Takehiro Furukawa, Fumihiro Yamane, Takuji Okumura
et al.
Insulin-like androgenic gland factor (IAG) is considered a key regulator of male sexual differentiation and maturation in decapod crustaceans. In several species, <i>IAG</i> expression is thought to be negatively regulated by the eyestalk, as demonstrated by eyestalk ablation (ESA) experiments. In the kuruma prawn <i>Marsupenaeus japonicus</i>, however, the upstream regulatory mechanisms of <i>IAG</i> (<i>Maj-IAG</i>) remain largely unclear. In the present study, males of different body sizes were subjected to ESA to elucidate these mechanisms. Bilateral ESA induced upregulation of <i>Maj-IAG</i> expression from day 7 onward, whereas unilateral ESA did not. Moreover, enhanced development of male reproductive organs and hypertrophy of the androgenic gland were observed from day 7 after bilateral ESA. These findings indicate that <i>Maj-IAG</i> is regulated by eyestalk-derived factor(s), supporting the presence of an eyestalk–androgenic gland endocrine axis in <i>M. japonicus</i>. By contrast, the expression of <i>Maj-Dsx2</i>, a homolog of doublesex (<i>Dsx</i>) that has recently been proposed as an upstream regulator of IAG, did not show a consistent increase following bilateral ESA across all experiments, suggesting that the involvement of <i>Maj-Dsx2</i> in this axis remains unclear. Overall, this study provides fundamental insights into the regulatory mechanisms of decapod male reproduction.
Nest attention has a strong effect on nestling survival and is essential for the reproductive success of the parents. Secondary cavity nesters compete intensively for access to cavities and face high risk of nest usurpation by conspecifics. We describe nest attention by both sexes in the Saffron Finch ( Sicalis flaveola pelzelni ), and compare rates of nest attention in response to experimental territorial intrusions of live male and female conspecifics. During the incubation and brooding periods, in response to intrusions by other females or males, both natural and experimental, the attending females arrived at the nest immediately. Females also stayed close to the nest during egg laying and “old” 8–9 days old nestlings’ periods, but never attacked the intruders. Attending males took more time to approach the nest but spent a lot of time close to it, during the egg laying, incubation, and “young” 4–5 days old nestling periods, especially during simulated intrusions by other males. Focal males kept intruders of both sexes at bay and physically attacked the male intruders. The observed responses could be elicited by the perceived risk of mate or cavity loss before raising a brood. This study on a multi-brooded subtropical obligate secondary cavity nester reveals sex differences of nest attention in response to the sex of conspecific intruders.
Cadmium contamination found in paddy fields in the Maesot District of Tak Province, Thailand. This area was remediated using 50mg/L of ZVI. The study aimed to isolate and identify soil bacteria in the soil and rice roots and to investigate ZVI’s effect on the isolated bacterial cells. The results indicated no significant difference in soil bacteria content before and after remediation at the 95% confidence level. Twelve isolates of nitrogen-fixing bacteria were obtained. Those isolates could grow at high concentrations of 300 mg/L of ZVI. RH17 had a high tolerance for TSA with 300 mg/L of ZVI at only 10 CFU/ml. The effects of ZVI at 150 mg/L on RH17 cells, a small amount of ZVI was observed adhering to the cells’ surface and forming giant cells, while at 300 mg/L of ZVI, caused a reduction in growth by 81.0%. The nifH gene of RH17 was related to Rhizobium sp. strain 5-1-2. The results demonstrated the cadmium remediation process with 50mg/L of ZVI did not affect the cell count of soil bacteria in the paddy field. However, at 150 mg/L or higher, ZVI damaged the isolated Rhizobium sp. cell membrane. So, the remediation using ZVI must consider the appropriate concentration.
