Female Sex Ratio Research Articles

Female biased adult sex ratio in the Bronze Age cemetery of Shahr-i Sokhta (Iran) as an indicator of long distance trade and matrilocality.

This paper starts from the unusual observation of the overrepresentation of females among adults in the cemetery of Bronze Age Shahr-i Sokhta (Seistan, Iran) and explores the post marital residence pattern. By integrating taphonomical (skeletal preservation), anthropological (sex ratio [SR], sexual dimorphism, stress indicators, age at death), archeological (long distance trade indicators, habitation floor area, social role of women), and ancient DNA (heterozygosity levels in X chromosomes) data we test the hypothesis of post marital matrilocality in the site. We computed the SR (pelvis-based sex determination) in a random unpublished adult sample from the cemetery of Shahr-i Sokhta and in two samples previously published by other authors. We used comparative data on SR from: a large Supra Regional multi-chronological sample of sites, n = 47, with 8808 adult sexed individuals, from Southern Europe, Egypt, Middle East, Southern Russia; a Regional Bronze Age sample of sites (n = 10) from Bactria Margiana and Indus Valley with 1324 adult sexed individuals. We estimated the heterozygosity levels in X chromosomes compared with the rest of the autosomes on the assumption that in a matrilocal society females should show lower variability than men. Adult SR in a sample (n = 549) from Shahr-i Sokhta is 70.5, the overrepresentation of females is shared with Regional Bronze Age sites from Bactria Margiana (SR = 72.09) and Indus Valley (SR = 67.54). On the contrary, in a larger Supra Regional multi-chronological sample of sites, mean SR ranges between 112.7 (Bronze Age) and 163.1 (Middle Ages). Taphonomical and anthropological indicators do not explain the overrepresentation of female skeletons. Archeological indicators suggest a high social status of women and that the society was devoted to long range trade activities. heterozygosity levels in X chromosomes are in agreement with a matrilocal society. Indicators suggest that Bronze Age Shahr-ì Sokhta was a matrilocal society and that long distance trade was an important economic factor producing an overrepresentation of adult female skeletons in the cemetery.

Studies on floral morphology and fruit diversity in wild melon (Cucumis melo L.ssp. agrestis (Naudin) Pangalo var. agrestis Naudin)

Floral morphology and fruit diversity are two essential attributes of a plant to establish mutualistic association with pollinators. Pollinators will have a direct influence on fruit setting and yield. The present paper represents the floral morphology and fruit diversity of six wild melon genotypes (Cucumis melo ssp. agrestis). The staminate and pistillate flowers were analysed for their size, sepal and petal colour and pedicel length. It was observed that female flowers of wild genotypes were longer than male flowers, however male flowers possessed larger diameter, longer pedicel length and corolla length over female flowers. Among the six genotypes studied, HUB-13 produced maximum male flowers per vine (156.75), longest female flower (5.33 cm), longest pedicel and corolla and largest ovary (6.11 mm diameter). Genotype HUB-4 produced maximum female flowers per vine (39.50) with lower male to female sex ratio (2.65:1) and recorded longest male flower length (4.43 cm). Genotype, HUB-2 recorded lowest flower length (2.40 cm, 2.85 cm) and diameter, smallest corolla length (1.25 cm, 1.13 cm) and pedicel length (1.05 cm and 0.50 cm) for male and female flowers respectively. The sepals and petals were green and yellow in colour respectively with varied intensity. The genotype, HUB-9 recorded maximum ovary length (1.83 cm), fruit weight (86.03 g), fruit yield per vine (1.98 kg) and fruit yield per hectare (9.48 t/ha).

Effect of Elevated Temperature on the Bionomics of <i>Aenasius arizonensis</i> Girault

An experiment was conducted to know the effect of thermal stress on the biological attributes of the parasitoid Aenasius arizonensis Girault of the cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley. The results revealed that temperature showed a significant effect on the biological fitness traits of the A. arizonensis; when exposed to 32°C, parasitisation, fecundity, female sex ratio and adult longevity. At 32°C these viz., parasitisation (77%), sex ratio (63.46) and days taken from oviposition to mummy formation (6.4) were found to be the highest. Other fitness traits like fecundity (142.8) and developmental duration (11.2 - males, 12.6 - females) were found to be the highest at 27°C. These parameters gradually decreased with increasing temperature, indicating a negative relationship. Morphometrics of adults revealed that mean length and breadth of mummies, total length and breadth of adult male and females, total width of head, total length of antenna and total hind tibial length were maximum at 27°C as compared to those observed with high temperature treatments. Thus high temperature was observed to have an adverse effect on the growth and development of the parasitoid.

