Differences In Sex Ratio Research Articles

An Optimized Zebrafish Nursery Feeding Regimen Improves Growth Rates and Labor Costs.

Setting nutritional standards for larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) that maximize growth, survival, and reproductive success is challenging. We evaluated the effects of different feeding regimens on larval zebrafish by comparing Gemma Micro 75 pelleted diet and live-type L rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) in 3 feeding regimens starting at 9 days postfertilization (dpf): bolus feeding of live diet (BL), continuous feeding of live diet (CL), and pelleted diet (PD). Animals in the PD and CL groups were longer than the BL group at 4-5 weeks postfertilization. The PD group was also greater in body depth than both live diet groups. There was no significant difference in weight between the groups. There were also no significant differences in fecundity or sex ratios indicating that all feeding methods successfully promote growth of a useful breeding stock of fish. In addition, we quantified the equipment, consumable, and labor costs associated with these methods, and found that the PD regimen was superior to both live diet regimens. These data suggest that providing a high nutrient-density pelleted diet to larval and juvenile zebrafish is an effective means to increase early growth and to decrease cost and labor associated with nursery care.

Local, Seasonal, and Yearly Condition of Juvenile Greenland Halibut Revealed by the Le Cren Condition Index

AbstractAn understanding of biological characteristics, such as growth patterns, condition, and energy reserves, is important for better understanding the environmental constraints exerted on fish populations. This is especially true for exploited fish stocks in the current context of climate change. Using biological data collected from 2006 to 2009 during bottom trawl research surveys by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in the estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence (EGSL) as well as data from 2000 to 2018 in the northwest Atlantic, we sought to improve our knowledge on the seasonal condition of Greenland Halibut Reinhardtius hippoglossoides juveniles and to better understand the divergence in some life history traits between juveniles captured in these two regions. We validated the use of the Le Cren condition index and evaluated its relationship with energetic status in juvenile (20–32‐cm TL) Greenland Halibut. In the EGSL, juvenile condition was higher in winter and spring compared to summer and fall. Such variations may result from this species’ pelagic predation activity and prey availability. Juveniles captured in the EGSL during 2016–2017 were larger but had a lower condition index than those captured in the northwest Atlantic, but we found no indication of earlier sexual maturation in the EGSL that could explain the sex ratio differences we observed in catches from these two areas.

Impact of a ring net fishery in the inshore marine waters of Kilifi on the reproductive biology of six pelagic fish species

Ring nets are modified purse seines used for pelagic fishing along the Kenya coast. This method is however associated with potential negative environmental implications in inshore and shallow fishing grounds. Biological impacts on selected pelagic species caught in the marine waters of Kilifi were investigated during the Southeast Monsoon season (SEM) in April, May and September 2014, and the Northeast Monsoon season (NEM) in October and November 2014, and March 2015. Amblygaster sirm, Rastrelliger brachysoma, Sardinella gibbosa, Rastrelliger kanagurta, Hemiramphus far and Sphyraena obtusata were the most abundant species caught by the ring nets and comprised 68.9 % of fish catch composition. Analysis of ring net impacts on the fish sizes and maturity status were conducted for the NEM and SEM seasons. The catch composition for A. sirm in October comprised of 53.3 % juveniles and 53.4 % juveniles for S. obtusata in November. High percentages of H. far (78.3%) and S. obtusata (58.9 %) were captured in September. Incidences of undersize fish for A. sirm, S. gibbosa, R. kanagurta and R. brachysoma were observed across the seasons. Sex ratios for A. sirm, R. brachysoma, R. kanagurta and S. obtusata in the NEM season deviated from a normal ratio of 1:1 with more males observed. Females were dominant in the catch for H. far (1: 1.28) but the ratio was not different for S. gibbosa (χ² = 5.564, df = 1, p = 0.21). Males were dominant for A. sirm (1: 0.8) and S. gibbosa (1: 0.7) in the SEM season but the ratios were not different for H. far, S. obtusata, R. brachysoma and R. kanagurta. Differences in sex ratios were attributed to fish migrations and reproductive processes. Ring nets fished relatively offshore during the NEM season and targeted mainly spawning aggregations in stage IV. Immature fish in stage I and II which comprised of juveniles were harvested within sheltered inshore waters in the SEM season. Use of ring nets to target juveniles and spawning aggregations may disrupt recruitment processes. To enhance sustainable management of the ring net fishery, there is a need to develop harvesting strategies based on the information on stock status of the target fish.

