Yield-per recruit analyses on Parapenaeopsis stylifera and Metapenaeus dobsoni from Kerala State, India

The stocks of shrimps Parapenaeopsis stylifera and Metapenaeus dobsoni in the fishery of two areas of Kerala coast in India have been studied using length frequency data. The average annual stocks of the two species have been indicated. The present status of fishery shows a differential fishing pressure for males and females of P. stylifera, resulting in favourable recruitment of the species in the fishery, while this is not so in the case of M. dobsoni. The study suggests the necessity for reduction in the fishing pressure in order to maintain MSY levels.     

Study on the Host–Parasite Relationship of Parapenaeopsis stylifera (H. Milne Edwards) (Decapoda:Penaeidae) and Parapenaeon japonica (Thielemann); (Isopoda:Bopyridae)

Thirteen species of penaeid shrimps, namely, Fenneropenaeus merguiensis, F. penicillatus, F. indicus, Penaeus semisulcatus, Metapenaeus affinis, M. monoceros, M. brevicornis, M. stebbingi, Parapenaeopsis stylifera, P. hardwickii, P. sculptilis, Parapenaeus longipes and Metapenaeopsis stridulans were examined in the present study. With the exception of Fenneropenaeus merguiensis and Parapenaeopsis stylifera no other shrimp species were found to be infected with bopyrids, the infection rate being 0.21% in F. merguiensis and 1.22% in P. stylifera. No marked change was observed in weight of the shrimps infected by bopyrids, however, a single male shrimp infected with bopyrid possessed a female like rostrum. All the infected male and female shrimps were found to be sexually immature.     

Present status of the multi‐gear shrimp fishery off the west coast of Sri Lanka: gear‐based species diversity and selectivity

Catch statistics were monitored from well established small‐scale shrimp fisheries in Negombo lagoon and the adjacent coast in western Sri Lanka, in order to evaluate resource usage, gear selectivity, and spatio‐temporal dynamics of catches and CPUE. A total of 55 species, representing 35 families, including 13 shrimp species were recorded from 3546 samples obtained weekly during January 2009‐April 2010, for nine types of gear in six fishing grounds. Special emphasis was on shrimp catches: four main shrimp species, Metapenaeus dobsoni, Fenneropenaeus indicus, Parapenaeopsis coromandelica and Penaeus semisulcatus, represented 82% of the total shrimp landings. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) differed among fishing grounds, months and gear types. Species diversity differed among the gear chosen. Hierarchical cluster analysis based on presence‐absence of the species data of catches showed that clustering was based on habitat rather than on the fishing gear. Species composition analysed with a Detrended Correspondence Analyses over months and fishing grounds showed a distinction of trawl gear from the remainder of the gear operated in the lagoon. The information presented is of importance for evaluation of the present status of the shrimp fishery and for developing management strategies based on the types of gear.     

The genital organs and their development in Metapenaus affinis (Decapoda,Penaeidae) studied through rearing them in the laboratory

The structure and development of the genital organs of Metapenaeus affinis has been described and illustrated with particular reference to the internal structure, in specimens reared in the laboratory.     

Detection of hepatopancreatic parvovirus (HPV) in wild shrimp from India by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

The prevalence of hepatopancreatic parvovirus (HPV) in wild penaeid shrimp samples from India was studied by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers designed in our laboratory. The virus could be detected in 9 out of 119 samples by non-nested PCR. However, by nested PCR 69 out of 119 samples were positive. The PCR results were confirmed by hybridization with digoxigenin-labelled DNA probe. Shrimp species positive by non-nested PCR included Penaeus monodon, Penaeus indicus and Penaeus semisulcatus and by nested PCR Parapenaeopsis stylifera, Penaeus japonicus, Metapenaeus monoceros, M. affinis, M. elegans, M. dobsoni, M. ensis and Solenocera choprai. This is the first report on the prevalence of HPV in captured wild shrimp from India.     

