Genetic structure and diversity of green turtle (Chelonia mydas) in the Gulf of Thailand

Background and Aim: The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources lists the green turtle as endangered. Green turtle nesting behavior in the Gulf of Thailand has decreased to <50% of the 1995 level. The population structure of green turtles in the Gulf of Thailand has not yet been studied. This study aimed to characterize the genetic diversity of green turtles in the Gulf of Thailand based on comparisons of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region with sequences of Indo-Pacific management units (MUs) and rookeries, to investigate population structures, and to explore phylogeographic relationships. Materials and Methods: Blood samples (1 mL each) from 91 stranded green turtles were collected from four parts of the Gulf of Thailand (eastern, upper, central, and lower). The control mtDNA region was amplified by polymerase chain reaction using LCM15382 and H950 primer. The obtained 384-bp or 770-bp sequences were analyzed for haplotype, clade, and haplotype and nucleotide diversities and were used to construct a phylogenetic tree and haplotype network diagram, respectively. In addition, we analyzed genetic differentiation within and among populations of green turtles in the Gulf of Thailand and between green turtles in the Gulf of Thailand and other Indo- Pacific MUs and rookeries. Results: In total, 12 (based on 384 bp) or 13 (based on 770 bp) haplotypes and two clades (clades VII and VIII) were identified, with nine or 10 haplotypes belonging to clade VIII and three haplotypes belonging to clade VII. Of the new haplotypes, four or five were identified and classified as clade VII (two haplotypes, for both fragment lengths) and clade VIII (two or three haplotypes, for 384 bp or 770 bp fragments, respectively). The overall haplotype and nucleotide diversity of green turtles in the Gulf of Thailand were high (0.755 ± 0.039 and 0.01146 ± 0.00248, respectively). Based on the analysis of molecular variance, green turtles in the Gulf of Thailand could be divided into two subpopulations (UC-Eastern Gulf of Thailand [UC-EGT] and lower Gulf of Thailand [LGT]). Comparisons with other MUs and rookeries in the Indo-Pacific showed that UC-EGT was not genetically different from the Peninsular Malaysia and Eastern Taiwan (Lanyu) MUs and the Terrangganu and Mersing rookeries, and LGT were not genetically different from Peninsular Malaysia, Sipadan, Brunei Bay, Eastern Taiwan (Lanyu), Scott Reef and Browse Island, and Gulf of Carpentaria MUs and the Perak, Perhentain Island, Redang, Pahang, and Vietnam rookeries. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to identify the haplotypes and clades of green turtles in the Gulf of Thailand and to show that the populations in the Gulf of Thailand not only present high genetic diversity but also have haplotypic endemism. Longer mtDNA fragments (770 bp) increased the resolution of the stock structure. Clade VII is a unique clade not only for Japan but also for Thailand and Malaysia, and CmP82 is a unique haplotype for both the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia. Conservation and management of these populations are important to preserve the genetic diversity, biological diversity, and evolutionary potential of green turtles in the Gulf of Thailand

First report on clinical aspects, blood profiles, bacterial isolation, antimicrobial susceptibility, and histopathology in canine pyometra in Thailand

Background and Aim: Canine pyometra, either the closed (closed pyometra [CP]) or open (open pyometra [OP]) cervix type, is a frequent uterine disease in intact old age bitches. Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate medical and surgical treatments are crucial to avoid the life-threatening condition in these bitches. This study aimed to investigate clinical alterations, blood parameters, causative bacteria, antimicrobial susceptibility, and uterine histopathology obtained during aseptic surgical treatment on bitches with pyometra. Materials and Methods: Sixty bitches of various breeds and ages with presumptive pyometra diagnoses were included in the study. The diagnoses were based on history, clinical examination, blood parameters, radiography, and ultrasonography. All pyometra bitches were ovariohysterectomized as an emergency surgical treatment. In addition, uterine content and tissues were submitted for bacterial isolation, antimicrobial susceptibility, and uterine histopathological analysis. Results: Except for abdominal CP distention, no specific clinical signs were linked to the pyometra type. The mean values of total white blood cell count (WBC) and plasma protein were predominantly raised in pyometra bitches regarding hematological parameters. Leukocytosis was found in both types; however, the WBC in CP was markedly higher than in OP. The mean value of blood urea nitrogen increased in the CP group. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli were the most frequent causative bacteria isolated in CP and OP, respectively. All isolated bacteria were 100% susceptible to imipenem, meropenem, and carbapenem. Marbofloxacin was the second most effective drug against isolated bacteria from both groups. Uncomplicated cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) was not presented in the CP group. CEH and chronic endometritis (type IV), the most severe uterine histopathological changes, were discovered in the CP and OP. Conclusion: The CP and OP groups presented leukocytosis, increased plasma protein, and CEH and chronic endometritis. Depression, abdominal distention, and enlarged uterine size were the major characteristics of the CP group. Furthermore, abdominal distension is presented in other abnormalities in clinical practices, providing a differential diagnosis. Drugs in the carbapenem group were the most effective against isolated bacteria; however, they are not routinely used due to bacterial resistance concerns. Thus, marbofloxacin was recommended as an alternative medical treatment because it is convenient to manage by both oral and injection routes

