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Sapozhnikov DM, Szyf M. Genetic confounds of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in mice. Epigenetics 2024; 19:2318519. [PMID: 38369744 PMCID: PMC10878023 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2024.2318519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in mammals remains a controversial phenomenon. A recent study by Takahashi et al. provides evidence for this mode of inheritance in mice by using a CRISPR/Cas9-based epigenetic editing technique to modify DNA methylation levels at specific promoters and then demonstrating the inheritance of the gain in methylation in offspring. In this technical commentary, we argue that the method used in the original study inherently amplifies the likelihood of genetic changes that thereafter lead to the heritability of epigenetic changes. We provide evidence that genetic changes from multiple sources do indeed occur in these experiments and explore several avenues by which these changes could be causal to the apparent inheritance of epigenetic changes. We conclude a genetic basis of inheritance cannot be ruled out and thus transgenerational epigenetic inheritance has not been adequately established by the original study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M. Sapozhnikov
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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2
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Rimondi A, Vanstreels RET, Olivera V, Donini A, Lauriente MM, Uhart MM. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses from Multispecies Outbreak, Argentina, August 2023. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:812-814. [PMID: 38413243 DOI: 10.3201/eid3004.231725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
We report full-genome characterization of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus from an outbreak among sea lions (August 2023) in Argentina and possible spillover to fur seals and terns. Mammalian adaptation mutations in virus isolated from marine mammals and a human in Chile were detected in mammalian and avian hosts.
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3
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Arruda B, Baker ALV, Buckley A, Anderson TK, Torchetti M, Bergeson NH, Killian ML, Lantz K. Divergent Pathogenesis and Transmission of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) in Swine. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:738-751. [PMID: 38478379 DOI: 10.3201/eid3004.231141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses have potential to cross species barriers and cause pandemics. Since 2022, HPAI A(H5N1) belonging to the goose/Guangdong 2.3.4.4b hemagglutinin phylogenetic clade have infected poultry, wild birds, and mammals across North America. Continued circulation in birds and infection of multiple mammalian species with strains possessing adaptation mutations increase the risk for infection and subsequent reassortment with influenza A viruses endemic in swine. We assessed the susceptibility of swine to avian and mammalian HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b strains using a pathogenesis and transmission model. All strains replicated in the lung of pigs and caused lesions consistent with influenza A infection. However, viral replication in the nasal cavity and transmission was only observed with mammalian isolates. Mammalian adaptation and reassortment may increase the risk for incursion and transmission of HPAI viruses in feral, backyard, or commercial swine.
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Kurogi K, Suiko M, Sakakibara Y. Evolution and multiple functions of sulfonation and cytosolic sulfotransferases across species. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2024; 88:368-380. [PMID: 38271594 DOI: 10.1093/bbb/zbae008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Organisms have conversion systems for sulfate ion to take advantage of the chemical features. The use of biologically converted sulfonucleotides varies in an evolutionary manner, with the universal use being that of sulfonate donors. Sulfotransferases have the ability to transfer the sulfonate group of 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate to a variety of molecules. Cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULTs) play a role in the metabolism of low-molecular-weight compounds in response to the host organism's living environment. This review will address the diverse functions of the SULT in evolution, including recent findings. In addition to the diversity of vertebrate sulfotransferases, the molecular aspects and recent studies on bacterial and plant sulfotransferases are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhisa Kurogi
- Department of Biochemistry and Applied Biosciences, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Masahito Suiko
- Department of Biochemistry and Applied Biosciences, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Yoichi Sakakibara
- Department of Biochemistry and Applied Biosciences, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
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5
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Ancillotto L, Amori G, Capizzi D, Cignini B, Zapparoli M, Mori E. No city for wetland species: habitat associations affect mammal persistence in urban areas. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20240079. [PMID: 38471547 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2024.0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The fast rate of replacement of natural areas by expanding cities is a key threat to wildlife worldwide. Many wild species occur in cities, yet little is known on the dynamics of urban wildlife assemblages due to species' extinction and colonization that may occur in response to the rapidly evolving conditions within urban areas. Namely, species' ability to spread within urban areas, besides habitat preferences, is likely to shape the fate of species once they occur in a city. Here we use a long-term dataset on mammals occurring in one of the largest and most ancient cities in Europe to assess whether and how spatial spread and association with specific habitats drive the probability of local extinction within cities. Our analysis included mammalian records dating between years 1832 and 2023, and revealed that local extinctions in urban areas are biased towards species associated with wetlands and that were naturally rare within the city. Besides highlighting the role of wetlands within urban areas for conserving wildlife, our work also highlights the importance of long-term biodiversity monitoring in highly dynamic habitats such as cities, as a key asset to better understand wildlife trends and thus foster more sustainable and biodiversity-friendly cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Ancillotto
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute for the Research on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), via della Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Amori
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute for the Research on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), via della Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Dario Capizzi
- Latium Region Directorate for Environment, Via di Campo Romano 65, 00173 Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Cignini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Marzio Zapparoli
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-food and Forest systems (DIBAF), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, via San Camillo de Lellis snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Emiliano Mori
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute for the Research on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), via della Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
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6
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Krasnov BR, Khokhlova IS, López Berrizbeitia MF, Matthee S, Sanchez JP, Shenbrot GI, van der Mescht L. Relationships between functional alpha and beta diversities of flea parasites and their small mammalian hosts. Parasitology 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38433581 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182024000283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
We studied the relationships between functional alpha and beta diversities of fleas and their small mammalian hosts in 4 biogeographic realms (the Afrotropics, the Nearctic, the Neotropics and the Palearctic), considering 3 components of alpha diversity (functional richness, divergence and regularity). We asked whether (a) flea alpha and beta diversities are driven by host alpha and beta diversities; (b) the variation in the off-host environment affects variation in flea alpha and beta diversities; and (c) the pattern of the relationship between flea and host alpha or beta diversities differs between geographic realms. We analysed alpha diversity using modified phylogenetic generalized least squares and beta diversity using modified phylogenetic generalized dissimilarity modelling. In all realms, flea functional richness and regularity increased with an increase in host functional richness and regularity, respectively, whereas flea functional divergence correlated positively with host functional divergence in the Nearctic only. Environmental effects on the components of flea alpha diversity were found only in the Holarctic realms. Host functional beta diversity was invariantly the best predictor of flea functional beta diversity in all realms, whereas the effects of environmental variables on flea functional beta diversity were much weaker and differed between realms. We conclude that flea functional diversity is mostly driven by host functional diversity, whereas the environmental effects on flea functional diversity vary (a) geographically and (b) between components of functional alpha diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris R Krasnov