An unusual abnormality in the development of an eye of a marine penaeid prawn,Parapenaeopsis stylifera (H. Milne Edwards). (Crustacea,Decapoda, Penaeidae)

A male prawn, Parapenaeopsis stylifera, collected in a haul, was found to be having an undeveloped right eye. The eyestalk was absent and eye pigment was located directly on the reduced basal segment. The observation is briefly discussed on a neurobiological basis.     

Phylogenetic Relationships of 12 Penaeoidea Shrimp Species Deduced from Mitochondrial DNA Sequences

DNA sequences of an 847 bp fragment of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and a 514 bp fragment of 16s rRNA gene were determined to examine the phylogenetic relationships of 12 Penaeoidea shrimp species (Penaeus chinensis, Penaeus japonicus, Penaeus penicillatus, Penaeus vannamei, Penaeus canaliculatus, Trachypenaeus curvirostris, Metapenaeus affinis, Metapenaeus ensis, Metapenaeopsis barbata, Parapenaeus fissuroides, Parapenaeopsis hardiwickii, Solenocera crassicomis). Both fragments of the swimming crab Portunus trituberculaus chosen as the outgroup were also sequenced. Intraspecific sequence divergence of 0.24-1.2% in the COI gene was found in 5 species, while no intraspecific variation was observed in the 16s rRNA gene. Three phylogenetic trees based on the 1361 bp combined sequences of COI and 16s rRNA were concordant in indicating the following suggestions: (1) phylogenetic relationship of the 11 Penaeidae species based on our result support the opinion of Burkenroad (Burkenroad, M.D. (1983). Crustacean Issues 3:279-290) on the basis of morphological features; (2) it seems more reasonable to class Solenocera crassicorni in the family Penaeidae; (3) the fragment of the COI gene chosen here appears to be a good marker for speciation studies and population analysis in Crustaceans, while the 16s rRNA gene fragment here seems suitable for examining phylogenetic relationships at the species or genus levels in Crustaceans. Our time estimates suggest that Penaeus and Metapenaeus might have separated about 6.38 x 10(6)-7.98 x 10(6) years BP in the post-Miocene, and the species separation within Metapenaeus and Penaeus might occur 0.08 x 10(6)-0.4 x 10(6) years BP in the late Pleistocene.     

Larval ecology and reproductive activity of Metapenaeus ensis and M.endeavouri in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia, assessed from the distribution and abundance of the protozoeal stages

Plankton samples were collected during six cruises in the Gulfof Carpentaria, Australia, between May 1976 and March 1977.Prawn larvae were identified to genus level, and then Metapenaeusprotozoeae were identified using discriminant analysis of morphologicalcharacters. The majority of larvae identified were either Metapenaeusensis or Metapenaeus endeuvouri. Metapenaeus endeavouri larvaewere only found in coastal regions. Although numbers of thisspecies were low during most months sampled, abundance peakedduring January and March 1977. Metapenaeus ensis larvae werewidely distributed, in both coastal and offshore areas, andwere present throughout the year. Highest abundances were observedin January 1977. The Gulf-wide distribution of adult prawnswas also assessed by exploratory trawling during one cruisein May 1976; during this cruise, adult M.ensis were also foundoffshore, in areas not frequented by commercial fishing vessels.Therefore, this species may be more widely distributed thanwas previously thought.     

椒江口海域春秋季虾类群落结构及其影响因素

依据2010年春季(4月)和秋季(10月)椒江口海域渔业资源调查资料,分析了虾类的种类组成、优势度、物种数量的空间分布及多样性、相似性等群落结构特征,并对其影响因素进行探讨.结果表明: 椒江口海域春秋两季共出现虾类16种,隶属于8科12属,其中春季14种,秋季12种;春季优势种有中国毛虾、鲜明鼓虾、哈氏仿对虾、细螯虾、日本鼓虾、葛氏长臂虾6种,秋季优势种依次为中华管鞭虾、哈氏仿对虾、周氏新对虾3种.椒江口海域虾类以广温广盐生态类群为主,其次为广温低盐生态类群.多样性分析表明,Margalef种类丰富度指数和Shannon多样性指数较高的站位主要集中在大陈岛西侧海域,整个调查海域的均匀性指数较为稳定.运用聚类和多维标度对群落结构的相似性进行分析,结合水深等环境因子对椒江口虾类的群聚类型进行了讨论,椒江口虾类群落结构的季节变化明显、空间分异显著,水深是导致椒江口海域春秋季虾类群落结构组成差异的主要原因.
     

