Since the time of Darwin,subspecies have been recognized as an initial stage in the evolution of species.However,the impact of dispersal on subspecies richness in birds globally has received little attention,despite d...Since the time of Darwin,subspecies have been recognized as an initial stage in the evolution of species.However,the impact of dispersal on subspecies richness in birds globally has received little attention,despite dispersal being a key factor in determining the rate of evolution and playing a significant role in evolutionary divergence.Therefore,it is important to conduct a comprehensive study to address this issue.In this study,we aimed to assess the association between subspecies richness(measured by the number of subspecies)and dispersal ability(measured by the hand-wing index)on a global scale,using a dataset of over 7000 bird species.Our results revealed a negative correlation between dispersal ability and the number of subspecies,without any quadratic correlation.The wing is a crucial phenotypic trait for birds,and the concept of subspecies is important in speciation theory and conservation biology.Therefore,our findings not only enhance our understanding of the association between avian morphological traits and evolutionary divergence but also have implications for the conservation of avian species diversity.展开更多
BACKGROUND Streptococcus gallolyticus subspecies pasteurianus(SGSP)is a rare pathogen responsible for infant sepsis and meningitis and is potentially overlooked because it is not included in routine group B streptococ...BACKGROUND Streptococcus gallolyticus subspecies pasteurianus(SGSP)is a rare pathogen responsible for infant sepsis and meningitis and is potentially overlooked because it is not included in routine group B streptococcal screenings.Hence,we present a case of SGSP-induced infant meningitis and sepsis,accompanied by bronchopneumonia induced by multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA),providing insights into the identification,management,and prognosis of this bacterial infection.CASE SUMMARY A 45-day-old female infant presented with two episodes of high fever(maximum temperature:39.5°C)and two generalized grand mal seizure episodes that lasted over ten seconds and self-resolved without concomitant symptoms.Postadmission,the patient’s C-reactive protein level was 40.73 mg/L,white blood cell count was 13.42×10^(9)/L,neutrophil ratio was 78.4%,procalcitonin level was 7.89μg/L,cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)white cell count was 36×10^(6)/L,multinucleated cell ratio was 95.2%,and protein concentration was 0.41 g/L.Blood and CSF culture revealed that the pathogen was SGSP.The bacterium was sensitive to ampicillin,furazolidone,penicillin,lincomycin,moxifloxacin,rifampicin,vancomycin,and levofloxacin but resistant to clindamycin and tetracycline.Sputum culture revealed the presence of MRSA,which was sensitive to vancomycin.The patient was diagnosed with meningitis and sepsis caused by SGSP,accompanied by bronchopneumonia induced by MRSA.Ceftriaxone(100 mg/kg/d)combined with vancomycin(10 mg/kg/dose,q6h)was given as an anti-infective treatment postadmission.After 12 days of treatment,the infant was discharged from the hospital with normal CSF,blood culture,and routine blood test results,and no complications,such as subdural effusion,were observed on cranial computed tomography.No growth retardation or neurological sequelae occurred during follow-up.CONCLUSION SGPSP-induced infant bacterial meningitis and sepsis should be treated with prompt blood and CSF cultures,and a sensitive antibiotic therapy to ensure a favorable prognosis.展开更多
Salmonella enterica has a wide diversity,with numerous serovars belonging to six different subspecies with dynamic animal-host tropism.The FimH protein is the adhesin mediating binding to various cells,and slight amin...Salmonella enterica has a wide diversity,with numerous serovars belonging to six different subspecies with dynamic animal-host tropism.The FimH protein is the adhesin mediating binding to various cells,and slight amino acid discrepancy significantly affects the adherence capacities.To date,the general function of FimH variability across dif-ferent subspecies of Salmonella enterica has not been addressed.To investigate the biological functions of FimH among the six Salmonella enterica subspecies,the present study performed several assays to determine biofilm for-mation,Caenorhabditis elegans killing,and intestinal porcine enterocyte cell IPEC-J2 adhesion by using various FimH allele mutants.In general,allelic mutations in both the lectin and pilin domains of FimH could cause changes in bind-ing affnity,such as the N79S mutation.We also observed that the N79S variation in Salmonella Dublin increased the adhesive ability of IPEC-J2 cells.Moreover,a new amino acid substitution,T260M,within the pilin domain in one subspecies llb strain beneficial to binding to cells was highlighted in this study,even though the biofilm-forming and Caenorhabditis elegans-killing abilities exhibited no significant differences in variants.Combined with point muta-tions being a natural tendency due to positive selection in harsh environments,we speculate that allelic variation T26oM probably contributes to pathoadaptive evolution in Salmonella enterica subspecies llb.展开更多
Influence of high light stress on the photosynthesis of flag leaves of indica subspecies (cv. “Shanyou 63', sensitive to photoinhibition) and japonica subspecies (cv. “Wuyujing', resistant to photoin...Influence of high light stress on the photosynthesis of flag leaves of indica subspecies (cv. “Shanyou 63', sensitive to photoinhibition) and japonica subspecies (cv. “Wuyujing', resistant to photoinhibition) of rice ( Oryza sativa L.) was comparatively investigated. In both cultivars of rice, the excitation energy distribution between two photosystems was altered and the excitation energy transfer from light harvesting chlorophyll protein complexes to PSⅡ was inhibited by high light stress. These decreases were more pronounced in indica rice cultivar as compared to japonica one. The analysis of mild SDS_PAGE showed that in indica rice, high light stress almost disaggregated the trimer of light harvesting chlorophyll protein complexes of PSⅡ (LHC Ⅱ 1). The stress reduced the contents of internal antennae chlorophyll protein complexes of PSⅡ (CPa), light harvesting chlorophyll protein of PSⅠ (CPⅠa) and Chl a protein complex of PSⅠ reaction center (CPⅠ) as well as dimer of LHCⅡ (LHCⅡ 2) in indica rice. In japonica subspecies, however, high light stress depressed the contents of LHCⅡ 1, CPa and CPⅠa, but slightly impacted on CPⅠ content. Moreover, the increase in the contents of monomer of LHCⅡ by high light stress was found in both subspecies. In consistent with above results, analysis of polypeptide indicated that the amounts of 27 kD and 25 kD polypeptide of LHCⅡ in particular, as well as that of 21 kD polypeptide of CPⅠa were reduced by high light stress in both subspecies. It was found that, comparing with japonica rice, the stress pronouncedly diminished 43 kD and 47 kD proteins of CPa and 23 kD extrisic protein in indica rice.展开更多