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Swiss Institute for Dryland Environmental and Energy Research, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, 8499000 Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Irina S Khokhlova
- French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, 8499000 Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - M Fernanda López Berrizbeitia
- Programa de Conservación de los Murciélagos de Argentina (PCMA) and Instituto de Investigaciones de Biodiversidad Argentina (PIDBA)-CCT CONICET Noa Sur (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e IML, UNT, and Fundación Miguel Lillo, Miguel Lillo 251, 4000 San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Sonja Matthee
- Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Juliana P Sanchez
- Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires - CITNOBA (CONICET-UNNOBA), Ruta Provincial 32 Km 3.5, 2700 Pergamino, Argentina
| | - Georgy I Shenbrot
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Swiss Institute for Dryland Environmental and Energy Research, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, 8499000 Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Luther van der Mescht
- Clinvet International (Pty) Ltd, Universitas, Uitsig Road, Bloemfontein 9338, South Africa
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, 205 Nelson Mandela Dr, Park West, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa
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7
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Fröhlich E. Animals in Respiratory Research. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2903. [PMID: 38474149 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The respiratory barrier, a thin epithelial barrier that separates the interior of the human body from the environment, is easily damaged by toxicants, and chronic respiratory diseases are common. It also allows the permeation of drugs for topical treatment. Animal experimentation is used to train medical technicians, evaluate toxicants, and develop inhaled formulations. Species differences in the architecture of the respiratory tract explain why some species are better at predicting human toxicity than others. Some species are useful as disease models. This review describes the anatomical differences between the human and mammalian lungs and lists the characteristics of currently used mammalian models for the most relevant chronic respiratory diseases (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, and tuberculosis). The generation of animal models is not easy because they do not develop these diseases spontaneously. Mouse models are common, but other species are more appropriate for some diseases. Zebrafish and fruit flies can help study immunological aspects. It is expected that combinations of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo (mammalian and invertebrate) models will be used in the future for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonore Fröhlich
- Center for Medical Research, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Research Center Pharmaceutical Engineering GmbH, 8010 Graz, Austria
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8
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Güntürkün O, Pusch R, Rose J. Why birds are smart. Trends Cogn Sci 2024; 28:197-209. [PMID: 38097447 PMCID: PMC10940863 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Many cognitive neuroscientists believe that both a large brain and an isocortex are crucial for complex cognition. Yet corvids and parrots possess non-cortical brains of just 1-25 g, and these birds exhibit cognitive abilities comparable with those of great apes such as chimpanzees, which have brains of about 400 g. This opinion explores how this cognitive equivalence is possible. We propose four features that may be required for complex cognition: a large number of associative pallial neurons, a prefrontal cortex (PFC)-like area, a dense dopaminergic innervation of association areas, and dynamic neurophysiological fundaments for working memory. These four neural features have convergently evolved and may therefore represent 'hard to replace' mechanisms enabling complex cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onur Güntürkün
- Biopsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany; Research Center One Health Ruhr, Research Alliance Ruhr, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Roland Pusch
- Biopsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Jonas Rose
- Neural Basis of Learning, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
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9
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Dobson FS, Correia HE, Abebe A. How much multiple paternity should we expect? A study of birds and contrast with mammals. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11054. [PMID: 38435004 PMCID: PMC10905237 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Parentage analyses via molecular markers have revealed multiple paternity within the broods of polytocous species, reshaping our understanding of animal behavior, ecology, and evolution. In a meta-analysis of multiple paternity in bird and mammal species, we conducted a literature search and found 138 bird and 64 mammal populations with microsatellite DNA paternity results. Bird populations averaged 19.5% multiple paternity and mammals more than twice that level (46.1%). We used a Bayesian approach to construct a null model for how multiple paternity should behave at random among species, under the assumption that all mated males have equal likelihood of siring success, given mean brood size and mean number of sires. We compared the differences between the null model and the actual probabilities of multiple paternity. While a few bird populations fell close to the null model, most did not, averaging 34.0-percentage points below null model predictions; mammals had an average probability of multiple paternity 13.6-percentage points below the null model. Differences between bird and mammal species were also subjected to comparative phylogenetic analyses that generally confirmed our analyses that did not adjust for estimated historical relationships. Birds exhibited extremely low probabilities of multiple paternity, not only compared to mammals but also relative to other major animal taxa. The generally low probability of multiple paternity in birds might be produced by a variety of factors, including behaviors that reflect sexual selection (extreme mate guarding or unifocal female choice) and sperm competition (e.g., precedence effects favoring fertilization by early or late matings).
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Stephen Dobson
- Department of Biological SciencesAuburn UniversityAuburnAlabamaUSA
- Unité Mixte de Recherche 7178, Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien, Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueUniversité de StrasbourgStrasbourgFrance
| | - Hannah E. Correia
- Department of Environmental Health and EngineeringJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Ash Abebe
- Department of Mathematics and StatisticsAuburn UniversityAuburnAlabamaUSA
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Plaza PI, Gamarra-Toledo V, Euguí JR, Lambertucci SA. Recent Changes in Patterns of Mammal Infection with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Worldwide. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:444-452. [PMID: 38407173 PMCID: PMC10902543 DOI: 10.3201/eid3003.231098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
We reviewed information about mammals naturally infected by highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus subtype H5N1 during 2 periods: the current panzootic (2020-2023) and previous waves of infection (2003-2019). In the current panzootic, 26 countries have reported >48 mammal species infected by H5N1 virus; in some cases, the virus has affected thousands of individual animals. The geographic area and the number of species affected by the current event are considerably larger than in previous waves of infection. The most plausible source of mammal infection in both periods appears to be close contact with infected birds, including their ingestion. Some studies, especially in the current panzootic, suggest that mammal-to-mammal transmission might be responsible for some infections; some mutations found could help this avian pathogen replicate in mammals. H5N1 virus may be changing and adapting to infect mammals. Continuous surveillance is essential to mitigate the risk for a global pandemic.
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Tejada-Purizaca TR, Garcia-Chevesich PA, Ticona-Quea J, Martínez G, Martínez K, Morales-Paredes L, Romero-Mariscal G, Arenazas-Rodríguez A, Vanzin G, Sharp JO, McCray JE. Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation in Peruvian Food and Medicinal Products. Foods 2024; 13:762. [PMID: 38472875 DOI: 10.3390/foods13050762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