Identification of β integrin‐like‐ and fibronectin‐like proteins in the bivalve mollusk Mytilus trossulus

Integrins play a key role in the intermediation and coordination between cells and extracellular matrix components. In this study, we first determined the presence of the β integrin‐like protein and its presumptive ligand, fibronectin‐like protein, during development and in some adult tissues of the bivalve mollusc Mytilus trossulus. We found that β integrin‐like protein expression correlated with the development and differentiation of the digestive system in larvae. Besides the presence of β integrin‐like protein in the digestive epithelial larval cells, this protein was detected in the hemocytes and some adult tissues of M. trossulus. The fibronectin‐like protein was detected firstly at the blastula stage and later, the FN‐LP‐immunoreactive cells were scattered in the trochophore larvae. The fibronectin‐like protein was not expressed in the β integrin‐positive cells of either the veliger stage larvae or the adult mussel tissues and the primary hemocyte cell culture. Despite the β integrin‐ and fibronectin‐like proteins being expressed in different cell types of mussel larvae, we do not exclude the possibility of direct interaction between these two proteins during M. trossulus development or in adult tissues.     

A 56-kDa protein is a novel granule-bound starch synthase existing in the pericarps, aleurone layers, and embryos of immature seed in diploid wheat (Triticum monococcum L.)

A novel 56-kDa granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS; NDPglucose-starch glucosyltransferase, EC 2.4.1.21) responsible for amylose synthesis was found in the pericarps, aleurone layers and embryos of immature diploid wheat (Triticum monococcum L.). The GBSS and other proteins bound to starch granules of various tissues of immature normal and waxy diploid wheat seeds were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and their activities were examined. In the waxy mutant, the waxy protein (59.5 kDa, GBSSI) was absent, but amylose and GBSS activity were evident in all tissues except the endosperm. Of the proteins bound to starch granules, only the 56-kDa protein was associated with the presence of amylose and GBSS activities in the pericarps, aleurone layers and embryos. Mutations at the waxy locus did not affect the 56-kDa protein in these tissues. Changes in the amount of 56-kDa protein during the course of seed development, and the distribution of the 56-kDa protein in each tissue of immature seeds were quite different from those of the waxy protein. On the other hand, the N-terminal amino acid sequence of the 56-kDa protein had a 40–50% similarity to GBSSI of some other plant species and was antigenically related to the waxy protein. These results strongly suggest that the 56-kDa protein in diploid wheat is a GBSSI class enzyme and, hence, an isoform of the waxy protein. The waxy protein and 56-kDa protein, however, are expressed in different seed tissues and at different stages of seed development. Received: 15 May 1998 / Accepted: 18 June 1998     

Blood glucose in marine Penaeid Prawns. III. Variation in relation to ovarian growth in Parapenaeopsis Hardwickii (Miers) (Crustacea,Decapoda, Penaeidae)

In the present study on female Parapenaeopsis hardwickii information is presented concerning the variation in blood glucose concentration during the different stages (I to V) of ovarian growth. A direct proportionality was found between blood glucose level and ovary growth. There was an incessant hike in blood glucose level as ovary development proceeds from stage I to IV but a drastic downfall was noticed in stage V, i.e. in the spawned prawns. Physiological significance of these findings are discussed.This study was supported by I.C.A.R., New Delhi, India through a Project on Reproductive Endocrinology of Edible Prawns     

