Range map datasets for terrestrial vertebrates across Taiwan.

Accurate data describing the geographic distribution of specific species form the basis for effective conservation management policies. However, for most species the freely available distributional information is usually confined to either expert maps or purely theoretical maps constructed by using a variety of modeling frameworks. These maps usually do not provide enough resolution for conservation applications or do not accurately describe the current distribution status. In this study, we constructed a novel workflow designed to integrate data from various species distribution models and expert knowledge into a single unified modeling process. Under this workflow, we systematically constructed current distribution maps for a selection of terrestrial vertebrates found across Taiwan. We used species distribution modeling as the base and then aggregated multiple open datasets describing species occurrence and environmental factors as data sources. Thereafter, we estimated the primary broad-scale and high spatial resolution species range maps using the MaxEnt modeling algorithm, and then consulted experts on each taxa to refine these maps. This dataset provides up-to-date species distribution maps for 379 terrestrial vertebrates in Taiwan, with members from across four taxa (27 amphibians, 52 reptiles, 264 birds, and 36 mammals). This dataset helps to fill the spatial knowledge gaps for conservation concerns and improves our understanding of the geographic distribution of more than half (61%) of the vertebrate species of Taiwan. Furthermore, by stacking the range maps of multiple species, we can identify vertebrate diversity hotspots and identify priority areas for conservation.

[Effects of electroacupuncture on cognitive function and neuronal autophagy in rats with D-galactose induced Alzheimer's disease].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture at "Baihui"(GV20) and "Shenshu"(BL23) on the expression of autophagy-related proteins in the hippocampus of rats with Alzheimer's disease (AD)，so as to explore its underlying mechanisms on improvement of AD. METHODS: Forty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into blank control group, model group, electroacupuncture group and sham electroacupuncture group, with 12 rats in each group. The AD rat model was establish by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose for 6 weeks. Rats in the electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture (50 Hz, 1 mA)at GV20 and BL23 for 20 min each time after daily intraperitoneal injection. Rats in the sham electroacupuncture group received acupuncture at the local skin of GV20 and BL23 without electricity. After the intervention, Morris water maze and open field test were used to evaluate the learning and cognitive ability of rats in each group. The transmission electron microscope was used to observe the numerical density of synaptic in hippocampus, and the immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the paired helical filament protein-1 (PHF-1) in the hippocampus. Western blot was used to detected the expression of autophagy-related proteins phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in the hippocampus. RESULTS: Compared with the blank control group, the escape latency of the rats in the model group increased from day 2 to day 5 (P<0.01), and the ratio of the time through the quadrant of the original platform reduced （P<0.01）, in the open field test the distance of exercise, the number of uprights and the rate of exercise time in the central area decreased (P<0.01), meanwhile the density of hippocampus synapses decreased (P<0.01), the positive expression of PHF-1 and the relative expression of PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, and mTOR all increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the escape latency of rats in the electroacupuncture group was shortened from day 2 to day 5 (P<0.01), and the ratio of the time through the quadrant of the original platform meanwhile, the distance of the open field test, the number of uprights, and the rate of central area exercise time up-regulated (P<0.01), the numerical density of hippocampus synatic increased (P<0.01), the positive expression of PHF-1 and the relative expression of PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, and mTOR all down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of PI3K in the sham electroacupuncture group decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture can improve learning and memory and cognitive impairment in AD rats, which may be associated with its effects in regulation of hippocampal autophagy and removal of neurofibrillary tangles by suppressing PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

[Effect of electroacupuncture on cyclin-dependent kinase 5 and Tau protein in hippocampus of SAMP8 mice].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) and manual acupuncture (MA) on learning-memory ability, changes of ultrastructure of neurons and expression of CDK5 and Tau proteins in hippocampus of SAMP8 mice，so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of Alzheimer's disease (AD)．. METHODS: A total of 45 male SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into model, EA and MA groups, with 15 mice in each group. The other 15 SAMR1 mice were used as the normal group. In the EA group, EA (2 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to bilateral "Shenshu"(BL23) and manual acupuncture was applied to "Baihui"(GV20) for 20 min. In the MA group, MA was applied to GV20 and bilateral BL23 for 20 min. Both group were treated once a day for 31 days, and with an interval of one day between every two 7 days. Morris water maze was performed to assess the animals' learning-memory ability. The morphological changes of hippocampal neurons were observed under transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of CDK5, p25 and Tau-5 proteins in the hippocampus were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, separately. RESULTS: ①Compared with the normal group, the average escape latency of Morris water maze test was prolonged in the model group(P<0.05, P<0.01), duration of swimming in the original platform quadrant and the number of original platform crossing were significantly shorter and less respectively (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the average escape latency in the EA group was shortened (P<0.05, P <0.01), the duration of swimming in the original platform quadrant and the number of original platform crossing were significantly prolonged and increased (P<0.01); The average escape latency in the MA group was shortened (P<0.05, P <0.01)，and the duration of swimming in the original platform quadrant was prolonged (P<0.05). Compared with the EA group, the average escape latency of the MA group was prolonged (P<0.05), the duration of swimming in the original platform quadrant was shortened(P<0.05). ②Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the neurons in the hippocampal CA1 area had irregular shape and vague structure, reduction in size and number of mitochondria accompanied with swelling, and malformed changes of mitochondrial crest in the model group, which was relatively milder in both EA and MA groups. ③The expression levels of hippocampal Tau-5, p25 and CDK5 proteins were significantly up-regulated in the model group in contrast to the normal group (P<0.01, P<0.05), and obviously down-regulated in both EA and MA groups relevant to the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the EA group, the expression levels of p25 and CDK5 proteins were significantly increased in the MA group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EA of BL23 can improve the learning-memory ability in SAMP8 mice, which is associated with its effect in down-regulating the expression of hippocampal CDK5, p25 and Tau-5 proteins.