Assessment of wild prey of mammalian carnivores in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat, India

The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (Barda WLS) is a semi-arid ecosystem that plays an important role in the conservation of mammalian carnivores. It is essential to evaluate the population of important wild prey species in Barda, which has conservation implications for mammalian predators and themselves. We assessed the density, biomass, and population structure of wild prey species by surveying road (n = 10) and trail (n = 8) transects using the distance sampling framework method. We used male-to-female sex ratios and the percent contribution of each age class to assess population structure. Mean group size (MGS), median group size (Mdgs), and mean crowding (Mc) were calculated to analyze group size. Of the species studied, Indian peafowl had the highest density (51.61 ± 7.08 individuals/km2), followed by wild pig (10.77 ± 4.59), blue bull (3.50 ± 0.51), Indian hare (3.03 ± 0.73), and spotted deer (0.62 ± 0.04). The male-to-adult female sex ratio was biased towards females, except for Indian peafowl. All species had small group sizes except wild pigs. The results of this study can aid in its development as one of the important protected areas in Gujarat for the conservation of mammalian predators, along with framing conservation strategies for Barda WLS.

Comparative study of single vs. dual plating in distal femur fracture

Abstract Background: Despite recent advances in techniques and implants, the treatment of intra-articular, multifragmentary distal femoral fractures OTA type C remains a challenge. Fracture shortening with extension and varus deformities of the distal articular surface is typical. During the fixation of such injuries, the surgeon aims to achieve anatomical articular reduction and preserve the blood supply while providing rigid, stable, fixation that is strong enough to withstand early functional mobilization. Objectives: The purpose is to compare and evaluate the functional outcome, subjective outcome, radiological outcome of union, and complications of single vs. dual plating. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted from 2021 to 2022 among patients presenting with all distal femur fractures OTA type C in the age group 20–65 years. About 20 patients were managed by single plating with a lateral surgical approach, and 20 were managed by dual plating with a modified swashbuckler approach. Results: The dual plating group showed better functional results than the single plating group according to the knee society score. The age distribution of patients was bimodal, and there was no significant difference between the sex ratio of males and females in both groups. Comparing the range of motion, the dual plating group showed excellent results. The mean union time in the dual plating group was statistically significant. In the single plating group, complications such as varus deformity, wound dehiscence, and implant failure were observed in some cases.Complications in some cases of dual plating induced wound dehiscence and infection. Conclusions: On comparing the dual plating cases with the single plating, we found that the dual plating group is superior to that of the single plating group both in terms of functional outcome and the extent of complications. Also, the dual plating group has a better knee range of motion. The medial and lateral locking plate technique demonstrates a higher union rate with possible lower rates of revision surgery compared to a single lateral plate in highly comminuted distal femur fractures.

The impact of different pairing scheme on female reproductive investment: Research on Japanese Quail (Cortunix japonica)

Determining the sex of the embryo during incubation is crucial for the poultry industry. The primary problem to comprehend in this study is the manipulation of the sex ratio and also the egg production. The study will concentrate on how two distinct methods of pairing parents—one male with one female and another male with three females—affect egg production, the average egg mass, and the sex offspring ratio. As the animal model, we employ the layer strain of the Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica) since they produce continuous eggs each day and easy to handle. The Japanese quail pairs were housed for seven days prior to the start of egg collection. These eggs were nurtured for up to three weeks after hatching until the sexing could be determined. When compared to a pair of three females, the egg production of a single pair was much higher when alternative pattern schemes were used. However, the mass of their typical eggs is remarkably similar. The male to female chick offspring sex ratio regularly showed to be 1:1 or equal. This finding could serve as the foundation for further research into the impact of partner pairing on another avian layer strain.

Comparison of Evolut-R 34 mm Valve and Smaller Evolut-R Valves in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation and Determination of Mild Paravalvular Leak Predictors.