Assessing prevalence and correlates of blue-colored flesh in lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) across their geographic range

Intraspecific variation in external and internal pigmentation is common among fishes and explained by a variety of biological and ecological factors. Blue-colored flesh in fishes is relatively rare but has been documented in some species of the sculpin, greenling, and perch families. Diet, starvation, photoprotection, and camouflage have all been suggested as proximate mechanisms driving blue flesh, but causal factors are poorly understood. We evaluated the relative importance of biological and spatial factors that could explain variation in blue coloration in 2021 lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) captured across their range in the northeastern Pacific, from southeast Alaska to southern California. The probability of having blue flesh was highest for fish that were female, caught in shallower water, and smaller in body size. The incidence of blueness varied by region (4–25% of all fish) but was also confounded by differences in sex ratios of fish caught among regions. We analyzed the multivariate fatty acid composition of a subset of 175 fish from across the sampling range to test for differences in trophic biomarkers in blue lingcod. Lingcod fatty acid composition differed between regions and flesh colors but not between sexes. Blue-fleshed fish had lower concentrations of total fatty acids, 18:1ω-9, 16:1ω-7, 18:1ω-7, and ω-6 fatty acids, suggesting differences in energetics and energy storage in blue fish. While our data indicate potential links between diet and blue flesh in lingcod, important questions remain about the physiological mechanisms governing blueness and its biological consequences.

Impact of feeding experiences on oviposition and sex allocation of Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Feeding experiences of predators during immature and adult stages may impact females’ reproduction. In the present study, we investigated reproductive performances of Neoseiulus californicus when both parents had different feeding experiences on Tetranychus urticae and Frankliniella occidentalis. Female and male immatures fed on either prey species. Each newly emerged female adult individually mated with a male had either the same or different feeding experience. Prey for mated females were either same as or different from that consumed during their immature stages. Therefore, eight reproductive treatments were created. The highest cumulative fecundity (57.5±3.3 eggs/female) was observed when both female and male fed on T. urticae with the lowest fecundity (34.2±2.7 eggs/female) observed when the parents fed on F. occidentalis. Daily fecundity and oviposition duration were mainly affected by prey of mated females. Mated females preyed on T. urticae had 56.6% higher daily fecundity and 22.3% shorter oviposition duration than those preyed on F. occidentalis. No significant difference in offspring sex ratio and egg hatch rate was detected between treatments. About 88% of the first-laid eggs developed to males. Impact of prey species consumed by male immatures was only observed on pre-oviposition duration. The average pre-oviposition duration of females who mated with males fed on T. urticae in their immaturity was 33.0% shorter than those females who mated with males fed on F. occidentalis in their immaturity. Results of the present study are valuable in optimizing N. californicus field release strategies, and will help further investigations into the nutritional requirements of this species.

Analysis on Emotional Control and Life Quality of Patients with Continuous Blood Purification and Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection by Cluster Nursing Model combined with Psychological Intervention

To study the effect of cluster nursing model combined with psychological intervention on emotional control and life quality of patients with continuous blood purification (CBP) and catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). 126 patients with CBP catheterization treated in our hospital (November 2018-November 2019) were chosen as the study subjects, and randomly split into group A and group B, 63 cases in each group. Group B adopted routine nursing while group A received cluster nursing model with psychological intervention to compare the emotional control level and life quality between the two groups. No obvious differences in sex ratio, age, BMI, smoking history, drinking history, marital status, disease types, catheter indwelling time and catheter position were found between the two groups(P>0.05). After nursing intervention, MPV and CD62-P in group A were obviously lower while PLT value was obviously higher compared with group B (P<0.001). CRBSI occurred later in group A compared with group B after intervention (P<0.001), and CRBSI duration was shorter compared with group B (P<0.001). The CECS scores in both groups after intervention were obviously higher, and CECS score in group A after nursing intervention was obviously higher compared with group B(P<0.001). SF-36 scores in both groups after nursing intervention were obviously higher, and SF-36 score in group A after intervention was higher compared with group B (P<0.001). The total nursing satisfaction in group A was obviously higher compared with group B (P<0.05). Cluster nursing model combined with psychological intervention can enhance emotional control level of patients with CBP catheterization, shorten the CRBSI duration, improve the life quality and nursing satisfaction, with obvious effect, deserving reference and promotion.

