• Title/Summary/Keyword: RARE SPECIES

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Molecular Phylogeny of the Gayal in Yunnan China Inferred from the Analysis of Cytochrome b Gene Entire Sequences

  • Li, S.P.;Chang, H.;Ma, G.L.;Cheng, H.Y.
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • v.21 no.6
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    • pp.789-793
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    • 2008
  • The gayal (Bos frontalis) in China is a very rare semi-wild and semi-domestic bovine species. There still exist remarkable divergences on the gayal's origin and taxonomic status. In the present study, the cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene entire sequences (1,140 bp) of 11 gayals in Yunnan China were analyzed. Combined with other bovine Cyt b sequences cited in GenBank, the phylogenetic trees of genus Bos were reconstructed by neighbor-joining (NJ) and maximum parsimony (MP) methods with Bubalus bubalis as outgroup. Sequence analysis showed that, among 1,140 sites compared for 11 gayals, 95 variable sites (8.33% of all sites) and 6 different haplotypes were observed, showing abundant mitochondrial genetic diversity in gayals. Both NJ and MP trees demonstrated that gayals in this study were markedly divided into three embranchments: one embranchment clustering with Bos gaurus, another clustering with Bos taurus, and the third clustering with Bos indicus. The result of phylogenetic analysis suggested that the gayal might be the domesticated form of the gaur, and a great proportion of the gayal bloodline in China was invaded by other bovine species.

Characterization and Culture Optimization of Regiospecific Cyclosporin Hydroxylation in Rare Actinomycetes Species

  • PARK, NAM-SIL;MYEONG, JI-SEON;PARK, HYUN-JOO;HAN, KYU-BOEM;KIM, SANG-NYUN;KIM, EUNG-SOO
    • Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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    • v.15 no.1
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    • pp.188-191
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    • 2005
  • Abstract Cyclosporins are a family of clinically-important immunosuppressive cyclic peptides produced by Tolypocladium inflatum. The structural modification of cyclosporins via hydroxylation at various positions of N-methyl leucines in cyclosporin A leads to a dramatic change of their bioactive spectra. Among over 100 soil actinomycetes screened, two actinomycetes species, Sebekia benihana and Pseudonocardia autotrophica, were identified to contain superior cyclosporin A hydroxylation activities. A HPLC-based cyclosporin A hydroxylation assay revealed that each strain possesses distinctive hydroxylation specificity and regiospecificity; mono-hydroxylation at the 4th N-methyl leucine of cyclosporin A by S. benihana, and di-hydroxylations at both 4th and 9th N-methyl leucines of cyclosporin A by P. autotrophica. The conversion yields for cyclosporin A hydroxylation by both S. benihana and P. autotrophica were significantly improved from less than 10% and 18% up to 58% and 45%, respectively, in the optimized culture containing molybdenum with 0.05 g/l of cyclosporin A concentration. An ancymidol-specific inhibition of cyclosporin hydroxylation also suggested that the regiospecific cyclosporin hydroxylation might be catalyzed by a putative cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenase enzyme.

A study of wintering migratory birds passing through Demilitarized Zone in Korea (한반도의 비무장지대를 통과하는 겨울철새의 이동경로에 대한 연구)

  • Lee, Sang Don;Chung, Ji Hyang;Hiroyoshi, Higuchi
    • Journal of Wetlands Research
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    • v.7 no.4
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    • pp.89-95
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    • 2005
  • Understanding of routes of migratory birds are important subject for conservation of avifauna. Korea Demilitarized zone (DMZ) is considered as one of the most important stopover for migratory birds that pass in the Korean peninsula. This region has been known internationally as an excellent nature preservation areas since 1953. Rare and endangered animal species such as leopards (Pathera pardus) and Siberian tigers (Panthera tigris) have increased in population. Furthermore this areas provide home for endangered migratory birds including white-naped (Grus vipio) and red-crowned cranes (G. japonensis). Recent satellite-tracked crane species has shown the importance and linkages between a small number of habitat sites in DMZ. White-naped cranes were satellite tracked 9 individuals spent 27-78% of their time in Panmunjum and 10-75% in Cheolwon. This signifies the rich feeding sites with relatively little disturbance thus making the DMZ extremely valuable as a stopover.

