Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Different Second-line Therapies for Patients With Advanced Thymic Carcinoma.

AIMS: Thymic carcinoma (TC) is a rare form of highly invasive tumors. Currently, the standard first-line therapy involves paclitaxel plus carboplatin treatment, while the recommended regimen for second-line therapy remains uncertain. The purpose of this study is to explore the second-line mode of TC patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the outcome of subjects with advanced TC between 2009 and 2023 in three medical centers, retrospectively. Tumor response was evaluated according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1 (RECIST v1.1). Kaplan-Meier was used for calculating Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The factors affecting survival in the real world were evaluated by Cox analysis. RESULTS: Totally 136 patients were included in this study, the median PFS (mPFS) for all subjects was 5.97 months, and the median OS (mOS) was 25.03 months. According to patient's treatment modes, they are divided into monotherapy (n = 95) and combination therapy (n = 41), PFS manifested the difference between two groups (5.17 vs. 9.00 months, P = 0.043). OS also indicated a significant distinction (22.50 vs. 38.00 months, P = 0.017). Furthermore, there was a significant difference in PFS between patients using immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy and those with antivascular therapy (8.57 vs. 13.10 months, P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: In the second-line therapy for advanced TC, the efficacy of combination therapy was better than monotherapy, especially for immunotherapy combined with antivascular therapy.

Derivation of no significant risk levels for three lower acrylates: Conclusions and recommendations from an expert panel.

A panel of toxicology, mode of action (MOA), and cancer risk assessment experts was engaged to derive no-significant-risk-levels (NSRLs) for three lower acrylates: methyl acrylate (MA), ethyl acrylate (EA), and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2EHA) using the best available science, data, and methods. The review was structured as a five-round, modified Delphi format, a systematic process for collecting independent and deliberative input from panel members, and it included several procedural elements to reduce potential sources of bias and groupthink. Input from the panel for key decisions in the dose-response assessments resulted in NSRL values of 530 µg/day (330-800 µg/day), 640 µg/day (280-670 µg/day), and 1700 µg/day (1300-2700 µg/day) for MA, EA, and 2EHA, respectively. Novel to this approach were the use of nonneoplastic lesions reported at point of contact where tumors have been reported in laboratory rodents, along with nonlinear extrapolation to low doses (uncertainty factor approach) based upon panel recommendations. Confidence in these values is considered medium to high for exposures applied to the routes of exposure tested (inhalation for MA and EA, dermal for 2EHA), but confidence is considered lower when applied to other routes of exposure.

[Development and validation of risk behavior scale for in-home unintentional injury in urban children aged 0-6 years in China].

Objective: To develop and evaluate the reliability and validity of risk behavior scale for in-home unintentional injury in urban children aged 0-6 years in China. Methods: Through literature review, expert consultation and pre-survey, the final scale was determined with 10 dimensions and 54 items. A total of 1 104 children aged 0-6 years were randomly selected by using multi-stage stratified cluster sampling in the urban area of Changsha and their guardians were invited to participate in this questionnaire survey. The information about the basic characteristics, incidence of unintentional injury and risk behaviors of the children were collected. Cronbach's α coefficient and split-half reliability were used to evaluate the reliability of the scale. Pearson correlation coefficient, Spearman correlation coefficient and factor analysis were used to evaluate the content validity and structural validity of the scale respectively. The children were divided into two groups according to the incidence of unintentional injury, and t-test was used to analyze the discriminant validity of the scale. Results: The children risk behavior scale had 54 items in 10 dimensions. A total of 1 094 valid questionnaires were returned and the effective response rate was 99.09%. The incidence of unintentional injury in the children was 18.65% (204/1 104). The Cronbach's α coefficient of the scale was 0.94, and the split-half reliability was 0.87. The Pearson correlation coefficients between each dimension and the total scale were 0.50-0.84 (all P<0.001). A total of 11 common factors were extracted from the total scale, and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 56.52%. The average factor load of 54 items was more than 0.30. The fitting indexes of the scale were 0.06 for root mean square error of approximation, 0.78 for comparative fit index, 0.79 for goodness-of-fit index, and 0.77 for adjusted goodness-of-fit index. The children with injuries had higher scores than those without injuries, the difference was significant (P<0.001). Conclusion: The scale developed has good reliability and validity on assessing the risk behaviors of unintentional injury in urban children in China.

