Examining postmounting grooming in male golden snub-nosed monkeys to investigate the functions of same-sex mounts

Same-sex mounting behavior has been documented across primate species and several biological functions, that are often difficult to differentiate, have been proposed. Postmounting affiliative behaviors (e.g., embracing and grooming) have been partly overlooked and their performance may more clearly reveal the function of same-sex mounts for different age-sex classes. Here, considering postmounting grooming behaviors (PMG), we tested the affiliation hypothesis for same-sex mounts in an all-male unit (AMU) of captive golden snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) (n = 7-8) and the needing to learn hypothesis in the juveniles of the AMU (n = 4) and the juvenile male from the neighboring one-male unit in Shanghai Wild Animal Park, China from November 2014 to June 2015. A total of 1986 same-sex mounts were recorded from the AMU individuals and the juvenile of the neighboring one-male unit. We found that neither dyadic proximity-based association nor grooming-based affiliation predicted the occurrence of mounts in the AMU, and PMG was more likely to occur in nontense than tense social contexts, providing no support for the affiliation hypothesis. Although dyadic grooming-based affiliation predicted the occurrence of PMG, it exerted no influence on the occurrence of mounts, which was necessary to support the hypothesis. However, consistent with the needing to learn hypothesis, from ages two to four, juveniles' mounting duration increased and they performed pelvic thrusting during mounting more and more often as they grew older. Reciprocated series mounts were much more common among juveniles than other mounting dyads, providing learning opportunities for both participants. The mounter was more likely to groom the mountee at the end of a mount among juveniles than other mounting dyads, suggesting that juvenile mounters may profit from mounting and groom mountees in return for providing them with opportunities to learn copulatory skills. A hypothesis that merits further investigation.

STMN1 as a novel prognostic biomarker in HCC correlating with immune infiltrates and methylation

Background

Upregulation of Stathmin 1 (STMN1), a cytoplasmic phosphoprotein that controls the dynamics of cellular microtubules, is linked to malignant behavior and poor prognosis in a range of malignancies. However, little research has been done on STMN1’s potential role in HCC as a single factor in DNA methylation, m⁶A, or immunological modulation.

Results

STMN1 is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma, where it is related to clinicopathological parameters and affects the prognosis of HCC patients. STMN1 overexpression plays an important role in the diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Meanwhile, methylation of 7 CpG sites of STMN1 in HCC was correlated with prognosis, and STMN1 expression was closely related to m⁶A modification. In addition, STMN1 expression is associated with immune cell infiltration, immune molecules, and immune checkpoints in HCC.

Conclusion

STMN1 has a significant role in hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and prediction. STMN1 is implicated not just in the onset and course but also in the immunological modulation of the disease. DNA methylation and m⁶A are both linked to STMN1. Therefore, STMN1 could be used as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HCC, as well as a target for immunotherapy.

Food handling shapes the laterality of paw use in the Chinese red panda (Ailurus styani)

Limb preference, associated with behavioural laterality and hemispheric lateralization, has long received high attention from both ethologists and psychologists. Chinese red pandas in Shanghai Zoo perform natural unimanual actions in two different ways during food handling, making it an appropriate subject to investigate the effect of food handling on pawedness. In this study, we estimated the direction and the strength of pawedness in spontaneous feeding behaviours in zoo-housed Chinese red pandas. All the subjects exclusively used the preferred paw when handling fruit pieces throughout the observational period, with three of them preferred the left paw while the other two the right paw. By contrast, both paws were found to be used alternately in consuming bamboo. Our results indicate that different food manipulations have effects on pawedness in the Chinese red panda where more complex handling could probably enhance its pawedness.

Chinese red panda (Ailurus styani) has stable individual-level laterality of anogenital rubbing

Behavioural laterality was widely discovered in both vertebrates and invertebrates. However, reports of behavioural laterality in scent-marking are scarce and focused on limb preference during scent-marking. In this study, we observed another scent-marking behaviour, anogenital rubbing, which involved whole-body movement, in zoo-housed Chinese red pandas. We recorded the moving direction of the buttocks when initiating anogenital rubbing. Our results showed that three of our subjects were explicitly left-biased when initiating anogenital rubbing and the other one showed more left initiation although there was no statistical significance. Besides, the laterality was consistent across the whole observational period. This is the first report of laterality in anogenital rubbing, perhaps indicating hemispheric specialization for chemical communication in the Chinese red panda.

Haematological and serum biochemical reference values in Chinese water deer (Hydropotes inermis): a preliminary study

Background

A selection of haematological and serum biochemical profile was first presented from the 81 samples of Chinese water deer (Hydropotes inermis). The deer health assessment database was initially established, especially in relation to determining potential effects associated with diseases diagnosis.

