Hyla tsinlingensis(Hu et al.,1966)is endemic to China,and is widely distributed in the Qinling and Dabie Mountains.Previous studies have suggested that genetic differentiation and geographical isolation exist between ...Hyla tsinlingensis(Hu et al.,1966)is endemic to China,and is widely distributed in the Qinling and Dabie Mountains.Previous studies have suggested that genetic differentiation and geographical isolation exist between the Qinling Mountains population and Dabie Mountains population of H.tsinlingensis,and that the Dabie Mountains population is a cryptic species.Several Hyla specimens were collected from the Dabie Mountains of western Anhui Province,China during herpetological surveys from 2022‒2024;these specimens belonged to a species previously identified as H.tsinlingensis.Herein,we utilized phylogenetic analyses,morphological comparisons,and advertisement call comparisons,revealing significant differences from those of other known congeners;thus,we describe them as a new species.The discovery of this species implies that there are currently 18 identified species in the genus Hyla,7 of which are found in China.展开更多
DEAR EDITOR,In this study,we reassessed the taxonomic position of Typhlomys(Rodentia:Platacanthomyidae)from Huangshan,Anhui,China,based on morphological and molecular evidence.Results suggested that Typhlomys is compr...DEAR EDITOR,In this study,we reassessed the taxonomic position of Typhlomys(Rodentia:Platacanthomyidae)from Huangshan,Anhui,China,based on morphological and molecular evidence.Results suggested that Typhlomys is comprised of up to six species,including four currently recognized species(Typhlomys cinereus,T.chapensis,T.daloushanensis,and T.nanus),one unconfirmed candidate species,and one new species(Typhlomys huangshanensis sp.nov.).Morphological analyses further supported the designation of the Huangshan specimens found at mid-elevations in the southern Huangshan Mountains(600 m to 1200 m a.s.l.)as a new species.展开更多
Interspecific killing is a primary reason for the low survival rates of some animal species. The giant panda(Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is an altricial eutherian mammal and thus, in comparison to other infants, panda cub...Interspecific killing is a primary reason for the low survival rates of some animal species. The giant panda(Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is an altricial eutherian mammal and thus, in comparison to other infants, panda cubs are highly vulnerable, which may significantly influence the selection of breeding sites by females. Here, we used infrared camera traps to monitor giant panda dens for 5.5 years in Foping National Nature Reserve(FNNR) to determine how interspecific factors affect den selection by wild female pandas. Results indicated that Asian black bears(Ursus thibetanus), yellow-throated martens(Martes flavigula), leopard cats(Prionailurus bengalensis), and masked palm civets(Paguma larvata) visited the dens frequently, and the presence of these species negatively influenced den selection by female pandas. Interestingly, the presence of rodents and terrestrial birds appeared to indicate den safety, and female giant pandas were not averse and even preferred dens with a high abundance index of rodents and terrestrial birds. The den suitability index(DSI) was a reliable tool for evaluating whether dens were suitable for female giant pandas to give birth to and rear cubs, with preference for dens with high DSI values. This study increases our understanding of the den selection criteria of female giant pandas and the main threats to the survival of their cubs,thus providing important guidance for the conservation and management of this species.展开更多
Background To report quality control methods and baseline reproducibility data of the ultrasound measurements of carotid artery intima-media thickness in the project of Establishment of an Integrated System for Corona...Background To report quality control methods and baseline reproducibility data of the ultrasound measurements of carotid artery intima-media thickness in the project of Establishment of an Integrated System for Coronary Heart Disease Prevention and Treatment. Methods Standard ultrasound scanning and measuring protocols were established by the study group. All sonographers and readers were trained by the carotid ultrasound core lab and all digital ultrasound images were centrally read. Ten subjects were scanned twice （with 1 week interval） by 2 sonographers independently and images were read by a single reader to evaluate the sonographer variability. Twenty subjects＇ images were read twice （with 1 week interval） by a single reader to assess the reader variability and the reproducibility of IMT measured at different carotid segments. Results The intraclass correlation （ICC） of intra- and inter-sonographer and intra- reader for mean IMT measurements was 0.99, 0.98 and 0.97 respectively; while for max IMT, it was 0.97, 0.99 and 0.95 respectively. Among different carotid segments and sites, ICC for mean 1MT measurements of common carotid （CCA）, carotid artery bulb （Bulb）, internal carotid artery （ICA）, overall near wall and overall far wall was 0.97, 0.99, 0.89, 0.93 and 0.98 respectively. Conclusion The reproducibility of IMT measurements according to our protocol is acceptable, although better reproducibility is found when measuring the mean IMT than max IMT, CCA and Bulb IMT than ICA IMT, and far wall IMT than near wall IMT.展开更多