[Objective] The aim was to explore the phylogenetic relationships among four subspecies of the genus Locusta.[Method] The sequences of three subunits of cytochrome oxidase of Locusta migratoria tibetensis and Locusta ...[Objective] The aim was to explore the phylogenetic relationships among four subspecies of the genus Locusta.[Method] The sequences of three subunits of cytochrome oxidase of Locusta migratoria tibetensis and Locusta migratoria manilensis were amplified and sequenced(COⅠ 1 539 bp,COⅡ 684 bp,CO Ⅲ 792 bp,with the total of 3 015 bp).The corresponding sequenses of Locusta migratoria migratoria and Locusta migratoria migratorioides were obtained from GenBank and constructed a multiple alignment.Phylogenic trees of four subspecies of L.migratoria were constructed by Neighbor-Joining,Maximum-parsimony and Bayesian,respectively.[Result] The average content of A + T in three subunits of four subspecies was 69.57%;the third site of codon showed the highest A + T content,and the COⅠ had the highest A + T content(87.6%);The nucleotide substitution mainly occurred at the third site of codon,and the nucleotide replacement rate of CO Ⅱ was the highest.The second site of codon was conservative,so the replacement rate was in the range of 5.9%-15%.The start codon of COⅠ was CCG or ACG.Genetic distances among four subspecies were ranged from 0.001 to 0.076.The relationship between L.m.tibetensis and Locusta migratoria manilensis was the closest,followed by L.m.migratorioides and L.m.migratorioides,while the genetic distance between L.m.tibetensis and L.m.migratorioides was the largest.[Conclusion] The phylogenetic relationships among four subspecies of Locusta migratoria is L.m.tibetensis,L.m.manilensis,L.m.migratoria,L.m.migratorioides.展开更多
The genus Saurogobio Bleeker (1870) is a group of small sized cyprinids. Saurogobio dabryi Bleeker (1871) is widely distributed in East Asia.On the basis of careful inspection of morphological and meristic ch...The genus Saurogobio Bleeker (1870) is a group of small sized cyprinids. Saurogobio dabryi Bleeker (1871) is widely distributed in East Asia.On the basis of careful inspection of morphological and meristic characters of specimen collected from Chenghai Lake in Yunnan and the opening river systems including Pearl River,Minjiang River,Yangtze River,Liaohe River and Songhuajiang River,the Chenghai Lake population of Saurogobio dabryi is considered to represent a new subspecies, Saurogobio dabryi chenghaiensis . Saurogobio dabryi chenghaiensis is distinguished by the combination of following characters.Rostral cap developed,covering over upper lip,and lips with developed papillae.Body and caudal peduncle very slender,body depth 12 7%-15 0% of standard length(SL),caudal peduncle depth 5 5%-6 1% of SL and 31 8%-39 1% of caudal peduncle length.A longitudinal dark stripe present along the axis on each side of body and 6-11 stick shaped black spots (its widths being 25%-50% of its lengths respectively) occur along the stripe.Distance from pelvic fin origin to anus is more than 50% of pelvic fin length.The length of the shortest caudal fin ray is less than 50% that of the longest one.The new subspecies occurs only in Chenghai Lake,Yunnan,China.展开更多
AIM:To examine the detection rate of viable Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis(MAP) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [Crohn's disease(CD) and ulcerative colitis(UC)].METHODS:Thirty patients...AIM:To examine the detection rate of viable Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis(MAP) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [Crohn's disease(CD) and ulcerative colitis(UC)].METHODS:Thirty patients with CD(15 with at least one NOD2/CARD15 mutation),29 with UC,and 10 with no inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).were tested for MAP by polymerase chain reaction(specific IS900 fragment) and blood culture.RESULTS:MAP DNA was detected in all original blood samples and 8-wk blood cultures(CD,UC and non-IBD).Positive MAP DNA status was confirmed by dot blot assays.All 69 cultures were negative by acid-fast Ziehl-Neelsen staining.Viable MAP,in spheroplast form,was isolated from the 18-mo blood cultures of all 30 CD patients,one UC patient,and none of the non-IBD controls.No association was found between positive MAP cultures and use of immunosuppressive drugs or CDassociated single nucleotide polymorphisms.CONCLUSION:MAP is widely present in our area and MAP DNA can be recovered from the blood of CD,UC and non-IBD patients.However,MAP spheroplasts were only found in CD patients.展开更多
The hypothesis postulating that Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis(MAP) is the cause of Crohn's disease(CD) has been circulating for many years.Advances in molecular techniques,such as polymerase chain reaction ...The hypothesis postulating that Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis(MAP) is the cause of Crohn's disease(CD) has been circulating for many years.Advances in molecular techniques,such as polymerase chain reaction and culture methods,have enabled researchers to demonstrate that there is an association between MAP and CD.Recently,genome-wide association studies have identified novel susceptibility genes for CD,which are critical for generation of an adaptive immune response that is protective against intracellular pathogens,including M.tuberculosis infection.However,the role of MAP as a cause of CD suffered a setback with the report that administration of antimycobacterial therapy failed to lead to a sustained response in CD patients.Accordingly,this review sought neither to confirm nor refute this,but instead to survey recent literature on the role of MAP in CD.展开更多
AIM: To study the association between Crohn's disease (CD), Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratubercuolsis (MAP), and genetic factors by examining the role of natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 ...AIM: To study the association between Crohn's disease (CD), Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratubercuolsis (MAP), and genetic factors by examining the role of natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1) gene polymorphisms (now SLCllA1) in Sardinian patients with CD and controls. METHODS: Thirty-seven CD patients and 34 controls with no inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were recruited at the University of Sassari after giving written consent. Six SCL11A1 polymorphisms previously reported to be the most significantly associated with IBD were searched. M, pafatubefculosis was identified by IS900 PCR and sequencing. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) for the associations among CD, presence of MAP, and 6 loci described above.' RESULTS: For the first time, a strong association was observed between polymorphisms at NRAMP1 locus 823C/T and CD. While CD was strongly associated with both NRAMP1 and MAP, NRAMP1 polymorphisms and MAP themselves were not correlated. CONCLUSION: Combined with previous work on the NOD2/CARD15 gene, it is clear that the interplay of genetic, infectious, and immunologic factors in the etiology of CD is complex.展开更多
The genus Tropidophorus consists of small semi-aquatic lizards that dwell in lowland forest steams(Barbour,1921;Bauer&Jackman,2008).Here,we designate the neotype and re-describe T.guangxiensis Wen,1992 based on ne...The genus Tropidophorus consists of small semi-aquatic lizards that dwell in lowland forest steams(Barbour,1921;Bauer&Jackman,2008).Here,we designate the neotype and re-describe T.guangxiensis Wen,1992 based on newly collected topotypic specimens.We also describe a new subspecies from Xuefeng Mountain,Hongjiang County。展开更多
AIM: To establish the role of enteric glial cells during infection with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) in Crohn's disease. METHODS: In order to establish the role of enteric glial cells duri...AIM: To establish the role of enteric glial cells during infection with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) in Crohn's disease. METHODS: In order to establish the role of enteric glial cells during infection with M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) in Crohn's disease, Map adhesion experiments on enteric glial cells were performed as well as expression analysis of Map sigma factors during infection. RESULTS: In this study, for the first time, we found a high affinity of MAP to enteric glial cells and we analyzed the expression of MAP sigma factors under different conditions of growth. CONCLUSION: The fact that Map showed a high affinity to the glial cells raises concerns about the complicated etiology of the Crohn's disease. Elucidation of the mechanisms whereby inflammation alters enteric neural control of gut functions may lead to novel treatments for Crohn's disease.展开更多
