Differences in Ecological and Genetic Adaptations between Salamandra infraimmaculata and Ommatotriton vittatus

Israel is home to two species of amphibians belonging to distinct genera: Salamandra and Ommatotriton. They inhabit various regions, sometimes coexisting and in other instances dwelling separately across different areas, making their segregation challenging. This study compares the biological, ecological, and genetic traits of two species, the Near Eastern fire salamander Salamandra infraimmaculata and the southern banded newt Ommatotriton vittatus, to determine why O. vittatus thrives in a wider range of semi-arid habitats in central and southern Israel, whereas S. infraimmaculata predominantly occupies the coastal Mediterranean region in the north. Salamander larvae are typically found in streams, freshwater springs, and cave pools, whereas newt larvae inhabit winter pools and ponds exclusively. The developmental phase of salamander tadpoles extends over several months, whereas newt tadpoles spend a comparatively brief period in the water, from 1 to a few months. Notably, genetic disparities in the cytochrome b sequence in Israeli populations are more pronounced among newts than salamanders.

The Yellow Spot Pattern of Salamander (Salamandra infraimmaculata) in Various Habitats at the Southern Border of Its Distribution in Israel

The present study describes the different color-pattern phenotypes of yellow spots on the black back of Salamandra infraimmaculata in various habitats at the southern border of its distribution in Israel. At Tel Dan, we photographed 454 salamanders in moist habitats where water flows year round;100 of these were sampled to measure the percentage of yellow and black color on the back, and the number of spots on the head. At Kibbutz Sasa, 201 salamanders were photographed, of which 62 were sampled for the measurements. In Kibbutz Yehiam, 200 salamanders were photographed, and 60 were sampled for the measurements. At all sites, about a third of the salamanders were photographed more than once. For all three populations, yellow spots on the salamander back were found in one row, two rows or scattered. For two indices (proportion of yellow/black and number of spots on the head), the Dan population (under wet, running water all year round conditions) differed from the two other populations of salamanders (under semi-arid mountain conditions). The number of yellow spots on the head of the salamanders in the three populations varied from 1 to 7. In all populations, 4 spots pattern was the most common. In the Dan population, there were significantly more salamanders with 1 to 3 spots on their head than in the Sasa or Yehiam populations. No difference was found in the number of head spots for Sasa vs. Yehiam salamanders. The percentage of yellow on the black back was significantly larger for the Dan salamanders vs. the two other populations. The main question examined was whether there is an effect of the habitat conditions in isolated populations on the spot pattern on the salamander back. The answer is positive and is supported by previous studies.

The Impact of Water Level Decline on Water Quality in the Epilimnion of Lake Kinneret (Israel): Perennial Perspectives

Long term record (1933-2014) of Water Level (WL), nutrient concentrations, plankton densities, and temperatures in the epilimnion of Lake Kinneret was analyzed. The aim is to identify if water quality is deteriorated when the WL is low. It was found that water temperature increased and the composition and biomass of plankton communities were modified. Nitrogen and TDP decreased but TP slightly increased in the epilimnion during low WL conditions. The quality of epilimnetic water was not deteriorated and followed by a slight oligotrophism trend.

Involvement of GnRH and Gonadotropin Genes in Oocyte Development of Blue Gourami Females (<i>Trichogaster trichopterus</i>)

The goal of this study was to gain a fundamental understanding of RnRH 1 and 3, as well as FSH and LH action, in ovarian follicles during oocyte growth by examining changes in ovarian gene transcription in blue gourami females (Trichogaster trichopterus). The levels of target ovarian mRNAs were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. GnRH1 mRNA levels were higher in oocytes at the previtellogenic stage compared to the vitellogenic and follicular oocytes maturation (FOM) stages. No significant differences in GnRH3 mRNA levels were detected among oocytes during the different stages of development. βLH and βFSH mRNA levels were lower in oocytes at the vitellogenic stage compared to the previtellogenic stage. The high transcription of GnRH 1 and 3 in the brain and of FSH and LH in the pituitary of blue gourami as was found in previous studies in our laboratory, compared to mRNA levels changed in ovary during oogenesis, supporting the hypothesis that differences exist between the function of endocrine and autocrine/paracrine of these hormones.