The effect of temperature on host patch exploitation by an egg parasitoid.

The effect of temperature during host patch exploitation by parasitoids remains poorly understood, despite its importance on female reproductive success. Under laboratory conditions, we explored the behaviour of Anaphes listronoti, an egg parasitoid of the carrot weevil, Listronotus oregonensis, when foraging on a host patch at five temperatures. Temperature had a strong effect on the female tendency to exploit the patch: A. listronoti females parasitized more eggs at intermediate temperature (20 to 30°C) compared to those foraging at the extreme of the range (15.9°C and 32.8°C). However, there was no difference in offspring sex-ratio and clutch size between temperature treatments. Mechanisms of host acceptance within a patch differed between temperatures, especially at 32.8°C where females used ovipositor insertion rather than antennal contact to assess whether a host was already parasitized or not, suggesting that host handling and chemical cues detection were probably constrained at high temperature. Females spent less time on the host patch with increasing temperatures, but temperature had no effect on patch-leaving rules. Our results show that foraging A. listronoti females behave better than expected at sub-optimal temperatures, but worse than expected at supra-optimal temperatures. This could impair parasitoid performance under ongoing climate change.

Comparison of Baseline Clinical Characteristics between Asian Vs. Non-Asian Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) from International PNH Registry

Background: PNH is clinically characterized by intravascular haemolysis, bone marrow failure and thrombosis. Thrombosis and bleeding/serious infections have been reported as major causes of death in PNH. The difference in clinical manifestations of PNH among different races has also been suggested; however, it has not been clearly demonstrated due to rarity of the disease. Objectives: The aim of this study was to clarify whether the racial background of patients with PNH affects their clinical characteristics. Methods: As of June 5, 2017, 4,928 patients were enrolled in the International PNH Registry. After excluding patients with missing data for race, birth date, sex, enrollment date, and/or treatment status with eculizumab, 1,793 patients, who were eculizumab naïve at enrollment and had ≥1% GPI-deficient granulocytes or erythrocytes, were selected for analysis. The study population was divided into two cohorts according to their racial background. The “Asian cohort” consisted of patients with Asian or mixed Asian race (N=246), and the non-Asian cohort consisted of patients with White/Caucasian, Black/African descent and other racial background (N=1547). “Asian cohort” was further divided into “Asians in Asia cohort” (N=202) where the patients were enrolled in the registry from Japan (N=22), South Korea (N=122), Taiwan (N=25), and other Asian countries (N=33), and “Asians in non-Asia cohort” where Asian patients were enrolled from countries outside Asia (N=44). Baseline was defined as enrollment in the registry for all patients. Results: Median (Q1, Q3) disease duration (time from disease start to enrollment) was 1.6 years (0.3, 6.1) for Asian cohort and 1.2 years (0.4, 5.0) for non-Asian cohort. There was no significant difference in sex ratio, median age, and the proportion of patients with a history of bone marrow disorder, aplastic anemia, or myelodysplastic syndrome between the two cohorts. The mean platelet counts at baseline also did not differ significantly between two cohorts. However, Asian cohort had higher LDH value (Median LDH Ratio (Q1, Q3), 2.0 (1.1, 5.6) in the Asian cohort and 1.6 (1.0, 3.8) in the non-Asian cohort; p<0.0001) and mean percent GPI-deficient granulocyte clone (50% vs 43%; p=0.0041) compared with non-Asian cohort. In comparison between Asian in Asia cohort and Asian in non-Asia cohort, the difference in mean percent GPI-deficient granulocyte clone remained significant (53% vs 39%; p=0.036). The proportion of patients with a history of major adverse vascular events (MAVE) at baseline was significantly higher in non-Asian cohort than in Asian-cohort (p=0.0005). The significant differences were