Results

Blood samples were analyzed for different haematological parameters viz. white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), packed-cell volume (PCV), platelet count (PLT), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean red blood cells distribution width coefficient of variation (RDW) and different hematological parameters viz. total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLB), albumin to globulin ratio (A/G), total bilirubin (TBIL), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), AST/ALT, creatinine, urea (BUN), uric acid, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride, creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and cortisol. The adult females had higher values than adult males in albumin, mean corpuscular volume, packed-cell volume, and hemoglobin content values. The deer from Shanghai had higher urea nitrogen values than those from Zhoushan.

Conclusion

To our knowledge this is the first report about the haematological and serum biochemical parameters in Chinese water deer. We had initially established a profile of Chinese water deer on haematological and serum biochemical parameters based on 81 samples we had collected. The findings can serve as a primary reference for health monitoring and disease prevention in this species.

Conservation genetics of native and European-introduced Chinese water deer (Hydropotes inermis)

Sufficient genetic variation is vital for the long-term survival of a population. The adaptive potential and reproductive fitness of a population is generally enhanced by greater levels of genetic diversity, while loss of genetic variation in small populations may increase extinction risk due to disease susceptibility and decreased reproductive fitness. Determining levels of genetic diversity in threatened species can, therefore, help inform conservation strategies. The Chinese water deer (Hydropotes inermis) is classified as Vulnerable in its native range on the IUCN Red List, and populations in Korea and mainland China have declined drastically in recent years. However, the species was introduced to Europe about a century ago and populations there now make up over 40% of global numbers. To infer the population genetic structure and genetic diversity of Chinese water deer both in their native China and in populations introduced to the UK and France, variation in mitochondrial DNA was investigated for over 100 individuals (92 cytochrome b and 106 control region sequences). Our results reveal lower levels of genetic diversity in the British populations, differentiation between native and introduced populations, and that the source population of British deer is likely to be extinct. Recommendations are made for the conservation of populations.

[Exogenous CRX gene induces Müller cell-derived progenitors to differentiate into photoreceptors]

Objective: To investigate whether exogenous CRX gene would be able to induce Müller cells-derived progenitors to differentiate into photoreceptors. Methods: Experimental study. Müller cells-derived progenitors resulted from primary Müller cells isolated from KunMing mice(5-7 days old) and cultured in free-serum media. Markers of Müller cells(glutamine synthetase, GS and Vimentin) and stem cells (Nestin and Sox2) were analysed by immnocytochemical assays. The secondary passage progenitors were divided into three groups: (1)the control group; (2)the empty vector group was transfected with lentivirus GFP; (3)the treated group was transfected with lentivirus GFP-CRX. After differentiation for 7 days, 7 days after differentiation, the expression of markers of photoreceptors were analyzed by q-PCR and Western blot assay. Results: There were 96.03%±1.21% of Müllerz cells cultured in vitro were immunoreactive to both GS and Vimentin. The dedifferentiation cells expressed Nestin and Sox2. After 7 days of induction, Exogenous CRX induced Müller cell-derived progenitors to differentiate into rod-like cells showed appearance like neuron morphology. q-PCR demonstrated that mRNAs of CRX and Rhodopsin were upregulated greatly. CRX mRNA were 9 times (P<0.05) and Rhodopsin mRNA were 20 times (P<0.05). The difference between the control group and the empty vector group was not statistically significant. Western blot showed that the expression of CRX was upregulated significantly, and was 2.7 times(P<0.05). But expression of Rhodopsin was weak and was nearly not detected in the control group and empty vector group. The expression of S-opsin was not detected. Conclusion: CRX gene could induce the differentiation of Müller cell-derived progenitor into rod photoreceptors, indicating a new avenue to study müller cells as endogenous seed cells for retinal photoreceptor. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 923-928).

Do same-sex mounts function as dominance assertion in male golden snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana)?

It has been hypothesized that same-sex mounts can reflect the hierarchical relationship in a mounting dyad and it is widely deemed that mounting and being mounted are demonstrations of dominant and subordinate status, respectively. In this research, we aimed to test whether same-sex mounts function as dominance assertion in male golden snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana). We investigated this behavior in eight-individuals, captive all-male unit (AMU) in Shanghai wild animal park, China. Behavioral observations were conducted with a total of 1,855 mounts recorded from November, 2014 to June, 2015, during which the alpha male was replaced in the beginning of April. In support to the dominance assertion hypothesis, we found that during the entire study period the higher-ranking male was more likely to be the mounter than the lower-ranking one, except the mounts that happened among juveniles in peaceful and playful social contexts. Our study indicates that the hierarchical relationship of a mounting dyad can be influenced by the age-class of the participants and the social context where mounting occurs. We suggest that same-sex mounts might have different functions in different age groups and be multifunctional in a species.

The efforts to re-establish the Chinese water deer population in Shanghai, China

Chinese water deer (Hydropotes inermis) was endangered in China and vanished from Shanghai early in the 20th century. The deer was reintroduced from 2006 onward, so as to re-establish a wild population in Shanghai. We obtained the deer from the breeding stock and released them. The deer numbers increased from 21 in 2007 to 299 in 2013. There has been a total area of 30.62 km2 of free-range deer release from 2010 and this will be enlarged in the future.