The Paramesotriton Chang,1935 genus of Asian warty newts is the second most diverse genus in the family Salamandridae,currently containing 14recognized species from northern Vietnam to southwest-central and southern C...The Paramesotriton Chang,1935 genus of Asian warty newts is the second most diverse genus in the family Salamandridae,currently containing 14recognized species from northern Vietnam to southwest-central and southern China.Although species of this genus have been included in previous phylogenetic studies,the origin and interspecific relationships of the genus are still not fully resolved,especially at key nodes in the phylogeny.In this study,we sequenced mitochondrial genomes and 32nuclear genes from 27 samples belonging to 14species to reconstruct the interspecific phylogenetic relationships within Paramesotriton and explore its historical biogeography in southern China.Both Bayesianinferenceandmaximum-likelihood analyses highly supported the monophyly of Paramesotriton and its two recognized species groups(P.caudopunctatus and P.chinensis groups)and further identified five hypothetical phylogenetic cryptic species.Biogeographic analyses indicated that Paramesotriton originated in southwestern China(Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau/South China)during the late Oligocene.The time of origin of Paramesotriton corresponded to the second uplift of the Himalayan/Qinghai-Xizang(Tibetan)Plateau(QTP),rapid lateral extrusion of Indochina,and formation of karst landscapes in southwestern China.Principal component analysis(PCA),independent sample t-tests,and niche differentiation using bioclimatic variables based on locations of occurrence suggested that Paramesotriton habitat conditions in the three current regions(West,South,and East)differ significantly,with different levels of climatic niche differentiation.Species distribution model(SDM)predictions indicated that the most suitable distribution areas for the P.caudopunctatus and P.chinensis species groups are western and southern/eastern areas of southern China.This study increases our knowledge of the taxonomy,biodiversity,origin,and suitable distribution areas of the genus Paramesotriton based on phylogenetic,biogeographic,and species distribution models.展开更多
DEAR EDITOR,A new species of the genus Typhlomys Milne-Edwards,1877(Rodentia:Platacanthomyidae)is described based on 10 specimens collected from Chongqing in southwestern China using integrated taxonomy.Phylogenetic a...DEAR EDITOR,A new species of the genus Typhlomys Milne-Edwards,1877(Rodentia:Platacanthomyidae)is described based on 10 specimens collected from Chongqing in southwestern China using integrated taxonomy.Phylogenetic analysis showed that these specimens formed a distinct sister clade to T.daloushanensis Wang and Li,1996.展开更多
During a terrestrial vertebrate survey of the Dabie Mountains in Anhui Province,eastern China,we collected four Asian shrew mole specimens(hereafter,shrew moles).Based on published literature and comparison with previ...During a terrestrial vertebrate survey of the Dabie Mountains in Anhui Province,eastern China,we collected four Asian shrew mole specimens(hereafter,shrew moles).Based on published literature and comparison with previously collected materials,the four specimens were similar to shrew moles from the mountains of Southwest China;however,no species in this group has been previously recorded from the Dabie Mountains.The genetic and morphological characteristics of the specimens were analyzed,based upon which a new species of shrew mole is described,named Uropsilus dabieshanensis sp.nov.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the effect of telmisartan combined with Nifedipine Controlled Release Tablet on inflammatory factors, vascular endothelial function and left ventricular function in patients with coronary hea...Objective: To investigate the effect of telmisartan combined with Nifedipine Controlled Release Tablet on inflammatory factors, vascular endothelial function and left ventricular function in patients with coronary heart disease with mild to moderate hypertension. Methods:A total of 92 cases of patients with coronary heart disease with mild to moderate hypertension were selected as the object of observation, according to the random data table, they were divided into the control group (n=46) and observation group (n=46), and patients in the control group were treated with Nifedipine Controlled Release Table therapy, on this basis, the observation group patients were given telmisartan treatment, two groups were treated for 6 months. The levels of the blood pressure, inflammatory factors, vascular endothelial function and left ventricular function compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results: There were no significant differences in the levels of SBP, DBP, hs-CRP, TNF-α, NO, ET-1, LVEF, LVEDD and LVESD in the two groups before treatment. After treatment, two groups of SBP, DBP, hs-CRP, TNF-α, ET-1, LVEDD and LVESD levels were significantly lower than those in the same group before treatment, and after treatment, the levels of SBP, DBP, hs-CRP, TNF-α, ET-1 and LVESD in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group, while there were no significant difference in the level of LVEDD between the two groups after treatment;Compared with level in the group before treatment, the levels of NO and LVEF in the two groups were significantly increased, and the observation group [(82.13±19.01) μmol/L, (52.83±7.45)%] was significantly higher than the control group ((67.37±13.08) μmol/L, (49.47±6.96)%)Conclusion: Telmisartan combined with Nifedipine Controlled Release Table in treating coronary heart disease with mild to moderate hypertension, can effectively control blood pressure, reduce the inflammatory stress, improve vascular endothelial function and left ventricular function of patients, has an important clinical value.展开更多
基金The Comprehensive Monitoring Station for National Ecological Quality in the Dabie Mountains(Forest)Ecological Monitoring for the Years 2024‒2025(ZF2024-18-1376)。
文摘Hyla tsinlingensis(Hu et al.,1966)is endemic to China,and is widely distributed in the Qinling and Dabie Mountains.Previous studies have suggested that genetic differentiation and geographical isolation exist between the Qinling Mountains population and Dabie Mountains population of H.tsinlingensis,and that the Dabie Mountains population is a cryptic species.Several Hyla specimens were collected from the Dabie Mountains of western Anhui Province,China during herpetological surveys from 2022‒2024;these specimens belonged to a species previously identified as H.tsinlingensis.Herein,we utilized phylogenetic analyses,morphological comparisons,and advertisement call comparisons,revealing significant differences from those of other known congeners;thus,we describe them as a new species.The discovery of this species implies that there are currently 18 identified species in the genus Hyla,7 of which are found in China.
