Hasil untuk "Zoology"

Cécile Gaston, Audrey Fayard, Noëlle Dufour et al.

In vivo gene therapies based on viral vectors, particularly recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAV), have become a promising approach for the treatment of various genetic diseases. However, the immune response against these vectors is still a major obstacle, affecting their efficacy and safety. This review examines the importance of non-human primates (NHPs) as translational models for the study of immune responses against rAAVs. After an overview of the characteristics of AAV vectors and the challenges posed by the translatability of animal models, we analyze the innate and adaptive immune responses to these vectors, highlighting the role of neutralizing antibodies and cytotoxic cells. We also discuss the severe adverse events observed in clinical trials, such as liver toxicity, thrombotic microangiopathy and neurotoxicity, and their correlation with preclinical studies on NHPs. Finally, we discuss strategies to improve the safety and efficacy of rAAV-based therapies, including immune modulation and optimization of preclinical models. All of these elements highlight the need to improve the translatability of preclinical results for better predictability of side effects and optimization of therapeutic protocols.

Antonio Vives Moreno

Juan Pablo Hurtado-Gómez, Juan M. Daza, Mario Vargas-Ramírez et al.

The genus Helicops Wagler, 1828 comprises 20 species of semiaquatic snakes. It is mostly distributed in the cis-Andean region of South America, with only two trans-Andean species (H. danieli, H. scalaris). Helicops danieli is endemic to Colombia and occurs through most of the trans-Andean region. Herein two mitochondrial and two nuclear genomic markers were sequenced for 16 samples of H. danieli across most of its distribution range to understand its phylogeography. A dated tree was also generated with additional sequences from previous studies to infer the divergence times between H. danieli and its cis-Andean congeners and of lineages within H. danieli. Using previously published data, ancestral states were estimated for putative phenotypic synapomorphies for the major clades of Helicops. For H. danieli, four clades corresponding to the main river basins within its distribution were recovered. Our dated tree suggests that the ancestor of H. danieli diverged from its closest congeners in the late Miocene (8.7 Mya), which can be associated with the closure of the Andalucia Pass, south of the Eastern Cordillera. Divergence within H. danieli commenced 1.1 Mya. Within the genus Helicops, two distinct hemipenial morphologies were observed, which are suggested as putative synapomorphies for the two most basal clades. Recognition of these two clades as distinct subgenera, Helicops sensu stricto and Tachynectes Fitzinger, 1843 is proposed. For the junior homonym Tachynectes von der Mark, 1863, rarely applied to fossil fishes, the replacement name Ichthyotachynectes nom. nov. is introduced. Furthermore, the evolution of another four phenotypic traits in Helicops and their phylogenetic utility are discussed.

Caleb Califre Martins

Between October 2009 and December 2011, five Malaise traps/area were used to survey of the lance lacewings (Neuroptera: Osmylidae) in five areas of the Atlantic rainforest in São Paulo state, Brazil. Were obtained 73 specimens of Isostenosmylus pulverulentus (Gerstaecker, 1894) (96.1% of the total collected), two of Gumilla adspersus Navás, 1912 (2.6%), and one of Isostenosmylus sp. (1.3%). The osmylids were more frequently observed in the Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar / Núcleo Santa Virgínia (59.2% of the total collected), Parque Estadual Intervales (30.3%) and Parque Estadual Morro do Diabo (7.9%), inland collection sites in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The geographic range of G. adspersus is expanded to include the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, based on two studied specimens and one record in the citizen science website iNaturalist.

Firmansyah Edo, Sadewo Brilian Ryan, Dewayanto Nugroho et al.