Relationships between diabetic nephropathy and insulin resistance, inflammation, Trx, Txnip, CysC and serum complement levels.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationships between diabetic nephropathy (DN) and insulin resistance, inflammation, thioredoxin (Trx), thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip), Cystatin C (CysC) and serum complement levels. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 119 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated in the Endocrinology Department of our hospital from January 2017 to December 2017 were enrolled as the experiment group, while 30 healthy volunteers were selected as the control group. The expression levels of inflammatory factors, Trx, Txnip, CysC and serum complements in every subject were detected. In addition, the type 2 diabetic nephropathy rat model was established via high-fat diet and injection of low-dose streptozotocin. Blood glucose, insulin resistance indexes and 24h-urinary albumin excretion were measured, and the histomorphological characteristics of the kidney in animals were observed. RESULTS: In clinical subjects, Trx level was notably lower in the simple DM group, early DN group and clinical DN group in comparison with that in the control group. The levels of Txnip and CysC in the simple DM group, early DN group and clinical DN group were remarkably higher than those in the control group. Moreover, the expression levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the clinical DN group were significantly elevated compared with those in the simple DM group and early DN group. In addition, C1q expression in the clinical DN group was higher than that in the simple DM group and early DN group. In model rats, HOMA-IR was distinctly higher in the DM group and DN group than that in the control group. The ratio of kidney weight to body weight (KW/BW) was evidently higher in the DN group in comparison with that in the control group and DM group. CONCLUSIONS: Insulin resistance, inflammatory factors, and levels of Trx, Txnip, CysC and serum complement C1q are related to the progression of DM.

[Clinical analysis of mediastinal lymph node dissection through sternotomy approach in the treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma with mediastinal lymph node metastasis].

Objective: To investigate the rule of mediastinal lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma and the application of therapeutic mediastinal lymph node dissection through the sternotomy approach in the treatment of mediastinal lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Methods: All cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma with mediastinal lymph node metastasis treated through sternotomy cooperated by thoracic surgeons and head and neck surgeons from January 2006 to January 2017 in Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were included in this study. The distribution, metastasis rate, metastasis degree, surgical method, surgical complications and postoperative survival of patients with mediastinal lymph node metastasis were retrospectively analyzed. Results: A total of 31 patients (16 males and 15 females) with papillary thyroid cancer with mediastinal lymph node metastasis, with a median age of 46 (19-65) years, were enrolled in the group. Partial upper sternotomy was used in 28 cases, and total sternotomy was used in 3 cases. The mediastinal lymph nodes of papillary thyroid carcinoma metastasized farthest to the station 6, and the lymph node metastasis rate of each group from high to low was: 2R (61%), 1R (39%), 3A (39%), 1L (16%), 2L (10%), 4R (10%), 5 (3%) and 6 (3%). No metastasis was observed in station 3P, 4L and 7. In addition, the degree of lymph node metastasis at station 2R was the highest, reaching 35% (77/219). Extra-nodal invasion of mediastinal metastatic lymph nodes in thyroid papillary carcinoma is common (23%), easily fuses into masses (23%) and invades peripheral vascular nerves (26%). Up to 29% of blood transfusions are required during or after surgery due to oozing or bleeding (9/31). The 1-, 3-, 5-and 10-year survival rates of patients undergoing surgical treatment were 94%, 94%, 87% and 81%, respectively. Conclusion: Papillary thyroid carcinoma can metastasize to almost all mediastinal lymph nodes except station 3P, 4L and 7. Radical mediastinal lymph node dissection through sternotomy is an effective method for the treatment of mediastinal lymph node metastasis of thyroid papillary carcinoma.

[Development and performance test of the environment scale of unintentional injury in the home for children aged 0-6 years old in urban area of China].

