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Simple Summary: The diversity and specificity of the genetic structures of rare and endemic endangered goose (Anser cygnoides) breeds continue to be significant focal points of global concern. In this study, the mitochondrial genome was sequenced from six endemic endangered goose breeds to compare and assess the genetic structures of the rare bird breeds (♂:♀ = 1:1). The research results show that there are 81 haplotypes among the six endemic endangered goose breeds in China. At the same time, a historical dynamic analysis of the migration of endemic endangered goose breeds was conducted. The Wright's fixation index of endemic endangered goose breeds in China is significantly lower than that of European goose breeds. This indicates that the adaptability of endangered breeds in China is relatively low, which can easily affect the long-term survival and reproductive ability of the population. The conservation and exploitation of waterfowl genetic resources leverage the intra- and inter-population variations to enhance the traits relevant to human interests. Hence, there is an urgent need to strategically plan and safeguard the genetic resources of Chinese goose breeds while also devising suitable protection strategies. The analysis of the genetic diversity and historical dynamics of endemic endangered goose breeds structure has attracted great interest. Although various aspects of the goose breed structure have been elucidated, there is still insufficient research on the genetic basis of endemic endangered Chinese goose breeds. In this study, we collected blood samples from Lingxiang White (LX), Yan (YE), Yangjiang (YJ), Wuzong (WZ), Xupu (XP), and Baizi (BZ) geese (Anser cygnoides) and used Sanger sequencing to determine the partial sequence of the cytochrome b (CYTB) gene in a total of 180 geese. A total of 117 polymorphic sites were detected in the 707 bp sequence of the mtDNA CYTB gene after shearing and correction, accounting for approximately 16.55% of the entire sequence. The AT content (51.03%) of the processed sequence was slightly higher than the GC content (48.97%), indicating a preference for purine bases. The YJ, YE, and WZ breeds had the highest population genetic diversity, with a haplotype diversity greater than 0.9 (Hd > 0.9) and average population nucleotide difference of 8.01 (K > 8.01). A total of 81 haplotypes were detected and divided into six major branches. Among the six goose breeds, there were frequent genetic exchanges among LX, YJ, YE, and WZ geese (Nm > 15.00). We analyzed the distribution of base-mismatch differences in goose breeds and tested their historical dynamics for neutrality in Tajima's D and Fu's Fs. For YJ and WZ geese, Tajima's D > 0, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). The actual values for the two breeds exhibited multimodal Poisson distributions. The population patterns of the WZ and YJ geese are purportedly relatively stable, and the breeds have not experienced population expansions or bottleneck effects, which is consistent with the neutrality test results. This study provides new insights into the diverse genetic origins and historical dynamics that sustain endemic endangered goose breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is rich in goat breeding resources. Officially recognized local goat breeds are mainly distributed in agro‐ecological regions. The population structure and matrilineal origin of native Chinese goats can be used to formulate protection and utilization strategies for these genetic resources. In this study, the genetic structure and maternal origin of native Chinese goats were investigated using mtDNA D‐loop sequences. A total of 329 goat samples from 25 Chinese indigenous goat populations and five introduced goat breeds from abroad were collected; these populations were distributed in four ecogroups designated as Southwest, South‐central, the North China Plain, and Foreign‐ecogroup. A larger average number of nucleotide differences and richer nucleotide diversity were observed in South‐central and Foreign‐ecogroup, whereas these were lower in Southwest. The 216 haplotypes divided into several haplogroups, of which HapA contained 99 haplotypes distributed in Southwest, the North China Plain, and Foreign‐ecogroup with high frequency (0.53–0.77), whereas the frequency of HapA in South‐central was <0.09. HapB was mostly found in South‐central (0.5538) and was distributed to the North China Plain (0.2667), while it was rare in Southwest (<0.08) and Foreign‐ecogroup (<0.07). According to the estimation of kinship and ancestry, HapA had five ancestors (A2, A3, A5, A10, and A12), HapB had a single maternal ancestor (A8), and HapC had two maternal ancestors (A1 and A4). This study showed that native Chinese goat breeds were mainly divided into three haplogroups (HapA, HapB, and HapC) and goat populations have expanded in the ecological regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia (CRKP) is a global threat that varies by region. The global distribution, evolution, and clinical implications of the ST11 CRKP clone remain obscure., Methods: We conducted a multicenter molecular epidemiological survey using isolates obtained from 28 provinces and municipalities across China between 2011 and 2021. We integrated sequences from public databases and performed genetic epidemiology analysis of ST11 CRKP., Results: Among ST11 CRKP, KL64 serotypes exhibited considerable expansion, increasing from 1.54% to 46.08% between 2011 and 2021. Combining our data with public databases, the phylogenetic and phylogeography analyses indicated that ST11 CRKP appeared in the Americas in 1996 and spread worldwide, with key clones progressing from China's southeastern coast to the inland by 2010. Global phylogenetic analysis showed that ST11 KL64 CRKP has evolved to a virulent, resistant clade with notable regional spread. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis identified BMPPS (bmr3, mltC, pyrB, ppsC, and sdaC) as a key marker for this clade. The BMPPS SNP clade is associated with high mortality and has strong anti-phagocytic and competitive traits in vitro., Conclusions: The high-risk ST11 KL64 CRKP subclone showed strong expansion potential and survival advantages, probably owing to genetic factors., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

In southern China, the silver pheasant (Lophura nycthemera) is a widespread species due to complex topography and sufficient habitats and food resources. We investigated the microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA control region sequence of 115 individuals from 7 locations in China to study population dynamics of the silver pheasant during the Pleistocene. The neutrality test and mismatch distribution analyses showed that population expansion began in the interglacial period (76,053 years ago), and the latest common ancestor appeared approximately 970,300 years ago. Most populations exhibited a high level of genetic diversity as well as gene flow. Results of phylogenetic trees and network and STRUCTURE analyses provided insights into the weak population structure of this species. The weak phylogeographic and complex historical expansion population of the silver pheasant during the interglacial period could probably be related to its complex topography and the sufficient amount of suitable habitats and food resources in southern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the Masson pine moth, Dendrolimus punctatus, is one of the most destructive forest pest insects and is an endemic condition in China, we still do not fully understand the patterns of how its distribution range varies in response to Quaternary climatic oscillations. Here, we sequenced one maternally inherited mitochondrial gene (COI) and biparentally inherited nuclear data (ITS1 and ITS2) among 23 natural populations across the entire range of the species in China. A total of 51 mitotypes and 38 ribotypes were separately obtained using mtDNA and ITS1 data. Furthermore, significant phylogeographical structure (NST > GST, p < 0.01) were detected. The spatial distribution of mitotypes implied that two distinct groups existed in the species: one in the southwest distribution, including 10 locations, and the other located in the northeast region of China. It is suggested, therefore, that each group was derived from ancestors that occupied different isolated refugia during previous periods, possibly last glacial maximum. Mismatch distribution and Bayesian population dynamics analysis suggested the population size underwent sudden expansion, which is consistent with the results of ecological niche modeling. As a typical phytophagous insect, the history of population expansion was in accordance with the host plants, providing abundant food resources and habitat. Intraspecific success rate of barcoding identification was lower than interspecific ones, indicating a level of difficulty in barcoding individuals from different populations. However, it still provides an early insight into the pattern of genetic diversity within a species. OPEN RESEARCH BADGES: This article has been awarded an Open Data and Open Materials. All materials and data are publicly accessible via the Open Science Framework at https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.2df87g2. Learn more about the Open Practices badges from the Center for Open Science: https://osf.io/tvyxz/wiki. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic diversity and the spatial structure of a species are likely consequences of both past and recent evolutionary processes, but relevant studies are still rare in East Asia where the Pleistocene climate has unique influences. In this study, we examined the impact of past climate change and recent anthropogenic activities on the genetic structure and population size of the greater long-tailed hamster ( Tscherskia triton), an agricultural rodent pest species in northern China. DNA sequence data of 2 mitochondrial genes and genotypic data of 11 microsatellite DNA loci from 41 populations (545 individuals) were gathered. Phylogenetic and population genetic analyses, as well as species distribution modeling and coalescent simulations, were conducted to infer its historical and demographic patterns and processes. Two deeply diverged mitochondrial clades were recovered. A small one was restricted to the Shandong Peninsula