Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Oxford University Press (OUP)
Résumé : International audience
BACKGROUND: Mammalian spermatogenesis is a process that involves a complex expression program in both somatic and germ cells present in the male gonad. A number of studies have attempted to define the transcriptome of male meiosis and gametogenesis in rodents and primates. Few human transcripts, however, have been associated with testicular somatic cells and germ cells at different post-natal developmental stages and little is known about their level of germline-specificity compared with non-testicular tissues. METHODS: We quantified human transcripts using GeneChips and a total of 47 biopsies from prepubertal children diagnosed with undescended testis, infertile adult patients whose spermatogenesis is arrested at consecutive stages and fertile control individuals. These results were integrated with data from enriched normal germ cells, non-testicular expression data, phenotype information, predicted regulatory DNA-binding motifs and interactome data. RESULTS: Among 3580 genes for which we found differential transcript concentrations in somatic and germ cells present in human testis, 933 were undetectable in 45 embryonic and adult non-testicular tissues, including many that were corroborated at protein level by published gene annotation data and histological high-throughput protein immunodetection assays. Using motif enrichment analyses, we identified regulatory promoter elements likely involved in germline development. Finally, we constructed a regulatory disease network for human fertility by integrating expression signals, interactome information, phenotypes and functional annotation data. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide broad insight into the post-natal human testicular transcriptome at the level of cell populations and in a global somatic tissular context. Furthermore, they yield clues for genetic causes of male infertility and will facilitate the identification of novel cancer/testis genes as targets for cancer immunotherapies.
ISSN: 0268-1161

hal-00877243
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00877243
DOI : 10.1093/humrep/des301
PUBMED : 22926843

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD National Shellfisheries Association
Résumé : International audience
Monitoring gonad maturation for protandrous and functional hermaphrodite species such as the giant clam Tridacna maxima is difficult due to the juxtaposition and relative proportion of male and female tissues in the gonad [gonadal sex ratio (GSR)]. Here, the relevance of the widely used gonadosomatic index (GSI) as proxy of giant clam gonad maturation is tested with a large dataset (n ¼ 265). Gonadosomatic index is compared with other indices, namely the proportion of the male part harboring spermatozoids, the proportion of empty oocyte follicles, the mean oocyte diameter, and the oocyte elongation. At gonad scale, high index variability highlighted partial spawning. At individual scale, male and female maturation proxies were contrasted, showing either asynchronous emissions of male and female gametes or contrasted spermatogenesis and oogenesis duration. The GSI was mostly driven by the number and diameter of oocytes and therefore it is recommended here as primary proxy for female maturity. Except for the oocyte elongation, all indices were affected by the GSR, which ruled out drawing conclusions at population scale. These results highlight the need for maturation stage proxies that are optimized for functional hermaphrodite species.
ISSN: 0730-8000

hal-01613648
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01613648
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01613648/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01613648/file/Gaertner-Mazouni-2016-eio.pdf
DOI : 10.2983/035.035.0107

Éditeur(s) : Gauthier-Villars
Résumé : In contrast to plants, predation on animals is usually lethal. Analysis of the effect of predation on animal populations and on predator-prey dynamics typically assumes this is the case. However, sublethal predation occurs in echinoderms, primarily on the arms of crinoids, asteroids, and ophiuroids. Sublethal predation is important in these echinoderms as it meets one of Harris' (1989) major criteria, affecting basic biological processes such as acquisition of food and allocation of nutrients to growth and reproduction. Sublethal predation would have an effect on their ecological role. It is essential to consider sublethal predation in the analysis of the life-histories of these species.
Oceanologica Acta (0399-1784) (Gauthier-Villars), 1996 , Vol. 19 , N. 3-4 , P. 431-440

Droits : info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00094/20499/18168.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00094/20499/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Public Library of Science
Résumé : International audience
The tg(cyp19a1b-GFP) transgenic zebrafish expresses GFP (green fluorescent protein) under the control of the cyp19a1b gene, encoding brain aromatase. This gene has two major characteristics: (i) it is only expressed in radial glial progenitors in the brain of fish and (ii) it is exquisitely sensitive to estrogens. Based on these properties, we demonstrate that natural or synthetic hormones (alone or in binary mixture), including androgens or progestagens, and industrial chemicals induce a concentration-dependent GFP expression in radial glial progenitors. As GFP expression can be quantified by in vivo imaging, this model presents a very powerful tool to screen and characterize compounds potentially acting as estrogen mimics either directly or after metabolization by the zebrafish embryo. This study also shows that radial glial cells that act as stem cells are direct targets for a large panel of endocrine disruptors, calling for more attention regarding the impact of environmental estrogens and/or certain pharmaceuticals on brain development. Altogether these data identify this in vivo bioassay as an interesting alternative to detect estrogen mimics in hazard and risk assessment perspective.
ISSN: 1932-6203

hal-00877371
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00877371
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00877371/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00877371/file/Screening_Estrogenic_Activities-accepted.pdf
DOI : 10.1371/journal.pone.0036069