Ecological, Biological and Genetic Adaptation to Xeric Habitats of <i>Salamandra infraimmaculata</i>on the Southern Border of Its Distribution

In the present mini-review, published and unpublished data that have been collected for more than 40 years on the adaption of Salamandra infraimmaculata to semi-arid environments on the southern border of its distribution are presented. The contribution of the present paper is in building a model based on comparing moist habitats with predictable and relatively constant conditions to semi-arid habitats with relatively dry conditions. Based on these parameters, the model suggests adaptation to semi-arid habitats. More specifically, this model is based on the morphology, biology, behavior, life cycle and physiology of S. infraimmaculata adaptation. By considering these many parameters, one hypothesis was raised and was supported. The adaptation to and selection of semi-arid habitats depend mainly on the terrestrial phase and very little on the aquatic phases. In all of the semi-arid habitats, there are various breeding places where the larvae can grow and complete metamorphosis. The molecular genetic variation among the various areas supports our hypothesis, and the difference in the moist habitats is greater than in the semi-arid environments.

Expression of SOX3 and SOX9 Genes in Gonads of Blue Gourami

In vertebrates, SOX (SRY-related HMG box) genes are thought to be due to major gene duplication events, initially occurring during early stages of metazoan evolution and later during the transition between non-vertebrate chordates and vertebrates. The aim of this study is to examine SOX3 and SOX9 transcription in oogensis and spermatogenesis in a fish model, the blue gourami (Trichogaster trichopterus). In females during oogenesis, SOX9 mRNA levels were lower compared to SOX3 mRNA levels. In males, SOX9 mRNA levels were higher in testes compared to SOX3 mRNA levels, however no significant differences between SOX3 and SOX9 mRNA levels were observed in the gonads of males that were kept under non-reproductive conditions compared to males kept with females under reproductive conditions and that were nest-builders.

Sex-Based Variation of Gene Expression in the Gonads and Fins of Russian Sturgeon (<i>Acipenser gueldenstaedtii</i>)

Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) is a primitive freshwater fish and a source of black caviar. The genes involved in sexual determination and differentiation are still unknown and there are no molecular markers for sex identification in this species. Studying the variation of the sex-based differences in genomic sequences and in gene expression in the sturgeon may lead to markers of sex in early stages of development and advances in aquaculture, as well as provide novel insights about the evolution of reproduction, sex determination, and sexual differentiation mechanisms in vertebrates. Previous studies by our and other groups have identified differentially expressed genes in the gonads of adult female and male sturgeon. The current study aimed to test whether these genes were also differentially expressed in non-gonadal tissue, namely fins. We measured by qRT-PCR the mRNA levels of 29 known and novel sex-related genes in the gonads and fins of males (4 years old) and females (7 years old;sexual maturation is earlier in males than in females). Six genes (ATP6, IGFRM, LIA1A, S1A, NPL1A, GAPDH and SOX9) showed higher expression in female fins. However, only ATP6 mRNA levels differed in fins of males and females of the same age (4 years old). These findings underscore the impracticality of sex identification based on gene expression in non-gonadal tissue and the need for genetic sex markers in the Russian sturgeon.

Mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis in Anabantoidei fish

The decline of ornamental fish populations in their native habitats due to over-fishing has brought about the development of ornamental fish aquaculture, to which fish of the Anabantoidei suborder are important contributors. The genetic variations among species of this suborder were examined by mitochondrial gene sequencing analysis using the cytochrome b and 12S genes. According to the cytochrome b gene, the most similar strains were Trichogaster trichopterus (gold) and Trichogaster trichopterus (blue) (100%). Trichogaster leerii was less similar to them (86.0%), and an even lower similarity was found between the species T. trichopterus and Trichogaster labiosus (85.6%). The least similarity was observed between Betta betta and the genera Colisa (50.2%) and Trichogaster (60.1%). The phylogenetic trees of 12S and cytochrome b were very similar. According to 12S, the similarity between Trichogaster species was high (91.4% - 100%), and between species of this genus and Colisa lalia, it was lower (88.4%). In conclusion, sequence analyses, based on cytochrome b and 12S can provide a useful tool for the study of the systematic relationships between species belonging to the Anabantoidei suborder. Moreover, it may support other parameters used in systematics. Thus, these genes may be applied as genetic markers in aquaculture.