also observed in all thrombotic events (TE), venous TE, and non-TE MAVE (Fig. 1). However, the proportion of patients with a history of arterial TE was not significantly different between two cohorts, or in comparison between Asians in Asia cohort and Asians in non-Asia cohort (Fig. 2). The proportion of patients with a history of MAVE/TE at baseline did not differ significantly among Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. Regarding the treatment, Asian cohort had more patients with a history of RBC transfusion (67% vs 52%; p=<0.0001) and corticosteroid therapy (47% vs 34%; p=0.0003) than non-Asian cohort, but less patients with a history of anticoagulant therapy such as heparin or warfarin (9% vs 16%; p=0.002) and cyclosporine/ATG (29% vs 42%; p<0.0001). The difference remained significant in the comparison between Asians in Asia and Asians in non-Asia except for the history of cyclosporine/ATG. Regarding the history of physician-reported symptoms, the proportion of patients with easy bruise/bleeding was higher in non-Asian cohort than Asian cohort (38% vs 20%; p<0.0001). The same difference was also observed between Asians in Asia cohort and Asians in non-Asia cohort (15% vs 41%; p=0.0004). Conclusions: This study with large-scale data base strongly suggested that history of MAVE/TE is higher in non-Asian patients with PNH compared with Asian patients. The comparison between Asians in non-Asia and Asians in Asia cohorts suggested that genetic factors rather than life style and diet play a role in developing MAVE/TE in PNH patients. This study also highlighted that the registry data serve as a valuable resources to understand the clinical course of PNH and thus contribute to establish optimal therapeutic approaches according to patient's racial background. [Display omitted] DisclosuresOkamoto:Chugai Pharmaceutical Co.: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers K.K: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers K.K: Honoraria; Astellas: Honoraria; Pfizer Japan: Speakers Bureau; Alexion Pharma G.K.: Honoraria. Sakurai:Alexion: Honoraria. Wilson:Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Nishimura:Alexion Pharma GK: Honoraria, Research Funding. Kanakura:Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Nippon Shinyaku: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Kyowa Hakko Kirin: Research Funding; Astellas: Research Funding; Eisai: Research Funding; Shionogi: Research Funding; Bristol Myers: Research Funding; Toyama Chemical: Research Funding; Chugai Pharmaceutical: Research Funding; Fujimotoseiyaku: Research Funding.

Short-term comparative study of three-dimensional and two-dimensional laparoscopic surgery for total extraperitoneal primary inguinal hernia repair.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopic surgery for total extraperitoneal (TEP) primary inguinal hernia repair.MethodsThis was a single-center, retrospective, observational database study of 38 patients who underwent laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair from March 1, 2019 to August 30, 2019 at Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong in Seoul, Korea.ResultsThere was no significant difference in sex ratio, age, or body mass index between the two groups. The 2D group had two patients with direct hernia and 18 patients with indirect hernia. The 3D group had five patients with direct hernia, 11 patients with indirect hernia, and two patients with femoral hernia. The mean operation time was 38.2 minutes in the 2D group compared with 37.2 minutes in the 3D group. There was no severe intraoperative bleeding in either group. During the operation, peritoneal tearing occurred in 12 out of 20 patients in the 2D group compared with five out of 18 patients in the 3D group (p = 0.02). The average length of hospital stay was 1.3 days in both groups. The numeric rating scale score was 3.3 and 3 in the 2D group and the 3D group, respectively. In the 2D group, two patients revisited the outpatient clinic because of the postoperative occurrence of seroma and varicocele.ConclusionA 3D laparoscopic surgery is feasible and safe for inguinal hernia repair and showed less peritoneal tearing compared with 2D laparoscopic surgery for primary inguinal hernia repair.