Euglena sp. is a type of microalgae that can produce various biomolecules including proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, and can also be the best source of biomass because it contains lipids, which are especially useful for extracting and converting it into biodiesel. Unfortunately, harvesting Euglena sp. biomass is a challenge. Most of the production costs are occur in the harvesting process. The primary concerns revolve around efficiency levels and the operational costs. The methodology used in this study is by combining the flocculation method using Poly Aluminium Chloride (PAC) with the filtration method to answer the existing challenges. The purpose of this study is to provide scientific information related to efficient and effective methods for harvesting Euglena sp. The parameters measured in this study are Cell Density and dry weight of biomass. This study showed that by using the flocculation method first before the filtration method, through optimal settling time treatment, even by using cheap filtration materials.This study indicated that the flocculation method with optimal settling time treatment as a pretreatment before the filtration method is an efficient and effective method for harvesting Euglena sp.

Ashraf M. Nazem, Eman K. Abo Shaala, Sameh A. Awad

Background: Nanoparticles are regarded as magical bullets because of their exclusive features. Recently, the usage of nanoparticles has progressed in almost all aspects of science and technology due to its ability of revolutionizing certain fields. In the field of food science and technology, the application of nanoparticles is being researched in many various areas thus provide the dairy industry a variety of new attitudes for developing the quality, prolong shelf life, ensure safety and healthiness of foods. Aim: This study aimed to focus on the application of some inorganic metal oxide nanoparticles (zinc oxide (ZnO), magnesium oxide (MgO), and calcium oxide (CaO)) to control E. coli in raw milk and ensure its safety. Methods: The antibacterial action of certain nanoparticles (ZnO, MgO, and CaO) with multiple concentrations (0.1, 0.05, 0.025, 0.0125, 0.006, and 0.003 mg/ml) was evaluated against E. coli strains in UHT milk samples. As well, storage temperature and storage period effects were studied. Results: The findings of the current research revealed that inorganic metal oxide nanoparticles had a significant antibacterial role against E. coli, at the following order; ZnO, MgO, and CaO, respectively. The antibacterial effect of inorganic metal oxide nanoparticles is more noticed at lower temperatures. Conclusion: Inorganic metal nanoparticles can be used in the food industry for the purpose of the control of E. coli, and extension of the shelf life of the dairy products. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(1.000): 545-552]

Paula Tilley, Joana Simões, José Paulo Sales Luis

From previous studies, the International Society for Equitation Science has advised that further research be conducted on the physiological/psychological effects of less-exacerbated poll flexion angles. We aimed to evaluate the effects of two riding poll flexion positions with a difference of only 15° on the respiratory systems and behaviour of horses through an evaluation of dynamic airway collapse via over-ground endoscopy, the pharyngeal diameter, pleural pressure, arterial oxygenation and lactate, HR/RR, and the occurrence of conflict behaviours. Twenty high-level dressage and twenty show-jumping horses underwent a 40 min ridden test at a ground angle of 85°; 3 weeks later, they underwent a ridden test at a 100° ground angle (the angle between the ground and the line from the forehead to the muzzle) and in a cross-over design. Using a mixed model for repeated measures, Wilcoxon/Friedman tests were carried out according to the experimental design and/or error normality. For both groups, at 100°, conflict behaviours and upper airway tract abnormalities were significantly more frequent, and the pleural pressure was higher, and the pharyngeal diameter was lower. At 85°, relaxation behaviours were significantly more frequent. Lactate was significantly higher at 100° only in the dressage horses. Compared to the first test at 85°, the HR/RR were significantly lower at the beginning of the second test (at 100°) but higher at the end. The significant differences identified in these dressage and show-jumping horses support the idea that an increase of just 15° in riding poll flexion can have negative effects on the respiratory system and behaviour of a horse and therefore on its welfare.

Bavaresco Luigi, Belisomo Edmondo, Furiosi Margherita et al.

The study of environmentally friendly active principles against downy mildew represents one of the main challenges in viticulture. In this context, the aim of the present trial was to investigate the efficacy of chitosan as a resistance elicitor against downy mildew and to study the metabolites involved in the interaction plant-chitosan-pathogen by a metabolomics approach. The experiments were carried out on potted vines of Merlot R18 grafted on SO4 rootstock, Guyot trained, during 2022. Leaf disks pre-treated with chitosan were infected by Plasmopara viticola sporangia in 3 phenological phases and the development of infection was recorded. The most significant findings were: 1) Chitosan resulted as an effective elicitor of defense mechanism against Plasmopara viticola. 2) The elicitor activity of chitosan was explained mainly through the induction of some secondary metabolites (terpenes and resveratrol), fatty acids (involved in the biosynthesis of sterols), and hormones (brassinosteroids and abscisic acid). 3) The best efficacy corresponded to the application of chitosan 48 hours before the infection. The timing of the treatment was, therefore, one of the key factors for the success of chitosan treatment.