Somatolactin Transcription during Oogenesis in Female Blue Gourami (<i>Trichogaster trichopterus</i>)

Somatolactin (SL), a specific pituitary hormone belonging to the prolactin (PRL) super family, is involved in background adaptation, osmoregulation, reproduction and fatty acid metabolism. The goal of this study was to examine the gene transcription of SL changes in the ovary of blue gourami females (Trichogaster trichopterus) during oogenesis by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-Time PCR). Somatolactin in the pituitary was higher in females at low vitellogenesis compared to females with oocytes in maturation, and the difference was significant (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in mRNA levels between low and high vitellogenesis, and high vitellogenesis and maturation. The findings of this and previous studies demonstrate that SL, growth hormone (GH) and PRL are involved in oogenesis in blue gourami;however, considerably more studies are required in order to separate the functions of these hormones.

Underground water affects sexual behavior and gene expression of hormones related to reproduction in blue gourami males

This study examined the effect of underground water on reproduction- and growth-related hormones in blue gourami males under non-reproductive and reproductive conditions. An increase in the percentage of males building nests under the highest percentage of underground water were compared to fish that maintained a lower percentage of underground water in the first two days. The % Gonado-somatic index (GSI) of males building nests was higher than non- reproductively active males in water containing the lowest concentration of underground water. In non- reproductively active males, brain gonadotropin releasing hormone 1 (GnRH1) and pituitary β subunit of gonadotropins (GtHs) and prolactin (PRL) mRNA levels were significantly higher in males maintained in underground water. In reproductively active males, mRNA levels of brain GnRH1, gonadotropin releasing hormone 3 (GnRH3) and pituitary PRL mRNA levels were significantly higher than males maintained in underground water. Thus, it is suggested that underground water with high salinity and conductivity levels affects the gene expression of repro- duction-related hormones;in reproductively active males, it shortened the duration of nest-building by blue gourami males.

DNA Variation of <i>Capoeta</i><i>damascina</i>(Valenciennes, 1842) in Three Rivers in Northern Israel

The present study is in agreement with the hypothesis that the variation of ecological conditions in three rivers in northern Israel—the Dan, Hasbani and Hermon Rivers—affects the genetic variations of the species Capoeta damascina. Using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), cytochrome b gene (Cytb), 16S and nuclear DNA (nDNA), and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), four different clusters were found in the Cytb of the Hasbani and Hermon Rivers and only two in the Dan River. Moreover, the clusters in the Hasbani River differed from those found in the Hermon River. A similar result was found when an analysis was made of a different sequence from five different haplotype frequencies using the MegAlign program, the lowest being in the Dan River (only two haplotypes) and the highest in the Hasbani River (four haplotypes). The analysis of molecular variance of Cytb and 16S (AMOVA) for individuals of C. damascina from eight populations in northern Israel showed significant differences between the rivers and the populations. The analysis by mitochondrial 16S of haplotype frequencies of C. damascina populations in the rivers in northern Israel was very low compared to Ctb. Sixteen different haplotypes were found in the different rivers: eight in the Hasbani River, seven in the Dan River and only five in the Hermon River.

Male Blue Gourami (Trichogaster trichopterus) Nest-Building Behavior Is Affected by Other Males and Females

In this study, we examine male blue gourami (Trichogaster trichopterus) nest-building behavior that is affected by other males and interactions under experimental conditions. Males found in the area control the territory and sexual behavior, and are influenced by the behavior of other males. The results of this study show that the sexual behavior (nest-building) of male blue gourami is affected both by the behavior and pheromones of other males. We suggest that males must defend their territories in order to prevent these two factors from interfering in nest-building.

Communicating Different and Higher across the Praxis of Bloom’s Taxonomy While Shifting toward Health at Every Size (HAES)

The majority of recent studies on prevention and control of childhood obesity focus on methods for achieving weight loss. In contrast, the Health at Every Size (HAES) paradigm fosters improved health behaviors for people of all sizes by emphasizing natural diversity of body type and attention to social, emotional, and spiritual factors in addition to physical ones. This study examined introduction of the HAES paradigm to student teachers using different communication models while moving across the learning domains of Bloom’s Taxonomy. The qualitative research tested a face-to-face verbal communication model and a Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) module and its blog. It was also based upon reflection diaries recorded by participants using both models. Participants included Druze, Jewish, and Bedouin students at a teacher training program in northern Israel. The student teachers succeeded in developing the HAES concepts further while demonstrating the higher domain levels across Bloom’s Taxonomy. These higher levels emerged when engaging with theoretical concepts and practical dilemmas relating to the HAES concepts of health promotion, body image, well-being, and self-worth. Challenging the appreciation of HAES using different communication models can be translated into diverse contexts of Health Education Practices.