Reproductive Phenology of Five Species of Terrestrial Frogs (Genus Eleutherodactylus) from Cuba

We studied the reproductive phenology of five endemic Eleutherodactylus species that coexist in a mountain rainforest in Cuba and estimated their sex ratios at immature and mature stages. We tested the hypothesis that in Neotropical humid sites, reproductive activity in sympatric species will vary in the time of occurrence so that there is no complete temporal overlap. We also investigated whether the length of the breeding season was associated to relative testes size as a proxy for male–male competition. We inferred reproductive phenology from seasonal variation in the number of sexually active individuals, their gonad developmental stage, and male vocal activity from January 2003 to March 2004. Our data do not support the hypothesis of temporal segregation in reproduction for this assemblage because we found a prolonged reproductive pattern in the five species, but there was decreased breeding intensity in the cooler months (November–February). This deduction is supported by a drop in the weight of the ovaries and the number of vitellogenic follicles, absence of mature females or reduction of their abundance, and disappearance of male vocal activity in the winter. We found differences in relative testes size among species, which were not related to differences in the length of the breeding season, but rather to interspecific differences in sex ratio.

Effect and Nursing Satisfaction of Bedside Nursing Combined with Detail Nursing in Clinical Nursing of Gastroenterology Department.

Objective The purpose of the study was to investigate the therapeutic effect and nursing satisfaction of bedside nursing combined with detail nursing in the gastroenterology department. Methods 112 patients with gastrointestinal diseases admitted to our hospital from November 2018 to November 2019 were selected as the study subjects and randomly divided into a research group (n = 56) and reference group (n = 56). The reference group received routine clinical nursing, while on this basis, the research group received bedside nursing combined with detail nursing. After that, the clinical nursing effects of the two groups were compared. Results There were no significant differences in sex ratio, age, BMI, smoking history, drinking history, marital status, and disease types between the two groups (P > 0.05). The VAS scores in the two groups after intervention were significantly lower than those before intervention (P < 0.01), and the VAS scores in the research group after intervention were significantly lower than those in the reference group (P < 0.01). The nursing ability, nursing skills, and nursing responsibility in the research group were significantly higher than those in the reference group (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the number of patients who were satisfied and needed improvement (P > 0.05). Besides, the number of very satisfied cases in the research group was significantly higher than that in the reference group (P < 0.05), and the number of unsatisfied cases was significantly lower than that in the reference group (P < 0.05). The total incidence of clinical adverse events in the research group was significantly lower than that in the reference group (P < 0.01). The gastrointestinal diseases related knowledge scores after intervention were significantly higher than those before intervention (P < 0.01), and the gastrointestinal diseases related knowledge scores after intervention in the research group were significantly higher than those in the reference group (P < 0.01). The GQOLI-74 scores after intervention in the two groups were significantly higher than those before intervention (P < 0.01), and the GQOLI-74 scores after intervention in the research group were significantly higher than those in the reference group (P < 0.01). Conclusion The application of bedside nursing mode combined with detail nursing in gastrointestinal diseases can effectively reduce patients' pains, as well as the incidence of clinical adverse events, and improve patients' life quality, with definite curative effect, which is worthy of promotion and application.

Verification of an efficient genetic sex identification method in Portunus trituberculatus: Applied to study sex ratios in full-sib families

Portunus trituberculatus is one of the main mariculture crabs in China and has obvious sexual dimorphism. The development of a genetic sex identification method is key to clarifying the mechanisms of sex determination. Based on an insertion-deletion (inDel) marker closely linked to the sex of P. trituberculatus, we successfully established a sex identification method with the advantages of high efficiency, low cost and low false-positive rates using conventional PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis. Based on the method, the sex ratio of seven full-sib families at different developmental stages were analyzed, including zoea, megalopa and II juvenile crab. Our results showed that the sex ratio of P. trituberculatus in early development stages approximated the theoretical sex ratio (1:1) of the XY sex determination system, although there were three families with sex ratio deviations from 1:1 at the juvenile stage. This study is important for detailing the mechanisms of sex determination, and is also conducive to the development of sex-control technologies in this species.