To better query regional sources of metal(loid) exposure in an under-communicated region, available scientific literature from 50 national universities (undergraduate and graduate theses and dissertations), peer-reviewed journals, and reports published in Spanish and English were synthesized with a focus on metal(loid) bioaccumulation in Peruvian food and medicinal products utilized locally. The study considered 16 metal(loid)s that are known to exert toxic impacts on humans (Hg, Al, Sb, As, Ba, Be, Cd, Cr, Sn, Ni, Ag, Pb, Se, Tl, Ti, and U). A total of 1907 individual analyses contained within 231 scientific publications largely conducted by Peruvian universities were analyzed. These analyses encompassed 239 reported species classified into five main food/medicinal groups-plants, fish, macroinvertebrates and mollusks, mammals, and "others" category. Our benchmark for comparison was the World Health Organization (Codex Alimentarius) standards. The organisms most frequently investigated included plants such as asparagus, corn, cacao, and rice; fish varieties like trout, tuna, and catfish; macroinvertebrates and mollusks including crab and shrimp; mammals such as alpaca, cow, chicken eggs, and milk; and other categories represented by propolis, honey, lichen, and edible frog. Bioaccumulation-related research increased from 2 to more than 25 publications per year between 2006 and 2022. The results indicate that Peruvian food and natural medicinal products can have dangerous levels of metal(loid)s, which can cause health problems for consumers. Many common and uncommon food/medicinal products and harmful metals identified in this analysis are not regulated on the WHO's advisory lists, suggesting the urgent need for stronger regulations to ensure public safety. In general, Cd and Pb are the metals that violated WHO standards the most, although commonly non-WHO regulated metals such as Hg, Al, As, Cr, and Ni are also a concern. Metal concentrations found in Peru are on many occasions much higher than what has been reported elsewhere. We conclude that determining the safety of food/medicinal products is challenging due to varying metal concentrations that are influenced not only by metal type but also geographical location. Given the scarcity of research findings in many regions of Peru, urgent attention is required to address this critical knowledge gap and implement effective regulatory measures to protect public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa R Tejada-Purizaca
- Facultad de Ingeniería de Procesos, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Arequipa 04001, Peru
| | - Pablo A Garcia-Chevesich
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA
- Intergubernamental Hydrological Programme, United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Montevideo 11200, Uruguay
| | - Juana Ticona-Quea
- Departamento Académico de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Formales, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Arequipa 04001, Peru
| | - Gisella Martínez
- Facultad de Geología, Geofísica y Minas, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Arequipa 04001, Peru
| | - Kattia Martínez
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Formales, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Arequipa 04001, Peru
| | - Lino Morales-Paredes
- Departamento Académico de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Formales, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Arequipa 04001, Peru
| | - Giuliana Romero-Mariscal
- Escuela de Ingeniería Ambiental, Facultad de Ingeniería de Procesos, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Arequipa 04001, Peru
| | - Armando Arenazas-Rodríguez
- Departamento Académico de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Arequipa 04001, Peru
| | - Gary Vanzin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - Jonathan O Sharp
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA
- Hydrologic Science and Engineering Program, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA
| | - John E McCray
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA
- Hydrologic Science and Engineering Program, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA
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Schenekar T, Baxter J, Phukuntsi MA, Sedlmayr I, Weckworth B, Mwale M. Optimizing waterborne eDNA capture from waterholes in savanna systems under remote field conditions. Mol Ecol Resour 2024:e13942. [PMID: 38390664 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is used for biodiversity assessments in a variety of ecosystems across the globe, whereby different eDNA concentration, preservation and extraction methods can outperform others depending on the sampling conditions and environment. Tropical and subtropical ecosystems in Africa are among the less studied systems concerning eDNA-based monitoring. Waterholes in arid parts of southern Africa represent important agglomeration points for terrestrial mammals, and the eDNA shed into such waterbodies provides a powerful source of information for monitoring mammalian biodiversity in the surrounding area. However, the applied methods for eDNA sampling, preservation and filtering in different freshwater systems vary greatly, and rigorous protocol testing in African freshwater systems is still lacking. This study represents the first attempt to examine variations in eDNA concentration, preservation and extraction methods under remote field conditions using waterborne eDNA in a savanna system. Collected samples were heavily affected by microalgal and bacterial growth, impeding eDNA capture and PCR success. We demonstrate clear effects of the methodological choices, which also depend on the state of eDNA. A preliminary metabarcoding run showed little taxonomic overlap in mammal species detection between two metabarcoding primers tested. We recommend water filtering (using filters with pore sizes >1 μm) over centrifugation for eDNA concentration, Longmire's solution for ambient temperature sample preservation and Qiagen's DNeasy PowerSoil Pro Kit for DNA extraction of these inhibitor-prone samples. Furthermore, at least two independent metabarcoding markers should be utilized in order to maximize species detections in metabarcoding studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janine Baxter
- South African National Biodiversity Institute, National Zoological Gardens, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Metlholo Andries Phukuntsi
- South African National Biodiversity Institute, National Zoological Gardens, Pretoria, South Africa
- South African Environmental Observation Network, Egagasini Node, South African Environmental Observation Network, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Monica Mwale
- South African National Biodiversity Institute, National Zoological Gardens, Pretoria, South Africa
- NRF-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda (Grahamstown), South Africa
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13
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Kuzmina IV, Tolpygo SM, Kotov AV, Shoibonov BB, Zamolodchikova TS, Ovchinnikova NV. Intestinal digestion in poultry compared to other animal species with a diverse diet. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1358524. [PMID: 38449787 PMCID: PMC10915087 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1358524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Irina V. Kuzmina
- Laboratory Physiology of Motivations, Federal State Budget Scientific Institution “P. K. Anokhin Research Institute of Normal Physiology”, Moscow, Russia
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14
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Martinez Q, Amson E, Laska M. Does the number of functional olfactory receptor genes predict olfactory sensitivity and discrimination performance in mammals? J Evol Biol 2024; 37:238-247. [PMID: 38297391 DOI: 10.1093/jeb/voae006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
The number of functional genes coding for olfactory receptors differs markedly between species and has repeatedly been suggested to be predictive of a species' olfactory capabilities. To test this assumption, we compiled a database of all published olfactory detection threshold values in mammals and used three sets of data on olfactory discrimination performance that employed the same structurally related monomolecular odour pairs with different mammal species. We extracted the number of functional olfactory receptor genes of the 20 mammal species for which we found data on olfactory sensitivity and/or olfactory discrimination performance from the Chordata Olfactory Receptor Database. We found that the overall olfactory detection thresholds significantly correlate with the number of functional olfactory receptor genes. Similarly, the overall proportion of successfully discriminated monomolecular odour pairs significantly correlates with the number of functional olfactory receptor genes. These results provide the first statistically robust evidence for the relationship between olfactory capabilities and their genomics correlates. However, when analysed individually, of the 44 monomolecular odourants for which data on olfactory sensitivity from at least five mammal species are available, only five yielded a significant correlation between olfactory detection thresholds and the number of functional olfactory receptors genes. Also, for the olfactory discrimination performance, no significant correlation was found for any of the 74 relationships between the proportion of successfully discriminated monomolecular odour pairs and the number of functional olfactory receptor genes. While only a rather limited amount of data on olfactory detection thresholds and olfactory discrimination scores in a rather limited number of mammal species is available so far, we conclude that the number of functional olfactory receptor genes may be a predictor of olfactory sensitivity and discrimination performance in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eli Amson
- Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
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15
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Balcázar L, Azócar-Aedo L, Barrera V, Meniconi G, Muñoz V, Valencia-Soto C. Detection of Antibodies for Pathogenic Leptospira in Wild Mammals and Birds from Southern Chile-First Record of Seropositivity in a Guiña ( Leopardus guigna). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:601. [PMID: 38396569 PMCID: PMC10886123 DOI: 10.3390/ani14040601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a neglected bacterial zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution that is present in different animal species. This epidemiological study determined the seroprevalence of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in animals at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Puerto Montt, southern Chile, by sampling 60 animals belonging to three classes (birds, mammals, and reptiles). Diagnosis was performed using the microscopic agglutination test with a panel of eight serovars and serogroups. The results showed that 15 animals had anti-Leptospira antibodies, obtaining a seroprevalence of 25.00%, with Leptospira borgpetersenii serogroup Tarassovi presenting reactivity in 13 of the seropositive animals. Among the classes of mammals, chilla foxes (Lycalopex griseus) and pudus (Pudu puda) were seropositive. A guiña (Leopardus guigna) was also seropositive, which was described for the first time in mammals. Among the classes of birds, choroy parrots (Enicognathus leptorhynchus), bandurrias (Theristicus melanopis), and Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) were seropositive. Routine examinations to diagnose leptospirosis, perform epidemiological surveillance, and apply prevention and control measures are necessary, and additional research focusing on the One Health approach to explore the epidemiological role of different wild animal species in the maintenance and transmission of leptospirosis at the local and global levels are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Balcázar