基金This project was supported by the Global Environment Facility Project"Securing Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use in Huangshan Municipality",Biodiversity Survey,Monitoring and Assessment Project of Ministry of Ecology and Environment,China(2019HB2096001006)Natural Science Foundation of Universities of Anhui Province(KJ2019A0486)。
文摘DEAR EDITOR,In this study,we reassessed the taxonomic position of Typhlomys(Rodentia:Platacanthomyidae)from Huangshan,Anhui,China,based on morphological and molecular evidence.Results suggested that Typhlomys is comprised of up to six species,including four currently recognized species(Typhlomys cinereus,T.chapensis,T.daloushanensis,and T.nanus),one unconfirmed candidate species,and one new species(Typhlomys huangshanensis sp.nov.).Morphological analyses further supported the designation of the Huangshan specimens found at mid-elevations in the southern Huangshan Mountains(600 m to 1200 m a.s.l.)as a new species.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31622012)Key Project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(QYZDB-SSW-SMC047)。
文摘Interspecific killing is a primary reason for the low survival rates of some animal species. The giant panda(Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is an altricial eutherian mammal and thus, in comparison to other infants, panda cubs are highly vulnerable, which may significantly influence the selection of breeding sites by females. Here, we used infrared camera traps to monitor giant panda dens for 5.5 years in Foping National Nature Reserve(FNNR) to determine how interspecific factors affect den selection by wild female pandas. Results indicated that Asian black bears(Ursus thibetanus), yellow-throated martens(Martes flavigula), leopard cats(Prionailurus bengalensis), and masked palm civets(Paguma larvata) visited the dens frequently, and the presence of these species negatively influenced den selection by female pandas. Interestingly, the presence of rodents and terrestrial birds appeared to indicate den safety, and female giant pandas were not averse and even preferred dens with a high abundance index of rodents and terrestrial birds. The den suitability index(DSI) was a reliable tool for evaluating whether dens were suitable for female giant pandas to give birth to and rear cubs, with preference for dens with high DSI values. This study increases our understanding of the den selection criteria of female giant pandas and the main threats to the survival of their cubs,thus providing important guidance for the conservation and management of this species.
文摘Background To report quality control methods and baseline reproducibility data of the ultrasound measurements of carotid artery intima-media thickness in the project of Establishment of an Integrated System for Coronary Heart Disease Prevention and Treatment. Methods Standard ultrasound scanning and measuring protocols were established by the study group. All sonographers and readers were trained by the carotid ultrasound core lab and all digital ultrasound images were centrally read. Ten subjects were scanned twice （with 1 week interval） by 2 sonographers independently and images were read by a single reader to evaluate the sonographer variability. Twenty subjects＇ images were read twice （with 1 week interval） by a single reader to assess the reader variability and the reproducibility of IMT measured at different carotid segments. Results The intraclass correlation （ICC） of intra- and inter-sonographer and intra- reader for mean IMT measurements was 0.99, 0.98 and 0.97 respectively; while for max IMT, it was 0.97, 0.99 and 0.95 respectively. Among different carotid segments and sites, ICC for mean 1MT measurements of common carotid （CCA）, carotid artery bulb （Bulb）, internal carotid artery （ICA）, overall near wall and overall far wall was 0.97, 0.99, 0.89, 0.93 and 0.98 respectively. Conclusion The reproducibility of IMT measurements according to our protocol is acceptable, although better reproducibility is found when measuring the mean IMT than max IMT, CCA and Bulb IMT than ICA IMT, and far wall IMT than near wall IMT.