Background: The Cambodian Tailorbird(Orthotomus chaktomuk) was one of the most recent major ornithological discoveries in South-east Asia as it originated from lowland seasonally flooded scrub within the densely inhab...Background: The Cambodian Tailorbird(Orthotomus chaktomuk) was one of the most recent major ornithological discoveries in South-east Asia as it originated from lowland seasonally flooded scrub within the densely inhabited floodplain around the Tonle Sap, Mekong and Bassac rivers(Cambodia). The Cambodian Tailorbird is sister to the Dark-necked Tailorbird(O. atrogularis) with very limited genetics and biometric differentiation. Between 2004 and 2012, evidences of a new population of Ashy Tailorbird(O. ruficeps) in SE Cambodia/Vietnam accumulated but no museum specimens were ever reported. The Ashy Tailorbird currently consists of eight subspecies among which the closest geographical populations, O. r. cineraceus(SE Burma to Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Bangka and Belitung) and O. r. borneoensis(Borneo), are allopatric. Subspecific identification of the Cambodian Ashy Tailorbirds individuals was not possible because of the limited differences in plumage among subspecies.Methods: We inspected the Orthotomus ruficeps specimens housed at the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle(Paris) and discovered five specimens of O. ruficeps collected by Louis Rodolphe Germain in ‘Cochinchina'(corresponding to southern Vietnam) during the nineteenth century. We sequenced one mitochondrial locus and gathered biometric data from these specimens and compared them with other Orthotomus lineages.Results: The Ashy Tailord population from SE Cambodia and Vietnam is distinct from the two geographically close subspecies O. r. borneoensis(1.7%) and O. r. cineraceus(1.3%). O. chaktomuk is nested within O. atrogularis in the mitochondrial gene tree. The SE Cambodia/Vietnam population of O. ruficeps is distinct from the two other subspecies in bill shape.Conclusion: Our study described the biometric and molecular distinctiveness of a recently re-discovered population of Ashy Tailord in SE Cambodia and Vietnam and suggests that this population constitutes an independent evolutionary lineage that we describe here as a new subspecies. The newly described Cambodian Tailorbird is nested within the Dark-necked Tailorbird and the genetic divergence is much lower than initially described(0.4-0.7% vs 1.1-1.4%).展开更多
Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis(MAP),originally called Johne’s bacillus was firstdescribed from Germany in 1895 as the cause of achronic inflammatory disease of the intestine in acow.As the 20th centu...Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis(MAP),originally called Johne’s bacillus was firstdescribed from Germany in 1895 as the cause of achronic inflammatory disease of the intestine in acow.As the 20th century progressed,clinical andsub-clinical MAP infection in farm animals inWestern Europe appeared to become moreprevalent.Among the early reviews available展开更多
indica and japonica are the two most important subspecies of Asian cultivated rice. Identifying mechanisms responsible for population differentiation in these subspecies is important for indica-japonica hybridization ...indica and japonica are the two most important subspecies of Asian cultivated rice. Identifying mechanisms responsible for population differentiation in these subspecies is important for indica-japonica hybridization breeding. In this study, subspecies and economic trait differentiation patterns were analyzed using morphological and molecular (InDel and Intron Length Polymorphism) data in F2 and F3 populations derived from indica-japonica hybridization. Populations were grown in Liaoning and Guangdong provinces, China, with F3 populations generated from F2 populations using bulk harvesting (BM) and single-seed descent methods (SSD). Segregation distortion was detected in F3-BM populations, but not in F3- SSD or in F2 populations. Superior performance was observed with respect to economic traits in Liaoning compared with that in Guangdong and 1 000-grain weight (KW), seed setting rate (SSR) and grain yield per plant (GYP) were significantly correlated with indica and japonica subspecies types. Analysis of molecular and morphological data demonstrated that the environment is the main factor giving rise to population differentiation in indica-japonica hybridization. In addition, we also found that KW, SSR and GYP are related to subspecies characteristics and kinship, which is possibly a significant factor resulting in economic trait differentiation and determining environmental adaptability. Our study has provided new insights into the process of population differentiation in these subspecies to inform indica-japonica hybridization breeding.展开更多
Two recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations, one derived from a cross between Zhongyouzao 8 (indica) and Toyonishiki (japonica) and the other from a cross between Qishanzhan (indica) and Akihikari (japonica...Two recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations, one derived from a cross between Zhongyouzao 8 (indica) and Toyonishiki (japonica) and the other from a cross between Qishanzhan (indica) and Akihikari (japonica), were grown in Liaoning and Sichuan Provinces, China, to study the panicle type index (PTI, the ratio of a number of node position on panicle axis where the secondary branch with the most numerous secondary branch grains is located to the number of primary branches) and its relationships with subspecies characteristics and yield traits. With continuous distribution of PTI and numerous of lines with different PTIs in the progenies, indica-japonica hybridization could be a method for breeding cultivars with ideal panicle type. PTI was significantly influenced by environments, with a significant decrease from Liaoning to Sichuan A significantly negative correlation was found between PTI and most of subspecies characteristics. PTI varied remarkably with different subspecies types. As a whole, it showed a trend of indica (H)〉indicalinous (H')〉japonicalinous (K')〉japonica (K) However, it is not appropriate to regard PTI as a parameter for subspecies classification in rice because it was recombined in the filial generations of cross between indica and japonica rice. The negative correlations were found between PTI and most of panicle characteristics, as well as yield-related traits. Based on PTI, most of lines from the two populations were middle dominant panicle type (the number of grains on the secondary branch is numerous in middle position of the panicle) and lower dominant panicle type (the number of grains on the secondary branch is numerous in lower position of the panicle and becomes less towards the top of panicle) with significant yield advantages.展开更多