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, Universidad San Sebastián Sede de la Patagonia, Puerto Montt 5480000, Chile
| | - Lucía Azócar-Aedo
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, Universidad San Sebastián Sede de la Patagonia, Puerto Montt 5480000, Chile
| | - Violeta Barrera
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, Universidad San Sebastián Sede de la Patagonia, Puerto Montt 5480000, Chile
| | - Gloria Meniconi
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, Universidad San Sebastián Sede de la Patagonia, Puerto Montt 5480000, Chile
| | - Victoria Muñoz
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, Universidad San Sebastián Sede de la Patagonia, Puerto Montt 5480000, Chile
| | - Carola Valencia-Soto
- Parque Nacional Puyehue, Corporación Nacional Forestal (CONAF), Ruta 215, Puyehue 5360000, Chile
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Vukojević K, Šoljić V, Martinović V, Raguž F, Filipović N. The Ubiquitin-Associated and SH3 Domain-Containing Proteins (UBASH3) Family in Mammalian Development and Immune Response. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1932. [PMID: 38339213 PMCID: PMC10855836 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
UBASH3A and UBASH3B are protein families of atypical protein tyrosine phosphatases that function as regulators of various cellular processes during mammalian development. As UBASH3A has only mild phosphatase activity, its regulatory effects are based on the phosphatase-independent mechanisms. On the contrary, UBASH3B has strong phosphatase activity, and the suppression of its receptor signalling is mediated by Syk and Zap-70 kinases. The regulatory functions of UBASH3A and UBASH3B are particularly evident in the lymphoid tissues and kidney development. These tyrosine phosphatases are also known to play key roles in autoimmunity and neoplasms. However, their involvement in mammalian development and its regulatory functions are largely unknown and are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Vukojević
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia;
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Center for Translational Research in Biomedicine, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Violeta Šoljić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Vlatka Martinović
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Fila Raguž
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Natalija Filipović
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia;
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Center for Translational Research in Biomedicine, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
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Račka K, Bártová E, Hamidović A, Plault N, Kočišová A, Camacho G, Mercier A, Halajian A. First detection of Toxoplasma gondii Africa 4 lineage in a population of carnivores from South Africa. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1274577. [PMID: 38352059 PMCID: PMC10861644 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1274577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction There have only been a few molecular studies conducted on the detection of T. gondii in tissues of carnivores in South Africa, with no data on the genetic diversity of this parasite. That is why the aim of this study was to detect and genotype T. gondii DNA in tissues of selected wild and domestic carnivores in South Africa. Methods Samples were collected from 80 animals of 20 species (mainly road-killed) in the four provinces of Limpopo (n=57), Mpumalanga (n=21), Gauteng (n=1) and Free State (n=1) during the period 2014-2018. Samples of brain (n=31), heart (n=4), liver (n=40), spleen (n=2) and lung (n=3) were used to detect T. gondii by real-time PCR targeting a 529 bp repeating fragment of T. gondii DNA. Samples that were positive in real-time PCR were genotyped using 15 microsatellite markers. Results T. gondii DNA was detected in 4 (5 %) samples: in the brain from a Black-backed Jackal (Canis mesomelas), in the liver from a African Wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica) and in the liver and heart of two Rusty-spotted Genets (Genetta maculata) respectively. The DNA sample from Black-backed Jackal was genotyped and characterized as belonging to the type Africa 4 lineage (equivalent to RFLP genotype ToxoDB#20), that is a widespread lineage in Africa. Discussion This is the first genetic characterization of T. gondii isolated from a wild carnivore on the African continent and the first report of T. gondii in Black-backed Jackal. The Africa 4 lineage was also confirmed in the region of Southern Africa for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Račka
- Department of Epizootology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Eva Bártová
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Azra Hamidović
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidémiologie des Maladies Chroniques en zone Tropicale, Institut d’Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, OmegaHealth, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Nicolas Plault
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidémiologie des Maladies Chroniques en zone Tropicale, Institut d’Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, OmegaHealth, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Alica Kočišová
- Department of Epizootology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Gerrie Camacho
- Department of Scientific Services, Mpumalanga Tourism & Parks Agency (MTPA), Nelspruit, South Africa
| | - Aurelién Mercier
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidémiologie des Maladies Chroniques en zone Tropicale, Institut d’Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, OmegaHealth, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Ali Halajian
- Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
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Udroiu I. A Simplified Method for Calculating Surface Area of Mammalian Erythrocytes. Methods Protoc 2024; 7:11. [PMID: 38392685 PMCID: PMC10891711 DOI: 10.3390/mps7010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of the geometric quantities of the erythrocyte is useful in several physiological studies, both for zoologists and veterinarians. While the diameter and volume (MCV) are easily obtained from observations of blood smears and complete blood count, respectively, the thickness and surface area are instead much more difficult to measure. The precise description of the erythrocyte geometry is given by the equation of the oval of Cassini, but the formulas deriving from it are very complex, comprising elliptic integrals. In this article, three solids are proposed as models approximating the erythrocyte: sphere, cylinder and a spheroid with concave caps. The volumes and surface areas obtained with these models are compared to those effectively measured. The spheroid with concave caps gives the best approximation and can be used as a simple model to determine the erythrocyte surface area. With this model, a simple method that allows one to estimate the surface area by knowing only the diameter and MCV is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion Udroiu
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università degli Studi "Roma Tre", 00146 Rome, Italy
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19
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Sotomayor-Lugo F, Iglesias-Barrameda N, Castillo-Aleman YM, Casado-Hernandez I, Villegas-Valverde CA, Bencomo-Hernandez AA, Ventura-Carmenate Y, Rivero-Jimenez RA. The Dynamics of Histone Modifications during Mammalian Zygotic Genome Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1459. [PMID: 38338738 PMCID: PMC10855761 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization initiates the reprogramming of oocytes and sperm, forming a totipotent zygote. During this intricate process, the zygotic genome undergoes a maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT) and subsequent zygotic genome activation (ZGA), marking the initiation of transcriptional control and gene expression post-fertilization. Histone modifications are pivotal in shaping cellular identity and gene expression in many mammals. Recent advances in chromatin analysis have enabled detailed explorations of histone modifications during ZGA. This review delves into conserved and unique regulatory strategies, providing essential insights into the dynamic changes in histone modifications and their variants during ZGA in mammals. The objective is to explore recent advancements in leading mechanisms related to histone modifications governing this embryonic development phase in depth. These considerations will be useful for informing future therapeutic approaches that target epigenetic regulation in diverse biological contexts. It will also contribute to the extensive areas of evolutionary and developmental biology and possibly lay the foundation for future research and discussion on this seminal topic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rene Antonio Rivero-Jimenez
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 4600, United Arab Emirates; (F.S.-L.); (N.I.-B.); (Y.M.C.-A.); (I.C.-H.); (C.A.V.-V.); (A.A.B.-H.); (Y.V.-C.)