Objective: To develop the environment scale of unintentional injury in the home for children aged 0-6 years living in urban area of China, and test its validity and reliability. Methods: The content of the environment scale was established through the literature review, expert consultation and pilot study. A total of 1 104 children aged 0-6 years in urban area of Changsha were enrolled in this study by using a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method. The questionnaire was used to collect the basic information of children, the incidence of unintentional injury and the status of home environment. The reliability of the scale was tested by using Cronbach's α coefficient and split-half reliability coefficient. The content validity and construct validity were tested by using Pearson correlation analysis and factor analysis. All children were divided into two groups according to the incidence of unintentional injury in the home and the discrimination validity of the scale was tested by using t-test. Results: The scale had 54 items in 6 dimensions. The number of eligible questionnaires was 1 074, including 554 (51.6%) from boys and 519 (48.3%) from children under 3 years old. The incidence rate of unintentional injury and in-home injury was 18.34% (197 children) and 10.71% (115 children). The internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α) coefficient for the scale was 0.87 and the split-efficacy reliability coefficient was 0.82, both meeting the standard of reliability above 0.70. The Pearson correlation coefficient between each dimension and the whole scale ranged from 0.53 to 0.84 (all P values <0.001). The common factor cumulative variance contribution rate of the scale was 58.34%. There were 54 items with factor loadings greater than 0.30. The root mean square error of approximation, comparative fit index and goodness-of-fit index were 0.07, 0.61 and 0.71, respectively. The score of scale in children with injury was significantly higher than that in children without injury (P=0.022). Conclusion: The validity and reliability of the environment scale for unintentional injury in the home for children aged 0-6 years old in the urban area of China are good.

Hypoxic preconditioning BMSCs-exosomes inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis after acute myocardial infarction by upregulating microRNA-24.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the regulatory effect of hypoxic preconditioning bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)-exosomes on cardiomyocyte apoptosis in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BMSCs-derived exosomes were extracted by Exoquick method. Expressions of exosome surface markers were determined by Western blot. The AMI model in rats was established by LAD ligation. Rats were randomly assigned into sham group, AMI group, AMI+H-exo group and AMI+N-exo group. MicroRNA-24 expression in rat myocardium was detected at different time points. Subsequently, hypoxic preconditioning or normoxic preconditioning BMSCs-exosomes were intramyocardially injected into rats. Infarct size was calculated through TTC (triphenyltetrazolium chloride) staining. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was accessed with Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase dUTP Nick-end Labeling (TUNEL). Heart function of AMI rats was evaluated by echocardiography. Protein expressions of apoptotic genes in rat myocardium were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The mRNA level of microRNA-24 was higher in H-exo group than N-exo group. Injection of hypoxic preconditioning BMSCs-exosomes markedly upregulated microRNA-24 level, reduced infarct size and improved cardiac function in AMI rats. Protein expressions of Bax, caspase-3 and cleaved-caspase-3 were downregulated by BMSCs-exosomes treatment. H9c2 cells showed upregulated microRNA-24 level and decreased apoptotic rate after incubation with hypoxic preconditioning BMSCs-exosomes. The above cellular performances were partially reversed by transfection of microRNA-24 inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoxic preconditioning BMSCs-exosomes inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis in AMI rats by upregulating microRNA-24.

Influence of Feeding Type and Nosema ceranae Infection on the Gut Microbiota of Apis cerana Workers.

The gut microbiota plays an essential role in the health of bees. To elucidate the effect of feed and Nosema ceranae infection on the gut microbiota of honey bee (Apis cerana), we used 16S rRNA sequencing to survey the gut microbiota of honey bee workers fed with sugar water or beebread and inoculated with or without N. ceranae. The gut microbiota of A. cerana is dominated by Serratia, Snodgrassella, and Lactobacillus genera. The overall gut microbiota diversity was show to be significantly differential by feeding type. N. ceranae infection significantly affects the gut microbiota only in bees fed with sugar water. Higher abundances of Lactobacillus, Gluconacetobacter, and Snodgrassella and lower abundances of Serratia were found in bees fed with beebread than in those fed with sugar water. N. ceranae infection led to a higher abundance of Snodgrassella and a lower abundance of Serratia in sugar-fed bees. Imputed bacterial Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways showed the significant metagenomics functional differences by feeding and N. ceranae infections. Furthermore, A. cerana workers fed with sugar water showed lower N. ceranae spore loads but higher mortality than those fed with beebread. The cumulative mortality was strongly positive correlated (rho = 0.61) with the changes of overall microbiota dissimilarities by N. ceranae infection. Both feeding types and N. ceranae infection significantly affect the gut microbiota in A. cerana workers. Beebread not only provides better nutrition but also helps establish a more stable gut microbiota and therefore protects bees in response to N. ceranae infection. IMPORTANCE The gut microbiota plays an essential role in the health of bees. Scientific evidence suggests that diet and infection can affect the gut microbiota and modulate the health of the gut; however, the interplay between those two factors and the bee gut microbiota is not well known. In this study, we used a high-throughput sequencing method to monitor the changes of gut microbiota associated with both feeding types and Nosema ceranae infection. Our results showed that the gut microbiota composition and diversity of Asian honey bee were significantly associated with both feeding types and the N. ceranae infection. More interestingly, bees fed with beebread showed higher microbiota stability and lower mortality rates than those fed with sugar water when infected by N. ceranae. Those data suggest that beebread has the potential not only to provide better nutrition but also help to establish a more stable gut microbiota to protect bees against N. ceranae infection.