Predictions of microbial crude protein (MCP) synthesis for beef cattle generally rely on empirical regression equations, with intakes of energy and protein as key variables. Using a database from published literature, we developed new equations based on the intake of organic matter (OM) and intakes or concentrations of crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). We compared these new equations to several extant equations based on intakes of total digestible nutrients (TDN) and CP. Regression fit statistics were evaluated using both resampling and sampling from a simulated multivariate normal population. Newly developed equations yielded similar fit statistics to extant equations, but the root mean square error of prediction averaged 155 g (28.7% of the mean MCP of 540.7 g/d) across all equations, indicating considerable variation in predictions. A simple approach of calculating MCP as 10% of the TDN intake yielded MCP estimates and fit statistics that were similar to more complicated equations. Adding a classification code to account for unique dietary characteristics did not have significant effects. Because MCP synthesis is measured indirectly, most often using surgically altered animals, literature estimates are relatively few and highly variable. A random sample of individual studies from our literature database indicated a standard deviation for MCP synthesis that averaged 19.1% of the observed mean, likely contributing to imprecision in the MCP predictions. Research to develop additional MCP estimates across various diets and production situations is needed, with a focus on developing consistent and reliable methodologies for MCP measurements. The use of new meta-omics tools might improve the accuracy and precision of MCP predictions, but further research will be needed to assess the utility of such tools.
Here, we describe variation in mtDNA haplotypes among 22 individual humpback whales off the Guerrero coast in southern Mexico and compare this to other wintering regions in the eastern North Pacific Ocean using published data. After correcting for different sample sizes, Guerrero humpback whales fit the cline in the eastern North Pacific in which A types are more abundant northwards, while E and F types are more abundant southwards. Whales observed around Guerrero in early winter exhibited a greater frequency of F types that are also observed earlier in winter at Bahía de Banderas in the mainland region, suggesting a seasonal passage of whales from Mexico to Central America. Four diversity indices were higher in different wintering regions between Nayarit and Guerrero. Departures from neutrality were observed in the bordering wintering grounds of the region. Four measures of differentiation by distance indicated boundaries between Nayarit and Southern Jalisco, and between Guerrero and Oaxaca, suggesting a transitional region between wintering regions of Mexico and Central America from 17.5° to 19.5°N.
lumbodorsal myofasciitis is a common injury in badminton and a common disease in clinical practice. Clinically, acupuncture, cupping, massage, extracorporeal shock wave and other methods are usually used. This paper summarizes and classifies the commonly used treatment methods in the clinic, which are mainly divided into traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined treatment methods, Chinese medicine treatment combined physical therapy methods and physical combined therapy. In the clinic, TCM combined treatment methods and TCM combined physical therapy methods are mainly used, and TCM combined physical therapy methods should be the main research direction in the future. There are many therapeutic methods, but the efficacy of combining multiple therapeutic methods is better than that of single method. This study can provide a theoretical basis and reference for subsequent research and clinical treatment.
Using the high-quality Crown Pear as the subject of experimental research, an analysis of the changes in the quality of Crown Pears during a storage period is conducted to provide a theoretical basis for the development of the pear cold storage industry. The study utilizes a handheld digital refractometer, texture analyzer, colorimeter, T-type thermocouple, and electronic balance to explore six aspects of Crown Pears: soluble solids content, hardness, color difference, freezing point, drying loss, and taste. The results reveal the following changes in pear quality during different storage periods within one cycle: the content of soluble solids in Crown Pears initially increases and then decreases during the storage period; hardness decreases with increasing storage time; the external appearance of pears gradually darkens; and drying loss increases with storage time. During the cold storage process of Crown Pears, the optimal temperature setting for the cold storage should be maintained at -1°C to 0.5°C. The flavor of Crown Pears is not optimal during the early stage of storage. The storage time for Crown Pears should be within four months.
Some Azteca ants are well-known symbionts that defend their Cecropia host plants against herbivory, although there is considerable variability in behavior among colonies, conditions, and species. In exchange, ants receive food, and also shelter within the plants’ internodes. Here we demonstrate that ants repair damage to the host plant when their brood is directly threatened. Using comminuted plant fibers and an unidentified binding liquid (probably plant sap) ants generally began patching holes in the tree trunk immediately, and significantly reduced the size of the hole 2.5 hours after it was created, and they generally completed the repairs within 24 hours.