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20
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Enkler L, Spang A. Functional interplay of lipid droplets and mitochondria. FEBS Lett 2024. [PMID: 38268392 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Our body stores energy mostly in form of fatty acids (FAs) in lipid droplets (LDs). From there the FAs can be mobilized and transferred to peroxisomes and mitochondria. This transfer is dependent on close opposition of LDs and mitochondria and peroxisomes and happens at membrane contact sites. However, the composition and the dynamics of these contact sites is not well understood, which is in part due to the dependence on the metabolic state of the cell and on the cell- and tissue-type. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the contacts between lipid droplets and mitochondria both in mammals and in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in which various contact sites are well studied. We discuss possible functions of the contact site and their implication in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne Spang
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland
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21
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Peterman WE. One metric or many? Refining the analytical framework of landscape resistance estimation in individual-based landscape genetic analyses. Mol Ecol Resour 2024; 24:e13876. [PMID: 37819681 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
One of the allures of landscape genetics is the ability to leverage pairwise genetic distance metrics to infer how landscape features promote or constrain gene flow (i.e. landscape resistance surfaces). Critically, properly parameterized landscape resistance surfaces are foundational to applied conservation and management decisions. As such, there has been considerable effort expended assessing methods and metrics to estimate landscape resistance from genetic data (Balkenhol et al., Ecography, 32, 2009, 818; Peterman et al., Landsc. Ecol., 34, 2019, 2197; Shirk et al., Mol. Ecol. Resour., 17, 2017, 1308; Shirk et al., Mol. Ecol. Resour., 18, 2018, 55). Nonetheless, a primary challenge to assessing the effects of landscapes on gene flow is in the estimation of landscape resistance values, and this problem becomes increasingly challenging as more landscape features or land cover classes are considered. It quickly becomes infeasible to adequately assess the potential parameter space through manual or systematic assignment of resistance values. The development of ResistanceGA (Peterman, Methods Ecol. Evol., 9, 2018, 1638) provided a framework for using genetic algorithms to optimize landscape resistance values and identify the best statistical relationship between pairwise effective distances and genetic distances. ResistanceGA has seen extensive use in both population- and individual-based landscape genetic analyses. However, there has been relatively limited assessment of ResistanceGA's ability to identify the landscape features affecting gene flow (but see Peterman et al., Landsc. Ecol., 34, 2019, 2197; Winiarski et al., Mol. Ecol. Resour., 20, 2020, 1583) or the sensitivity of ResistanceGA results to the choice of genetic distance metric used. In the current issue of Molecular Ecology Resources, Beninde et al. (2023) aim to address these knowledge gaps by examining the impact of individual-based genetic distance measures on landscape genetic inference.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E Peterman
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Wada N, Ushiroda S, Satoh R, Sakurai M, Kawada S, Luziga C, Ichikawa H. Allometric scaling of skin weight and thickness to body weight in relation to taxonomic orders and habitats in mammals. Anat Histol Embryol 2024; 53:e12967. [PMID: 37767821 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Skin is the largest organ in a mammal body, and it exhibits most significant range of adaptations to different habitats. It is a complex, biological composite structure, consisting of epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissues and is used for the therapeutic application of medical devices to improve healthcare. Extensive studies have been performed on the roles of the skin; however, little is known on its physiological characteristics in relation to body size among different species. The purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate the allometric scaling of skin weight (SW) and thickness (ST) to body weight (BW) in relation to genetics and habitats. Also analysed the relationship of BW to thicknesses of epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissues. This study used 249 adult animals of both sexes, belonging to 144 species, clustered in 18 taxonomic orders and five types of habitats. The animals were obtained from various sources in Japan. SW and BW were weighed, and ST was measured using a calliper followed by data analysis. Results showed that SW and ST were related to BW [log SW = 0.969 × logBW - 0636, adjust. R2 : 0.975]. The BW increased with increasing skin dermal thickness (y = 0.3916x + 1.5253, adjust. R2 : 0.6921), slightly with epidermal thickness (y = 0.2495x + 0.3984, adjust. R2 : 0.3402), but not all with the thickness of subcutaneous tissues (y = 0.1454x + 2.2437, adjust. R2 : 0.0752). The ratio of SW to BW (SW/BW) distributed over a large range from 0.06 to 0.64 values and varied among animal taxonomic orders and their dwelling habitats. Close relationship of BW to SW/BW was observed in species weighing ≥200 g but not in species weighing <200 g. In conclusion, SW and ST in mammals are determined by BW. The SW/BW varies based on BW, taxonomic orders and habitat and is large in small mammals weighing ≥200 g to provide a mechanism used for survival strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Wada
- Department of Animal System Physiology, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Saki Ushiroda
- Department of Animal System Physiology, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Ran Satoh
- Department of Animal System Physiology, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Masashi Sakurai
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | | | - Claudius Luziga
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Pathology, College of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
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Ubah SA, Abalaka SE, Asibor VC, Ogundana EK, Iyojo IJ, Agbonu OA, Columbus PK, Abah KO, Obudu CE, Isaac OA, Ezinwo PA. Gonadotropic Activity of Pituitary Extract of African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus, in Mammals using Immature Wistar Rats as Models. Recent Pat Biotechnol 2024; 18:84-92. [PMID: 38205775 DOI: 10.2174/1872208317666230313153832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pituitary glands normally produce and stores gonadotropic hormones (GnH) that are responsible for ovulation and spermiation in animals. However, whether fish pituitary extracts can elicit same effects in treated animals need elucidation as a prelude to their practical usage in animals. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the oestrus-inducing potential of the pituitary gland extract of the Africa Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in immature Wistar rats. METHODS The experiment involved the use of 18 immature female Wistar rats and 10 male catfish brood stocks with the use of six Wistar rats per groups as follows: Group A had human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment. Group B had only normal saline treatment as the control whereas Group C had the C. gariepinus pituitary extract administration to induce oestrus with treatments occurring twice six hours apart in each group. RESULTS There was an obvious expression of visible signs of heat and the presence of uterine horn oedema with significant (p < 0.05) increase in reproductive tract weight and uterine width and length. However, only progesterone levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the hCG and the C. gariepinus pituitary extract treated groups compared to other assayed hormones. CONCLUSION These results showed that C. gariepinus pituitary extract has the capacity to induce oestrus in Wistar rats because of its gonadotropic effects, which needs further investigations at higher doses and for longer exposure periods for possible oestrus induction and synchronization in higher mammals. Further favourable results could herald the possible patent of the catfish pituitary extract for either experimental or commercial use in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Azubuike Ubah
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Samson Eneojo Abalaka
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Victory Clara Asibor
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Itodo Joy Iyojo
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University of Lafia, Lafia, Nigeria
| | - Oluwa Adikpe Agbonu
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Kenneth Owoicho Abah
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Christopher Ese Obudu
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Oluwatobi Akefe Isaac
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Prisca Adaoma Ezinwo
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
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Liu X, Chen M, Qu X, Liu W, Dou Y, Liu Q, Shi D, Jiang M, Li H. Cis-Regulatory Elements in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:343. [PMID: 38203513 PMCID: PMC10779164 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In cis-regulatory elements, enhancers and promoters with complex molecular interactions are used to coordinate gene transcription through physical proximity and chemical modifications. These processes subsequently influence the phenotypic characteristics of an organism. An in-depth exploration of enhancers and promoters can substantially enhance our understanding of gene regulatory networks, shedding new light on mammalian development, evolution and disease pathways. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the intrinsic structural attributes, detection methodologies as well as the operational mechanisms of enhancers and promoters, coupled with the relevant novel and innovative investigative techniques used to explore their actions. We further elucidated the state-of-the-art research on the roles of enhancers and promoters in the realms of mammalian development, evolution and disease, and we conclude with forward-looking insights into prospective research avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mingsheng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Hui Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