Development of molecular techniques for the detection and pathogenesis study of swine corona-and corona-like virus

In situ hybridization (ISH) technique was first developed to detect and differentiate transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV) in cell culture and tissue sections using 35S-labeled RNA probes. RNA probe generated from plasmid PSP.FP2 detected both TGEV and PRCV, whereas PSP.FP1 probe detected only TGEV. The TGEV RNA was detected mainly within the enterocytes at the tips of villi and within a few crypt epithelial cells. The PRCV RNA was detected mainly in the bronchiolar epithelial cells and in lesser amount in type I and type II pneumocytes, alveolar macrophages and bronchial epithelial cells. Since the ISH technique using a radiolabeled probe is time consuming and not user friendly, the nonisotopic ISH technique using a fluorescein-labeled RNA probe was developed.;A rapid ISH technique using radiolabeled and fluorescein-labeled probes was able to decrease hybridization time from 20 hours to 2 hours without compromising the intensity of the signal and tissue morphology. By the rapid nonisotopic ISH technique, the entire procedure could be performed within about 7-8 hours. We demonstrated TGEV induced apoptosis in swine testes cell cultures by gel electrophoresis, electron microscopy, and terminal deoxytransferase digoxigenin-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) technique. By electron microscopy, we showed that infected-ST cells from TGEV-inoculated wells were undergoing cell lysis, however, uninfected-ST cells were undergoing apoptosis. Double labeling technique also demonstrated that TGEV positive cells were negative for apoptosis and apoptotic cells were negative for TGEV RNA. Our results indicated that TGEV induced apoptosis in uninfected bystander cells, thus amplifying the cytopathic effect of TGEV.;Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is an economically emerging virus in swine. We demonstrated that PRRSV induced apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo and apoptotic cells were uninfected bystander cells. In the lungs of PRRSV-infected pigs, the apoptotic cells were predominantly alveolar macrophages, lymphocytes, pulmonary intravascular macrophages, and type I and type II pneumocytes. In the lymph nodes of PRRSV-infected pigs, the apoptotic cells were predominantly lymphocytes and macrophages. A large number of macrophages and lymphocytes undergoing apoptosis might be the reason that PRRSV-infected pigs are susceptible to secondary infection.</p

Extender for Sperm Dilution in Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) and Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Semen

March 5-6, 2009, Bangkok, ThailandThe objective of the study was to find an extender to dilute and preserve sea turtle semen. Six adult olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), and 4 adult hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) from Phuket Marine Biological Center and Eastern Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center in Thailand had semen collected using electroejaculator. The study was repeated twice in 2007 and 2008. After collection, each semen sample was divided and preserved in 8 different extenders, which were 1) refrigeration medium test yolk buffer, 2) Tyrode medium supplemented with albumin, lactate and pyruvate, 3) Beltsville poultry semen extender, 4) 3% Sodium citrate buffer, 5) Phosphatebuffered solution, 6) EEL extender, 7) 1% bovine serum albumin, and 8) HAM F-10 and kept at 4℃ and evaluated for viability (motile sperm) at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours. The results found that for 28% olive ridley turtles and 25% hawksbill turtles that their spermatozoa diluted in extender 1, and for 14% of both sea turtles that their spermatozoa diluted in extender 2 could survive for 24 hours. However, the motility from both sea turtles semen in both extenders was decreased by 50-80 %. Most sperm died after being diluted in the last 6 extenders. By conclusion, extender 1 and 2 were suitable extenders for sea turtle semen viability, however, adding other ingredients should be considered to enhance in viability