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Public Library of Science
Résumé : International audience
The formation of ovarian follicles is a finely tuned process that takes place within a narrow time-window in rodents. Multiple factors and pathways have been proposed to contribute to the mechanisms triggering this process but the role of endocrine factors, especially estrogens, remains elusive. It is currently hypothesized that removal from the maternal hormonal environment permits follicle formation at birth. However, experimentally-induced maintenance of high 17β-estradiol (E2) levels leads to subtle, distinct, immediate effects on follicle formation and oocyte survival depending on the species and dose. In this study, we examined the immediate effects of neonatal E2 exposure from post-natal day (PND) 0 to PND2 on the whole organism and on ovarian follicle formation in rats. Measurements of plasma E2, estrone and their sulfate conjugates after E2 exposure showed that neonatal female rats rapidly acquire the capability to metabolize and clear excessive E2 levels. Concomitant modifications to the mRNA content of genes encoding selected E2 metabolism enzymes in the liver and the ovary in response to E2 exposure indicate that E2 may modify the neonatal maturation of these organs. In the liver, E2 treatment was associated with lower acquisition of the capability to metabolize E2. In the ovary, E2 depleted the oocyte pool in a dose dependent manner by PND3. In 10 µg/day E2-treated ovaries, apoptotic oocytes were observed in newly formed follicles in addition to areas of ovarian cord remodeling. At PND6, follicles without any visible oocyte were present and multi-oocyte follicles were not observed. Our study reveals a major species-difference. Indeed, neonatal exposure to E2 depletes the oocyte pool in the rat ovary, whereas in the mouse it is well known to increase oocyte survival.
ISSN: 1932-6203

hal-00936582
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00936582
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00936582/document
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00936582/file/Systemic_Compensatory_Response-accepted.pdf
DOI : 10.1371/journal.pone.0082175

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD European Geosciences Union
Résumé : Xylem density is a physical property of wood that varies between individuals, species and environments. It reflects the physiological strategies of trees that lead to growth, survival and reproduction. Measurements of branch xylem density, ρx, were made for 1653 trees representing 598 species, sampled from 87 sites across the Amazon basin. Measured values ranged from 218 kg m−3 for a Cordia sagotii (Boraginaceae) from Mountagne de Tortue, French Guiana to 1130 kg m−3 for an Aiouea sp. (Lauraceae) from Caxiuana, Central Pará, Brazil. Analysis of variance showed significant differences in average ρx across regions and sampled plots as well as significant differences between families, genera and species. A partitioning of the total variance in the dataset showed that species identity (family, genera and species) accounted for 33% with environment (geographic location and plot) accounting for an additional 26%; the remaining "residual" variance accounted for 41% of the total variance. Variations in plot means, were, however, not only accountable by differences in species composition because xylem density of the most widely distributed species in our dataset varied systematically from plot to plot. Thus, as well as having a genetic component, branch xylem density is a plastic trait that, for any given species, varies according to where the tree is growing in a predictable manner. Within the analysed taxa, exceptions to this general rule seem to be pioneer species belonging for example to the Urticaceae whose branch xylem density is more constrained than most species sampled in this study. These patterns of variation of branch xylem density across Amazonia suggest a large functional diversity amongst Amazonian trees which is not well understood.
ISSN: 1726-4170

hal-01032137
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01032137

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : International audience
The pollination of Philodendron solimoesense (subgenus Meconostigma) was studied in four populations of French Guiana. Flowering is asynchronous within each population during July, and the flowering cycle is a 2-d process. Numerous insects visit Philodendron inflorescences, but the main pollinator seems to be Cyclocephala colasi (Scarabaeidae, Dynastinae). The pollination process displays aspects typical of beetle pollination: the production of heat and of a strong odor, the presence of a food reward (stigmatic secretion and sterile male flowers), and the presence of a copulation chamber. Flower heat production is important (ca. 117C above the ambient air) and may help to volatilize the fragrance. Attraction and choice-test experiments showed that C. colasi is not likely to depend on chemical information (such as pheromone) to localize conspecifics but may rely instead on stimuli produced by the inflorescences in order to meet mating partners
International Journal of Plant Sciences