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Introduction to Distribution and Ecology of Sterile Conks of Inonotus obliquus

  • Lee, Min-Woong;Hur, Hyeon;Chang, Kwang-Choon;Lee, Tae-Soo;Ka, Kang-Hyeon;Jankovsky, L.
    • Mycobiology
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    • v.36 no.4
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    • pp.199-202
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    • 2008
  • Inonotus obliquus is a fungus that causes white heart rot on several broad-leaved species. This fungus forms typical charcoal-black, sterile conks (chaga) or cinder conks on infected stems of the birche (Betula spp). The dark brown pulp of the sterile conk is formed by a pure mycelial mass of fungus. Chaga are a folk remedy in Russia, reflecting the circumboreal distribution of I. obliquus in boreal forest ecosystems on Betula spp. and in meridional mountain forests on beech (Fagus spp.) in Russia, Scandinavia, Central Europe, and Eastern Europe. Distribution at lower latitudes in Western and Southern Europe, Northern America, Asia, Japan, and Korea is rare. Infected trees grow for many years without several symptoms of decline. The infection can penetrate through stem injuries with exterior sterile conks developing later. In the Czech Republic, cinder conk is found on birches inhabiting peat bogs and in mountain areas with a colder and more humid climate, although it is widespread in other broad leaved species over the Czech Republic. The most common hosts are B. pendula, B. pubescens, B. carpatica, and F. sylvatica. Less frequent hosts include Acer campestre, Acer pseudoplatanus, Alnus glutinosa, Alnus incana, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus cerris, Q. petraea, Q. robur, Q. delachampii, and Ulmus sp.

Traumatic Myiasis Caused by an Association of Sarcophaga tibialis (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) and Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in a Domestic Cat in Italy

  • Pezzi, Marco;Whitmore, Daniel;Chicca, Milvia;Lanfredi, Margherita;Leis, Marilena
    • Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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    • v.53 no.4
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    • pp.471-475
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    • 2015
  • We describe here a rare case of traumatic myiasis occurred in August 2014, caused by an association of 2 Diptera species, Sarcophaga tibialis Macquart (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) and Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), in a domestic cat in northern Italy. Species identification was based on adult male morphology. The present case is the first report of S. tibialis as an agent of myiasis in Italy, and also the first ever report of myiasis caused by an association of S. tibialis and L. sericata. The cat developed an extensive traumatic myiasis in a large wound on the rump, which was treated pharmacologically and surgically. The biology, ecology, and distribution of S. tibialis and L. sericata are also discussed. A literature review is provided on cases of myiasis caused by S. tibialis, and cases of myiasis by L. sericata involving cats worldwide and humans and animals in Italy.

Direct Somatic Embryogenesis of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn., an Endangered Medicinal Herb

  • Thomas, T.Dennis;Jacob, Alphonsa
    • Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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    • v.6 no.3
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    • pp.193-197
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    • 2004
  • In vitro multiplication of Curculigo orchioides was achieved by direct somatic embryogenesis in young leaf segments. Immature leaf segments of about 0.5 cm in length were cultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of BAP (2-10 $\mu{M}$) or Kin (2-10 $\mu{M}$). Optimum response in terms of per cent cultures responding (89%) and the number of embryos per explant (16) were observed on MS medium supplemented with 8 $\mu$M BAP. The emergence of several somatic embryos on the adaxial side of the leaf segments was observed one month after the culture. Germinated somatic embryos were grown up to about 1.5 cm length before transferring to maturation medium. For maturation, the individual embryos were isolated and transferred to MS medium supplemented with BAP (5 $\mu{M}$) and NAA (0.5 $\mu{M}$). The plantlets emerged from the embryos were transferred to soil containing 1 peat: 1 sand with 90% success. The embryos were formed directly on the leaf segments without any callus phase. Direct regeneration of somatic embryos is important for the conservation of this endangered species, as rare somaclonal variants are likely to arise than from indirect regeneration.

Spontaneous pyometra induced by Staphylococcus aureus in a Maltese (황색포도상구균 감염에 의한 어린 말티스의 자궁축농증 증례)

  • Hong, Sun-Hwa;Chung, Yung-Ho;Han, Sang-Jun;Kim, Ok-Jin
    • Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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    • v.35 no.1
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    • pp.63-67
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    • 2012
  • An 8-months-old young Maltese bitch was presented for investigation of anorexia and occasional vomiting. The body weight was 2 kg. Abdominal sonography demonstrated abnormal enlargement of uterus. The dog had been clinically and pathologically examined. Also, ovariohystectomy was performed. Staphylococcus aureus was identified in the pus-like materials of the uterine lumen. This case was confirmed as pyometra induced by Staphylococcus aureus. Gross examination of the dissected uterus revealed enlarged uterine horn, which had yellowish or brownish pus-like materials in the lumen. Also, there was several segments formation between the enlarged areas of left and right uterine horns. Histopathologically, endometritis and necrosis were present in uterine wall. The bitch made a complete recovery following an ovariohystectomy. This case was spontaneous pyometra induced by Staphylococcus species. On our knowledge, this is a very rare report of pyometra occurrence in young dog and Staphylococcus species-induced pyometra. This study may provide a valuable data on the study of canine pyometra.