Different Effects of Tacrolimus on Innate and Adaptive Immune Cells in the Allograft Transplantation.

While tacrolimus (FK506) is currently used as immunosuppression therapy in transplant recipient, the immunological mechanism remains unknown. Herein, the immunoregulatory effects of FK506 were investigated in the physiological status and allogeneic skin transplantation. FK506 cannot significantly alter the functions of innate immune cells (macrophages and neutrophils) and adaptive immune cells (T cells) in the physiological status. However, it can effectively delay allogeneic skin-graft rejection through ameliorating the T cell responses, but not myeloid-derived innate immune cell responses. Importantly, it did not affect the allograft recipient macrophage innate immune defence capacity to bacteria. In clinics, FK506 treatment can significantly control the cytokine production in T cells, but not non-T cells. This study shows targeting calcineurin signalling, FK506, to be essential in inducing allograft tolerance, but not to damage the innate defence capacity, validating the immune cell phenotypes as a potential marker in transplantation following FK506 treatment.

Association between computed tomography-detected calcification and thyroid carcinoma.

This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of calcification detected by computed tomography (CT) for the differentiation of benign and malignant thyroid nodules. This is a retrospective study of 930 consecutive patients (709 women, 221 men; mean age 51 years) with pathologically proven thyroid nodules. The characteristics of calcification on CT images were correlated with the pathological results. A total of 168 patients were pathologically diagnosed with thyroid carcinomas and 762 patients with benign thyroid nodules. Calcification was found in 231 cases (24.84%). The incidence of calcification was significantly higher in patients with thyroid carcinoma (52.38%) than in those with benign nodules (18.77%; P < 0.001). Detection of calcification in diagnosing thyroid carcinoma had a sensitivity of 52.38% (88/168) and specificity of 81.23% (619/762). No significant difference was noticed in the incidence of microcalcification (≤ 2 mm) between malignant and benign nodules (P = 0.305). Calcification is more frequently found in thyroid carcinomas than benign nodules. CT detected-calcification may suggest malignant disease. Further confirmation of the suspected malignancy with fine-needle aspiration or surgery is still needed.

Description of a new cryptic, shallow-water tonguefish (Pleuronectiformes: Cynoglossidae: Symphurus) from the western North Pacific Ocean.

Combined results based on morphological characters and analyses of partial sequences of the 16s rRNA and coI genes confirm the validity of a new, cryptic, symphurine tonguefish from the western North Pacific Ocean. Symphurus leucochilus n. sp., a diminutive species reaching sizes to c. 67 mm standard length, is described from nine specimens that were collected from fish-landing ports and from trawls made at c. 150 m off Taiwan and Japan. Symphurus leucochilus shares many similar features with those of Symphurus microrhynchus and that of several undescribed species that are morphologically similar to S. microrhynchus. Symphurus leucochilus has also been misidentified as Symphurus orientalis in fish collections because of shared similarities in some aspects of their morphology. The new species differs from all congeners by the following combination of meristic, morphological and pigmentation features: a predominant 1-2-2-2-2 pattern of interdigitation of proximal dorsal-fin pterygiophores and neural spines; 12 caudal-fin rays; 89-92 dorsal-fin rays; 76-80 anal-fin rays; 49-51 total vertebrae; four hypurals; 75-83 longitudinal scale rows; 32-35 transverse scales; 15-17 scale rows on the head posterior to the lower orbit; absence of a fleshy ridge on the ocular-side lower jaw and a membranous connection between the anterior nostril and lower part of the eye; a narrow interorbital space and dorsal-fin origin anterior to the vertical through the anterior margin of the upper eye; absence of both dermal spots at bases of anterior dorsal-fin rays and melanophores on the isthmus; uniformly yellow to light-brown ocular-side colouration without bands; dorsal and anal fins with alternating series of dark rectangular blotches and unpigmented areas; a uniform white blind side and a bluish-black peritoneum. Despite overall similarities in morphology between S. leucochilus and S. orientalis, as well as between two of the nominal species morphologically similar to S. microrhynchus, analyses of partial 16s rRNA and coI gene sequences show that S. leucochilus, S. orientalis and the two other nominal species represent three distinct lineages within the genus Symphurus.