while the main clade was further divided into 3 geographic clusters by their microsatellite DNA genotypes: Northwest, North-center and Northeast. Divergence dating indicated a Middle-to-Late Pleistocene divergence between the 2 clades. Demographic analysis indicated that all 3 and pooled populations showed consistent long-period expansions during last glacial period; but not during the Holocene, probably due to the impact of climate warming and human disturbances. Conflicting patterns between mtDNA and microsatellite markers imply an anthropogenic impact on North-center populations due to intensified agricultural cultivation in this region. Our study demonstrated that the impact of past glaciation on organisms in East Asia significantly differs from that of Europe and North America, and human activity is an important factor in determining the genetic diversity of a species, as well as its spatial structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ophicephalus argus is a commercially valuable aquaculture fish in some regions of China, which was widely distributed throughout the freshwaters reservoirs, lakes and rivers of China. Due to overfishing, environmental pollution, water conservancy, human production activities and other causes, wild Ophicephalus argus has declined rapidly and disappeared. Its fishery resources has been gradually exhausted in the Huaihe River Basin in the past decades. In order to analysis the genetic structure and demographic history of Ophicephalus argus, the mitochondrial D-loop sequences were used in the study. The results showed that the length of D-loop sequence contained 790 bp nucleotides and the A, T, G and C contents were 33. 19%,28. 25%, 16. 59% and 21. 97%, respectively. 22 nucleotide sites and 33 haplotypes were obtained from 84 individuals collecting in 4 different regions, which included HB, FT, BB, and HZL. The average haplotype diversity (h) and nucleotide diversity (JC) was 0. 956 8, 0. 003 8, respectively, which showed that there was high level genetic diversity in the populations of Ophicephalus argus from Huaihe River basin. The AMOVA analysis (total Fst = 0. 046 0) and the level of Nm values (10. 369 6), as well as the average K2-P distances (0. 003 ~0. 005) all revealed that the Ophicephalus argus had no obviously geographical differentiation. However, the phylogenetic tree estimated by neighbor-joining (NJ) method indicated that the individuals of Ophicephalus argus formed two monophyletic lineages, and the two lineages were not correlated with geographical populations. Neutrality tests, mismatch distribution and network analysis suggested that this species underwent population expansion in the early phase of last glacial period following bottlenecks and/or they originated from a small number of founding individuals. The time that the total population of Ophicephalus argus in the Huaihe River expanded was estimated 51. 8 ~74. 6 thousands years before present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we explore the population genetics of the Russian wheat aphid (RWA) ( Diuraphis noxia), one of the world's most invasive agricultural pests, in north-western China. We have analysed the data of 10 microsatellite loci and mitochondrial sequences from 27 populations sampled over 2 years in China. The results confirm that the RWAs are holocyclic in China with high genetic diversity indicating widespread sexual reproduction. Distinct differences in microsatellite genetic diversity and distribution revealed clear geographic isolation between RWA populations in northern and southern Xinjiang, China, with gene flow interrupted across extensive desert regions. Despite frequent grain transportation from north to south in this region, little evidence for RWA translocation as a result of human agricultural activities was found. Consequently, frequent gene flow among northern populations most likely resulted from natural dispersal, potentially facilitated by wind currents. We also found evidence for the long-term existence and expansion of RWAs in China, despite local opinion that it is an exotic species only present in China since 1975. Our estimated date of RWA expansion throughout China coincides with the debut of wheat domestication and cultivation practices in western Asia in the Holocene. We conclude that western China represents the limit of the far eastern native range of this species. This study is the most comprehensive molecular genetic investigation of the RWA in its native range undertaken to date and provides valuable insights into the history of the association of this aphid with domesticated cereals and wild grasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To examine the pattern of phylogeography of Ruditapes philippinarum, a length of 644-bp gene fragment of the mtDNA COI was sequenced. A total of 170 individuals from 19 locations were analyzed yielding 74 haplotypes, most of which were unique. The levels of haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity for the species ranged from 0.80±0.16 (Notsuke Bay) to 1.00±0.13 (Nanao Bay, Miyazu Bay, Dalian 1 and Ariake), and from 0.002±0.001 (Notsuke Bay) to 0.011±0.006 (Qingdao), respectively. Both the phylogenetic (NJ tree) and minimum spanning trees (MST) showed three significant genealogical clusters corresponding to sampling localities, a genetic differentiation speculated to be caused by the isolation of the marginal seas of the Northwestern Pacific during Pleistocene low sea-level stands. Both AMOVA and pairwise Fst analyses revealed significant genetic differentiation between the populations from Japan and China. The pattern of isolation by distance was also detected in this species (r=0.50, P <0.001). Both mismatch distribution analysis and the neutrality tests showed that R. philippinarum had undergone a recent population expansion. The estimate of population expansion time was about 425kya–1580kya. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Since insects are ectothermic, they are highly vulnerable to the sudden increase of temperature. Indeed, it has been hypothesized that the survival, development, fecundity, and even population expansion of insects are all affected significantly by extremely high temperature. We studied the effect of short-term high temperature stress on the survival and development of different stages, adult longevity and fecundity of Ophraella communa (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a biological control agent of the invasive plant, the common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Asterales: Asteraceae) in the laboratory. The results showed that egg, larval, pupal and adult survival rates were significantly affected after 2 hour-short-stress at high temperatures (35 to 47°C) when compared to the 28°C control. With the exceptions of the control and 35°C stress, survival rate of females was significantly higher than that of males after short-stress at any high temperature. Short-term high temperature stress also significantly impacted longevity and fecundity of adult beetles. Except for control, female longevity was significantly longer than male's after short-stress at any high temperature. The survival rates of different stages, and adult longevity and fecundity of the beetle decreased significantly with the increase of short-term stress temperature. Based on the results of the present study, we conclude that the development and population expansion of O. communa may be significantly affected when they are exposed to a high temperature stage in a summer day in the areas invaded by common ragweed, in southern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The repeated formation and loss of land-bridges during the Pleistocene have had lasting impacts on population genetic structure. In the tropics, where island populations persisted through multiple glacial cycles, alternating periods of isolation and contact are expected to have driven population and taxonomic divergence. Here, we combine mitochondrial and nuclear sequence data with microsatellites to dissect the impact of Pleistocene climate change on intra-specific diversification in the horseshoe bat Rhinolophus affinis. This taxon shows considerable morphological and acoustic variation: two parapatric subspecies ( himalayanus and macrurus) occur on mainland China and a third ( hainanus) on Hainan Island. Our phylogeographic reconstruction and coalescent analyses suggest the island subspecies formed from an ancestral population of himalayanus via two colonization events c. 800 000 years before present. R. a. hainanus then recolonized the mainland, forming macrurus and thus a secondary contact zone with himalayanus. Finally, macrurus recolonized Hainan following the LGM. We found that all three biological events corresponded to known periods of land-bridge formation. Evidence of introgression was detected between macrurus and both its sister taxa, with geographical proximity rather than length of separation appearing to be the biggest determinant of subsequent genetic exchange. Our study highlights the important role of climate-mediated sea level changes have had in shaping current processes and patterns of population structure and taxonomic diversification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The climatic oscillations of the Pleistocene are believed to have greatly impacted the distribution and population dynamics of many terrestrial and marine taxa. Studies investigating the evolutionary effects of palaeo-climatic fluctuations in the East Asia Seas are scarce and the limited studies available suggest two competing evolutionary patterns: high genetic diversity and clear population structure or low genetic diversity and homogeneous population structure. To explore the general consequence of sea level oscillations in the East Asia Seas, the population demographic history and genetic structure of the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain, were investigated using specimens sampled from 11 localities along the Chinese coast. Molecular data (COI, 16S rDNA and concatenated sequences) depicted a star-like tree and suggested a recent population demographic expansion for the species. Through pairwise F ST comparisons, although shallow differentiation was found between the Beibu Bay and other sites, a genetic homogeneous population structure with high gene flow (Nem>5) was observed between most localities. Lower sea