Anne J. Carter, Emily J. Hall, Sophie L. Connolly
et al.
Background: Dogs are regularly transported or housed in vehicles, with guidelines for housing dogs suggesting that the ambient temperature should be maintained between 15 – 24 °C. Veterinary drugs are routinely stored and carried in vehicles providing ambulatory veterinary care. Non-refrigerated medications typically require storage between 8 – 25 °C.
Aim: This study aimed to investigate the potential for thermal stress associated with vehicular storage and transportation of drugs and dogs in a temperate climate such as the United Kingdom.
Methods: The study used data loggers to continuously record internal temperatures of four vehicles at 15-minute intervals over a two-year period, to investigate the effect of seasonality and time of day on internal car temperature.
Results: Internal car temperature ranged from -7.4 °C to 54.5 °C during the study period. Temperatures fell below 8 °C in every month except June and July. Internal car temperature exceeded typical drug storage recommendations (> 25°C) during every month, and exceeded the canine thermo-neutral zone (> 35°C) from April to September. Peak temperatures occurred between 14:00 and 17:00 hours.
Conclusion: The results demonstrate the year-round potential for thermal stress of both dogs and drugs left in cars. Public awareness campaigns highlighting the risks of leaving dogs in hot cars are typically launched in late spring, but should consider launching earlier in light of these findings. Veterinary surgeons transporting drugs should take measures to ensure drugs are stored within the manufacturer’s temperature range year-round. This will limit the potential for drug degradation and decreased efficacy.
Andrzej Zawal, Robert Stryjecki, Edyta Buczyńska
et al.
This paper examines the impact of disturbance factors—flooding and intermittency—on the distribution of water mites in the riparian springs situated in the valley of a small lowland river, the Krąpiel. The landscape factors and physicochemical parameters of the water were analysed in order to gain an understanding of the pattern of water mite assemblages in the riparian springs. Three limnological types of springs were examined (helocrenes, limnocrenes and rheocrenes) along the whole course of the river and a total of 35 water mite species were found. Our study shows that flooding influences spring assemblages, causing a decrease in crenobiontic water mites in flooded springs. The impact of intermittency resulted in a high percentage of species typical of temporary water bodies. Surprisingly, the study revealed the positive impact of the anthropogenic transformation of the river valley: preventing the riparian springs from flooding enhances the diversity of crenobiontic species in non-flooded springs. In the conclusion, our study revealed that further conservation strategies for the protection of the riparian springs along large rivers would take into account ongoing climatic changes and possible the positive impact of the anthropogenic transformation of river valleys.
Andrés Arias-Alzate, Camilo Botero, Juan Manuel Obando
et al.
Aquí documentamos evidencia del posible consumo de un puercoespín (Coendou sp.) por un Ocelote en un bosque montano al suroeste de Antioquia, Colombia. Esto representa un registro notable en cuanto a un nuevo ítem alimentario (Coendou sp.) en la dieta del Ocelote en zonas de alta montaña en Colombia. La localidad de los registros está ubicada a 2.100 msnm en la Cordillera Occidental, en la Reserva Natural La MeseniaParamillo, del municipio de Jardín, al suroeste de Antioquia
Valeria Bergas, José Rodríguez, Ignacio Galarraga
et al.