Home range of reintroduced Chinese water deer in Nanhui East Shoal Wildlife Sanctuary of Shanghai, China

The Chinese water deer was once widely spread in Liaodong Peninsula, North China Plain and both banks of the Yangtze River and the Korean peninsula. Due to long-term environmental changes and influence of human development, its wild population in China has rapidly declined, both in abundance and distribution. As one of the native species in the history of Shanghai, Chinese water deer was introduced to Shanghai for captive breeding in 2006 and were released into the wild in 2010. The present study was conducted in Nanhui East Shoal Wildlife Sanctuary. The reintroduction of Chinese water deer was carried out separately in June and October 2010. So as to study the movement of the deer after release, 12 Chinese water deer (sex ratio 1 : 1) were tagged with radio-collars. We successfully used radio-telemetry to track 10 deer, and used the minimum convex polygon (MCP) and fixed kernel estimation (FKE) methods to calculate their home range. The results showed that using the MCP method, the mean home-range size of Chinese water deer was estimated to be 671 ha (range 245–1559 ha), while using the 95% FKE method, the mean was estimated to be 262 ha (range 43–435 ha). The mean home-range size of a buck was smaller than that of a doe by both MCP and FKE. The mean home-range size of an adult female was smaller than that of a subadult female. The largest seasonal home-range size (MCP, 275 ha) occurred during the winter of the first year, which then kept on shrinking in spring and summer. Home-range overlap was found among the home range of each individual. The mean overlap size was 303 ha. The mean overlap size was 135 ha in bucks, 422 ha in does and 270 ha between the buck and the doe. The study reflects that the seasonal food change is probably the main factor for the change of home-range size. Oestrus may also result in the enlargement of home range in winter. As an attempt to reintroduce large mammals to cities, we hope to provide useful experience for future wildlife management and conservation.

Solvothermal synthesis of hollow urchin-like SnO2 nanospheres with superior lithium storage behavior

Hollow urchin-like SnO2 nanospheres with ultrathin nanorods have been successfully synthesized via a simple complex solvothermal route. The formation mechanism of the as-synthesized SnO2 nanospheres was simply explained. When tested as anode, the as-obtained hollow urchin-like SnO2 nanospheres exhibit excellent rate and cycling performances. It was expected that the as-synthesized SnO2 nanospheres could be applied as anode materials for future lithium-ion batteries.

α-Fe2O3 nanowall arrays: hydrothermal preparation, growth mechanism and excellent rate performances for lithium ion batteries

α-Fe(2)O(3) nanowall arrays (NWAs) were grown directly on Ni foam by a facile hydrothermal method. Based on time-dependent experiment results, a possible formation mechanism for this structure was proposed. The as-prepared α-Fe(2)O(3) samples have an open network structure constituted of interconnected nanowalls and can be directly used as integrated electrodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The unique nanostructural feature is advantageous in electron transport and electrolyte diffusion efficiency, which can accelerate the electrochemical reaction. Thus, compared to a traditional electrode, the unique assembly reduces polarization of the electrode and results in excellent rate performances (440 mA h g(-1) at 5 C).

[Study on the presence of hepatitis B virus in first-trimester villi in pregnant women with hepatitis B surface antigen positive]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in first-trimester villi cells from pregnant women carrying HBsAg.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical streptavidin-biotin peroxidase complex (SABC) staining with monoclonal HBsAg, hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) and PCR, in situ hybridization were used for detection of HBV infection markers in villi. Positive villi ultramicrostructures were observed with transmission electron microscope.

RESULTS

HBV was detected in 8 of 25 villi of HBsAg positive pregnant women, the positive rate was 32%. HBsAg was located in the decidual cell, trophoblastic cell and villous mesenchymal cell. HBV analog was detected in rough endoplasmic reticulum of trophoblastic cell.

CONCLUSIONS

HBV may infect villous cells in first-trimester pregnancy. It would be impossible for HBV to transmit the desmosomes.

Artificial bone of porous tricalcium phosphate ceramics and its preliminary clinical application

The authors have prepared the artificial bone of porous tricalcium phosphate ceramics according to an appropriate formula and manufacturing technology. Physical and chemical testing shows that it possesses several distinguishing features: the communicating pores and macro/micropores; mean pore size, 380 microns (from 240 microns to 510 microns); porosity, 46.4%; and compressive strength, 97.4 kg/cm2. It consists of CaO (49.09%) and P2O5 (48.84%). The testing of its biocompatibility shows that it is devoid of systemic or local toxicity, and free of irritation or foreign body response in tissues, and it does not result in hemolysis or mutation. The new bone readily grows into its pores with direct contact to the implanted material. 11 cases of bone defects were treated with this artificial bone with satisfactory results.