Mother-Daughter Relationship and Daughter’s Body Image

The adolescent years are characterized by emotional upheaval and hormonal and physiological changes that often create tension and conflicts between girls and their parents. This research study is based on an analysis of the mother-adolescent daughter relationship, with 46 mother-daughter dyads. This research assessed the effect of the daughter’s body image (independent variable) and her view of her own mother-daughter relationship (independent variable) on her sense of wellbeing (dependent variable). This study used four questionnaires to evaluate the dyadic model: the Modified Gray’s Questionnaire (Body Image), the Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ), the Mental Health Inventory (MHI) for measurement of the subjective sense of wellbeing, and the Relationship with Mother Questionnaire. Study findings show the importance of the adolescent girl’s positive body image on her sense of wellbeing, as well as the centrality of the mother-daughter relationship in the daughter’s body image and wellbeing.

Damage to <i>Salamandra infraimmaculata</i>Populations by Human Activity in Creating Water Pits Is a Death Trap in Semi-Arid Habitats

The different breeding sites of Salamandra infraimmaculata on the southern border of its distribution were examined and mapped in order to estimate the damage caused by water holes that could represent death traps for salamanders in xeric habitats. Among the various types of breeding sites (springs, streams, water holes, winter pools and reservoirs), the larvae of salamanders were detected in high numbers in springs and streams (503) and water holes (48), and in relatively low numbers in winter pools. Two water holes were examined in detail to estimate the damage caused to S. infraimmaculata where breeding places are limited. During the winter, both males and females enter a water hole for breeding. The percentage of males in and around the water hole was 42% and that of females 29%. After the salamanders’ oviposition in the water, they try to return to terrestrial habitats, but are unable to do so and lose weight and die. The body mass index (BMI) of salamanders decreases from winter (December) after they move to the water hole to spring (April), when they are found in the water hole. The estimation of potential damage is about 300 mature salamanders annually.

The Effect of Light and Soil Moisture on the Environmental Behavior of Newts (<i>Triturus vittatus vittatus</i>, Urodela)

The response to hiding places of metamorphosed newts (Triturus vittatus vittatus) affected by light and moisture was studied under experimental conditions. No significant differences (X2-test;P > 0.05) were found in the choice of hiding places covered with black or transparent paper as the control of the experimental methods. The selection of hiding places by the newts is significant regarding soil moisture and negative phototoxicity. Significant differences (X2-test;P T. v. vittatus chose moist soil in hiding places covered by black or transparent paper in all the various combinations, and the difference was significant (X2-test;P < 0.001).

Changes in Tree Frog (<i>Hyla savignyi</i>) Coloration in Unstable Habitats at the Southern Border of Its Distribution

This study examined the relationship between tree frog (Hyla savignyi) coloring and its different seasonal habitats at the southern border of its distribution. The results show that tree frog color is affected by the dominant colors in its habitat, which vary seasonally, especially between winter and summer. Tree frog colors were various shades of green, white, brown, and black. No genetic marker was found to characterize the color. The ability of a small frog to infer its own time with the help of color changes occurring in the habitat on the southern border of its distribution, which are relatively broad, gives this species an advantage.