hal-01202475
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01202475

Éditeur(s) : Université du Littoral Côte d'Opale (Dunkerque)
Résumé : In the Bay of Biscay and Celtic Sea waters, hake is considered as genetically homogeneous and form a unique stock with identical meristic characteristics. The vertebral mean vary from 50,68 (vertebrae) during the first year of life to 51,11 (vertebrae) for adults. 0-group Merluccius display a rapid growth with significant interannual variability (0.71 mm.day-1 in 2001 versus 0.74 mm.day-1 in 2002). The spawning period occurs in April and the average length on the firth January following the hatching is of 17.3 cm (first seasonal check / increment on the sagittal otolith is located about 0.143 cm from the nucleus). At the end of the first year of life the average length is about 24 cm. The longevity of the species is important and growth parameters (L = 138,24 cm ; K = 0,132) explain natural mortality coefficient of M = 0.21. No difference for growth between male and female has been observed for this stock. The ratio total weight / eviscerated weight is equal to Fc = 1,086. Both male and female have same spatial and bathymetric distribution. Juveniles are found in deep waters (< 17 cm length) and move to coastal waters where they display an average length of (33 cm length). Longer individuals are found in nursery areas where they feed and grow then move to deeper areas to spawn. Nursery areas are numerous and located in the Celtic Sea and in the bay of Biscay. In the bay of Biscay, disturbances resulted from hydrondynamics affect the settlement on the nursery grounds particularly in the southern part of the bay. Diet composition varies with age. Juveniles feed mainly on crustaceans (Euphausia kroni). At the length of 23 cm, individuals feed strictly on fishes. Sizes of preys are proportional with sizes of predators and preys are composed mainly of species that feed and reproduce close to the bottom. Cannibalism has been observed for this specie, and increases with age notably in the northern part of the bay of Biscay and in the Celtic Sea. Main preys are 0-group juveniles. This specie is assumed to be a passive predator catching its preys when they come to feed in the bottom. Although they are punctual, these results have been obtained after studies on the evolution of sizes during the first year of life (daily increments measurements) and on the spawning period parameters (back-calculating). Average length on the firth January following hatching and the position of the first seasonal check on the otolith are based on observations of the sizes on the firth January following hatching (obtained with growth rates and spawning period parameters). The results are similar to those described in previous studies, nevertheless they have to be confirmed with growth and diet composition analyses. A long term study appear essential to determine biological and ecological parameters of this species for sustainable management of the stock.
Les alertes quant à la surexploitation du stock de merlu européen sont nombreuses et récurrentes. Seulement l'estimation du niveau réel de l'état du stock a toujours posé des problèmes du fait de certaines lacunes dans la connaissance de la biologie et de l'écologie de cette espèce. Dans les eaux du golfe de Gascogne et de la mer Celtique, le merlu européen fait partie de la même population génétique et possède les mêmes caractéristiques meristiques. Sa moyenne vertébrale est de 50,68 durant sa première année de vie et évolue pour se stabiliser à 51,11 chez l'adulte. La croissance du merlu durant sa première année de vie et très rapide mais présente une variabilité interannuelle significative (0,71 mm .J-1 en 2001 et 0,74 mm .J-1 en 2002). Sa période de ponte maximale se déroule au mois d'avril et sa longueur au premier janvier suivant sa naissance est de 17,3 cm (la première marque hivernale est positionnée à 0,143 cm du nucléus de la sagittae). Au terme de sa première année de vie le merlu atteint une longueur de 24 cm. Sa longévité est assez longue (23 ans environ) et ses paramètres de croissance (L = 138,24 cm ; K = 0,132) permettent d'estimer son coefficient de mortalité naturelle à M = 0,21. Il n'a pas été établi de croissance différentielle entre sexe chez le merlu dans ces eaux. Le rapport poids total / poids éviscéré a été estimé à Fc = 1,086. Mâles ou femelles, les merlus ont une même répartition spatiale et bathymétrique. En général, ils sont très profonds à leurs stades juvéniles (< 17 cm) et ils se dirigent vers les eaux côtières pour les atteindre à 33 cm de longueur environ. Au-delà de cette taille, les merlus se concentrent au niveau des zones de nourricerie pour s'y alimenter avant de rejoindre les eaux plus profondes pour y pondre. Les zones de nourricerie du merlu sont très nombreuses et sont localisées en mer Celtique et dans le golfe de Gascogne aussi bien dans sa partie sud que dans sa partie nord. Les perturbations importantes dans l'hydrodynamisme du golfe de Gascogne (upwelling) semble influencer les niveaux de colonisation des zones de nourricerie notamment celles situées dans la partie sud du golfe. Le régime alimentaire du merlu évolue avec l'âge. Juvénile, il se nourrit principalement de crustacés (Euphausia krohni) et devient ichtyophage exclusif dès 23 cm de longueur. Le cannibalisme est une réalité chez le merlu et les merlus-proies sont les juvéniles du groupe d'âge G-0. Il s'intensifie avec l'âge notamment dans la partie nord du golfe de Gascogne et en mer Celtique ; Il est très faible dans le sud du golfe de Gascogne. La taille des proies évolue avec la taille du merlu et les poissons proies sont en général des espèces qui vont se nourrir ou se reproduire sur le fond. Ce comportement alimentaire fait que le merlu est un prédateur peu actif et qui attaque ses proies lorsqu'elles viennent sur le fond. Ces résultats, bien qu'ils ne soient que ponctuels, ont été obtenus après avoir déterminé le schéma d'évolution de la longueur du merlu durant sa première année de vie (dénombrement des accroissement journaliers) et des paramètres de sa période de ponte (rétro-calcul).La taille au premier hiver et la position de la première marque hivernale ont été déterminées en relativisant nos observations à l'estimation de la longueur du merlu au premier janvier suivant sa naissance : celle-ci étant obtenue en utilisant le taux de croissance et les paramètres de la période de ponte. Bien que l'ensemble des résultats obtenus, en ce qui concerne la répartition spatiale et les données sur la période de ponte, soient généralement conformes à ceux décrits dans la littérature, il est nécessaire de confirmer ceux concernant la croissance et le régime alimentaire. Pour cela, une étude à plus long terme semble indispensable pour parvenir à bien maîtriser l'ensemble des paramètres de biologie et d'écologie du merlu permettant ainsi une meilleure gestion de son stock.

Droits : info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2004/these-1247.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/1247/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD BioMed Central
Résumé : [b]Background[/b]: [i]Amblyomma variegatum[/i] and [i]A. hebraeum[/i] are two ticks of veterinary and human health importance in south-east Africa. In Zimbabwe they occupy parapatric (marginally overlapping and juxtaposed) distributions. Understanding the mechanisms behind this parapatry is essential for predicting the spatio-temporal dynamics of Amblyomma spp. and the impacts of associated diseases. It has been hypothesized that exclusive competition between these species results from competition at the levels of male signal reception (attraction-aggregation-attachment pheromones) or sexual competition for mates. This hypothesis predicts that the parapatry described in Zimbabwe could also be present in other countries in the region. [br/][b]Methods[/b]: To explore this competitive exclusion hypothesis we conducted field surveys at the two species' range limits in Mozambique to identify areas of sympatry (overlapping areas) and to study potential interactions (communicative and reproductive interference effects) in those areas. At sympatric sites, hetero-specific mating pairs were collected and inter-specific attractiveness/repellent effects acting at long and short distances were assessed by analyzing species co-occurrences on co-infested herds and co-infested hosts.[br/] [b]Results[/b]: Co-occurrences of both species at sampling sites were infrequent and localized in areas where both tick and host densities were low. At sympatric sites, high percentages of individuals of both species shared attachment sites on hosts and inter-specific mating rates were high. Although cross-mating rates were not significantly different for[i] A. variegatum[/i] and [i]A. hebraeum[/i] females, attraction towards hetero-specific males was greater for [i]A. hebraeum[/i] females than for A. variegatum females and we observed small asymmetrical repellent effects between males at attachment sites.[br/][b]Conclusions[/b]: Our observations suggest near-symmetrical reproductive interference between [i]A. variegatum[/i] and [i]A. hebraeum[/i], despite between-species differences in the strength of reproductive isolation barriers acting at the aggregation, fixation and partner contact levels. Theoretical models predict that sexual competition coupled with hybrid inviability, greatly reduces the probability of one species becoming established in an otherwise suitable location when the other species is already established. This mechanism can explain why the parapatric boundary in Mozambique has formed within an area of low tick densities and relatively infrequent host-mediated dispersal events.
ISSN: 1756-3305

hal-01220744
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01220744
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01220744/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01220744/file/2015%20Bournez%20Parasites%20%26%20Vectors_%7B365AAFF5-7041-480B-9B77-9CD0485A9B72%7D.pdf
DOI : 10.1186/s13071-015-1116-7