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Larriva-Sahd J, Sanchez-Quinteiro P. Editorial: Interactions between the mammalian main and accessory olfactory systems, volume II. Front Neuroanat 2023; 17:1343648. [PMID: 38169707 PMCID: PMC10758488 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2023.1343648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Larriva-Sahd
- Institute of Neurobiology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Pablo Sanchez-Quinteiro
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
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Akizawa H, Lopes EM, Fissore RA. Zn 2+ is essential for Ca 2+ oscillations in mouse eggs. eLife 2023; 12:RP88082. [PMID: 38099643 PMCID: PMC10723796 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in the intracellular concentration of free calcium (Ca2+) underpin egg activation and initiation of development in animals and plants. In mammals, the Ca2+ release is periodical, known as Ca2+ oscillations, and mediated by the type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R1). Another divalent cation, zinc (Zn2+), increases exponentially during oocyte maturation and is vital for meiotic transitions, arrests, and polyspermy prevention. It is unknown if these pivotal cations interplay during fertilization. Here, using mouse eggs, we showed that basal concentrations of labile Zn2+ are indispensable for sperm-initiated Ca2+ oscillations because Zn2+-deficient conditions induced by cell-permeable chelators abrogated Ca2+ responses evoked by fertilization and other physiological and pharmacological agonists. We also found that chemically or genetically generated eggs with lower levels of labile Zn2+ displayed reduced IP3R1 sensitivity and diminished ER Ca2+ leak despite the stable content of the stores and IP3R1 mass. Resupplying Zn2+ restarted Ca2+ oscillations, but excessive Zn2+ prevented and terminated them, hindering IP3R1 responsiveness. The findings suggest that a window of Zn2+ concentrations is required for Ca2+ responses and IP3R1 function in eggs, ensuring optimal response to fertilization and egg activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Akizawa
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstUnited States
| | - Emily M Lopes
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstUnited States
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of MassachusettsAmherstUnited States
| | - Rafael A Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstUnited States
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Guo YM, Jiang X, Min J, Huang J, Huang XF, Ye L. Advances in the study of Müller glia reprogramming in mammals. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1305896. [PMID: 38155865 PMCID: PMC10752929 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1305896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Müller cells play an integral role in the development, maintenance, and photopic signal transmission of the retina. While lower vertebrate Müller cells can differentiate into various types of retinal neurons to support retinal repair following damage, there is limited neurogenic potential of mammalian Müller cells. Therefore, it is of great interest to harness the neurogenic potential of mammalian Müller cells to achieve self-repair of the retina. While multiple studies have endeavored to induce neuronal differentiation and proliferation of mammalian Müller cells under defined conditions, the efficiency and feasibility of these methods often fall short, rendering them inadequate for the requisites of retinal repair. As the mechanisms and methodologies of Müller cell reprogramming have been extensively explored, a summary of the reprogramming process of unlocking the neurogenic potential of Müller cells can provide insight into Müller cell fate development and facilitate their therapeutic use in retinal repair. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the progress in reprogramming mammalian Müller cells and discuss strategies for optimizing methods and enhancing efficiency based on the mechanisms of fate regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ming Guo
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi’an People’s Hospital (Xi’an Fourth Hospital), Affiliated People’s Hospital of Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xinyi Jiang
- Department of Neonatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jie Min
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi’an People’s Hospital (Xi’an Fourth Hospital), Affiliated People’s Hospital of Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Juan Huang
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi’an People’s Hospital (Xi’an Fourth Hospital), Affiliated People’s Hospital of Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiu-Feng Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lu Ye
- Shaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi’an People’s Hospital (Xi’an Fourth Hospital), Affiliated People’s Hospital of Northwest University, Xi’an, China
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28
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Garcês A, Pires I. European Wild Carnivores and Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria: A Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1725. [PMID: 38136759 PMCID: PMC10740848 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12121725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a global concern that affects not only human health but also the health of wildlife and the environment. Wildlife can serve as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and antibiotics in veterinary medicine and agriculture can contribute to the development of resistance in these populations. Several European carnivore species, such as wolves, foxes, otters, and bears, can be exposed to antibiotics by consuming contaminated food, water, or other resources in their habitats. These animals can also be indirectly exposed to antibiotics through interactions with domestic animals and human activities in their environment. Antibiotic resistance in wildlife can harm ecosystem health and also impact human health indirectly through various pathways, including zoonotic disease transmission. Moreover, the spread of resistant bacteria in wildlife can complicate conservation efforts, as it can threaten already endangered species. This review aims to describe the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wild carnivores in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Garcês
- Exotic and Wildlife Service from the Veterinary Hospital University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 4500-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, CITAB, Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pires
- Center of Animal and Veterinary Science CECAV University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 4500-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
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29
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Searing KB, Lomolino MV, Rozzi R. Melting climates shrink North American small mammals. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2310855120. [PMID: 38048453 PMCID: PMC10723146 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310855120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammals play important ecological roles in terrestrial ecosystems, with their particular niches and their impacts on energy flow and nutrient cycling being strongly influenced by one of their most fundamental traits-their body size. Body size influences nearly all of the physiological, behavioral, and ecological traits of mammals, and thus, shifts in body size often serve as key mechanisms of adaptation to variation in environmental conditions over space and time. Along with shifts in phenology and distributions, declining body size has been purported to be one of the three universal responses to anthropogenic climate change, yet few studies have been conducted at the spatial and temporal scales appropriate to test this claim. Here, we report that in response to warming of terrestrial ecosystems across North America over the past century, small mammals are decreasing in body size. We further estimate that by 2100 (when global temperatures may have risen some 2.5 to 5.5 °C since 1880), the total anthropogenic decline in body mass of these ecologically and economically important species may range from 10 to 21%. Such shifts in body size of the great multitudes of small mammal populations are, in turn, likely to have major impacts on the structural and functional diversity of terrestrial assemblages across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherina B. Searing
- Department of Biology, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY13210
| | - Mark V. Lomolino
- Department of Biology, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY13210
| | - Roberto Rozzi
- Zentralmagazin Naturwissenschaftlicher Sammlungen, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06108Halle (Saale), Germany
- Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz-Institut für Evolutions- und Biodiversitätsforschung, 10115Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103Leipzig, Germany
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30
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Gago H, Drechsler RM, Monrós JS. Evaluating Different Factors That Affect the Nesting Patterns of European and Algerian Hedgehogs in Urban and Suburban Environments. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3775. [PMID: 38136812 PMCID: PMC10740568 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Small undisturbed patches in urban environments serve as important refuges for wildlife, e.g., hedgehogs. However, the effects of urbanization on certain biological aspects, like nesting behavior, remain unknown. We captured and tracked the movement of 30 male hedgehogs of two co-existing species: Algerian and European hedgehogs. The study was carried out in Valencia (eastern Spain). We distinguished six macrohabitats and five subhabitats. We analyzed the proportions of the macro and subhabitats where nests were found to calculate a resource selection function and fit GLMs. Hedgehog nests tended to concentrate in areas with little human disturbance and were built in hedges or under bush-like vegetation. We did not find any significant differences between species or other considered groups. We noted that nests were distributed around hard-to-find suitable habitat patches. We even recorded a case of two males from both species simultaneously using one nest. Our results suggest that hedgehog conservation in urban environments can be improved by the correct management of forest patches by conserving bush-like vegetation and improving the connectivity between suitable patches with ecological corridors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Gago
- Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Universitat de València, C/Catedràtic José Beltrán Martínez, 2, 46980 Paterna, Spain; (R.M.D.); (J.S.M.)