Based on extensive field work in the northern Zagros Mountains, a new subspecies of Darevskia raddei (Boettger, 1892) from the west Azerbaijan Province, northwestern Iran is described. The new subspecies is distingu...Based on extensive field work in the northern Zagros Mountains, a new subspecies of Darevskia raddei (Boettger, 1892) from the west Azerbaijan Province, northwestern Iran is described. The new subspecies is distinguishable from all the other three subspecies of D. raddei based on the combination of several distinguishing characters, such as dorsal body with 50-55 oval to round, smooth, or very weakly keeled, scales, 25-31 scales across the gular region, 18-20 femoral pores on each side of body (reaching the knee), 29-31 tuberculate lamellae under the fourth toe, 11-12 supraciliaries, 9-11 collars and a specific color pattern. The new subspecies meets all the morphological characters described by Eiselt et al. (1993) for an undefined and intermediate form between D. raddei raddei in the east of and D. r vanensis in the west of the distribution range of the species.展开更多
In order to develop halophilic microorganism resources to improve environment, a Gram-positive, strictly aerobic and moderately halophilic bacterial strain JSA1 was obtained from the waste water sample collected from ...In order to develop halophilic microorganism resources to improve environment, a Gram-positive, strictly aerobic and moderately halophilic bacterial strain JSA1 was obtained from the waste water sample collected from Jinhong Chemical Plant at Weihai city, by the methods of quick isolation and screening of halophilie bacteria. Systematic studies on it were carried out. Results show that the strain JSA1 is bacillus. The temperature range most suitable for its growth is 29 - 35 ℃ and the most suitable pH is 6. 5 - 9. 0. It can grow well at the salt mass concentration of 30 - 150 g/L. The C + G mole fraction of its DNA is 37.5%. The analytical result of 16S rRNA gene sequence reveals that this strain has the closest relationship with Alkalibacillus halophilus (DQ359731) of Alkalibacillts. Their similarities are as high as 99%. However, they have obvious differences in aspects of whole-cell main fatty acid components, cell size, cell morphology, motility, oxidase, gelatine liquefication, NaCl tolerance range, pH tolerance range, G + C mole fraction, sole carbon source, sole nitrogen source, antibiotic sensitivity and strain source. Comparing with other species of the same genus, differences of this strain are even more obvious. In view of muhiple identification results, we believe this strain is a new subspecies ofAlkalibacillus halophilus and name it Alkalibacillus halophilus subsp, hitensis subsp, nov.展开更多
This study characterizes the 19 kDa protein expressed by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) as a glycolipoprotein, providing the foundation for future experiments regarding its antigenicity and role...This study characterizes the 19 kDa protein expressed by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) as a glycolipoprotein, providing the foundation for future experiments regarding its antigenicity and role in disease pathogenicity. We have previously shown that a 4.8 kb insert from MAP will produce a 16 kDa recombinant protein when expressed in Escherichia coli and 19 kDa recombinant protein when expressed in M. smegmatis (smeg19K). The difference of 3 kDa in size of these expressed proteins may be related to post translational modifications that occur in Mycobacterium species. We hypothesized that smeg19K is a glycolipoprotein since BLAST analysis revealed approximately 76% amino acid identity between the MAP 19 kDa protein and a known lipoglycoprotein, the 19 kDa protein of M. tuberculosis. This prediction was confirmed by the following positive staining of smeg19K with Sudan Black 4B, a postelectrophoresis dye used to stain for lipids. Smeg19K has also stained positively for glycosylation with the lectin concavalin A, a highly specific stain for mannose residues. As expected, treatment with tunicamycin (an antibiotic known to inhibit N-glycosylation) and treatment with deglycosylation assay (non-specific for mannose), showed no reduction in size of 19 kDa glycolipoprotein.展开更多
<span style="font-family:Verdana;">The White-breasted Thrasher (</span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Ramphocinclus</span></i><span> <i&...<span style="font-family:Verdana;">The White-breasted Thrasher (</span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Ramphocinclus</span></i><span> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">brachyurus</span></i><span></span></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">) is the smallest passerine bird in the Mimids family.</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Ranked as “endangered” in the IUCN list, the demographic distribution of this species is spread unevenly across two islands in the Lesser Antilles. The Saint-Lucian subspecies, <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Ramphocinclus</span></i><span> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">brachyurus</span></i> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">sanctaeluciae</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, was estimated to number between 1200 and 1700 individuals, whereas the Martinique subspecies, <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Ramphocinclus</span></i><span> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">brachyurus</span></i> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">brachyurus</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, was estimated at between 200 and 400 individuals. As an endemic rare species with a high risk of extinction, the Martinique subspecies should be regarded as a conservation priority. The small size of the Martinique subspecies population, its restricted geographical range, and its narrow habitat tolerance make it quite difficult to study. The variability of morphological traits in this subspecies has not been biostatistically analyzed recently. In</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> order to update knowledge and fill in any gaps, we have used the morphometric approach to study the morphological variability of the Martinique subspecies. The study site is a small peninsula located in the northeast of t</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">he island of Martinique (French West Indies) known as “la Caravelle”. We captured 63 White-breasted Thrashers which were marked, measured, and sexed before being released. We did not observe any significant differences betwe</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">en the sexes, signifying an absence of sexual dimorphism. However, we were able to observe a significant variation in morphological traits between individuals measured inside and outside the national protected area of Ca</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ravelle. The body mass-tarsus ratio was equal at both sampled sites, something which could potentially be a clue to the bird’s adaptation to different habitats.</span>展开更多
Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE) is a β-hemolytic Streptococcus that possesses genetic and clinical similarities to Streptococcus pyogenes. It is increasingly recognized as the etiological mic...Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE) is a β-hemolytic Streptococcus that possesses genetic and clinical similarities to Streptococcus pyogenes. It is increasingly recognized as the etiological microorganism of invasive diseases. We report a case of a 74-year-old male who was admitted to this hospital with lower back and neck pain and infected with leg ulcer. The diagnosis of spondylodiscitis C2-C3 and L1-L3 caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis was made. The present case demonstrates the risk of older patients of developing invasive disease upon skin infection with Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis, even when risk factors are absent or well controlled (as was diabetes mellitus in this case), suggesting that the pathogenic potential of SDSE should not be underestimated.展开更多
基金Financial support for this study was provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.31901084,32200406,32211530420).