levels during the penultimate glaciation (ca. 140kya) and the sea level highstand of MIS5e (130–116kya) could be responsible for the population bottleneck and subsequent demographic expansion inferred for S. paramamosain, and the reversal of interglacial seasonal circulations and long larval development may have facilitated gene flow leading to a homogeneous population structure via planktonic larvae transport between the South China and East China Seas. These molecular, ecological and oceanographic clues indicate that the basin model of recruitment may provide the best explanation for the genetic structure and population history revealed for S. paramamosain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We studied 1616 bp of mtDNA sequence in plateau pika Ochotona curzoniae sampled from 10 geographical regional groups to study the population history as well as long-term gene flow of O. curzoniae. We detected 153 haplotypes in 245 individuals. Mismatch analyses detected rapid population expansion in nine regional groups. Long-term estimates of gene flow revealed a unidirectional manner from peripheral groups towards central plateau groups. In contrast, gene flow among central plateau groups was bidirectional. Our results indicate that the population expansion of most groups occurred 0.24–0.03 Mya, which mostly coincides with the interglacial period before the last glacial maximum. Gene flow of O. curzoniae was closely related to the different effects of the extensive glacial period (EGP) and the last glacial period (LGP) on the species. The EGP had caused extinction of all central populations, while the LGP had very limited influence on the populations that recolonized the central region. However, the glaciers in the relatively humid areas surrounding the interior of the plateau during the LGP were substantial and had prevented or greatly reduced the ‘counter’ gene flow from the central populations to the edge populations, resulting in a unidirectional gene flow. A hierarchical analysis of molecular variance showed that 55.1% of the total variance was explained by among-groups structuring while 34.2% was explained by the differences among individuals within populations. Compared with other endemic species on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, O. curzoniae has a moderate level of the population genetic structure, which is higher than birds and lower than lizard, due to its limited dispersal ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variation of the mitochondrial control region segment was analyzed from white-rumped snowfinch Onychostruthus taczanowskii through its Tibetan Plateau distribution range. Very low genetic diversity (0.117%) and no differentiation were found between geographic groups. This may be because of a combination of several ecological and historical factors, including lack of geographical barriers and a relatively homogenic habitat through the plateau, high gene flow and a relatively fast population expansion from a very small population size. The genetic diversity of its closely related codistributed species, the red-necked snowfinch Pyrgilauda ruficollis, was much higher, possibly as a result of expansion from different population size and glacial refugia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total population size of the chiru (Pantholops hodgsonii), a species endemic to the Tibetan plateau, has undergone a severe decline in the past several decades. This study investigates the genetic variation, evolutionary history, and current population relationships among the 3 main populations of the chiru. Samples from Xinjiang, Xizang (Tibet), and Qinghai provinces in western China were collected and mitochondrial DNA control region sequences were analyzed. Overall nucleotide diversity (π) was 2.18% and thus indicated a relatively high genetic variation. Neutrality tests suggested a significant historical population expansion (Fu's Fs = -28.152), consistent with a population decline and observed pattern of mismatch distribution. Analysis of molecular variance suggested high degrees of gene flow among all the sampled populations, of which the Xinjiang and Xizang populations were revealed to be the most genetically related. It was inferred that calving ground might play a significant role in the course of gene exchange. These results shed light on the population history and current population status of the chiru, and have strong implications for the continued conservation of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The O. graminea sensu lato in southern China contains five major lineages and they shows obvious phylogeographic patterns. • Diversification of O. graminea sensu lato was affected by QTP uplifts, Climate fluctuations, and drainages changes. • Mitochondrial-nuclear discordant genetic structure was revealed in the O. graminea sensu stricto. • Species delimitation results suggested the existence of high number cryptic species in the O. graminea sensu stricto. • Multiple rapid population expansion events occurred in the evolutionary history of O. graminea sensu stricto. Understanding the process of speciation and the factors driving the geographical distribution patterns of species