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31
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Alkie TN, Cox S, Embury-Hyatt C, Stevens B, Pople N, Pybus MJ, Xu W, Hisanaga T, Suderman M, Koziuk J, Kruczkiewicz P, Nguyen HH, Fisher M, Lung O, Erdelyan CNG, Hochman O, Ojkic D, Yason C, Bravo-Araya M, Bourque L, Bollinger TK, Soos C, Giacinti J, Provencher J, Ogilvie S, Clark A, MacPhee R, Parsons GJ, Eaglesome H, Gilbert S, Saboraki K, Davis R, Jerao A, Ginn M, Jones MEB, Berhane Y. Characterization of neurotropic HPAI H5N1 viruses with novel genome constellations and mammalian adaptive mutations in free-living mesocarnivores in Canada. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2186608. [PMID: 36880345 PMCID: PMC10026807 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2186608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
The GsGd lineage (A/goose/Guangdong/1/1996) H5N1 virus was introduced to Canada in 2021/2022 through the Atlantic and East Asia-Australasia/Pacific flyways by migratory birds. This was followed by unprecedented outbreaks affecting domestic and wild birds, with spillover into other animals. Here, we report sporadic cases of H5N1 in 40 free-living mesocarnivore species such as red foxes, striped skunks, and mink in Canada. The clinical presentations of the disease in mesocarnivores were consistent with central nervous system infection. This was supported by the presence of microscopic lesions and the presence of abundant IAV antigen by immunohistochemistry. Some red foxes that survived clinical infection developed anti-H5N1 antibodies. Phylogenetically, the H5N1 viruses from the mesocarnivore species belonged to clade 2.3.4.4b and had four different genome constellation patterns. The first group of viruses had wholly Eurasian (EA) genome segments. The other three groups were reassortant viruses containing genome segments derived from both North American (NAm) and EA influenza A viruses. Almost 17 percent of the H5N1 viruses had mammalian adaptive mutations (E627 K, E627V and D701N) in the polymerase basic protein 2 (PB2) subunit of the RNA polymerase complex. Other mutations that may favour adaptation to mammalian hosts were also present in other internal gene segments. The detection of these critical mutations in a large number of mammals within short duration after virus introduction inevitably highlights the need for continually monitoring and assessing mammalian-origin H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses for adaptive mutations, which potentially can facilitate virus replication, horizontal transmission and posing pandemic risks for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamiru N Alkie
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Sherri Cox
- College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Carissa Embury-Hyatt
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Brian Stevens
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Guelph, Canada
| | - Neil Pople
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services, Manitoba Agriculture, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Margo J Pybus
- Fish and Wildlife, Alberta Environment and Parks, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Wanhong Xu
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Tamiko Hisanaga
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Matthew Suderman
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Janice Koziuk
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Peter Kruczkiewicz
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Hoang Hai Nguyen
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Mathew Fisher
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Oliver Lung
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Cassidy N G Erdelyan
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Orie Hochman
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Davor Ojkic
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Carmencita Yason
- Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada
| | | | - Laura Bourque
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Atlantic Region, Charlottetown, Canada
| | - Trent K Bollinger
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Catherine Soos
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Canada
| | | | | | - Sarah Ogilvie
- Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada
| | - Amanda Clark
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada
| | - Robyn MacPhee
- Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada
| | - Glen J Parsons
- Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, Kentville, Canada
| | | | - Sayrah Gilbert
- Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre, Île-des-Chênes, Canada
| | - Kelsey Saboraki
- Fish and Wildlife Branch, Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development, Gimli, Canada
| | - Richard Davis
- Fish and Wildlife Branch, Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development, Gimli, Canada
| | - Alexandra Jerao
- Office of the Chief Veterinarian, Manitoba Agriculture, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Matthew Ginn
- Prince Edward Island Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, Charlottetown, Canada
| | - Megan E B Jones
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Atlantic Region, Charlottetown, Canada
- Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, Kentville, Canada
| | - Yohannes Berhane
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, Canada
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
- Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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32
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Pacifici M, Cristiano A, Lumbierres M, Lucherini M, Mallon D, Meijaard E, Solari S, Tognelli MF, Belant JL, Butynski TM, Cronin D, d'Huart JP, Da Re D, de Jong YA, Dheer A, Fei L, Gallina S, Goodrich JM, Harihar A, Lopez Gonzalez CA, King SRB, Lewison RL, de Melo FR, Napolitano C, Rahman DA, Robinson PT, Robinson T, Rondinini C, Semiadi G, Strier K, Talebi M, Taylor WA, Thiel-Bender C, Ting N, Wiesel I. Drivers of habitat availability for terrestrial mammals: Unravelling the role of livestock, land conversion and intrinsic traits in the past 50 years. Glob Chang Biol 2023; 29:6900-6911. [PMID: 37804212 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
The global decline of terrestrial species is largely due to the degradation, loss and fragmentation of their habitats. The conversion of natural ecosystems for cropland, rangeland, forest products and human infrastructure are the primary causes of habitat deterioration. Due to the paucity of data on the past distribution of species and the scarcity of fine-scale habitat conversion maps, however, accurate assessment of the recent effects of habitat degradation, loss and fragmentation on the range of mammals has been near impossible. We aim to assess the proportions of available habitat within the lost and retained parts of mammals' distribution ranges, and to identify the drivers of habitat availability. We produced distribution maps for 475 terrestrial mammals for the range they occupied 50 years ago and compared them to current range maps. We then calculated the differences in the percentage of 'area of habitat' (habitat available to a species within its range) between the lost and retained range areas. Finally, we ran generalized linear mixed models to identify which variables were more influential in determining habitat availability in the lost and retained parts of the distribution ranges. We found that 59% of species had a lower proportion of available habitat in the lost range compared to the retained range, thus hypothesizing that habitat loss could have contributed to range declines. The most important factors negatively affecting habitat availability were the conversion of land to rangeland and high density of livestock. Significant intrinsic traits were those related to reproductive timing and output, habitat breadth and medium body size. Our findings emphasize the importance of implementing conservation strategies to mitigate the impacts caused by human activities on the habitats of mammals, and offer evidence indicating which species have the potential to reoccupy portions of their former range if other threats cease to occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Pacifici
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Cristiano
- Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Maria Lumbierres
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mauro Lucherini
- GECM (Grupo de Ecología comportamental de Mamíferos), INBIOSUR, CONICET-UNS, Dpto. de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, UNS, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | | | - Erik Meijaard
- Borneo Futures, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Sergio Solari
- Instituto de Biología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Jerrold L Belant
- SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Thomas M Butynski
- Eastern Africa Primate Diversity and Conservation Program, Nanyuki, Kenya
| | - Drew Cronin
- North Carolina Zoo, Asheboro, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Daniele Da Re
- Georges Lemaître Center for Earth and Climate Research, Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Yvonne A de Jong
- Eastern Africa Primate Diversity and Conservation Program, Nanyuki, Kenya
| | - Arjun Dheer
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Li Fei
- Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Hong Kong, China
| | | | | | - Abishek Harihar
- Panthera, New York, New York, USA
- Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Sarah R B King
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
- IUCN/SSC Equid Specialist Group, Arusha, Tanzania
| | | | - Fabiano R de Melo
- Departamento de Engenharia Florestal Avenida Purdue, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Constanza Napolitano
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Biodiversidad, Universidad de Los Lagos, Osorno, Chile
- Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB), Concepción, Chile
- Cape Horn International Center (CHIC), Puerto Williams, Chile
| | - Dede Aulia Rahman
- Department of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecotourism, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Kampus IPB Dramaga, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
- Primate Research Center, Institute of Research and Community Service, Kampus IPB Lodaya, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | | | - Timothy Robinson
- Animal Production and Health Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Rondinini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gono Semiadi
- Research Centre for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia
| | - Karen Strier
- Department of Anthropology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Mauricio Talebi
- Departamento de Ciências Ambientais, Programa de Pós Graduação Análise Ambiental Integrada, Campus Diadema, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Ingrid Wiesel
- Brown Hyena Research Project, Luderitz, Namibia
- University of Pretoria, Mammal Research Institute, Hatfield, South Africa
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Danil K, Colegrove KM, Delaney MA, Mena A, Stedman N, Wurster E. Systemic Erysipelas Outbreak among Free-Ranging Bottlenose Dolphins, San Diego, California, USA, 2022. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:2561-2563. [PMID: 37987589 PMCID: PMC10683814 DOI: 10.3201/eid2912.230811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We diagnosed fatal Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae sepsis in 3 stranded bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) during summer 2022, in San Diego, California, USA. The previously undetected disease in this relatively small, regional population of dolphins most likely indicates an environmental or biological change in the coastal ocean or organisms.
