Multimodal characterization of Yucatan minipig behavior and physiology through maturation

Home security cameras as a tool for behavior observations and science affordability

Reliably capturing transient animal behavior in the field and laboratory remains a logistical and financial challenge, especially for small ectotherms. Here, we present a camera system that is affordable, accessible, and suitable to monitor small, cold-blooded animals historically overlooked by commercial camera traps, such as small amphibians. The system is weather-resistant, can operate offline or online, and allows collection of time-sensitive behavioral data in laboratory and field conditions with continuous data storage for up to four weeks. The lightweight camera can also utilize phone notifications over Wi-Fi so that observers can be alerted when animals enter a space of interest, enabling sample collection at proper time periods. We present our findings, both technological and scientific, in an effort to elevate tools that enable researchers to maximize use of their research budgets. We discuss the relative affordability of our system for researchers in South America, home to the largest ectotherm diversity.

Analysis of production efficiency of cloned transgenic Yucatan miniature pigs according to recipient breeds with embryo transfer conditions

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficiency of the production of cloned transgenic Yucatan miniature pigs (YMPs) using two recipient breeds, i.e., YMPs and domestic pigs (DPs), under various embryo transfer conditions. We initially assessed the in vitro developmental competence of embryos obtained via somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) from three different transgenic donor cells. No difference was observed among the three groups regarding developmental competence. Furthermore, the cloning efficiency remained consistent among the three groups after the transfer of the SCNT embryos to each surrogate mother. Subsequently, to compare the efficiency of the production of cloned transgenic YMPs between the two recipient breeds using varying parameters, including ovulation status (preovulation and postovulation), duration of in vitro culture (IVC) (incubated within 24 h and 24-48 h), and the number of transferred SCNT embryos (less than and more than 300), we assessed the pregnancy rates, delivery rates, mean offspring counts, and cloning efficiency. Regarding the ovulation status, YMPs exhibited higher pregnancy rates, delivery rates, and cloning efficiency compared with DPs in both statuses. Moreover, the pregnancy rates, delivery rates, and cloning efficiency were affected by the ovulation status in DPs, but not in YMPs. The comparison of IVC duration between groups revealed that YMPs had higher pregnancy rates vs. DPs in both conditions. SCNT embryos cultured for 24-48 h in YMPs yielded higher delivery rates and cloning efficiency compared with those cultured for less than 24 h in DPs. Finally, the analysis based on the number of transferred SCNT embryos showed that both the pregnancy and delivery rates were higher in YMPs vs. DPs. However, the highest average number of offspring was obtained when more than 300 SCNT embryos were transferred into DPs, whereas the cloning efficiency was higher in YMPs vs. DPs. Our results suggest that YMPs are more suitable recipients than are DPs under various conditions for the production of cloned transgenic YMPs.

Porcine Models of Neurotrauma and Neurological Disorders

The translation of therapeutics from lab to clinic has a dismal record in the fields of neurotrauma and neurological disorders [...].

Mechanical stiffness and anisotropy measured by MRE during brain development in the minipig

The relationship between brain development and mechanical properties of brain tissue is important, but remains incompletely understood, in part due to the challenges in measuring these properties longitudinally over time. In addition, white matter, which is composed of aligned, myelinated, axonal fibers, may be mechanically anisotropic. Here we use data from magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to estimate anisotropic mechanical properties in six female Yucatan minipigs at ages from 3 to 6 months. Fiber direction was estimated from the principal axis of the diffusion tensor in each voxel. Harmonic shear waves in the brain were excited by three different configurations of a jaw actuator and measured using a motion-sensitive MR imaging sequence. Anisotropic mechanical properties are estimated from displacement field and fiber direction data with a finite element- based, transversely-isotropic nonlinear inversion (TI-NLI) algorithm. TI-NLI finds spatially resolved TI material properties that minimize the error between measured and simulated displacement fields. Maps of anisotropic mechanical properties in the minipig brain were generated for each animal at all four ages. These maps show that white matter is more dissipative and anisotropic than gray matter, and reveal significant effects of brain development on brain stiffness and structural anisotropy. Changes in brain mechanical properties may be a fundamental biophysical signature of brain development.

The Pig as a Translational Animal Model for Biobehavioral and Neurotrauma Research

In recent decades, the pig has attracted considerable attention as an important intermediary model animal in translational biobehavioral research due to major similarities between pig and human neuroanatomy, physiology, and behavior. As a result, there is growing interest in using pigs to model many human neurological conditions and injuries. Pigs are highly intelligent and are capable of performing a wide range of behaviors, which can provide valuable insight into the effects of various neurological disease states. One area in which the pig has emerged as a particularly relevant model species is in the realm of neurotrauma research. Indeed, the number of investigators developing injury models and assessing treatment options in pigs is ever-expanding. In this review, we examine the use of pigs for cognitive and behavioral research as well as some commonly used physiological assessment methods. We also discuss the current usage of pigs as a model for the study of traumatic brain injury. We conclude that the pig is a valuable animal species for studying cognition and the physiological effect of disease, and it has the potential to contribute to the development of new treatments and therapies for human neurological and psychiatric disorders.