Evaluation of reproduction performance and calf sex ratio of dairy cattle in selected locations of South-East Oromia

Dairy farmers in many parts of the world complain about the deviation from the normal calf sex ratio following Artificial Insemination (AI). The prospective and retrospective studies were conducted to compare the sex ratio of the calves born following Artificial Insemination (AI) and Natural Mating (NM) under institutional and smallholder-managed dairy farms. This study also compared the reproductive performance of dairy cattle under institutional management and smallholder systems. The data encompassed farm records maintained between 1996-2014 G.C by dairy farms at Arsi University-Asela, crossbreeding center at Gobe ranch, and Agarfa ATVET College. These farms reared both F1 and crossbreds with higher (>75%) exotic inheritances (grade crosses). The study also considered household and progeny history surveys on smallholder dairy farms (n=90) adjoining to the institutional farms which were randomly selected from Tiyo, Kofele, and Sinana districts. The result indicates that most of the respondents at Tiyo (96.8%) and Kofale (100%) were concerned about the differences in the sex ratio of calves born from AI service and natural mating, while most of the respondents at Sinana (29%) did not report such differences. The respondents in Tiyo and Kofale districts reported higher numbers of male calves (58%) and higher numbers of female calves (58.1%) born from cows inseminated artificially respectively. The Average Age at First Calving (AFC) had no significant difference between genotypes (F1 and grade crosses) reared at the institutional farms. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in AFC across the ranches. The AFC was lower in the institutional farms when compared to those managed at smallholder management conditions. The number of services per conception (NSC) varied p<0.05) across the dairy farms. No significant differences were observed among the sex ratio of the calves born through natural and AI mating systems either at the institutional or smallholder farms. However, differences due to season and year were observed, indicating the effect of non-genetic factors influencing the sex ratio of the calves. In some seasons the numbers of male calves were higher while the reverse was true for some other seasons. Therefore, the reproduction traits of the cattle differed (P<0.05) across the institution and smallholder production systems having lower values observed among the cattle raised at the dairy farms and higher for the F1 crossbred than grade crosses, while production trait of the cattle differed (P<0.05) across the three dairy farms and there were no significant differences in calf sex ratio among the calves born from AI and NM.

English

BACKGROUND Neonatal sepsis refers to systemic infections affecting infants within 28 days of life, 1 characterised by invasion of bloodstream by pathogens and possible involvement of multiple organ systems. Neonatal sepsis can present as bloodstream infections (BSI) or septicaemia, pneumonia, meningitis, urinary tract, and bone / joint infections but does not as superficial infections. We wanted to evaluate the rationale of administering intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) with antimicrobials to improve the therapeutic significance of sepsis in preterm neonates. METHODS One hundred preterm neonates with sepsis were randomly assigned into study and control categories at SNCU, Department of Paediatrics, Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital, Laheriasarai, Darbhanga, Bihar, India. Study-category was given IVIG in addition to standard treatment. RESULTS Total 100 sick new-borns were registered, 50 in study, and 50 in control categories. There were no differences in sex ratio (male 50 %, female 50 %) of sick new-borns who were registered. This was also apparent in the study (males 47.7 %, females 52.3 %) and control category (males 52.3 %, females 47.7 %). CONCLUSIONS The cause of increased morbidity and mortality in severe infection of preterm neonates was the low level of immunity. IVIG use in conjunction with the antimicrobials and other sympathetic therapy can change the end result. KEY WORDS IVIG, Neonatal Sepsis, Preterm Babies

Ant and silkworm pupae as convenient diets for the development and reproduction of big-eyed bug Geocoris ochropterus (Hemiptera: Geocoridae)

Abstract We investigated the influence of convenient diets on big-eyed bug Geocoris ochropterus. Development and reproduction of G. ochropterus fed on convenient diets of ant pupae Oecophylla smaragdina and silkworm pupae Bombyx mori were examined using aphids Aphis gossypii as the control diet. Results showed that Geocoris ochropterus nymphs completed development to adults on all diets. Total average development period was 35.1 days fed on ant pupae, 35.9 days fed on silkworm pupae, and 36.0 days fed on aphids. Head width, body length, forewing length, and fresh body weight of adults were not affected by diets, except for females reared on ant pupae that were significantly heavier than those fed on aphids. There was no significant difference in offspring sex ratio. Total number of eggs deposited per female fed on ant pupae was significantly larger than when fed on aphids, while eggs laid by females fed on silkworm pupae were significantly longer than eggs laid by females fed on aphids. Results suggest that ant pupae and silkworm pupae could be effectively used for mass rearing of G. ochropterus.