基金supported by the Guizhou Province Top Discipline Construction Program Project(Qianjiao Keyan Fa[2019]125)Postgraduate Education Innovation Programme of Guizhou Province(Qianjiaohe YJSKYJJ(2021)091)+2 种基金Strategic Priority Research Program B of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS)(XDB31000000)National Animal Collection Resource Center,ChinaApplication of Amphibian Natural Antioxidant Peptides as Cosmetic Raw Material Antioxidants(QKZYD[2020]4002)。
文摘The Paramesotriton Chang,1935 genus of Asian warty newts is the second most diverse genus in the family Salamandridae,currently containing 14recognized species from northern Vietnam to southwest-central and southern China.Although species of this genus have been included in previous phylogenetic studies,the origin and interspecific relationships of the genus are still not fully resolved,especially at key nodes in the phylogeny.In this study,we sequenced mitochondrial genomes and 32nuclear genes from 27 samples belonging to 14species to reconstruct the interspecific phylogenetic relationships within Paramesotriton and explore its historical biogeography in southern China.Both Bayesianinferenceandmaximum-likelihood analyses highly supported the monophyly of Paramesotriton and its two recognized species groups(P.caudopunctatus and P.chinensis groups)and further identified five hypothetical phylogenetic cryptic species.Biogeographic analyses indicated that Paramesotriton originated in southwestern China(Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau/South China)during the late Oligocene.The time of origin of Paramesotriton corresponded to the second uplift of the Himalayan/Qinghai-Xizang(Tibetan)Plateau(QTP),rapid lateral extrusion of Indochina,and formation of karst landscapes in southwestern China.Principal component analysis(PCA),independent sample t-tests,and niche differentiation using bioclimatic variables based on locations of occurrence suggested that Paramesotriton habitat conditions in the three current regions(West,South,and East)differ significantly,with different levels of climatic niche differentiation.Species distribution model(SDM)predictions indicated that the most suitable distribution areas for the P.caudopunctatus and P.chinensis species groups are western and southern/eastern areas of southern China.This study increases our knowledge of the taxonomy,biodiversity,origin,and suitable distribution areas of the genus Paramesotriton based on phylogenetic,biogeographic,and species distribution models.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31970399,32070424,32001223)。
文摘DEAR EDITOR,A new species of the genus Typhlomys Milne-Edwards,1877(Rodentia:Platacanthomyidae)is described based on 10 specimens collected from Chongqing in southwestern China using integrated taxonomy.Phylogenetic analysis showed that these specimens formed a distinct sister clade to T.daloushanensis Wang and Li,1996.
基金This work was supported by the National Science&Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program of China(2019FY101800)Biodiversity Survey,Observation and Assessment Program of Ministry of Ecology and Environment,China(2019HB 2096001006)Anhui Province Higher Education Revitalization Plan,2014 Colleges and Universities Outstanding Youth Talent Support Program。
文摘During a terrestrial vertebrate survey of the Dabie Mountains in Anhui Province,eastern China,we collected four Asian shrew mole specimens(hereafter,shrew moles).Based on published literature and comparison with previously collected materials,the four specimens were similar to shrew moles from the mountains of Southwest China;however,no species in this group has been previously recorded from the Dabie Mountains.The genetic and morphological characteristics of the specimens were analyzed,based upon which a new species of shrew mole is described,named Uropsilus dabieshanensis sp.nov.
文摘Objective: To investigate the effect of telmisartan combined with Nifedipine Controlled Release Tablet on inflammatory factors, vascular endothelial function and left ventricular function in patients with coronary heart disease with mild to moderate hypertension. Methods:A total of 92 cases of patients with coronary heart disease with mild to moderate hypertension were selected as the object of observation, according to the random data table, they were divided into the control group (n=46) and observation group (n=46), and patients in the control group were treated with Nifedipine Controlled Release Table therapy, on this basis, the observation group patients were given telmisartan treatment, two groups were treated for 6 months. The levels of the blood pressure, inflammatory factors, vascular endothelial function and left ventricular function compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results: There were no significant differences in the levels of SBP, DBP, hs-CRP, TNF-α, NO, ET-1, LVEF, LVEDD and LVESD in the two groups before treatment. After treatment, two groups of SBP, DBP, hs-CRP, TNF-α, ET-1, LVEDD and LVESD levels were significantly lower than those in the same group before treatment, and after treatment, the levels of SBP, DBP, hs-CRP, TNF-α, ET-1 and LVESD in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group, while there were no significant difference in the level of LVEDD between the two groups after treatment;Compared with level in the group before treatment, the levels of NO and LVEF in the two groups were significantly increased, and the observation group [(82.13±19.01) μmol/L, (52.83±7.45)%] was significantly higher than the control group ((67.37±13.08) μmol/L, (49.47±6.96)%)Conclusion: Telmisartan combined with Nifedipine Controlled Release Table in treating coronary heart disease with mild to moderate hypertension, can effectively control blood pressure, reduce the inflammatory stress, improve vascular endothelial function and left ventricular function of patients, has an important clinical value.