Trophic size-structure of sailfish Istiophorus platypterus in eastern Taiwan estimated by stable isotope analysis.

To examine trophic dynamics over different size classes, an isotopic study of sailfish Istiophorus platypterus life-history stages was carried out. Samples were collected from eastern Taiwan and the South China Sea during April 2009 and February 2012. A total of 263 samples (111-245 cm, lower jaw fork length, LLJFL ) were examined for changes in trophic structure in relation to LLJFL by using stable isotope analysis of carbon (δ(13) C) and nitrogen (δ(15) N). The δ(15) N values for I. platypterus ranged from 7·51 to 14·19‰ (mean ± s.d. = 12·06 ± 1·16‰) and the δ(13) C values ranged from -22·04 to -15·48‰ (mean ± s.d. = -17·62 ± 1·10‰). The δ(15) N values were positively dependent on LLJFL (r(2) = 0·377), whereas δ(13) C were negatively dependent on LLJFL (r(2) = 0·063). There were significantly different seasonal changes in nitrogen and carbon isotopic concentration, but no significant differences in concentrations between eastern Taiwan and the South China Sea were reported. The trophic level (TL ) of each LLJFL class was correlated, starting from 2·84 TL for size class I (LLJFL < 140 cm) and reaching 5·03 TL for size class VI (LLJFL > 221 cm). The mean ± s.d. TL was 4·43 ± 0·19 for all samples. The results reveal that I. platypterus occupies a wide range of trophic levels and different size classes occupy different trophic positions in the pelagic ecosystem.

Disseminated Rhizopus microsporus infection following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a child with severe aplastic anemia.

Disseminated Rhizopus microsporus infections are uncommon in children and are resistant to echinocandin and azole antifungal agents. We describe a child with severe aplastic anemia who developed disseminated R. microsporus infection following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. R. microsporus was identified microscopically in the hepatic drain culture and was confirmed on the basis of 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA sequence analyses. The patient was treated successfully with hepatic drainage and amphotericin B deoxycholate.

Transcription of promoter from the human APRIL gene regulated by Sp1 and NF-kB.

A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) which stimulates the cell proliferation is abundantly expressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) tumors. In this report, the promoter region of the APRIL gene was determined and the major transcription factor was investigated for the first time. Deletion analysis of 5'-flanking region of the human APRIL gene and transient transfection revealed that a 538 bp region (from -1539 to -1001) was essential for promoter activation of the APRIL gene. The data from electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) indicated that the 538 bp promoter region was responsive to the specificity protein 1 (Sp1) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB). Overexpression of Sp1 or NF-kB increased the activity of the APRIL promoter. Mithramycin A (inhibitor of Sp1) and Bay11-7082 (inhibitor of NF-kB) exhibited an inhibitory activity to APRIL promoter. Our results will benefit to the APRIL gene regulation investigation and contribute to discover new drug target for the APRIL gene therapy of CRC.

Records of anglerfishes (Lophiiformes: Lophiidae) from the western South Pacific Ocean, with descriptions of two new species.

Species of Lophiidae collected from the western South Pacific Ocean are examined. Nine nominal species are recognized, all but one species with their distributions extended eastwards and southwards from the western Pacific Ocean. Two new species are described from Polynesia. Lophiodes iwamotoi n. sp. is described from five specimens collected from Savannah Seamount. It is characterized by a relatively long third dorsal-fin spine (56.9-70.8% standard length, L(S)) that extends (when retracted) to between the end of the soft dorsal fin and caudal-fin base; a relatively short fifth dorsal-fin spine (10.5-13.1% L(S)); a relatively short and narrow head; 19-20 pectoral-fin rays. Lophiodes maculatus n. sp. is described from 20 specimens collected from Marquesas Islands. It is characterized by an extremely long third dorsal-fin spine (71.9-87.2% L(S)), extending well beyond the caudal-fin base; a relatively short fifth dorsal-fin spine (11.4-16.5% L(S)); 17-18 pectoral-fin rays. A key to the lophiids in the western South Pacific Ocean is provided.