文摘Since the time of Darwin,subspecies have been recognized as an initial stage in the evolution of species.However,the impact of dispersal on subspecies richness in birds globally has received little attention,despite dispersal being a key factor in determining the rate of evolution and playing a significant role in evolutionary divergence.Therefore,it is important to conduct a comprehensive study to address this issue.In this study,we aimed to assess the association between subspecies richness(measured by the number of subspecies)and dispersal ability(measured by the hand-wing index)on a global scale,using a dataset of over 7000 bird species.Our results revealed a negative correlation between dispersal ability and the number of subspecies,without any quadratic correlation.The wing is a crucial phenotypic trait for birds,and the concept of subspecies is important in speciation theory and conservation biology.Therefore,our findings not only enhance our understanding of the association between avian morphological traits and evolutionary divergence but also have implications for the conservation of avian species diversity.
基金Supported by the Scientific Research Project from the Health Commission of Mianyang City,No.201903.
文摘BACKGROUND Streptococcus gallolyticus subspecies pasteurianus(SGSP)is a rare pathogen responsible for infant sepsis and meningitis and is potentially overlooked because it is not included in routine group B streptococcal screenings.Hence,we present a case of SGSP-induced infant meningitis and sepsis,accompanied by bronchopneumonia induced by multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA),providing insights into the identification,management,and prognosis of this bacterial infection.CASE SUMMARY A 45-day-old female infant presented with two episodes of high fever(maximum temperature:39.5°C)and two generalized grand mal seizure episodes that lasted over ten seconds and self-resolved without concomitant symptoms.Postadmission,the patient’s C-reactive protein level was 40.73 mg/L,white blood cell count was 13.42×10^(9)/L,neutrophil ratio was 78.4%,procalcitonin level was 7.89μg/L,cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)white cell count was 36×10^(6)/L,multinucleated cell ratio was 95.2%,and protein concentration was 0.41 g/L.Blood and CSF culture revealed that the pathogen was SGSP.The bacterium was sensitive to ampicillin,furazolidone,penicillin,lincomycin,moxifloxacin,rifampicin,vancomycin,and levofloxacin but resistant to clindamycin and tetracycline.Sputum culture revealed the presence of MRSA,which was sensitive to vancomycin.The patient was diagnosed with meningitis and sepsis caused by SGSP,accompanied by bronchopneumonia induced by MRSA.Ceftriaxone(100 mg/kg/d)combined with vancomycin(10 mg/kg/dose,q6h)was given as an anti-infective treatment postadmission.After 12 days of treatment,the infant was discharged from the hospital with normal CSF,blood culture,and routine blood test results,and no complications,such as subdural effusion,were observed on cranial computed tomography.No growth retardation or neurological sequelae occurred during follow-up.CONCLUSION SGPSP-induced infant bacterial meningitis and sepsis should be treated with prompt blood and CSF cultures,and a sensitive antibiotic therapy to ensure a favorable prognosis.
基金supported by the National Program on Key Research Project of China(2022YFC2604201)well as the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No.861917-SAFFl,Zhejiang Provincial Key R&D Program of China(2023C03045)+2 种基金Hainan Provincial Joint Project of Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City(2021JJLH0083)Key Research and Development Program of Hangzhou(202203A08)District-level project for high-level innovative and entrepreneurial talents of"Zijinshan Talents Gaochun Plan"(202100677).
文摘Salmonella enterica has a wide diversity,with numerous serovars belonging to six different subspecies with dynamic animal-host tropism.The FimH protein is the adhesin mediating binding to various cells,and slight amino acid discrepancy significantly affects the adherence capacities.To date,the general function of FimH variability across dif-ferent subspecies of Salmonella enterica has not been addressed.To investigate the biological functions of FimH among the six Salmonella enterica subspecies,the present study performed several assays to determine biofilm for-mation,Caenorhabditis elegans killing,and intestinal porcine enterocyte cell IPEC-J2 adhesion by using various FimH allele mutants.In general,allelic mutations in both the lectin and pilin domains of FimH could cause changes in bind-ing affnity,such as the N79S mutation.We also observed that the N79S variation in Salmonella Dublin increased the adhesive ability of IPEC-J2 cells.Moreover,a new amino acid substitution,T260M,within the pilin domain in one subspecies llb strain beneficial to binding to cells was highlighted in this study,even though the biofilm-forming and Caenorhabditis elegans-killing abilities exhibited no significant differences in variants.Combined with point muta-tions being a natural tendency due to positive selection in harsh environments,we speculate that allelic variation T26oM probably contributes to pathoadaptive evolution in Salmonella enterica subspecies llb.