Tissue distribution of the secretory protein, SPLUNC1, in the human fetus

We previously identified a tissue-specific gene, short palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone 1 (SPLUNC1), in nasopharyngeal epithelial tissues. SPLUNC1 was differentially expressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that SPLUNC1 has the bactericidal permeability-increasing protein/lipid-binding protein (BPI/LBP) domain and a 19 amino acid signal peptide, which suggest that it is a secretory protein. Its precise cellular localization in the respiratory tract is mainly in mucous cells and ducts of submucosal glands. However, little is known about its expression pattern in various human tissues. We generated a highly specific antibody and analyzed its distribution in the human fetus by immunohistochemistry to more precisely determine SPLUNC1 protein localization in human tissues. The results were further validated by RT-PCR. Our results showed that SPLUNC1 protein is expressed at not only the serous glands and epithelium of the upper respiratory tract and digestive tract, but also in the oculi of human embryos. Interestingly, we also found positive staining in fetus adipose tissue, a result not previously reported in studies of adult human tissues. Western blot analysis detected a 24 kDa SPLUNC1 protein in the compounds of nasopharyngeal secretions. This secretory protein was also detected in saliva and tears. Our research suggests that SPLUNC1 protein may not only be an antimicrobial peptide that plays an important role in the maintenance of homeostasis in the upper respiratory tract, oculi, and alimentary tract, it may also be important in the development and lipid metabolism of the adipose tissue.     

Proteins as a potential nitrogen storage compound in bark and leaves of several softwoods

Summary The occurrence of vegetative storage proteins in the leaf and bark tissues of several softwood species during overwintering was investigated by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide electrophoresis. Monthly protein profiles from leaves and bark of six evergreen softwood species (Pinus strobus, P. sylvestris, Picea abies, P. glauca, Abies balsamea, and Thuja occidentalis) and the bark of one deciduous softwood species (Larix decidua) suggest that storage proteins are present in bark tissues of L. decidua, Pinus sylvestris, and P. strobus. The remaining species did not show similar specific proteins. However, the total soluble protein content which was determined during active growth and during overwintering in the same tissues indicated that protein levels were higher in the winter compared to the summer in the bark of all species and in the leaves of Pinus spp. and T. occidentalis. While vegetative storage proteins do not appear prevalent in all softwood species, proteins may constitute a major form of overwintering nitrogen storage for many species.     

Trans-regulatory genes affect Slpa and Slpo expression and act in a tissue-specific manner

The plasma protein C4 and its androgen-dependent homologue Slp are encoded by genes located in the mouse major histocompatibility complex, H-2. The C4 and Slp protein levels and liver mRNA levels are influenced by non-H-2-linked regulatory genes. The allele-specific regulation of C4 expression and the androgen regulation of Slp expression are manifest only in some of the tissues where these genes are expressed. Therefore, we studied tissues in which the effects of the non-H-2 regulatory genes are apparent. We show that these genes only affect the Slp expression in tissues where it is androgen-dependent. This indicates that the non-H-2 regulatory genes most likely act through interaction with the androgen regulation of Slp expression. We also show that liver cells of mice with the Slp ^o allele, which do not produce Slp protein, do express Slp mRNA; this expression is also androgen-induced and regulated by non-H-2 genes. Thus, both the Slp ^a and Slp ^o alleles appear to be regulated in the same way.     

Uniform accumulation of recombinant miraculin protein in transgenic tomato fruit using a fruit-ripening-specific E8 promoter

The E8 promoter, a tomato fruit-ripening-specific promoter, and the CaMV 35S promoter, a constitutive promoter, were used to express the miraculin gene encoding the taste-modifying protein in tomato. The accumulation of miraculin protein and mRNA was compared among transgenic tomatoes expressing the miraculin gene driven by these promoters. Recombinant miraculin protein predominantly accumulated in transgenic tomato lines using the E8 promoter (E8-MIR) only at the red fruit stage. The accumulations were almost uniform among all fruit tissues. When the 35S promoter (35S-MIR) was used, miraculin accumulation in the exocarp was much higher than in other tissues, indicating that the miraculin accumulation pattern can be regulated by using different types of promoters. We also discuss the potential of the E8-MIR lines for practical use.