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the in-hospital, 1-month and 1-year post-procedure outcomes of patients treated with Evolut-R 34 mm and Evolut-R 23/26/29 mm devices. Additionally, the study aimed to identify factors that could predict the occurrence of ≥ mild paravalvular leaks (PVL). Between April 2015 and May 2022, 269 consecutive patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with Evolut-R 34 mm (n = 66, 24.5%) and Evolut-R 23/26/29 mm (n = 203, 75.5%) devices in a single center were retrospectively analyzed. Patients in the Evolut-R 34 mm group had a lower female sex ratio (16.7% vs. 66.5%, P <.001, respectively), ejection fraction (50.7 ± 10.1% vs. 54.5 ± 9.3%, P =.016, respectively), and mean aortic gradient (7.4 ± 3.3 vs. 9.2 ± 5.0, P =.026, respectively) compared to the Evolut-R 23/26/29 mm group. The groups did not exhibit any statistically significant distinctions with regard to technical success, the need for a permanent pacemaker, occurrences of stroke, major vascular complications, PVL, major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, or mortality. Peak velocity was confirmed as a significant predictor of ≥mild PVL in both patient groups in the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. In logistic regression analysis; In patients with Evolut-R 34 mm valve, pre-TAVI aortic valve peak velocity (odds ratio (OR) = 23.202; P =.019) and calcium volume 800 Hounsfield Units (mm3) (OR = 1.017; P <.001) were independent predictors of ≥mild PVL. The Evolut-R 34 mm valve has shown comparable in-hospital results with smaller valve sizes. Pre-TAVI aortic valve peak velocity and calcium volume predicted ≥ mild PVL in Evolut-R 34 mm patients.

Association of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Levels with Risk of Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative illness that leads to impairment of cognitive functions and memory loss. Even though there is a plethora of research reporting the abnormal regulation of VEGF expression in AD pathogenesis, whether the CSF and serum VEGF are increased in AD is an open question yet. In this study, the association of CSF and serum VEGF concentrations with the risk of Alzheimer's disease was investigated using systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic literature search was carried out using online specialized biomedical databases of Web of Science, Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar until Feb 2023 without restriction to the beginning time. The meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model and only case-control publications describing VEGF concentrations in Alzheimer's patients were considered for calculating the pooled effect size. In the systematic literature search, 6 and 13 studies met the inclusion criteria to evaluate CSF and serum VEGF concentrations of Alzheimer's patients, respectively. This meta-analysis retrieved a total number of 2380 Alzheimer's patients and 5368 healthy controls. Under the random-effects model in the meta-analysis, the pooled SMD for CSF and serum VEGF concentrations of Alzheimer's patients were -0.13 (95%CI,-0.42-0.16) and 0.23 (95%CI,-0.27-0.73), respectively. Results of meta-regression analysis showed that the quality scores of papers and female sex ratios of participants did not affect the associations of VEGF concentrations with the risk of Alzheimer's disease. However, the age average of patients significantly affects the associations of CSF VEGF concentrations with the risk of Alzheimer's disease (P=0.051). There was a statistically significant subgroup effect for the disease severity of Alzheimer's patients which modifies the associations of serum VEGF concentrations with the risk of Alzheimer's disease (P<0.01) and subgroup analysis shows that study location modifies the associations of CSF and serum VEGF concentrations with the risk of Alzheimer's disease (P<0.01). The results show that the serum VEGF concentrations increased for Alzheimer's patients in accordance with the increased expression of VEGF and the VEGF levels of Alzheimer's patients decreased by increasing their disease severities. Therefore, in addition to detecting AD in the earliest stages of the disease, serum VEGF could be a promising biomarker to follow up on the disease and evaluate the clinical course of the disease.