文摘Influence of high light stress on the photosynthesis of flag leaves of indica subspecies (cv. “Shanyou 63', sensitive to photoinhibition) and japonica subspecies (cv. “Wuyujing', resistant to photoinhibition) of rice ( Oryza sativa L.) was comparatively investigated. In both cultivars of rice, the excitation energy distribution between two photosystems was altered and the excitation energy transfer from light harvesting chlorophyll protein complexes to PSⅡ was inhibited by high light stress. These decreases were more pronounced in indica rice cultivar as compared to japonica one. The analysis of mild SDS_PAGE showed that in indica rice, high light stress almost disaggregated the trimer of light harvesting chlorophyll protein complexes of PSⅡ (LHC Ⅱ 1). The stress reduced the contents of internal antennae chlorophyll protein complexes of PSⅡ (CPa), light harvesting chlorophyll protein of PSⅠ (CPⅠa) and Chl a protein complex of PSⅠ reaction center (CPⅠ) as well as dimer of LHCⅡ (LHCⅡ 2) in indica rice. In japonica subspecies, however, high light stress depressed the contents of LHCⅡ 1, CPa and CPⅠa, but slightly impacted on CPⅠ content. Moreover, the increase in the contents of monomer of LHCⅡ by high light stress was found in both subspecies. In consistent with above results, analysis of polypeptide indicated that the amounts of 27 kD and 25 kD polypeptide of LHCⅡ in particular, as well as that of 21 kD polypeptide of CPⅠa were reduced by high light stress in both subspecies. It was found that, comparing with japonica rice, the stress pronouncedly diminished 43 kD and 47 kD proteins of CPa and 23 kD extrisic protein in indica rice.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(30770263)~~
文摘[Objective] The aim was to explore the phylogenetic relationships among four subspecies of the genus Locusta.[Method] The sequences of three subunits of cytochrome oxidase of Locusta migratoria tibetensis and Locusta migratoria manilensis were amplified and sequenced(COⅠ 1 539 bp,COⅡ 684 bp,CO Ⅲ 792 bp,with the total of 3 015 bp).The corresponding sequenses of Locusta migratoria migratoria and Locusta migratoria migratorioides were obtained from GenBank and constructed a multiple alignment.Phylogenic trees of four subspecies of L.migratoria were constructed by Neighbor-Joining,Maximum-parsimony and Bayesian,respectively.[Result] The average content of A + T in three subunits of four subspecies was 69.57%;the third site of codon showed the highest A + T content,and the COⅠ had the highest A + T content(87.6%);The nucleotide substitution mainly occurred at the third site of codon,and the nucleotide replacement rate of CO Ⅱ was the highest.The second site of codon was conservative,so the replacement rate was in the range of 5.9%-15%.The start codon of COⅠ was CCG or ACG.Genetic distances among four subspecies were ranged from 0.001 to 0.076.The relationship between L.m.tibetensis and Locusta migratoria manilensis was the closest,followed by L.m.migratorioides and L.m.migratorioides,while the genetic distance between L.m.tibetensis and L.m.migratorioides was the largest.[Conclusion] The phylogenetic relationships among four subspecies of Locusta migratoria is L.m.tibetensis,L.m.manilensis,L.m.migratoria,L.m.migratorioides.
文摘The genus Saurogobio Bleeker (1870) is a group of small sized cyprinids. Saurogobio dabryi Bleeker (1871) is widely distributed in East Asia.On the basis of careful inspection of morphological and meristic characters of specimen collected from Chenghai Lake in Yunnan and the opening river systems including Pearl River,Minjiang River,Yangtze River,Liaohe River and Songhuajiang River,the Chenghai Lake population of Saurogobio dabryi is considered to represent a new subspecies, Saurogobio dabryi chenghaiensis . Saurogobio dabryi chenghaiensis is distinguished by the combination of following characters.Rostral cap developed,covering over upper lip,and lips with developed papillae.Body and caudal peduncle very slender,body depth 12 7%-15 0% of standard length(SL),caudal peduncle depth 5 5%-6 1% of SL and 31 8%-39 1% of caudal peduncle length.A longitudinal dark stripe present along the axis on each side of body and 6-11 stick shaped black spots (its widths being 25%-50% of its lengths respectively) occur along the stripe.Distance from pelvic fin origin to anus is more than 50% of pelvic fin length.The length of the shortest caudal fin ray is less than 50% that of the longest one.The new subspecies occurs only in Chenghai Lake,Yunnan,China.
基金Supported by A grant from Fundación de Investigación Médica Mutua Madrilena(FMM)(to Díaz-Rubio M)
文摘AIM:To examine the detection rate of viable Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis(MAP) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [Crohn's disease(CD) and ulcerative colitis(UC)].METHODS:Thirty patients with CD(15 with at least one NOD2/CARD15 mutation),29 with UC,and 10 with no inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).were tested for MAP by polymerase chain reaction(specific IS900 fragment) and blood culture.RESULTS:MAP DNA was detected in all original blood samples and 8-wk blood cultures(CD,UC and non-IBD).Positive MAP DNA status was confirmed by dot blot assays.All 69 cultures were negative by acid-fast Ziehl-Neelsen staining.Viable MAP,in spheroplast form,was isolated from the 18-mo blood cultures of all 30 CD patients,one UC patient,and none of the non-IBD controls.No association was found between positive MAP cultures and use of immunosuppressive drugs or CDassociated single nucleotide polymorphisms.CONCLUSION:MAP is widely present in our area and MAP DNA can be recovered from the blood of CD,UC and non-IBD patients.However,MAP spheroplasts were only found in CD patients.
基金Supported by Grant from Fundación de Investigación MédicaMutua Madrileía (Professor M Díaz-Rubio)
文摘The hypothesis postulating that Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis(MAP) is the cause of Crohn's disease(CD) has been circulating for many years.Advances in molecular techniques,such as polymerase chain reaction and culture methods,have enabled researchers to demonstrate that there is an association between MAP and CD.Recently,genome-wide association studies have identified novel susceptibility genes for CD,which are critical for generation of an adaptive immune response that is protective against intracellular pathogens,including M.tuberculosis infection.However,the role of MAP as a cause of CD suffered a setback with the report that administration of antimycobacterial therapy failed to lead to a sustained response in CD patients.Accordingly,this review sought neither to confirm nor refute this,but instead to survey recent literature on the role of MAP in CD.