Clinical course and outcomes of chronic viral hepatitis D in patients from Republic of Tuva as endemic region

Hepatitis D (delta, 5) is caused by an RNA virus (hepatitis D virus, HDV) from genus Deltavirus, and is the most severe and difficult to treat disease among both viral hepatitis and infectious diseases in general. The development of HDV infection in the host organism is possible only in the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Coinfection with HBV and HDV is associated with a more rapid progression of chronic viral hepatitis (CVH) to liver cirrhosis (LC) and an unfavorable outcome in comparison with HBV monoinfection. Data on the influence of clinical, biochemical and virological factors on the infectious process in patients with hepatitis D are limited due to the insufficient amount of research on this theme.The study aimed to determine demographic, clinical, biochemical, and virological factors influencing the course and progression of CVH D in patients followed during 10 years, residing in the territory of the Tuva Republic, one of the endemic regions of the Russian Federation. Changes in clinical and laboratory parameters were analyzed in dynamics in 121 HDV infected patients with a different course of the disease, who were under observation from 2009 to 2019. Three groups of patients were identified: group 1 - 61 patients with disease progression of chronic hepatitis to LC (Child-Pugh class B-C), group 2 - 49 patients with non-progressive chronic hepatitis, and group 3 - 11 patients with slowly progressive LC (class A). Demographic data, the presence of detectable HBV DNA, indicators of the functional state of the liver: alanine aminotransferase (ALT/GPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST/GOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and total bilirubin content were analyzed. The severity of hepatic encephalopathy was assessed by the duration of the numbers connection test (NCT). All patients belonged to the same ethnic group (Tuvinians), were infected with HDV genotype 1 and were positive for HDV RNA throughout the entire follow-up period. There were no significant differences in sex ratio and mean age at the time of inclusion in the study between the groups. In group 1, the average number of years from inclusion in the study to the formation of LC was 3.65 ± 2.3 years, years to the lethal outcome: 4.5 ± 3 years. Significantly higher levels of AST/GOT, ALP, GGT, total bilirubin (TB) and NCT grade were found in group 1 compared to group 2. ALT/GPT levels did not differ significantly in these groups. When comparing groups with disease progression and slowly progressive LC (groups 1 and 3), no significant differences were found in any of the clinical and biochemical parameters. ALT/GPT, GGT, TB and NCT values were significantly higher in patients with slowly progressive LC (group 3) compared to group 2. No differences in AST/GOT and ALP levels were found between these groups. Detectable HBV DNA was significantly more frequent in patients with progressive disease and with chronic viral hepatitis than in patients with slowly progressive LC. There were no significant differences in the frequency of HBV DNA detection in patients from groups 1 and 2. The results obtained on a relatively homogeneous cohort demonstrated that age and gender are not the factors influencing the progression of chronic viral hepatitis D to cirrhosis. The lack of detectable HBV DNA is associated with the slow progression of LC. The revealed differences in clinical and biochemical parameters reflect the degree of functional liver damage in chronic viral hepatitis D and HDV-associated cirrhosis.

Are human natal sex ratio differences across the world adaptive? A test of Fisher's principle

Fisher's principle states that natural selection favours an equal number of male and female births at the population level, unless there are sex differences in rearing costs or sex differences in mortality before the end of the period of parental investment. Sex differences in rearing costs should be more pronounced in low- than in high-resource settings. We, therefore, examined whether human development index and sex differences in child mortality contribute to the natural variation in human sex ratio at birth across the globe. As predicted by Fisher's principle, the proportion of male births increased with both increasing male-biased childhood mortality and level of development of each country. However, these relationships were absent after accounting for spatial autocorrelation in the residuals, which our inference is conditioned on. This work shows how the failure to account for residual spatial autocorrelation can lead to incorrect conclusions regarding support for predictions from sex allocation theory.