Cornelia Geßner, Alena Krüger, Lars P. Folkow et al.

The mammalian brain is characterized by high energy expenditure and small energy reserves, making it dependent on continuous vascular oxygen and nutritional supply. The brain is therefore extremely vulnerable to hypoxia. While neurons of most terrestrial mammals suffer from irreversible damage after only short periods of hypoxia, neurons of the deep-diving hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) show a remarkable hypoxia-tolerance. To identify the molecular mechanisms underlying the intrinsic hypoxia-tolerance, we excised neurons from the visual cortices of hooded seals and mice (Mus musculus) by laser capture microdissection. A comparison of the neuronal transcriptomes suggests that, compared to mice, hooded seal neurons are endowed with an enhanced aerobic metabolic capacity, a reduced synaptic transmission and an elevated antioxidant defense. Publicly available whole-tissue brain transcriptomes of the bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus), long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas), minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and killer whale (Orcinus orca), supplemented with 2 newly sequenced long-finned pilot whales, suggest that, compared to cattle (Bos taurus), the cetacean brain also displays elevated aerobic capacity and reduced synaptic transmission. We conclude that the brain energy balance of diving mammals is preserved during diving, due to reduced synaptic transmission that limits energy expenditure, while the elevated aerobic capacity allows efficient use of oxygen to restore energy balance during surfacing between dives.

Jeferson M. Lourenco, Taylor R. Krause, Christina B. Welch et al.

The ruminal microbiota of Angus cows and steers were characterized using 16s rRNA gene sequencing, and the expression of their metabolic pathways was predicted. Samples were collected on weaning day from the steers and the cows, and subsequently on three other occasions from the steers. Results showed that microbial richness, evenness, and diversity decreased (<i>p</i> < 0.001) in the rumen of the steers as they were weaned and transitioned to a high-concentrate feedlot diet. However, on the day of weaning, microbial evenness was similar to that observed in the rumen of cows (<i>p</i> = 0.12). The abundance of archaea was similar (<i>p</i> = 0.59) between the cows and steers at weaning, but it decreased (<i>p</i> = 0.04) in the rumen of steers after weaning, and remained stable (<i>p</i> ≥ 0.44) for the remainder of their lives. Likewise, no difference (<i>p</i> = 0.51) in the abundance of Bacteroidetes was detected between the cows and the calves on the day they were weaned, but the abundance of this phylum increased (<i>p</i> = 0.001) and remained stable after that. These results suggest that cows may have a strong influence on the composition, and help modulate the ruminal microbiota of young calves; however, following weaning, their ruminal microbiotas tend to differentiate from that state observed at earlier ages.

Seliverstov Evgeniy, Skorkina Marina

The article presents the application of the method for determining the quantitative parameters of erythropoiesis to patients with acute leukemia. The objective of the work is an investigation of erythropoiesis cytokinetic parameters under the normal health conditions and during the development of the acute lymphoblastic leukemia and the acute myeloblastic leukemia. It was found that the distribution of reticulocytes shifts towards an increase of immature reticulocyte fraction while the ratio between maturing and immature cells remains unchanged. The method presented can be used in clinical diagnostic and scientific research of bone marrow hematopoietic activity.

Signe Preuschoft, Ishak Yassir, Asti Iryanti Putri et al.