文摘AIM: To study the association between Crohn's disease (CD), Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratubercuolsis (MAP), and genetic factors by examining the role of natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1) gene polymorphisms (now SLCllA1) in Sardinian patients with CD and controls. METHODS: Thirty-seven CD patients and 34 controls with no inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were recruited at the University of Sassari after giving written consent. Six SCL11A1 polymorphisms previously reported to be the most significantly associated with IBD were searched. M, pafatubefculosis was identified by IS900 PCR and sequencing. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) for the associations among CD, presence of MAP, and 6 loci described above.' RESULTS: For the first time, a strong association was observed between polymorphisms at NRAMP1 locus 823C/T and CD. While CD was strongly associated with both NRAMP1 and MAP, NRAMP1 polymorphisms and MAP themselves were not correlated. CONCLUSION: Combined with previous work on the NOD2/CARD15 gene, it is clear that the interplay of genetic, infectious, and immunologic factors in the etiology of CD is complex.
文摘The genus Tropidophorus consists of small semi-aquatic lizards that dwell in lowland forest steams(Barbour,1921;Bauer&Jackman,2008).Here,we designate the neotype and re-describe T.guangxiensis Wen,1992 based on newly collected topotypic specimens.We also describe a new subspecies from Xuefeng Mountain,Hongjiang County。
文摘AIM: To establish the role of enteric glial cells during infection with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) in Crohn's disease. METHODS: In order to establish the role of enteric glial cells during infection with M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) in Crohn's disease, Map adhesion experiments on enteric glial cells were performed as well as expression analysis of Map sigma factors during infection. RESULTS: In this study, for the first time, we found a high affinity of MAP to enteric glial cells and we analyzed the expression of MAP sigma factors under different conditions of growth. CONCLUSION: The fact that Map showed a high affinity to the glial cells raises concerns about the complicated etiology of the Crohn's disease. Elucidation of the mechanisms whereby inflammation alters enteric neural control of gut functions may lead to novel treatments for Crohn's disease.
基金support by a Synthesys grant made available to J.Fuchs by the European Community-Research Infrastructure Action under the FP6 Structuring the European Research Area Program(SE-TAF-7153)
文摘Background: The Cambodian Tailorbird(Orthotomus chaktomuk) was one of the most recent major ornithological discoveries in South-east Asia as it originated from lowland seasonally flooded scrub within the densely inhabited floodplain around the Tonle Sap, Mekong and Bassac rivers(Cambodia). The Cambodian Tailorbird is sister to the Dark-necked Tailorbird(O. atrogularis) with very limited genetics and biometric differentiation. Between 2004 and 2012, evidences of a new population of Ashy Tailorbird(O. ruficeps) in SE Cambodia/Vietnam accumulated but no museum specimens were ever reported. The Ashy Tailorbird currently consists of eight subspecies among which the closest geographical populations, O. r. cineraceus(SE Burma to Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Bangka and Belitung) and O. r. borneoensis(Borneo), are allopatric. Subspecific identification of the Cambodian Ashy Tailorbirds individuals was not possible because of the limited differences in plumage among subspecies.Methods: We inspected the Orthotomus ruficeps specimens housed at the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle(Paris) and discovered five specimens of O. ruficeps collected by Louis Rodolphe Germain in ‘Cochinchina'(corresponding to southern Vietnam) during the nineteenth century. We sequenced one mitochondrial locus and gathered biometric data from these specimens and compared them with other Orthotomus lineages.Results: The Ashy Tailord population from SE Cambodia and Vietnam is distinct from the two geographically close subspecies O. r. borneoensis(1.7%) and O. r. cineraceus(1.3%). O. chaktomuk is nested within O. atrogularis in the mitochondrial gene tree. The SE Cambodia/Vietnam population of O. ruficeps is distinct from the two other subspecies in bill shape.Conclusion: Our study described the biometric and molecular distinctiveness of a recently re-discovered population of Ashy Tailord in SE Cambodia and Vietnam and suggests that this population constitutes an independent evolutionary lineage that we describe here as a new subspecies. The newly described Cambodian Tailorbird is nested within the Dark-necked Tailorbird and the genetic divergence is much lower than initially described(0.4-0.7% vs 1.1-1.4%).
文摘Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis(MAP),originally called Johne’s bacillus was firstdescribed from Germany in 1895 as the cause of achronic inflammatory disease of the intestine in acow.As the 20th century progressed,clinical andsub-clinical MAP infection in farm animals inWestern Europe appeared to become moreprevalent.Among the early reviews available
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30971845)
文摘indica and japonica are the two most important subspecies of Asian cultivated rice. Identifying mechanisms responsible for population differentiation in these subspecies is important for indica-japonica hybridization breeding. In this study, subspecies and economic trait differentiation patterns were analyzed using morphological and molecular (InDel and Intron Length Polymorphism) data in F2 and F3 populations derived from indica-japonica hybridization. Populations were grown in Liaoning and Guangdong provinces, China, with F3 populations generated from F2 populations using bulk harvesting (BM) and single-seed descent methods (SSD). Segregation distortion was detected in F3-BM populations, but not in F3- SSD or in F2 populations. Superior performance was observed with respect to economic traits in Liaoning compared with that in Guangdong and 1 000-grain weight (KW), seed setting rate (SSR) and grain yield per plant (GYP) were significantly correlated with indica and japonica subspecies types. Analysis of molecular and morphological data demonstrated that the environment is the main factor giving rise to population differentiation in indica-japonica hybridization. In addition, we also found that KW, SSR and GYP are related to subspecies characteristics and kinship, which is possibly a significant factor resulting in economic trait differentiation and determining environmental adaptability. Our study has provided new insights into the process of population differentiation in these subspecies to inform indica-japonica hybridization breeding.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(GrantNo.30871468)the Young Teacher Scientific Research Fund of Shenyang Agricultural University,China(Grant No.20081001)
文摘Two recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations, one derived from a cross between Zhongyouzao 8 (indica) and Toyonishiki (japonica) and the other from a cross between Qishanzhan (indica) and Akihikari (japonica), were grown in Liaoning and Sichuan Provinces, China, to study the panicle type index (PTI, the ratio of a number of node position on panicle axis where the secondary branch with the most numerous secondary branch grains is located to the number of primary branches) and its relationships with subspecies characteristics and yield traits. With continuous distribution of PTI and numerous of lines with different PTIs in the progenies, indica-japonica hybridization could be a method for breeding cultivars with ideal panicle type. PTI was significantly influenced by environments, with a significant decrease from Liaoning to Sichuan A significantly negative correlation was found between PTI and most of subspecies characteristics. PTI varied remarkably with different subspecies types. As a whole, it showed a trend of indica (H)〉indicalinous (H')〉japonicalinous (K')〉japonica (K) However, it is not appropriate to regard PTI as a parameter for subspecies classification in rice because it was recombined in the filial generations of cross between indica and japonica rice. The negative correlations were found between PTI and most of panicle characteristics, as well as yield-related traits. Based on PTI, most of lines from the two populations were middle dominant panicle type (the number of grains on the secondary branch is numerous in middle position of the panicle) and lower dominant panicle type (the number of grains on the secondary branch is numerous in lower position of the panicle and becomes less towards the top of panicle) with significant yield advantages.