is of great interest in ecology and evolutionary biology. Herein, we investigated the phylogeographic patterns, speciation, demographic history and genetic structure of the widespread endemic Odorrana graminea sensu lato in Southern China and adjacent areas. A total of 439 specimens from 68 localities were sequenced and analyzed for both mitochondrial (12S and 16S rRNA) and nuclear markers (RAG-1 and ten microsatellite loci). Phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated mtDNA data revealed five major highly divergent lineages within the O. graminea sensu lato in Southern China, and these divergent lineages were highly concordant with five geographical regions. The nuclear data showed a discordant genetic structure compared to the mtDNA lineages (Clades A, B, and C) for O. graminea sensu stricto, with an admixed pattern in the RAG-1 data and two structure clusters in the microsatellite data. The species delimitation analyses, based on three methods, supported the species status of Odorrana zhaoi and Odorrana rotodora , and revealed the existence of putative cryptic species in the O. graminea sensu stricto. In addition, one statistically significant gene flow event was detected from Clade B to Clade C based on mtDNA and RAG-1 data, and the microsatellite data suggested gene flow within the O. graminea sensu stricto. Bayesian skyline plotting analyses and ecological niche modeling supported demographic and range expansions during the LGM for Clades A and C of the O. graminea sensu stricto. In addition, ecological niche models suggested the existence of ecological divergence among the three Clades (Clades A, B and C) of the O. graminea sensu stricto. The intense uplifting of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, the Quaternary climate oscillations, and drainage changes may have driven the speciation, genetic structure and phylogeoraphic patterns of the O. graminea sensu lato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Geological events and climatic changes played important roles in shaping population differentiation and distribution within species. In China, populations in many species have contracted and expanded responding to environmental changes with the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and glacial cycles during Pleistocene. In this study, we analysed the population structure of Godlewski's Bunting, Emberiza godlewskii, to determine the effects of major historical events, geographic barriers and past climatic changes on phylogenetic divergence and historical demographic dynamics of this species. Results: A phylogeny based on concatenated mitochondrial and nuclear DNA datasets show two (northern and southern) clades approximately diverged 3.26 million years ago (Ma). The West Qinling Mountains serve as a dividing line between the two lineages. Both lineages experienced a recent demographic expansion during interglacial periods (marine isotope stages (MISs) 2–6). Bayesian skyline plots and the results of ecological niche modelling suggested a more intensive expansion of the northern lineage during the late Pleistocene, whereas the southern lineage was comparatively mild in population growth. Conclusions: Our results provide insights into the distribution patterns of avian taxa and the possible mechanisms for a south and north divergence model in China. The deep divergence may have been shaped by the uplift of the QTP. Habitat preferences might have facilitated the lineage divergence for E. godlewskii. Moreover, the West Qinling Mountains act as a dividing line between the two lineages, indicating a novel phylogeographic pattern of organisms in China. The difference in population expansion mode between two lineages resulted from different effects caused by the climate of the LGM and the subsequent habitat changes accompanying the arrival of a colder climate in northern and southern regions of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The white poplar (Populus alba) is widely distributed in Central Asia and Europe. There are natural populations of white poplar in Irtysh River basin in China. It also can be cultivated and grown well in northern China. In this study, we sequenced the genome of P. alba by single-molecule real-time technology. De novo assembly of P. alba had a genome size of 415.99 Mb with a contig N50 of 1.18 Mb. A total of 32,963 protein-coding genes were identified. 45.16% of the genome was annotated as repetitive elements. Genome evolution analysis revealed that divergence between P. alba and Populus trichocarpa (black cottonwood) occurred ~5.0 Mya (3.0, 7.1). Fourfold synonymous third-codon transversion (4DTV) and synonymous substitution rate (ks) distributions supported the occurrence of the salicoid WGD event (~ 65 Mya). Twelve natural populations of P. alba in the Irtysh River basin in China were sequenced to explore the genetic diversity. Average pooled heterozygosity value of P. alba populations was 0.170±0.014, which was lower than that in Italy (0.271±0.051) and Hungary (0.264±0.054). Tajima's D values showed a negative distribution, which might signify an excess of low frequency polymorphisms and a bottleneck with later expansion of P. alba populations examined.