Orangutans depend on social learning for the acquisition of survival skills. The development of skills is not usually assessed in rescued orphans’ pre-release. We collected data of seven orphans over an 18-months-period to monitor the progress of ontogenetic changes. The orphans, 1.5–9 years old, were immersed in a natural forest environment with human surrogate mothers and other orphans. Social interactions deviated significantly from those of wild mother-reared immatures. Infants spent more time playing socially with peers, at the expense of resting and solitary play. Infants were also more often and at an earlier age distant from their human surrogate mothers than wild immatures are from their biological mothers. We found important changes towards an orangutan-typical lifestyle in 4- to 7-year-old orphans, corresponding to the weaning age in maternally reared immatures. The older orphans spent less time interacting with human surrogate mothers or peers, started to use the canopy more than lower forest strata and began to sleep in nests in the forest. Their time budgets resembled those of wild adults. In conclusion, juvenile orphans can develop capacities that qualify them as candidates for release back into natural habitat when protected from humanising influences and immersed in a species-typical environment.

Manuel J. Tenorio, Samuel Abalde, José R. Pardos-Blas et al.

In the last few years, a sharp increase in the number of descriptions of new species of West African cone snails, particularly from the Cabo Verde Archipelago, has taken place. In previous studies, we used mitogenome sequences for reconstructing robust phylogenies, which comprised in total 120 individuals representing the majority of species (69.7%) described from this biogeographical region (except Angolan endemics) and grouped into seven genera within the family Conidae. Here, we add another 12 individuals representing endemic species that were missing in the previous studies. We use the phylogenies to identify monophyletic groups and a genetic divergence threshold (0.2% uncorrected p distance) to determine the number of valid species. As a result, the number of valid West African cone species could be drastically reduced to at least 40%, indicating that some recent poor-quality descriptions loosely based on phenotypic characters prone to convergence such as the shape and color patterns of the shell have contributed substantially to taxonomic inflation. Several previously accepted species with a reduced geographical distribution now become phenotypic forms of the remaining valid species, which increase their distribution ranges. In contrast, several cryptic species are now uncovered and described. For instance, Africonus insulae sp. nov. and Kalloconus canariensis sp. nov. are hereby introduced as new species. A detailed systematic account with illustrations and relevant information is presented. Lectotypes are designated for Conus trochulus and Conus irregularis, and neotypes for Conus crotchii and Conus diminutus. According to our results, it is strongly recommended that any future introduction of new taxa names for cone snails from West Africa should be supported by molecular and/or anatomical rather than exclusively shell morphological data. The taxonomic decisions here taken have direct implications for conservation and will eventually require re-evaluation of the Red List risk status of an important number of species.

Samir A. Mahgoub, Mohamed E. Abd El-Hack, Zohair S. Mulla et al.

The provision of plentiful good-quality food is a primary issue in the modern world. This work was planned to study the influence of packaging atmosphere and oregano (<i>Origanum vulgare</i>) essential oil addition [(vacuum packaging: T1 or modified atmosphere packaging or T2 (CO₂/N₂ = 4:6) or T3, T2 with oregano essential oil (T2 + EO)] under various storage temperatures (0, 5, 10, and 15 °C) on the control of survival of <i>Escherichia coli</i> O157:H7 and associated spoilage flora in sliced smoked turkey meat. The pathogen increased by only <1.0 log colony-forming unit (CFU)/g under all packaging and temperature combinations. Moreover, T1, T2, and T3 exerted practically similar inhibitory activity against the pathogen and dominating bacteria, with a relatively low growth of <i>E. coli</i> O157:H7 in sliced smoked turkey during the shelf life under all storage regimes compared to the control. However, the pathogen survival was highest on the sliced smoked turkey under T1, decreasing by only 0.67, 0.74, 0.63, and 1.30 log CFU/g within 37 days if kept at 0, 5, 10, and 15 °C, respectively. Under T2 and the same condition, <i>E. coli</i> O157:H7 in the product declined by only 0.31, 0.50, 0.72, and 1.10 log CFU/g within 37 days of storage, respectively. In the T3 samples, the pathogen was reduced by only 0.33, 0.67, 1.72, and 3.46 log CFU/g through 37 days of storage, respectively. Under T3 were <i>E. coli</i> O157:H7 populations in smoked turkey eliminated (negative by enrichment) under all conditions (after 129, 95, 95, and 43 days maintained at 0, 5, 10, and 15 °C, respectively) compared with other packaging temperature combinations. Thus, T3 contributed to developing ready-to-eat smoked turkey with enhanced product quality and eliminating the pathogen.