A cytogenetic Study of Down’s Syndrome in Iraqi Population

Down’s syndrome is the most common type of chromosomal abnormality found in neonates. It is associated with characteristic abnormal facial features and mental retardation. However, clinical diagnosis is not sufficient to confirm the disease. Classical karyotyping has long been used as diagnostic tool for confirming Down’s syndrome. The present study was conducted to confirm the cytogenetic composition of individuals suspected with Down’s syndrome after the preliminary clinical diagnosis in Basra, Iraq. Karyotype analysis was carried out for 249 suspected cases of Down’s syndrome. 249 patients were confirmed to have Down’s syndrome after cytogenetic tests. Nearly 90% of these patients had pure trisomy 21 and about 5% of cases had translocations. Less than 4% of cases were reported having mosaic trisomy and only 1.4% patients carried additional chromosomal abnormalities. In our study, the disease showed significant gender bias, with an excess of males than females (sex ratio was 1.39). The identification of specific chromosomal abnormalities in different variants of Down’s syndrome patients work as first step towards improving their quality of life. The study also provides the basic information required to forecast the various complications associated with Down’s syndrome.

Sex ratio affects sexual selection against mutant alleles in a locus-specific way.

Higher male:female operational sex ratio (OSR) is often assumed to lead to stronger sexual selection on males. Yet, this premise has been directly tested by very few studies, with mixed outcomes. We investigated how OSR affects the strength of sexual selection against two deleterious alleles, a natural ebony mutant and a transgenic GFP insertion, in Drosophila melanogaster. To this end, we estimated the relative paternity share of homozygous mutant males competing against wild-type males under different OSRs (1:2, 1:1, 2:1). We also manipulated the mating pool density (18, 36, or 54 individuals) and assessed paternity over three consecutive days, during which the nature of sexual interaction changed. The strength of sexual selection against the ebony mutant increased with OSR, became weaker after the first day, and was little affected by density. In contrast, sexual selection against the GFP transgene was markedly affected by density: at the highest density, it increased with OSR, but at lower densities, it was strongest at 1:1 OSR, remaining strong throughout the experiment. Thus, while OSR can strongly affect the strength of sexual selection against "bad genes," it does not necessarily increase monotonically with male:female OSR. Furthermore, the pattern of relationship between OSR and the strength of sexual selection can be locus-specific, likely reflecting the specific phenotypic effects of the mutation.

Effects of broodfish sex ratio, broodfish stocking density, and postspawn broodfish holding‐pond density on reproductive efficiency in pond‐spawned Channel Catfish

AbstractObjectiveThree trials were conducted to determine the effects of broodfish management on reproductive efficiency of pond‐spawned Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus.MethodsTrial 1 compared male to female broodfish sex ratios of 1:1 versus 1:4, trial 2 compared low (1065 kg/ha) versus high (2050 kg/ha) broodfish stocking densities, and trial 3 compared low (1525 kg/ha) and high (5780 kg/ha) postspawn broodfish holding‐pond densities on measures of reproductive efficiency.ResultMales had lower survival than females in all trials. Age, weight, and survival of broodfish were similar for each treatment within trials. A higher percentage of females spawned at the 1:1 male to female ratio than at the 1:4 ratio (40.8% versus 12.5%), resulting in more eggs per hectare, eggs per kilogram of broodfish, fry per hectare, and fry per kilogram of broodfish for the 1:1 ratio compared to the 1:4 ratio. Male spawning success (~31%) was similar for 1:1 and 1:4 sex ratios. Spawning fish weighed more than nonspawning fish for both sexes, and surviving males weighed less than nonsurviving males in trial 1. In trial 2, the percentage of egg masses collected per female stocked was higher for the high broodfish density than the low density (34.0% versus 16.4%), resulting in more eggs per hectare and fry per hectare for the high stocking density resulting in whole‐farm economic benefits ranging from US$323/ha to $828/ha primarily from the reduction in the area required for broodstock.ConclusionResults indicate that the 1:1 male to female broodfish ratio (trial 1) and high broodfish stocking density (trial 2) resulted in better reproduction than the 1:4 sex ratio and low broodfish stocking density. The effects of low versus high broodfish holding‐pond densities did not affect reproductive output.