(1) Background: Although the health effects of future climate change have been examined in previous studies, few have considered additive impacts of population expansion, ageing, and adaptation. We aimed to quantify the future heat-related years of life lost ( YLLs ) under different Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) scenarios and global-scale General Circulation Models (GCMs), and further to examine relative contributions of population expansion, ageing, and adaptation on these projections. (2) Methods: We used downscaled and bias-corrected projections of daily temperature from 27 GCMs under RCP2.6, 4.5, and 8.5 scenarios to quantify the potential annual heat-related YLLs in Guangzhou, China in the 2030s, 2060s, and 2090s, compared to those in the 1980s as a baseline. We also explored the modification effects of a range of population expansion, ageing, and adaptation scenarios on the heat-related YLLs . (3) Results: Global warming, particularly under the RCP8.5 scenario, would lead to a substantial increase in the heat-related YLLs in the 2030s, 2060s, and 2090s for the majority of the GCMs. For the total population, the annual heat-related YLLs under the RCP8.5 in the 2030s, 2060s, and 2090s were 2.2, 7.0, and 11.4 thousand, respectively. The heat effects would be significantly exacerbated by rapid population expansion and ageing. However, substantial heat-related YLLs could be counteracted by the increased adaptation (75% for the total population and 20% for the elderly). (4) Conclusions: The rapid population expansion and ageing coinciding with climate change may present an important health challenge in China, which, however, could be partially counteracted by the increased adaptation of individuals.

House mice (Mus musculus) are human commensals and have served as a primary model in biomedical, ecological and evolutionary research. Although there is detailed knowledge of the biogeography of house mice in Europe, little is known of the history of house mice in China, despite the fact that China encompasses an enormous portion of their range. In the present study, 535 house mice caught from 29 localities in China were studied by sequencing the mitochondrial D-loop and genotyping 10 nuclear microsatellite markers distributed on 10 chromosomes. Phylogenetic analyses revealed two evolutionary lineages corresponding to Mus musculus castaneus and Mus musculus musculus in the south and north, respectively, with the Yangtze River approximately representing the boundary. More detailed analyses combining published sequence data from mice sampled in neighbouring countries revealed the migration routes of the two subspecies into China: M. m. castaneus appeared to have migrated through a southern route (Yunnan and Guangxi), whereas M. m. musculus entered China from Kazakhstan through the north-west border (Xinjiang). Bayesian analysis of mitochondrial sequences indicated rapid population expansions in both subspecies, approximately 4650-9300 and 7150-14 300 years ago for M. m. castaneus and M. m. musculus, respectively. Interestingly, the migration routes of Chinese house mice coincide with the colonization routes of modern humans into China, and the expansion times of house mice are consistent with the development of agriculture in southern and northern China, respectively. Finally, our study confirmed the existence of a hybrid zone between M. m. castaneus and M. m. musculus in China. Further study of this hybrid zone will provide a useful counterpart to the well-studied hybrid zone between M. m. musculus and Mus musculus domesticus in central Europe., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)