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Royal Society, The
Résumé :  
Plant phenology is concerned with the timing of recurring biological events. Though phenology has traditionally been studied using intensive surveys of a local flora, results from such surveys are difficult to generalize to broader spatial scales. In this study, contrastingly, we assembled a continental-scale dataset of herbarium specimens for the emblematic genus of Neotropical pioneer trees, Cecropia, and applied Fourier spectral and cospectral analyses to investigate the reproductive phenology of 35 species. We detected significant annual, sub-annual and continuous patterns, and discuss the variation in patterns within and among climatic regions. Although previous studies have suggested that pioneer species generally produce flowers continually throughout the year, we found that at least one third of Cecropia species are characterized by clear annual flowering behaviour. We further investigated the relationships between phenology and climate seasonality, showing strong associations between phenology and seasonal variations in precipitation and temperature. We also verified our results against field survey data gathered from the literature. Our findings indicate that herbarium material is a reliable resource for use in the investigation of large-scale patterns in plant phenology, offering a promising complement to local intensive field studies
ISSN: 0962-8452

hal-01032193
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01032193
DOI : 10.1098/rspb.2010.2259

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Public Library of Science
Résumé : International audience
The capacity of testicular somatic cells to promote and sustain germ cell differentiation is largely regulated by sexual steroids and notably androgens. In fish species the importance of androgens is emphasized by their ability to induce sex reversal of the developing fries and to trigger spermatogenesis. Here we studied the influence of androgens on testicular gene expression in trout testis using microarrays. Following treatment of immature males with physiological doses of testosterone or 11-ketotestosterone, 418 genes that exhibit changes in expression were identified. Interestingly, the activity of testosterone appeared stronger than that of 11-ketotestosterone. Expression profiles of responsive genes throughout testis development and in isolated germ cells confirmed androgens to mainly affect gene expression in somatic cells. Furthermore, specific clusters of genes that exhibit regulation coincidently with changes in the natural circulating levels of androgens during the reproductive cycle were highlighted, reinforcing the physiological significance of these data. Among somatic genes, a phylogenetic footprinting study identified putative androgen response elements within the proximal promoter regions of 42 potential direct androgen target genes. Finally, androgens were also found to alter the germ line towards meiotic expression profiles, supporting the hypothesis of a role for the somatic responsive genes in driving germ cell fate. This study significantly increases our understanding of molecular pathways regulated by androgens in vertebrates. The highly cyclic testicular development in trout together with functions associated with regulated genes reveal potential mechanisms for androgen actions in tubule formation, steroid production, germ cell development and sperm secretion.
ISSN: 1932-6203

inserm-00825763
http://www.hal.inserm.fr/inserm-00825763
http://www.hal.inserm.fr/inserm-00825763/document
http://www.hal.inserm.fr/inserm-00825763/file/Rolland_et_al.pdf
DOI : 10.1371/journal.pone.0053302

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Recent research has linked early life exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications (SSRIs) to modifications of social behaviors in children. Serotonin is a key regulator of neurodevelopment, social behaviors and mental health, and with the growing use of SSRIs to treat maternal affective disorders during the perinatal period, questions have been raised about the benefits and risks of perinatal SSRI exposure on the developing child. This review will highlight how perinatal SSRIs affect maternal care and neurodevelopmental outcomes related to social affiliative behaviors in offspring; such as play behaviors, social interactions, reproductive behaviors, and maternal care of the next generation. We will also review how early life exposure to SSRIs can alter related neurobiology, and the epigenome. Both clinical research and findings from animal models will be discussed. Understanding the impact of perinatal SSRIs on neurobehavioral outcomes will improve the health and well-being of subsequent generations.
ISSN: 0149-7634

hal-01619303
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01619303
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01619303/document
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01619303/file/Perinatal%20selective%20serotonin%20reuptake%20inhibitor%20medication_revised.pdf
DOI : 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.04.023