Combined Neurological Syndrome in Electrohypersensitivity and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: A Clinical Study of 2018 Cases

From a cohort of 2018 evaluable consecutive cases issued from the European Clinical Trial Database, we describe the complete clinical symptomatic presentation of electrohypersensitivity (EHS) and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and their association in the framework of a unique, sensitivity-related environmental neurologic syndrome. Eligibility criteria are those of the Atlanta consensus meeting for MCS, and those of WHO for EHS. There were 1428 EHS, 85 MCS and 505 EHS/MCS evaluable cases, so EHS was associated with MCS in 25%. Women appeared to be much more susceptible to EHS and/or to MCS than men, with no statistical significance between the EHS and MCS groups (p = 0.07), but the combined group revealed a more significant female sex ratio of 80.4% (p &lt; 0.0001). All symptoms except emotional behavior were significantly more frequent in EHS patients than in healthy controls (p &lt; 0.0001). We found no pathognomonic symptoms to establish the diagnosis of both disorders or to distinguish EHS from MCS. The three groups of patients were found to share identical symptoms, while several symptoms were found to be more significantly frequent in EHS/MCS than in EHS (p &lt; 0.0001). From these data, we suggest that EHS and MCS are new brain disorders, generated via a common etiopathogenic mechanism.

Reproductive biology of the mackerel scad, Decapterus macarellus (Cuvier, 1833), in the Sulawesi Sea, Indonesia

Indonesia is the second largest fishery producer in the world, producing many small pelagic fish. To improve information for sustainable fishery management in the Sulawesi Sea, we examined the reproductive biology of the main target species, the mackerel scad Decapterus macarellus (Cuvier, 1833). Between May 2020 and March 2021, we collected 1267 mackerel scads from two landing sites in northern Sulawesi. These fish ranged from 13.4 to 38.2 cm in total length, and their sex ratio, length at first maturity (Lm), reproductive periodicity, and potential spawning grounds were studied. An equal male to female (M:F) sex ratio of 0.98:1.00 was osberved. The lengths of males and females at first maturity (Lm) were 22.59 and 21.62 cm, respectively. The mackerel scads spawned throughout the year, peaking in January, March, May, and September. Spawning occurs mainly during the first quarter of the moon’s phase. Most mature individuals with a high gonadosomatic index were found near Tumumpa Dua and the northern and western coasts of the Sangihe and Siau Islands, suggesting that there are specific locations where mackerel scads spawn. Fishery managers can use this information to implement temporary and regional fishing closures to develop sustainable fishing practices for small pelagic fish species.

Heat-induced female biased sex ratio during development is not mitigated after prolonged thermal selection

BackgroundThe negative impacts of climate change on biodiversity are consistently increasing. Developmental stages are particularly sensitive in many ectotherms. Moreover, sex-specific differences in how organisms cope with thermal stress can produce biased sex ratios upon emergence, with potentially major impacts on population persistence. This is an issue that needs investigation, particularly testing whether thermal selection can alleviate sex ratio distortions in the long-term is a critical but neglected issue. Here, we report an experiment analyzing the sex ratio patterns at different developmental temperatures in Drosophila subobscura populations subjected to long-term experimental evolution (~ 30 generations) under a warming environment.ResultsWe show that exposure to high developmental temperatures consistently promotes sex ratio imbalance upon emergence, with a higher number of female than male offspring. Furthermore, we found that thermal selection resulting from evolution in a warming environment did not alleviate such sex ratio distortions generated by heat stress.ConclusionsWe demonstrate that heat stress during development can lead to clear sex ratio deviations upon emergence likely because of differential survival between sexes. In face of these findings, it is likely that sex ratio deviations of this sort occur in natural populations when facing environmental perturbation. The inability of many insects to avoid thermal shifts during their (more) sessile developmental stages makes this finding particularly troublesome for population subsistence in face of climate warming events.

Quality of Life of People Living with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Study in Monastir, Tunisia.

Despite the benefits of an efficient antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV/AIDS epidemic still represents the most seriousaffection worldwide that negatively impacts people's quality of life (QoL). As no studies exist on QoL in Tunisia, the aim of the present work was i: to assess, based on WHOQOL-HIV BREF tool, the perception of QoL of people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving ART and ii: to investigate the relationship between socio-demographic features, disease-related variables and QoL domains' mean scores. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the department of infectious diseases of F. Bourguiba Teaching Hospital in Monastir, Tunisia. One hundred and five participants receiving ART were involved. QoL assessment was based on the WHOQOL-HIV Bref including six domains with 29 items with scores ranged from the lowest (4) to the highest (20). Results were reported as frequencies and means (±SD). The Student's t-test for independent samples and the one-way ANOVA were performed to assess differences in QoL mean scores. Linear regression analysis was used to investigate predictors of QoL. The confidence interval was set at 95%. Clients' mean age was 39.20±10.18 years old with a male to female sex ratio of 3.12. Low mean scores were seen with the environment (12.34±2.90), social relations (12.58±3.94) and psychological domains (12.76±3.31), and moderate mean scores were noted for the physical (14.11±3.52), the spiritual (14.05±3.78) and the level of independence (13.98±3.57) domains. Regression analysis showed that health status and feeling healthy were related to all QoL domains and that profession, marital status and the presence of a confident person were related to environment and spiritual domains. QoL of PLHIV on ART is affected. Concrete measures and strategies should be undertaken by healthcare stakeholders to improve QoL determinants.

