migrated to East Asia and Europe/South America.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus anthracis</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Francisella tularensis</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Yersinia pestis</Emphasis>. The most important bacterial warfare agents — <Emphasis Type="Italic">review</Emphasis>

There are three most important bacterial causative agents of serious infections that could be misused for warfare purposes: Bacillus anthracis (the causative agent of anthrax) is the most frequently mentioned one; however, Fracisella tularensis (causing tularemia) and Yersinia pestis (the causative agent of plague) are further bacterial agents enlisted by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention into the category A of potential biological weapons. This review intends to summarize basic information about these bacterial agents. Military aspects of their pathogenesis and the detection techniques suitable for field use are discussed.     

Interaction of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus</Emphasis> with bacteria <Emphasis Type="Italic">Campylobacter jejuni</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Helicobacter pylori</Emphasis>

Interaction of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus 100NCJB with bacteria Campylobacter jejuni (strains 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) and Helicobacter pylori, strain TX30a, was confirmed. The results indicate that lytic activity of bdellovibrios both in liquid media and cells attached to a surface was observed. The potential use of the antimicrobial activity of predatory bacteria for environmental bioprotection and public health is discussed.     

Frequencies of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">DRB1</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">DQA1</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">DQB1</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">TNFA</Emphasis> alleles in immigrant population of west Siberia

Based on population analysis of the DRB1, DQA1, DQB1 and TNFA allele frequency distribution patterns, regional features of immunogenetic structure of the population of West Siberia were investigated. Statistically significant linkage disequilibrium within the HLA class II region, as well as between the TNFA and DRB1, DQA1, and DQB1 was demonstrated. Population frequency distribution patterns of two- and multilocus haplotypes were examined.     

The lipid status and feeding habits of yearlings of mykiss <Emphasis Type="Italic">Parasalmo mykiss</Emphasis> and coho salmon <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oncorhynchus kisutch</Emphasis> in autumn

Juveniles of coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch and mykiss Parasalmo mykiss at the age 1 + (yearlings) are differentiated by the content of different fractions of lipids (the lipid status), feeding habits, and by size-weight characteristics even eight months prior to smoltification. The juveniles of coho salmon and mykiss with high lipid status consume more calorific food items and, as a rule, have higher (on average) body length and weight. The juveniles with low lipid status consume less calorific organisms and have lower body length and weight. It is supposed that a considerable part of juveniles with high lipid status will migrate seaward the next year. The role of feeding habits in formation of this differentiation and, accordingly, in determination of timing of smoltification are discussed.     

Overexpression of the Chitosanase Gene in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium solani</Emphasis> via <Emphasis Type="Italic">Agrobacterium</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">tumefaciens</Emphasis>-Mediated Transformation

To overexpress the chitosanase gene (csn) in F. solani, a vector based on pCAMBIA 1300 was constructed. The csn gene, which is under control of the Aspergillus nidulans gpdA promoter and A. nidulans trpC terminator, was introduced back into the F. solani genome by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation, and the herbicide-resistance gene bar from Streptomyces hygroscopicus was used as the selection marker. Transformants which showed a significant increase in chitosanase production (~2.1-fold than control) were obtained. Southern blot analysis indicated that most transformants had a single-copy T-DNA integration.     

Life cycle of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aylax hypecoi</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Insecta: Hymenoptera: Cynipidae</Emphasis>), a gall inducer on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hypecoum</Emphasis> ssp. (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Papaveraceae</Emphasis>)

The life cycle and developmental stages of Aylax hypecoi (Trotter, 1913, Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Aylacini) were studied in detail. Aylax hypecoi is known to induce galls in fruits of two Hypecoum species — H. imberbe and H. geslini (Papaveraceae) and the larva develops in host plant fruits. The morphology and development of egg, larva and pupa were investigated, which has previously not been done. The shape and size of terminal-instar larvae and associated galls are sex-specific. Overwintering stage, adult emergence and flying periods, and egg productivity were studied also.     

Multiple host-ant use by the predatory social parasite <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phengaris</Emphasis> (=<Emphasis Type="Italic">Maculinea</Emphasis>) <Emphasis Type="Italic">arion</Emphasis> (Lepidoptera,Lycaenidae)

Phengaris (=Maculinea) arion is an endangered social parasite of Myrmica ants, and for a very long time was considered as specific to Myrmica sabuleti. Previous studies carried out in Poland suggested some discrepancies within this assumption, and therefore a much more intensive survey was undertaken. The host ant use of P. arion was studied at five sites in different types of biotopes in Poland, i.e. xerothermal grasslands where Thymus pulegioides was used as a larval food plant by the butterfly, and more or less sandy biotopes with Thymus serpyllum. Altogether nine Myrmica species were recorded, and considerable variation in species composition and density of nests was recorded. At four localities M. sabuleti proved to be the most common ant. A total of 529 Myrmica nests were examined, and only 20 of them contained larvae and pupae of P. arion. Host ants belonged to five different species, i.e. M. sabuleti, Myrmica scabrinodis, Myrmica schencki, Myrmica lobicornis and Myrmica hellenica. Only at one site (NE Poland) was a significant heterogeneity in parasitation rates among Myrmica species detected. M. lobicornis was the most often infested ant there, which may suggest local specialisation of the butterfly. Overall low parasitism rates may explain the vulnerability of P. arion in Central Europe but further studies are also necessary.     

Synthesis of orthogonally protected (<Emphasis Type="Italic">3R</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">4S</Emphasis>)- and (<Emphasis Type="Italic">3S</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">4S</Emphasis>)-4,5-diamino-3-hydroxypentanoic acids

Summary.  The paper describes two methods of the synthesis of ethyl (3R,4S)- and (3S,4S)-4-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-5-[(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)amino]-3-hydroxypentanoates, useful for the syntheses of edeine analogs. Differently N-protected (S)-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid was used as a substrate in both procedures. The absolute configuration of newly generated asymmetric carbon atoms C-3 in β-hydroxy-γ,δ-diamino products was assigned by means of ¹H NMR spectroscopy after their transformation into corresponding piperidin-2-ones. Received May 24, 2002 Accepted October 10, 2002 Published online December 18, 2002 Acknowledgment The authors are indebted to the Faculty of Chemistry, Technical University of Gdańsk for financial support. Authors' address: Zbigniew Czajgucki, M. Sc., Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Technical University of Gdańsk, 11/12 Narutowicza St., 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland, Fax +48 58 347 11 44, E-mail: zmczaj@wp.pl     

Novel molecular markers of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chlamydia pecorum</Emphasis> genetic diversity in the koala (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phascolarctos cinereus</Emphasis>)

Background  

Chlamydia pecorum is an obligate intracellular bacterium and the causative agent of reproductive and ocular disease in several animal hosts including koalas, sheep, cattle and goats. C. pecorum strains detected in koalas are genetically diverse, raising interesting questions about the origin and transmission of this species within koala hosts. While the ompA gene remains the most widely-used target in C. pecorum typing studies, it is generally recognised that surface protein encoding genes are not suited for phylogenetic analysis and it is becoming increasingly apparent that the ompA gene locus is not congruent with the phylogeny of the C. pecorum genome. Using the recently sequenced C. pecorum genome sequence (E58), we analysed 10 genes, including ompA, to evaluate the use of ompA as a molecular marker in the study of koala C. pecorum genetic diversity.