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Oxford University Press (OUP)
Résumé : International audience
STUDY QUESTION: Is there evidence at the population level of associations between different male genital disorders, outside Scandinavian countries? SUMMARY ANSWER: At an international scale, there is evidence for a number of correlations between rates of four male reproductive disorders (hypospadias, cryptorchidism, testicular cancer and low sperm concentration). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Some associations between these outcomes have been shown in studies focusing on individuals and mainly in Nordic European countries. These associations, together with histological evidence of a dysgenesis pattern in testicular tissue specimens, have generated the concept of the existence of a 'testicular dysgenesis syndrome' originating in utero. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This is a geographical correlation study using cancer, malformations rates and sperm quality data collected between the years 1998 and 2005. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Incidence rates of testicular cancer were extracted from International Agency for Research on Cancer registries and Globocan, while cryptorchidism and hypospadias prevalence rates were obtained from EUROCAT and International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research registries. Sperm concentration data were extracted from recent studies using standardized methodology. A total of 39 registries and 9 sperm studies were selected. Non-parametric Spearman correlation tests were used to test the association between these four disorders. Correlations were computed for all registries together, for registries with high-quality matching coverage only and by continents. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted using data from prospective clinical studies to take into account potential bias related mainly to ascertainment of malformation rates. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: We found positive correlations between testicular cancer and hypospadias (r = 0.32, P = 0.05) and between hypospadias and cryptorchidism (r = 0.70, P = 0.008). Stronger correlations were observed when using registries with high-quality matching coverage. Among these registries, differences between Europe and the rest of the world appeared (the positive correlation between testicular cancer and cryptorchidism was stronger outside Europe, r = 0.83, P = 0.01 compared with 0.40, P = 0.60 for European registries). A negative correlation between testicular cancer and sperm concentration was observed (r = -0.88, P = 0.002). These correlations support our initial hypothesis but remain only suggestive due to the intrinsic limitations in the study design (i.e. geographical correlation study) and do not allow causal inference. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Differences in the ascertainment of malformations rates (definition, length of follow-up) make the international comparison difficult. The small number of registries for some conditions (cryptorchidism) or of studies (for sperm quality) and the absence of information about major risk factors such as ethnicity and socioeconomic status in the registries are also limitations. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our findings are in agreement with results of studies focusing on individuals and suggest that shared risk factors are present in the populations studied.
ISSN: 0268-1161

inserm-00863412
http://www.hal.inserm.fr/inserm-00863412
DOI : 10.1093/humrep/det111
PUBMED : 23670171

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD National Academy of Sciences
Résumé : International audience
Natal philopatry, the return of individuals to their natal area for reproduction, has advantages and disadvantages for animal populations. Natal philopatry may generate local genetic adaptation, but it may also increase the probability of inbreeding that can compromise persistence. Although natal philopatry is well documented in anadromous fishes, marine fish may also return to their birth site to spawn. How philopatry shapes wild fish populations is, however, unclear because it requires constructing multigenerational pedigrees that are currently lacking for marine fishes. Here we present the first multigenerational pedigree for a marine fish population by repeatedly genotyping all individuals in a population of the orange clownfish (Amphiprion percula) at Kimbe Island (Papua New Guinea) during a 10-y period. Based on 2927 individuals, our pedigree analysis revealed that longitudinal philopatry was recurrent over five generations. Progeny tended to settle close to their parents, with related individuals often sharing the same colony. However, successful inbreeding was rare, and genetic diversity remained high, suggesting occasional inbreeding does not impair local population persistence. Local reproductive success was dependent on the habitat larvae settled into, rather than the habitat they came from. Our study suggests that longitudinal philopatry can influence both population replenishment and local adaptation of marine fishes. Resolving multigenerational pedigrees during a relatively short period, as we present here, provides a framework for assessing the ability of marine populations to persist and adapt to accelerating climate change.
ISSN: 0027-8424

hal-01417471
https://hal-univ-perp.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01417471
DOI : 10.1073/pnas.1611797113