A Qualitative Model of the Interaction of Sexual Behavior and Hormone Gene Transcription in Male Blue Gourami during Reproduction

In the present study, a model is suggested to describe hormone control in male blue gourami (Trichogaster trichopterus) along the gonadotropic brain-pituitary- gonad axis (BPG axis) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-somatotropic axis (HPS axis). This model is based on the cloning and transcription of genes encoding hormones of the two axes involved in spermatogenesis during blue gourami reproduction. Gene transcription is affected by environmental, biological, and behavioral factors. Mature males were examined in two different stages—nonreproductive in high-density habitats and reproductive in low-density habitats. Based on gene transcription, gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1 (GnRH1) was involved in controlling spermatogenesis (spermatogonia to spermatids) via the BPG axis in nonreproductive and reproductive stages by controlling follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), 11-ketotestosterone (11KT) and 17β-estradiol (E2). However, GnRH3 had a larger effect during the reproductive stage via the BPG axis (spermatids to sperm) on luteinizing hormone (LH), 11KT, and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17P). At the same time, the HPS axis was involved in spermatogenesis via pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and its related peptide PRP (formerly known as GHRH-like peptide) in the brain, and growth hormone (GH) in the pituitary affected synthesis of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) in the liver.

Case Study: A Human Pre-Natal Experiment in 1944—“Do No Harm”

Iris du Pré, a professional pianist, wanted a second child, did not conceive quickly and was injected in 1944 by a doctor in Oxford with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG). The doctor joked “This child will be a racehorse winner!” In January 1945, Jacqueline du Pré, the remarkable, world-famous cellist was born. In the 1920's and 1930's, animal experimentation and clinical studies had shown that pituitary glycoproteins stimulated the ovary (follicle-stimulating hormone, FSH) and the corpus luteum (luteal-stimulating hormone, LH) which prepared the human womb for embedding a fertilized ovum and that pregnant mare’s blood and urine contained the glycoprotein, PMSG whose origin was placental cells, but surprisingly in humans had the actions of both FSH and LH. However, the PMSG serum alone did not bring about pregnancy. The doctor did not know that without subsequent injection of another factor in correct sequence and timing, PMSG was pointless. In 1947, a placental glycoprotein, found in the 1920's in urine of pregnant women (human chorionic gonadotropin, hCG), when injected in mice subsequent to PMSG, achieved ovulation but not pregnancy. Human application of those findings was extremely risky due to impurities (up to 95%). The Federal Drug Administration (FDA), established in 1938, requested easily bye-passed marketing safety. Companies offered material “sufficiently” purified;professional bodies negated clinical use, tempting to a few. Evidence also suggests that, to sustain pregnancy the doctor also prescribed the new “eostrogen”, diethyl stilbestrol (DES) of negative fame. In 1947, the Nuremberg Code of ethics demanded human experiments by qualified personnel and trials preceded by adequate animal studies. It is not the case here. From five, du Pré had a most exceptional musical memory, almost obsessive musicality and a very difficult school-time socially. Later history: adult masculine build, awkward gait, tendency to recurrent depressions from mid-adolescence, unbalanced thyroidal metabolism, symptoms of numbness in late teens, long breaks for rest from age 25, MS diagnosis at 28 when unable to play, death aged 42. Yet at sixteen and after, she astounded all with technique, passion and unique musical interpretation. Her husband, an outstanding musician: “She had a capacity to imagine sound such as I never met in any other musician”. A close musician colleague: “... it was done before she was born”;perhaps much closer to the truth than realization, for her history it may suggest a fetal neurodevelopment abused in the womb.

Treatment of Hip Trochanteric Bursitis Using Hyaluronate Injections

Trochanteric bursitis is a common cause of musculoskeletal pain and often requires medical intervention and should be distinguished from sciatica and irradiating pain of pelvic and spinal origin. Previously, the etiology of the trochanteric pain syndrome was thought to be caused by inflammation. The current study was performed in order to assess the efficacy of trochanteric injections. Methods: 158 patients were treated for trochanteric bursitis (132 females/26 males, range 22 - 88 years). 59b were treated with corticosteroid injection, 60 with hyaluronate and 39 were injected using a combination of both. Patients were followed by the HOOS score for a minimum of 12 months. Results: Pre-operative HOOS scores were similar in all groups. Following injection, the HOOS score increased from 27 ± 4 to 66 ± 2 after six months and 77 ± 4 after a year. At 12-month follow-up, the average score of patients treated by corticosteroids injection was 44 ± 7 compared with 62 ± 8 for the hyaluronate injected group and 64 ± 6 for the combination injection group. Discussion: It appears that injection therapy is highly efficacious for treating trochanteric bursitis. The effect of hyaluronate or hyaluronate and steroid combination appears to be longer lasting than that of steroid alone.