You should leave 10 mm of space above the abstract and 15 mm after the abstract. The heading Abstract should be typed in bold 9-point Arial. The body of the abstract should be typed in normal 9-point Times in a single paragraph, immediately following the heading. The text should be set to 1.15 line spacing. The abstract should be centred across the page, indented 15 mm from the left and right page margins and justified. It should not normally exceed 200 words. Under this problematic context, several growers in our area proposed alternatives to conduction systems. An innovation was the system of divided canopy “Ramé”, developed by the local viticulture Luis Alberto Ramero. This system was attempted to combine high yield with high quality grape, machanize harvest and good cinditions of canopy microclimate. It's a system of vertical shoot position, with its canopy divided into two planes. These systems are characterized, in our region, by a low foliar surface exposed per hectare, a relatively low productivity (in the case of the VSP) or difficulty to mechanize the harvest (in the case of the Parral). The objective of this study was to evaluate the ecophysiology of Rame system, determining if it behaves differently when it is planted with one or two plants by post (Rame single and double). Also the two modalities of Rame were compared with the trellis in VSP. Since this latter system is not included in the statistical, but planted design on the side of the test, the comparison kept a descriptive character. For the Rame we established an experimental trial with statistical design, with two treatments in trellis-training system. A treatment consisted in planting one vine per post, called simple Rame (RS) and two vines per post, called double Rame (RD), leaving in this way different number of plants per unit area (1600 plantas / has and 3200 plantas / has respectively). Nevertheless, regardless of the number of plants per hectare, Rame system maintain high values of anthocyanins (1, 2 mg/Kg of grapes) and IPT (43) with high production (152 qq / has). This fact, added to that the system has potential for mechanization, converts Rame in a trellis system with high potential for vine growth in the viticulture regions. The trellis VSP behaved less productive (86 qq / has), and at the same time obtained lower values of qualitative components such as anthocyanins (1.04 mg/Kg of grapes) and IPT (35).
Dengue is one of the most important and wide-spread viral infections affecting human populations. The last few decades have seen a dramatic increase in the global burden of dengue, with the virus now being endemic or near-endemic in over 100 countries world-wide. A recombinant tetravalent vaccine candidate (CYD-TDV) has recently completed Phase III clinical efficacy trials in South East Asia and Latin America and has been licensed for use in several countries. The trial results showed moderate-to-high efficacies in protection against clinical symptoms and hospitalisation but with so far unknown effects on transmission and infections per se. Model-based predictions about the vaccine's short- or long-term impact on the burden of dengue are therefore subject to a considerable degree of uncertainty. Furthermore, different immune interactions between dengue's serotypes have frequently been evoked by modelling studies to underlie dengue's oscillatory dynamics in disease incidence and serotype prevalence. Here we show how model assumptions regarding immune interactions in the form of antibody-dependent enhancement, temporary cross-immunity and the number of infections required to develop full immunity can significantly affect the predicted outcome of a dengue vaccination campaign. Our results thus re-emphasise the important gap in our current knowledge concerning the effects of previous exposure on subsequent dengue infections and further suggest that intervention impact studies should be critically evaluated by their underlying assumptions about serotype immune-interactions.
Christopher E Laumer, Andreas Hejnol, Gonzalo Giribet
Flatworms number among the most diverse invertebrate phyla and represent the most biomedically significant branch of the major bilaterian clade Spiralia, but to date, deep evolutionary relationships within this group have been studied using only a single locus (the rRNA operon), leaving the origins of many key clades unclear. In this study, using a survey of genomes and transcriptomes representing all free-living flatworm orders, we provide resolution of platyhelminth interrelationships based on hundreds of nuclear protein-coding genes, exploring phylogenetic signal through concatenation as well as recently developed consensus approaches. These analyses robustly support a modern hypothesis of flatworm phylogeny, one which emphasizes the primacy of the often-overlooked ‘microturbellarian’ groups in understanding the major evolutionary transitions within Platyhelminthes: perhaps most notably, we propose a novel scenario for the interrelationships between free-living and vertebrate-parasitic flatworms, providing new opportunities to shed light on the origins and biological consequences of parasitism in these iconic invertebrates.
Fannie Darlot, Cécile Moro, Napoléon Torres‑Martinez
et al.