A Histological Study on the Visual Cell Layer of the Endemic Korean Species Liobagrus mediadiposalis (Pisces: Amblycipitidae)

  • Kim, Jae Goo;Park, Jong Young
    • Applied Microscopy
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    • v.47 no.4
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    • pp.238-241
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    • 2017
  • A study on the visual cell and eyeball of the endemic Korean species Liobagrus mediadiposalis was investigated by light and electron microscopes. The retina of a small and 2 mm-diameter round eye was thin, $151.0{\pm}4.0{\mu}m$ and has two visual cells, a single cone and a rod cell. The single cone cells are short and thick, $18.0{\pm}0.9{\mu}m$ in length and $5.1{\pm}0.7{\mu}m$ (n=30) in diameter, while the rod cells are longer and thinner, $54.8{\pm}2.9{\mu}m$ in length and $3.3{\pm}0.6{\mu}m$ in diameter. The cone cells are seen an irregular and random mosaic pattern, and the rod cells are also randomly situated at between cone cells. As a rare phenomenon, such structure is one of characteristics reflecting the eye of a nocturnal and bottom-dwelling freshwater fish. The ultrastructure of visual cells was observed with scanning and transmission electron microscopy, both cone and rod cells are divided into an inner segment with numerous mitochondria and an outer segment with stacks of membrane discs.

Studies on Taxonomy and Phvloseny of Bats Inhabiting Korea 1. Taxonomical Review of One Rhinolophid and Six Vespeuilionid Bats, and the Korean Microchiropteran Faunal Succession (한국산 박쥐류의 계통분류학적 연구 1. Rhinolophidae의 1종과 Vespertilionidae의 6종에 대한 분류학적인 재검토 및 한국산 익수류상의 천이)

  • 윤명희;손성원
    • The Korean Journal of Zoology
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    • v.32 no.4
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    • pp.374-392
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    • 1989
  • 한국산 박쥐류의 계통분류학적 연구의 첫 단계로써, 1985년 10월부터 1987년 7월까지 18장소에서 채집된 한국산 박쥐류 중, 관박쥐과(Rhinolophidae)의 1종과 애기박쥐과 (Vespertilionidae)의 6종에 대하여 외·내부형태 및 상환골의 형태를 이용하여 분류학적인 검토를 하였다. 이들 중에는, 희귀종인 문둥이 박쥐(Eptesicus serotinus brachydigitus)가 포함되어, 본 아종에 대한 상세한 형태학적인 특징을 추가·기재하였다. 또한 현생 한국산 익수류상, 고기후 및 고지리를 고려하여 한국산 소익수류상의 성립과정에 대하여 고찰하였다. 즉, 홍적세의 고기후 및 고지리의 변화에 의해서, 남방계보다 북방계 종류가 풍부한 현재의 익수류상이 성립되었다고 생각된다. As a part of studies on taxonomy and phylogeny of bats inhabiting Korea, a taxonomic review of one rhinolophid and six vespertilionid bats collected at 18 localities during the period from October 1985 to July 1987 was carried out, basing on the external, cranial, dental and humeral morphology. These bats include a rare species, Eptesicus serotinus brachydigitus, the detailed characters of which were described in addition to the original description by Mori (1928b). Further, the Korean microchiropteran faunal succession was described laking into consideration the recent chiropteran fauna, and climatic and geographical changes in the Pleistocene: the recent bat fauna of Korea has become abundant in the north-originating species rather than in the south-originating ones, which is a reverse tendency in the Palearctic continent.

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Environmental Factors Affecting Establishment and Expansion of the Invasive Alien Species of Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) in Seoripool Park, Seoul

  • Lee, Han-Wool;Lee, Chang-Seok
    • Animal cells and systems
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    • v.10 no.1
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    • pp.27-40
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    • 2006
  • Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima Swingle) as an invasive alien plant, appeared usually in the disturbed locations such as road-side, incised slope, and trampling path-side. They appeared abundantly in the trampling pathside but they did not appear or were rare in the interior of forest. Density and importance value of tree of heaven were proportionate to the relative light intensity measured according to distance from the trampling path toward forest interior and closely related to the breadth of trampling path as well. They were associated with annual, other exotic species or ruderal plants well. Distributional pattern of mature trees of them in the study area and its surrounding environments implied that they were introduced intentionally. Size class distribution of them showed that they are in expansion and artificial interferences such as, installing physical training space and developing hiking course functioned as trigger factors in their invasion and expansion. The results support the facts known generally in relation to invasion and expansion of the invasive alien plants. In this viewpoint, we suggest a management plan that applies ecological restoration principles to address ecosystems infected with tree of heaven by restoring the integral feature of the degraded nature and conserving the remained nature more thoroughly.