Urinary Detection of COVID-19 Virus and its Implication in Urology Practice

Background: More than 25 crores of world population is affected by the pandemic corona virus SARS-CoV-2 since its first detection from Wuhan, china on December 2019. The widely accepted routes of human to human transmission for COVID-19 are through respiratory droplets and direct contact, however viral shedding in urine has been reported and infection transmission through infected urine remains a possibility. Objective of the study: To investigate the presence of COVID-19 virus in urine of infected patients and evaluate the probability of infection transmission through urine in different urological procedure. Methodology: After obtaining approval from institutional review board (IRB) of BSMMU this prospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the department of urology BSMMU from September 2020 to august 2021. Informed written consent was taken from the patients, the patients who are in ventilators legal guardian signed the consent form. After taking relevant history from the patients admitted in covid dedicated unit of BSMMU urine of the patients was collected in sterile container and with appropriate labeling and it was sent in virology department to detect the presence of SARS-COV-2 by quantitative real time polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR). The date of covid 19 infection, date of urine sample collection, previous renal status, present renal function all were recorded. Results: Fifty patients were enrolled for investigation for detection of covid 19 virus in urine who were infected with SARS-COV-2. Thirty patients were male and Twenty were female. Male and female sex ratio was 3:2. We found the presence of SARS-COV-2 in urine of 2 patients, one male and one female. The rate of detection of SARS-COV-2 virus in urine of patients infected by covid 19 virus was 4%. Conclusion: Urinary detection of COVID-19 Virus was lower than oropharyngeal and rectal samples. Urological surgical intervention should be performed with caution considering the possibility of urine infection and possibility of COVID-19 transmission through this route. Sir Salimullah Med Coll J 2023; 31: 116-119

Feeding dynamics and reproductive biology of the obtuse barracuda Sphyraena obtusata (Cuvier, 1829) from Ratnagiri, central west coast of India

The obtuse barracuda Sphyraena obtusata (Cuvier, 1829) is a commercially important foodfish belonging to the family Sphyraenidae and landed mostly as trawl bycatch along Ratnagiri.Investigations were carried out on the species with respect to the length-weight relationship,condition factor, morphometrics, feeding and reproductive biology. The length-weightrelationship showed positive allometric growth in males, females and pooled individuals. Allmorphometric measurements showed a high degree of correlation with total length. The gutcontent analysis revealed S. obtusata to be a carnivore fish feeding mainly on fish juveniles,fish scales, crustaceans and cephalopod appendages. The male:female sex ratio was foundto be 1:0.90. Gonado-somatic index (GSI), maturity and ova diameter studies indicated thatS. obtusata has a prolonged spawning season with individuals spawning twice in a season.Absolute fecundity ranged from 68355 to 310615 eggs with an average of 137783 eggs. Themean length at sexual maturity for females was found to be 22.92 cm. Keywords:Carnivorous fish, Fish biology, Life history,Trophodynamics, Tropical fisheries

Endophytic colonization of sugar beet by Beauveria varroae and Beauveria bassiana reduces performance and host preference in army worm, Spodoptera littoralis

Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Boisduval 1833 is a voracious leaf feeder and major agricultural pest attacking numerous crops. Development of insecticide resistance hampers management efforts for S. littoralis and entomopathogenic fungi represent one possible alternative management tool. Here, we quantified colonization of sugar beet, Beta vulgaris L, with two fungal entomopathogens, Beauveria varroae Vuillemin 1912 and Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin 1912 (Ascomycota: Hypocreales), and examined their endophytic effects on biological and reproductive parameters of S. littoralis. Two methods were used to inoculate sugar beet: soaking seeds in spore suspension and spray application of conidia onto leaves. For both methods, fungal suspensions with concentrations of 1 × 104 and 1 × 108 conidia/ml colonized roots, stems, and leaves of sugar beet. The colonization rate increased over time. Following inoculation of seeds, weight gain of S. littoralis larvae fed on leaves infected with endophytic fungi was reduced compared with controls. Furthermore, protease and lipase activities in the gut of S. littoralis decreased with increasing concentration of fungus applied to plants. An increase in phenol oxidase activity in the gut also indicated increased defense response of larvae feeding on Beauveria-infected leaves. Both B. bassiana and B. varroae decreased the duration of larval and pupal stages, adult emergence, and oviposition by females. Incubation of sugar beet seeds with B. varroae or B. bassiana decreased survival of pupae and egg laying by female moths on endophyte-infested treatments by 30 and 50%, respectively, compared with controls. Furthermore, an initially female biased sex ratio decreased toward 50:50 over time in populations of S. littoralis reared on sugar beet colonized by fungal endophytes as compared with controls, which remained female-biased. Endophyte inoculation increased growth of sugar beet compared with controls. Our results indicate that B. bassiana and B. varroae affect survival of S. littoralis and may be useful for management of this pest.

Eriogynapyretorum (Lepidoptera, Saturniidae) parasitoid species investigated in Fujian, China.

Eriogynapyretorum Westwood is a notorious defoliator of Camphoraofficinarum Nees that causes large economic and ecological losses in planted forests. To understand the importance of suppressing the population of E.pyretorum on natural parasitoids, a four-years investigation was conducted in the field. Four egg parasitoid species Ooencyrtuskuvanae Howard, Trichogrammachionis Ishii, Telenomus sp. and Anastatusdexingensis Sheng & Wang were captured in the wild. One of these is the dominant endoparasitoid species T.chionis, which has a quicker developmental time (8.33 d), more offspring (8.39/egg) and a greater parasitism rate (89.54%). With different elevation distributions, the parasitism rates for Kriechbaumerellalongiscutellaris Qian & He, Gregopimplahimalayensis (Cameron), Theroniadepressa (Gupta) and Xanthopimplakonowi (Krieger) were 17.29%, 2.10%, 4.23% and 0.83%, respectively. Female longevity (47.75 d), offspring (13.36/pupa) and sex ratio (1.16:1) were compared in four pupal parasitoids and K.longiscutellaris was the most abundant species of E.pyretorum in Fujian Province.

Population dynamics of thresher shark (Alopias pelagicus) landed at the Kutaraja fishing port, Banda Aceh

At the Kutaraja Fishing Port, the shark species Alopias pelagicus accounts for the vast majority of shark catches. The purpose of this research was to ascertain the length distribution of A. pelagicus, the length at which it was first captured, the sex ratio, the von Bertalanffy growth parameters and functions, the mortality rate, and the exploitation rate. This study was carried out in the Kutaraja Fishing Port from December 2021 to February 2022. The incidental sampling method was used to collect 406 samples in total. The FAO-ICLARM Stock Assessment Tools were utilized to analyze population dynamics parameters. The male, female, and combined length distributions of A. pelagicus ranged from 186-295cmTL, 205-304cmTL, and 186-305cmTL, respectively. The length of the first capture was 249.40 cmTL, 252.29 cmTL and 250.78 cmTL, sex ratio of males and females is 1:2.24, the asymptotic length (L∞) was 344.25 cmTL, fish age at length 0 (t0) was 0.066/year, with a growth rate (k) of 0.50/year, 0.36/year dan 0.19/year, 374.83 cmTL and 378.92 cmTL, 0.058/year dan 0.048/year. Natural mortality (M) was assessed to be 0.59/year, 0.47/year, and 0.31/year, fishing mortality (F) was 2.08/year, 2.47/year, and 2.20/year, and total mortality (Z) was 2.67/year, 2.94/year, and 2.51/year. The A. pelagicus exploitation rate (E) was 0.78/year, 0.84/year, and 0.88/year, demonstrating complete exploitation of the male, female, and combined populations.