3D knife-edge characterization of two-photon absorption volume in silicon for integrated circuit testing.

We have performed three-dimensional characterization of the TPA effective laser spot size in silicon using an integrated knife-edge sensor. The TPA-induced response of a CMOS integrated circuit is analyzed based on these results and compared to simulation; we have found that the charge injection capacity in IC's active layer could be influenced by irradiance energy and focus depth.

Effects of herbal and dietary supplements on cognition in menopause: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Many postmenopausal women use herbal remedies and dietary supplements to counteract menopausal symptoms, including the decline in cognitive function. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the evidence regarding the efficacy of herbal and dietary supplements on cognition in menopause. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of herbal medicines and dietary supplements were identified using the Medline, EMBASE, AMED, PsycINFO, CINAHL and The Cochrane Library 2010 (Issue 2) electronic databases and by hand searches. Data were independently extracted and evaluated by two reviewers. Risk of bias was assessed by two independent reviewers using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. RESULTS: Twelve RCTs were included and five of these suggest that isoflavone, soy and Gingko biloba supplementation may improve cognition in postmenopausal women. However, most of the included studies had serious methodological flaws which demand a cautious interpretation of these findings. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence that herbal and dietary supplements might positively affect the cognitive decline during the menopause is not compelling.

Effects of habitat modification on coastal fish assemblages.

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of anthropogenic modification of coastal habitats on fish assemblages in Taiwan, comparing the abundance, species richness and taxonomic composition of fishes on natural v. artificial habitats. While there was no significant variation in the abundance or richness of fishes between natural and artificial habitats, the species composition of fishes in artificial habitats was significantly different from that of natural habitats. Natural reefs were characterized by greater abundance of Stethojulis spp. (Labridae), Abudefduf spp. (Pomacentridae) and Thalassoma spp. (Labridae), whereas anthropogenic habitats were dominated by Parupeneus indicus (Mullidae), Pempheris oualensis (Pempheridae) and Parapriacanthus ransonneti (Pempheridae). In general, it appears that specialist reef-associated species are being replaced with fishes that are much more generalist in their habitat-use. The loss of natural coastal habitats may threaten some species that cannot live in anthropogenically altered habitats, though the overall abundance and diversity of coastal fishes was not significantly different between natural and artificial habitats in Taiwan.

Multiple factors have shaped the phylogeography of Chinese spiny loach Cobitis sinensis in Taiwan as inferred from mitochondrial DNA variation.

Mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b sequences (1140 bp) in 61 specimens of Chinese spiny loach Cobitis sinensis from 12 drainages in Taiwan were identified as two major clades, exhibiting a southern and a northern distribution, north of TzengWen and south of TzengWen (including TzengWen), respectively. The divergence time between these two phylogroups was estimated at 7.34-9.06 million years before present (B.P.), but these two phylogroups were formed c. 3.41-4.23 and 2.22-2.75 M B.P., respectively. Moreover, geological events have been recalculated that Taiwan Island emerged above sea level at an estimate of c. 4-5 M B.P., and quickly became its present shape at c. 2 M B.P. through mountain building. These results suggest that these two major clades of C. sinensis in Taiwan might originate from two different continental populations, since the island's initial isolation in the Pliocene. Within southern Taiwan, the initial colonization was hypothesized to be in KaoPing River, followed by its northward dispersal. The high divergence between KaoPing and TzengWen was influenced by glaciations and landforms. Within north Taiwan, the colonization was from the Miaoli Plateau through western Taiwan to north-eastern and northern Taiwan. This dispersal pattern is concordant with the previously proposed hypothesis. Apparently, both geological and phylogeographic evidence suggested that river capture of the upper Takia River by the LanYang River promoted range expansion in freshwater fishes and also indicated that the Central Range within Taiwan did not act as a barrier to the dispersal of C. sinensis.