Éditeur(s) : Université de la Réunion
Résumé : The green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is an emblematic species of marine life. However, nowadays it is subject to many threats (poaching, by-catch). Even if there is deep growing measures for its protection, the green turtle still is an endangered species and it is listed in Appendix I of Washington Convention (CITES). In order to elaborate efficient conservation and management plans, perfect knowledge of green turtle biology, but also of its population structure and their characteristics, are needed. In this thesis, we have assessed genetic structure of green turtle populations in the South-Western Indian Ocean by using genetic tools. In all, 1551 tissue samples have been collected from our study zone and from our control site French Polynesia (37 samples). All kinds if individuals were sampled (except males in reproductive phase) from 15 sampling sites including nesting, foraging, and immature development site. We used both control region of mitochondrial DNA and 6 microsatellite loci to better infer maternal and paternal lineages. We identified 29 haplotypes in the South-Western Indian Ocean. They are distributed in 3 independent and highly divergent clades, including one composed with haplotypes from Atlantic Ocean. For 7 of these haplotypes, it was the first time they were detected in the study zone. Fifteen haplotypes were previously undescribed, distributed in all the 3 clades. These new haplotypes seem to be specific to the South-Western Indian Ocean, which is then an original zone. Besides, we found a high allelic richness. These results show the South-western Indian Ocean is rich and very diversified. This region plays an important role in the global diversity of the species. The South-Western Indian Ocean is one of the two contact zones presently known between the two metapopulations of green turtles (Atlantic-Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific). This contact induces a genetic cline based on CM8 (Atlantic) and C3 (Indo-Pacific) haplotype frequencies. Analysis of the microsatellite differentiation between individuals provides evidence of genetic exchanges between the two metapopulations in the region. The South-Western Indian Ocean participates to green turtle global genetic mixing. Studying the influence of several intrinsic and extrinsic factors on population structuring provides useful information for management plan elaboration. We found no significant difference between genetic structures of foraging females and males, contrary to immature turtles which seem to be organised in 'regional pools'. This organisation could be due to both immature natal homing and influence of oceanic currents. High mitochondrial differentiation of nesting females and low global microsatellite differentiation of our samples indicate male-mediated gene flow among populations of the study zone. The genetic composition of a sampling site presents no significant variation along the year, even if we could notice some trends. Nevertheless, it can be significantly different from a year to an other one. This may result from alternation of distinct populations on the same site. We noticed different evolution in 10 or 20 years of the genetic composition depending on the sampling site. Geographic distance seems not to have significant influence on population structuring concerning microsatellite markers. Nesting females of Saziley Beach (Mayotte Island, Comoros Archipelago) present genetic divergence from females nesting in the two other sampled beaches of this island. The observed population structure shows no contradiction with the organisation of oceanic currents in the South-Western Indian Ocean. Comparing the results from the two genetic markers used, we identified 8 genetic differentiated clusters of turtles in the study zone and at least 6 distinct populations. These clusters constitute 8 potential management units (MUs) which could serve as basis in the elaboration of conservation and management plans.
La tortue verte (Chelonia mydas) constitue l'un des espèces emblématiques de la vie marine, pourtant de nombreuses menaces pèsent de nos jours encore sur sa survie (braconnage, captures accidentelles). Ainsi, malgré l'essor de mesures de protection menées à travers pour sa sauvegarde, la tortue verte constitue une espèce 'en danger d'extinction' et figure dans l'Annexe I de la Convention de Washington (CITES). Afin d'élaborer des plans de gestion et de conservation qui soient efficaces, il est important d'avoir une parfaite connaissance de la biologie de la tortue verte, mais aussi de la structure de ses populations et de leurs caractéristiques. C'est dans ce cadre que s'inscrit la présente étude. L'objectif de cette étude était d'acquérir des connaissances sur la structure des populations de tortues vertes dans le sud-ouest de l'océan Indien grâce à l'utilisation de l'outil génétique. Au total, 1551 échantillons de tissu ont été collectés dans la zone d'étude et dans notre site témoin la Polynésie française (37 échantillons). Toutes les catégories d'individus ont été échantillonnées (excepté les mâles en phase de reproduction) et les 15 sites d'échantillonnage comprennent à la fois des sites de ponte, d'alimentation et de développement pour les immatures. Deux types de marqueurs ont été utilisés : la région contrôle de l'ADN mitochondrial et 6 loci microsatellites, afin d'appréhender au mieux l'apport des lignées maternelles et paternelles. Nous avons pu mettre en évidence la présence dans le sud-ouest de l'océan Indien de 29 haplotypes distincts, appartenant à trois clades fortement divergents dont l'un constitué d'haplotypes originaires de l'océan Atlantique. Parmi ces haplotypes, 7 ont été détectés pour la première fois dans la zone d'étude, et 15 autres n'ont jamais été précédemment décrits chez cette espèce. Ils sont présents dans chacun des 3 clades d'haplotypes. Ces nouveaux haplotypes semblent spécifiques à la région, et en font une zone originale. On observe par ailleurs une grande richesse allélique dans les effectifs analysés. Ces résultats montrent que le sud-ouest de l'océan Indien est une zone riche et très diversifiée. Cette région joue un rôle important dans la diversité génétique globale de l'espèce. Le sud-ouest de l'océan Indien constitue l'une des deux seules zones connues à l'heure actuelle de contact entre les deux métapopulations de tortues vertes (Atlantique-Méditerranée et Indo-Pacifique). Ce contact a entraîné la formation d'un cline génétique portant principalement sur les fréquences relatives des haplotypes CM8 (Atlantique) et C3 (Indo-Pacifique). Les résultats obtenus lors de l'analyse microsatellite de la différenciation entre les individus originaires des deux métapopulations montrent que le sud-ouest de l'océan Indien constitue une zone d'échanges génétiques entre les deux métapopulations, participant au brasage génétique de l'espèce. L'étude de facteurs, intrinsèques et extrinsèques, pouvant influencer la structuration des populations apportent de nombreuses informations qui pourraient s'avérer utiles lors de l'élaboration de plans de gestion. La structure des femelles et des mâles en alimentation ne diffère pas, contrairement à celle des immatures qui semble s'organiser en 'pools régionaux' qui seraient le fruit de l'interaction d'un comportement de philopatrie et d'une influence des courants océaniques. La forte différenciation mitochondriale des femelles en ponte et la très faible différenciation microsatellite observée à l'échelle de la région, indiquent l'existence de flux de gènes via les mâles. La composition génétique d'un site ne varie pas de manière significative au cours de l'année. Par contre, elle peut varier d'une année à l'autre, signifiant l'alternance dans certains sites de ponte de plusieurs populations distinctes. L'évolution de la composition génétique d'un groupe, au cours de 10 ou 20 ans, diffère selon le site considéré. La distance ne semble pas influencer de manière significative la structuration des populations au niveau microsatellite. Les femelles en ponte sur la plage de Saziley (Mayotte) diffèrent génétiquement de celles pondant sur les deux autres plages de l'île. La structure observée des populations est en accord avec l'organisation des courants océanique dans la région. La confrontation des résultats obtenus à partir des deux marqueurs génétiques utilisés, permet la détermination de 8 ensembles génétiquement différenciés dans la zone d'étude et l'identification d'au moins 6 populations distinctes. Ces ensembles constituent autant d'unités de gestion (MUs) potentielles qui pourront servir de base à l'élaboration de plans de gestion et de conservation.

Droits : info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2007/these-3532.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/3532/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Cambridge University Press
Résumé : International audience
The reproduction of Rhinecanthus aculeatus (Linnaeus,1758), a tropical Indo-Pacific reef fish, occurs aroundthe full and new moon (Kuwamura 1997). Spawningbegins 16 to 45 min before the sunrise. The courtshipsbegin 7 to 27 min before the spawning. A specific behaviourof the courtships is when the male places itsrostrum against the caudal peduncle of the female(Kuwamura 1997).Observations have been recorded in the lagoon ofTiahura [shallow sandy area (0.5 - 2 m deep) withalgae Hypnea spinella (C.Agardh) Kützing, 1847 -Moorea, French Polynesia; 17°29′27′ S, 149°53′32″O]in March and April 2015. Fifteen R. aculeatus (fivemales and ten females) lived in this area where themales have territories, which included the subterritoriesof the females. During video-recorded courtships,in addition to the behaviour described byKuwamura (the nuzzling), two new behaviours havebeen observed: circling and touching. During the circling,the male and the female swim to the surface inprogressively larger circles (Fig. 1). The circling behaviourhas been observed in other Balistidae such asPseudobalistes flavimarginatus (Rüppell, 1829) andBalistapus undulatus (Park, 1797) (Lobel andJohannes 1980). During the touching, the abdomensof the male and the female’s touch each other withoutgametes emission (Fig. 2). The touching has been reportedfor Xanthichthys mento (Jordan and Gilbert1882) (Kawase 2003).Although Balistidae present different reproductivestrategies, they have common reproduction features,such as the time and the day of hatching andspawning (Kawase 2003). Our observations are innovativebecause the courtship of R. aculeatus is morecomplicated than previously described. This resultsuggests, thus, that Balistidae have also some commoncourtship behaviour features. These behaviours mayfacilitate the release of gametes, as with the nuzzling(Kuwamura 1997) or can convince the partner to mate.We do not know if these patterns are phylogeneticallyrelated. But as the egg care strategy of Balistidae (biparentalvs maternal) appears to be related to the distributionof food and breeding sites, more than by thephylogeny (Kuwamura 1997), more studies on thistopic will be useful to better understand the establishement of these behaviours.
EISSN: 1755-2672