La maladie de Parkinson (MP) est une maladie neurodégénérative chronique affectant le système dopaminergique et se traduisant par une perte des neurones dopaminergiques (DA) de la substance noire compacta (SNc) et des faisceaux nigro-striés. Le diagnostic précoce de la MP est difficile car 70 % des neurones dopaminergiques de la substance noire sont détruits, avec une dysfonction mitochondriale, quand les premiers signes moteurs apparaissent. Les traitements actuels sont tous des traitements symptomatiques, à ce jour il n’existe pas de traitement curatif de la MP. Des études antérieures ont montré que des molécules, dont CoQ10 et la mélatonine, ont un effet neuroprotecteur sur les cellules DA de la SNc contre la dégénérescence induite dans des modèles animaux de la MP qui induisent un dysfonctionnement mitochondrial. Des résultats récents ont rapporté des propriétés neuroprotectrices de la thérapie par illumination de faible intensité (ou photobiomodulation par lumière proche infrarouge (NIR)) par l'activation de la cytochrome C oxydase et la synthèse d'ATP dans les cellules endommagées. Des expériences préliminaires ont démontré « in vivo » une protection par NIR des cellules DA dans la SNc, de souris MPTP et rats 6-OHDA aigus et chroniques, associée à une amélioration de l'activité locomotrice. L’objectif de notre étude est de montrer l’effet de NIR chez des primates (PNH) MPTP. Nous utilisons un prototype d'implant intracérébral chronique lumineux (longueur d'onde 670 nm) permettant de délivrer le traitement voulu à proximité de la zone d’intérêt. La puissance de l'implant est de 10 mW avec un cycle d’illumination 5 sec. ON/ 60 sec. OFF. L’effet thermique de l'appareil a déjà été testé pour se limiter à + 1 °C maximum. Les groupes contrôles aigu et chronique (5 PNH chacun) ont reçu du MPTP (0,3 mg/kg/jour) pendant 5 jours pour le groupe aigu et avec 2 injections supplémentaires (1 fois/semaine) pour le groupe chronique. Les groupes traités avec NIR (5PNH chacun, avec implantation du dispositif) sont également soumis au protocole MPTP en aigu ou chronique et reçoivent le traitement NIR : aigu (24 h autour de l’injection de MPTP) ou chronique (en continu pendant les 3 semaines du protocole). Le score clinique et l'activité motrice ont été évalués tous les jours pendant 1 semaine avant et 3 semaines après le début de l'injection de MPTP. Les animaux sont sacrifiés 3 semaines après le début des injections, et les cerveaux traités pour une histologie (coloration de Nissl et TH, alphasynucléine), pour la quantification de l'effet neuroprotecteur du traitement NIR. Les résultats préliminaires montrent un effet comportemental du traitement NIR sur ce modèle de MP, effet qui semble corrélé au niveau histologique. D'autres expériences sont nécessaires pour étudier l’effet-dose. Cette étude est la première étape vers un essai clinique humain visant à évaluer le potentiel neuroprotecteur de NIR chez des patients parkinsoniens au stade précoce.
Sérgio Henrique Borges, Andrew Whittaker, Ricardo Afonso Machado de Almeida
We inventoried the birds from Serra do Aracá region, state of Amazonas. The region encompasses a high diversity of vegetation types, including white sand forests and campinas, terra firme and flooded forests, montane forests and tepuis. We recorded 416 bird taxa in 69 families through captures with mist nets, tape recording of bird voices, and collection of voucher specimens. A large proportion of them (61%) were recorded in a single vegetation type. Qualitative estimates suggest that approximately 580 bird species occur in the region. The avifauna of the Aracá region has a mixed biogeographic composition, with species typical of both margins of the Rio Negro occurring sympatrically. Additionally, species whose distributions are restricted to three areas of endemism for Amazonian birds (Imeri, Guiana and Pantepui) were recorded in the region. Rare landscapes in the Brazilian Amazon are found in the Serra do Aracá region. Additionally, we recorded endemic and rare birds, highlighting the value of the region for conservation. The Serra do Aracá State Park officially protects montane forests, terra firme forests and tepuis. We suggest that the large extension of white sand campinas and igapó forests at the southern portion of Serra do Aracá should be also preserved in order to improve the representation of the rich natural heritage of the region.