Not all methods are created equal: assessment of sampling methods for crayfishes and fishes in southern Appalachian streams

We compared the effectiveness of three sampling methods (kick seining, electrofishing, and nest trapping) to collect crayfishes and fishes, simultaneously, in southern Appalachian Mountain streams (Alabama, USA). For crayfishes, kick seining collected the highest species richness and most individuals. However, by combining kick seining and electrofishing collections, we decreased the number of sites needed to accurately assess crayfish richness relative to using one method. For 9 of the 13 species collected, no differences in crayfish sizes or sex ratios were detected between electrofishing and kick seining. In the remaining four species, electrofishing collected larger crayfishes and more females than kick seining. For fishes, electrofishing was most effective at assessing fish species richness. Sampled fish richness was higher when electrofishing in streams with higher water temperatures and width-to-depth ratios, as well as lower conductivities and smaller substrates. Electrofishing was the most effective sampling method for collecting Centrarchids, whereas kick seining was most effective at collecting Cyprinids. Nest traps were the least effective sampling method. We conclude that using a combination of kick seining and electrofishing is best for assessing stream fish and crayfish assemblages, simultaneously, which can improve management, biomonitoring, and understanding of the complex relationships between these faunal groups.

Gamma Ray Radiation Effects Emitted from Am-241 on Some Physiological Cases of Adult Rats

In this search we found the effect of 0.06.0.1 and 0.4 mGy / h gamma rays as radiation doses for 55 days at h /7 day irradiation in certain physiological cases as the sex ratio of adult rats. Major reductions in the total number of offspring were observed (p ˂0.05). female and male sex ratio when exposed to 0.06-0.4 mGy / h doses when compared to control group. Another argument, the effects of gamma radiation with the above dose levels and with the same mating showed substantial increases (p ˂0.05) in the number of female offspring and their sexual ratio. This rise is directly proportional to the increase in doses. This paper also revealed major differences in the sex ratio of male and female rats. The ratio of female offspring to gamma radiation was greater than the ratio of male offspring to control .The exposure of any source with frequency greater than GHz. and wave length in (10-10 meters) must therefore be avoided during gestations.

Biases obscure whether sexes and ages of window-killed fall migrants die in proportion to their frequency in the migrating population

The timing of migratory passage for sexes and ages of birds is difficult to document because migration is spread out over time and space. We compared sex and age ratios from 10 species of birds that were banded in Wisconsin during fall migration to a sample of autumn window-killed birds from Chicago, Illinois. We assumed that these specimens were a random sample of the migrating population because dates of passage in Wisconsin either predate or were coincident with specimens recovered in Chicago. More juveniles than adults collided with windows, which is expected because of the higher number of juveniles in the fall migratory population. For Connecticut Warbler (Oporornis agilis), Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis), Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla), and White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), statistically fewer adults collided with windows than expected. It is possible that adults of these species, who have made at least 2 prior successful migratory journeys, might have experienced some degree of learning to avoid windows. For specimen data, ratios of males to females were approximately equal, except for Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana; 1:0.82). However, banders were unable to determine sex for a high percentage of each species, ranging from 98.5% undetermined sex for Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) to 48% for Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas). Taken at face value, banding records for Common Yellowthroat, Dark-eyed Junco, and White-throated Sparrow indicated a much higher percentage of males, whereas for Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia), females were much more common; 6 species showed no apparent difference in sex ratio between the banding and window samples. In species for which banders declined to identify an individual's sex for a high percentage of birds, we questioned whether the identification of sex in the remaining small percentage was accurate. Thus, we considered the alternative possibility that the specimen data were in fact the most appropriate null hypothesis, and if so, it would suggest that banders have misidentified sexes consistently in 4 species, and ages in 7 species.