hal-01562097
https://hal-univ-perp.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01562097
DOI : 10.1007/s12526-016-0464-7

Éditeur(s) : Université de Paris 7
Résumé : The Seine estuary and its adjacent region Pays de Caux are two significant sources of mercury for coastal marine environments. It is carried through fluvial means for the Seine bay and through karstic fresh water emergences for Pays de Caux's coastal area. Mercury cycle in the Seine estuary and bay is affected by additional anthropical activities. The estuary's maximal turbidity area acts like a trap and a chemical reactor for fluvial mercury. Within this area, we can confirm: (i) the non conservative behaviour of dissolved mercury; (ii) mercury enrichment of particles when comparing the Seine's and marine environment and we suggest mercury particle redistribution from the organic fraction to the oxyhydroxydes fraction. A large fraction of mercury is exported in this state towards coastal areas. Mercury reduction in surface coastal waters and its atmospherical recycling are major phenomena. Photoreduction and biological reduction play quantitative roles equivalent to total mercury recycling via the atmosphere corresponding approximately to 30 % of fluvial exchanges. We are demonstrating that reactive forms of mercury are supporting photoreduction. Mercury behaviour within Pays de Caux's karst depends of the hydrogeological context of the system (time and flow speed, turbidity, flow); regardless of the speciation and/or partition in underground waters, the total amount of mercury in intertidal areas is quantitatively the same as in the Seine estuary. Mercury brought through intertidal emergences (karstic exudations) is not « filtered » by a maximal turbidity area and is more widely bio-available for mussels than in the Seine estuary. Even being free from growth factor influences through simple models, mussels found in Pays de Caux still show one of the highest mercury contamination on the French coast; for the first time this places the emphasis on how much mercury is brought from underground waters to the coastal environment. Surface complexation modelisation tests are able to reproduce the major part of mercury partition in the Seine estuary and bay if a very low mercury exchangeable fraction and minimum complexation parameters are taken into account; thermodynamic calculations also suggest that a strong or highly concentrated « dissolved » ligand must be present in the water in order to compete with chlorocomplex formations and explain our measures.
L'estuaire de la Seine et la région adjacente du Pays de Caux sont deux sources significatives en mercure pour le milieu marin côtier. Les apports sont d'une part fluviatiles en ce qui concerne la Baie de Seine et karstiques via des émergences d'eau douce pour la zone côtière du Pays de Caux. Le cycle du mercure en estuaire et baie de Seine est perturbé par les apports liés aux activités anthropiques. La zone de turbidité maximum de l'estuaire joue le rôle de piège et de réacteur chimique pour le mercure fluviatile. Au sein de cette zone, nous mettons en évidence : (i) un comportement non-conservatif du mercure dissous; (ii) un enrichissement en mercure des particules par rapport à celles de la Seine et du milieu marin et suggérons une redistribution du mercure particulaire de la fraction organique vers la fraction oxyhydroxydes. C'est sous cette forme qu'une fraction importante du mercure est exportée vers la zone côtière. La réduction du mercure dans les eaux côtières de surface et son recyclage atmosphérique sont des phénomènes majeurs. En effet, la photoréduction et la réduction biologique jouent des rôles quantitativement équivalents avec un recyclage total du mercure via l'atmosphère correspondant à environ 30% des apports fluviatiles. Nous montrons que les formes réactives du mercure constituent le substrat de la photoréduction. Le comportement du mercure au sein du karst du Pays de Caux dépend du contexte hydrogéologiques du système (temps et vitesse de circulation, turbidité, débit) ; quelle que soit la spéciation et/ou la partition dans les eaux souterraines, l'apport en mercure total à la zone intertidale est quantitativement du même ordre de grandeur que les apports de la Seine. Le mercure apporté par les émergences intertidales (exutoires karstiques) n'est pas « filtré » par une zone de turbidité maximale et se trouve plus largement biodisponible pour les moules qu'en estuaire de Seine. En s'affranchissant, par des modèles simples, de l'influences des facteurs de croissance, les moules du Pays de Caux affichent toujours une contamination par le mercure parmi les plus élevées du littoral français; ceci met pour la première fois l'emphase sur l'importance de l'apport en mercure par des eaux souterraines dans un environnement côtier. Les essais de modélisation de complexation de surface reproduisent la majeure partie de la partition du mercure dans l'estuaire et la baie de Seine si l'on tient compte d'une fraction échangeable en mercure très faible et de paramètres de complexation minimums ; les calculs thermodynamiques suggèrent aussi qu'un ligand « dissous » fort ou présent à de fortes concentrations doit être présent dans l'eau afin d'entrer en compétition avec la formation de chlorocomplexes et expliquer nos mesures.