Wilson M. Lozano, Oscar J. Arias-Mutis, Conrado J. Calvo et al.

Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) have become a growing problem for public health and clinical practice, given their increased prevalence due to the rise of sedentary lifestyles and excessive caloric intake from processed food rich in fat and sugar. There are several definitions of MetS, but most of them describe it as a cluster of cardiovascular and metabolic alterations such as abdominal obesity, reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, glucose intolerance, and hypertension. Diagnosis requires three out of these five criteria to be present. Despite the increasing prevalence of MetS, the understanding of its pathophysiology and relationship with disease is still limited. Indeed, the pathological consequences of MetS components have been reported individually, but investigations that have studied the effect of the combination of MeS components on organ pathological remodeling are almost nonexistent. On the other hand, animal models are a powerful tool in understanding the mechanisms that underlie pathological processes such as MetS. In the first part of the review, we will briefly overview the advantages, disadvantages and pathological manifestations of MetS in porcine, canine, rodent, and rabbit diet-induced experimental models. Then, we will focus on the different dietary regimes that have been used in rabbits to induce MetS by means of high-fat, cholesterol, sucrose or fructose-enriched diets and their effects on physiological systems and organ remodeling. Finally, we will discuss the use of dietary regimes in different transgenic strains and special rabbit breeds.

Patricia Catalina Campos-Granados, Jesús Romero-Nápoles, Armando Equihua-Martínez et al.

En el presente trabajo se identificó la entomofauna asociada a un cadáver de cerdo blanco (Sus scrofa dometica L.) de veinte kilogramos colocado en la comisaría de Chenché de las Torres, municipio de Temax, Yucatán, México. El cadáver se colocó al aire libre del 5 de noviembre del 2017 al 5 de enero del 2018, realizando recolecciones de insectos in situ tres veces al día. En éste se reconocieron cinco etapas de descomposición; además, se capturaron 4.082 ejemplares entre larvas y adultos de coleópteros y dípteros, distribuidos en 21 familias, 34 géneros y 21 especies. También se registraron las condiciones naturales del sitio durante el periodo de recolección. Por medio de una matriz de ocurrencia y análisis de correspondencia se vio que Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart, 1842) (Calliphoridae), Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius, 1775) (Calliphoridae), Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758) (Muscidae), Hydrotaea aenescens (Wiedemann, 1830) (Muscidae), Hermetia sp. (Stratiomyidae), Blaexosipha sp. (Sarcophagidae), Lepidodexia sp. (Sarcophagidae), Piophila sp. (Piophilidae), así como representantes de las familias Dermestidae, Cleridae, Scarabaeidae, Staphylinidae, Trogidae, Curculionidae e Histeridae dieron información útil para una posible estimación.

Juliane Vogt, Valentin Klaus, Steffen Both et al.

Sarah Mae Sincero

THE author, who is professor of zoology in the University of Michigan, states in his preface that this volume represents a course of lectures delivered for several years to large classes of students who were admitted “without prerequisite.” Doubtless for this reason the presentation of the subject matter is more or less popular, and in consequence somewhat dogmatic and superficial. Besides the phenomena of heredity proper, it deals with such topics as problems of population, immigration, and eugenics. Though by no means a poor book, it is rather mediocre and lacking in distinction. Probably it is better adapted to the audience for which it was planned than to an English one, but if it should help to stimulate interest in such matters it will have served a good purpose.Heredity.By Prof. A. Franklin Shull. (McGraw-Hill Publications in the Zoological Sciences.) Pp. xi + 287. (New York: McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc.; London: McGraw-Hill Publishing Co., Ltd., 1926.) 15s. net.

A. Wallace