文摘Based on extensive field work in the northern Zagros Mountains, a new subspecies of Darevskia raddei (Boettger, 1892) from the west Azerbaijan Province, northwestern Iran is described. The new subspecies is distinguishable from all the other three subspecies of D. raddei based on the combination of several distinguishing characters, such as dorsal body with 50-55 oval to round, smooth, or very weakly keeled, scales, 25-31 scales across the gular region, 18-20 femoral pores on each side of body (reaching the knee), 29-31 tuberculate lamellae under the fourth toe, 11-12 supraciliaries, 9-11 collars and a specific color pattern. The new subspecies meets all the morphological characters described by Eiselt et al. (1993) for an undefined and intermediate form between D. raddei raddei in the east of and D. r vanensis in the west of the distribution range of the species.
基金Sponsored by the Science Foundation of Harbin Institute of Technology(Grant No. HIT(WH)XB200804)the National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program)(Grant No. 2004CB185050)
文摘In order to develop halophilic microorganism resources to improve environment, a Gram-positive, strictly aerobic and moderately halophilic bacterial strain JSA1 was obtained from the waste water sample collected from Jinhong Chemical Plant at Weihai city, by the methods of quick isolation and screening of halophilie bacteria. Systematic studies on it were carried out. Results show that the strain JSA1 is bacillus. The temperature range most suitable for its growth is 29 - 35 ℃ and the most suitable pH is 6. 5 - 9. 0. It can grow well at the salt mass concentration of 30 - 150 g/L. The C + G mole fraction of its DNA is 37.5%. The analytical result of 16S rRNA gene sequence reveals that this strain has the closest relationship with Alkalibacillus halophilus (DQ359731) of Alkalibacillts. Their similarities are as high as 99%. However, they have obvious differences in aspects of whole-cell main fatty acid components, cell size, cell morphology, motility, oxidase, gelatine liquefication, NaCl tolerance range, pH tolerance range, G + C mole fraction, sole carbon source, sole nitrogen source, antibiotic sensitivity and strain source. Comparing with other species of the same genus, differences of this strain are even more obvious. In view of muhiple identification results, we believe this strain is a new subspecies ofAlkalibacillus halophilus and name it Alkalibacillus halophilus subsp, hitensis subsp, nov.
文摘This study characterizes the 19 kDa protein expressed by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) as a glycolipoprotein, providing the foundation for future experiments regarding its antigenicity and role in disease pathogenicity. We have previously shown that a 4.8 kb insert from MAP will produce a 16 kDa recombinant protein when expressed in Escherichia coli and 19 kDa recombinant protein when expressed in M. smegmatis (smeg19K). The difference of 3 kDa in size of these expressed proteins may be related to post translational modifications that occur in Mycobacterium species. We hypothesized that smeg19K is a glycolipoprotein since BLAST analysis revealed approximately 76% amino acid identity between the MAP 19 kDa protein and a known lipoglycoprotein, the 19 kDa protein of M. tuberculosis. This prediction was confirmed by the following positive staining of smeg19K with Sudan Black 4B, a postelectrophoresis dye used to stain for lipids. Smeg19K has also stained positively for glycosylation with the lectin concavalin A, a highly specific stain for mannose residues. As expected, treatment with tunicamycin (an antibiotic known to inhibit N-glycosylation) and treatment with deglycosylation assay (non-specific for mannose), showed no reduction in size of 19 kDa glycolipoprotein.
文摘<span style="font-family:Verdana;">The White-breasted Thrasher (</span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Ramphocinclus</span></i><span> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">brachyurus</span></i><span></span></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">) is the smallest passerine bird in the Mimids family.</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Ranked as “endangered” in the IUCN list, the demographic distribution of this species is spread unevenly across two islands in the Lesser Antilles. The Saint-Lucian subspecies, <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Ramphocinclus</span></i><span> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">brachyurus</span></i> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">sanctaeluciae</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, was estimated to number between 1200 and 1700 individuals, whereas the Martinique subspecies, <i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Ramphocinclus</span></i><span> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">brachyurus</span></i> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">brachyurus</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, was estimated at between 200 and 400 individuals. As an endemic rare species with a high risk of extinction, the Martinique subspecies should be regarded as a conservation priority. The small size of the Martinique subspecies population, its restricted geographical range, and its narrow habitat tolerance make it quite difficult to study. The variability of morphological traits in this subspecies has not been biostatistically analyzed recently. In</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> order to update knowledge and fill in any gaps, we have used the morphometric approach to study the morphological variability of the Martinique subspecies. The study site is a small peninsula located in the northeast of t</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">he island of Martinique (French West Indies) known as “la Caravelle”. We captured 63 White-breasted Thrashers which were marked, measured, and sexed before being released. We did not observe any significant differences betwe</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">en the sexes, signifying an absence of sexual dimorphism. However, we were able to observe a significant variation in morphological traits between individuals measured inside and outside the national protected area of Ca</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ravelle. The body mass-tarsus ratio was equal at both sampled sites, something which could potentially be a clue to the bird’s adaptation to different habitats.</span>
文摘Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE) is a β-hemolytic Streptococcus that possesses genetic and clinical similarities to Streptococcus pyogenes. It is increasingly recognized as the etiological microorganism of invasive diseases. We report a case of a 74-year-old male who was admitted to this hospital with lower back and neck pain and infected with leg ulcer. The diagnosis of spondylodiscitis C2-C3 and L1-L3 caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis was made. The present case demonstrates the risk of older patients of developing invasive disease upon skin infection with Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis, even when risk factors are absent or well controlled (as was diabetes mellitus in this case), suggesting that the pathogenic potential of SDSE should not be underestimated.