Droits : info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2001/these-1842.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/1842/

Éditeur(s) : Station Biologique de Roscoff
Résumé : The first record of interstitial polychaetous annelids dates no more than forty years. Presently, the total number of interstitial species described is about one hundred. Up to the present, the large group of Aphroditoidea includes no interstitial representative. A few samples made by Pr Swedmark and M. Lasserre in Bermudas enable the discovery of an undescribed species of an interstitial Sigalionidae, Pholoe swedmarki Sp. n., together with two other interstitial species of Pisionidae and Syllidae, new to the western tropical atlantic. From a morphological point of view, the comparison of P. swedmarki sp. n. with the other species of the genus reveals some adaptations to the interstitial life: reduction of the body size, reduction or, at the contrary, enlargement of some appendages of the anterior part, lack of pigmentation. From the biological point of view, P. swedmarki sp. n. displays a remarkable group of characteristics : extreme reduction of the eggs numbers, extension of the reproductive period, pregnancy of the embryos and juveniles up to a very late ontogenetical stage. The hypothesis of an intra-elytral pregnancy, involving an internal fertilization, is discussed. By its morphology and biology, P. swedmarki sp. n. forms the first undeniable example of adaptation to the interstitial life among the Aphroditoidea. [NOT CONTROLLED OCR]
La découverte des premières Annélides Polychètes interstitielles remonte à peine à une quarantaine d'années. A l'heure actuelle, le nombre total d'espèces interstitielles décrites est de l'ordre d'une centaine. Jusqu'à présent, le vaste groupe des Aphroditoidea ne comprenait aucun représentant interstitiel. Quelques récoltes effectuées aux Bermudes par le Pr Swedmark et M. Lasserre ont permis de découvrir une espèce inédite de Sigalionidae interstitiel, Pholoe swedmarki sp. n., en compagnie de deux autres espèces de Pisionidae et de Syllidae interstitielles encore inconnues dans l'Atlantique tropical Ouest. Sur le plan morphologique, la comparaison de P. swedmarki sp. n. avec les autres espèces du genre met en évidence un certain nombre d'adaptations à la vie interstitielle : réduction de la taille du corps, réduction ou, au contraire, développement de certains appendices de la région antérieure, absence de pigmentation. Du point de vue biologique, P. swedmarki sp. n. présente un ensemble d'adaptations remarquables : réduction extrême du nombre d'oeufs, allongement de la période de reproduction, gestation des embryons et des jeunes vers jusqu'à un stade ontogénétique très avancé. L'hypothèse d'une gestation intra-élytrale, impliquant une fécondation interne, est avancée. Par sa morphologie et sa biologie, P. swedmarki sp. n. constitue le premier exemple incontestable d'adaptation à la vie interstitielle chez un Aphroditoidea. [OCR NON CONTRÔLE]
Cahiers de Biologie Marine (Station Biologique de Roscoff), 1974 , Vol. 16 , N. 5 , P. 671-683

Droits : Station Biologique de Roscoff
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/1974/publication-5462.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/5462/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Linnean Society of London
Résumé : Disentangling the impact of landscape features such as rivers and historical events on dispersal is a challenging but necessary task to gain a comprehensive picture of the evolution of diverse biota such as that found in Amazonia. Adenomera andreae, a small, territorial, terrestrial frog species of the Amazonian forest represents a good model for such studies. We combined cytochrome b sequences with 12 microsatellites to investigate the genetic structure at two contrasted spatial scales in French Guiana: along a similar to 6-km transect, to evaluate dispersal ability, and between paired bank populations along a similar to 65-km stretch of the Approuague river, to test the effect of rivers as barriers to dispersal. We observed significant spatial genetic structure between individuals at a remarkably small geographical scale, and conclude that the species has a restricted dispersal ability that is probably tied to its life-history traits. Mitochondrial and microsatellite data also indicate a high level of differentiation among populations on opposite banks of the river, and, in some cases, among populations on the same riverbank. These results suggest that the observed population structure in A. andreae is the result of restricted dispersal abilities combined with the action of rivers and Quaternary population isolation. Given that Amazonia hosts a great portion of anurans, as well as other small vertebrates, that display life-history traits comparable with A. andreae, we argue that our analyses provide new insights into the complex interactions among evolutionary processes shaping Amazonian biodiversity. (c) 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 106, 356373.
ISSN: 0024-4066

hal-01032422
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01032422
DOI : 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2012.01871.x

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Oxford University Press (OUP)
Résumé : International audience
BACKGROUND: Phthalic acid esters are widely used in the manufacture of plastics. Numerous studies have shown that these phthalates impair testicular testosterone production in the rat. However, the scarce and contradictory data concerning humans have cast doubt over whether these compounds are also anti-androgenic in man. We therefore investigated the direct effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) on organo-cultured adult human testis and a human cell line. METHODS: Adult human testis explants or NCI-H295R adrenocortical human cells were cultured with DEHP or MEHP. The effects of ketoconazole, used as a reference molecule, were also assessed. RESULTS: In both models, DEHP and MEHP significantly inhibited testosterone production. The effects of both phthalates appeared to be specific for steroidogenesis, as INSL3 production by Leydig cells was not altered. Furthermore, the phthalates of interest had no effect on inhibin B production by Sertoli cells or on germ cell apoptosis. As only a small fraction of the phthalates added was found in the testis explants, and as these compounds were found to be metabolized, we estimate that the anti-androgenic effects observed occurred at concentrations of phthalates that are of the same order of magnitude as exposures reported in the literature for men. CONCLUSIONS: We provide the first evidence that DEHP and MEHP can inhibit testosterone production in the adult human testis. This is consistent with recent epidemiological findings of an inverse correlation between exposure to MEHP and testosterone concentrations.
ISSN: 0268-1161

hal-00876965
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00876965
DOI : 10.1093/humrep/des069
PUBMED : 22402212