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34
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Ben Mocha Y, Scemama de Gialluly S, Griesser M, Markman S. What is cooperative breeding in mammals and birds? Removing definitional barriers for comparative research. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1845-1861. [PMID: 37332253 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Cooperative breeding (i.e. when alloparents care for the offspring of other group members) has been studied for nearly a century. Yet, inconsistent definitions of this breeding system still hamper comparative research. Here, we identify two major inconsistencies, discuss their consequences and propose a way forward. First, some researchers restrict the term 'cooperative breeding' to species with non-breeding alloparents. We show that such restrictive definitions lack distinct quantitative criteria to define non-breeding alloparents. This ambiguity, we argue, reflects the reproductive-sharing continuum among cooperatively breeding species. We therefore suggest that cooperative breeding should not be restricted to the few species with extreme reproductive skew and should be defined independent of the reproductive status of alloparents. Second, definitions rarely specify the type, extent and prevalence of alloparental care required to classify species as cooperative breeders. We thus analysed published data to propose qualitative and quantitative criteria for alloparental care. We conclude by proposing the following operational definition: cooperative breeding is a reproductive system where >5% of broods/litters in at least one population receive species-typical parental care and conspecifics provide proactive alloparental care that fulfils >5% of at least one type of the offspring's needs. This operational definition is designed to increase comparability across species and disciplines while allowing to study the intriguing phenomenon of cooperative breeding as a behaviour with multiple dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitzchak Ben Mocha
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
- Department of Biology and Environment, University of Haifa at Oranim, Tivon, 36006, Israel
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstrasse 10, Konstanz, 78457, Germany
- Center for the Advanced Study of Collective Behavior, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstrasse 10, Konstanz, 78457, Germany
| | | | - Michael Griesser
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstrasse 10, Konstanz, 78457, Germany
- Center for the Advanced Study of Collective Behavior, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstrasse 10, Konstanz, 78457, Germany
- Department of Collective Behaviour, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behaviour, Universitätsstrasse 10, Konstanz, 78457, Germany
| | - Shai Markman
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
- Department of Biology and Environment, University of Haifa at Oranim, Tivon, 36006, Israel
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35
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Osozawa S. Geologically calibrated mammalian tree and its correlation with global events, including the emergence of humans. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10827. [PMID: 38116126 PMCID: PMC10728886 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
A robust timetree for Mammalia was constructed using the time calibration function of BEAST v1.10.4 and MEGA 11. The analysis involved the application of times of the most recent common ancestors, including a total of 19 mammalian fossil calibration ages following Benton et al. (Palaeontologia Electronica, 2015, 1-106) for their minimum ages. Additionally, fossil calibration ages for Gorilla, Pan, and a geologic event calibration age for otters were incorporated. Using these calibration ages, I constructed a geologically calibrated tree that estimates the age of the Homo and Pan splitting to be 5.69 Ma. The tree carries several significant implications. First, after the initial rifting at 120 Ma, the Atlantic Ocean expanded by over 500 km around Chron 34 (84 Ma), and vicariant speciation between Afrotheria (Africa) and Xenarthra (South America) appears to have commenced around 70 Ma. Additionally, ordinal level differentiations began immediately following the K-Pg boundary (66.0 Ma), supporting previous hypothesis that mammalian radiation rapidly filled ecological niches left vacant by non-avian dinosaurs. I constructed a diagram depicting the relationship between base substitution rate and age using an additional function in BEAST v1.10.4. The diagram reveals an exponential increase in the base substitution rate approaching recent times. This increased base substitution rate during the Neogene period may have contributed to the expansion of biodiversity, including the extensive adaptive radiation that led to the evolution of Homo sapiens. One significant driving factor behind this radiation could be attributed to the emergence and proliferation of C4 grasses since 20 Ma. These grasses have played a role in increasing carbon fixation, reducing atmospheric CO2 concentration, inducing global cooling, and initiating Quaternary glacial-interglacial cycles, thereby causing significant climatic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soichi Osozawa
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Geology and PaleontologyTohoku UniversitySendaiJapan
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36
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Cazalis V, Santini L, Lucas PM, González-Suárez M, Hoffmann M, Benítez-López A, Pacifici M, Schipper AM, Böhm M, Zizka A, Clausnitzer V, Meyer C, Jung M, Butchart SHM, Cardoso P, Mancini G, Akçakaya HR, Young BE, Patoine G, Di Marco M. Prioritizing the reassessment of data-deficient species on the IUCN Red List. Conserv Biol 2023; 37:e14139. [PMID: 37394972 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite being central to the implementation of conservation policies, the usefulness of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species is hampered by the 14% of species classified as data-deficient (DD) because information to evaluate these species' extinction risk was lacking when they were last assessed or because assessors did not appropriately account for uncertainty. Robust methods are needed to identify which DD species are more likely to be reclassified in one of the data-sufficient IUCN Red List categories. We devised a reproducible method to help red-list assessors prioritize reassessment of DD species and tested it with 6887 DD species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, and Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies). For each DD species in these groups, we calculated its probability of being classified in a data-sufficient category if reassessed today from covariates measuring available knowledge (e.g., number of occurrence records or published articles available), knowledge proxies (e.g., remoteness of the range), and species characteristics (e.g., nocturnality); calculated change in such probability since last assessment from the increase in available knowledge (e.g., new occurrence records); and determined whether the species might qualify as threatened based on recent rate of habitat loss determined from global land-cover maps. We identified 1907 species with a probability of being reassessed in a data-sufficient category of >0.5; 624 species for which this probability increased by >0.25 since last assessment; and 77 species that could be reassessed as near threatened or threatened based on habitat loss. Combining these 3 elements, our results provided a list of species likely to be data-sufficient such that the comprehensiveness and representativeness of the IUCN Red List can be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Cazalis
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Luca Santini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Pablo M Lucas
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela González-Suárez
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | | | - Ana Benítez-López
- Integrative Ecology Group, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Michela Pacifici
- Global Mammal Assessment Programme, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Aafke M Schipper
- Department of Environmental Science, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES), Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Monika Böhm
- Global Center for Species Survival, Indianapolis Zoological Society, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Alexander Zizka
- Department of Biology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Carsten Meyer
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Geosciences and Geography, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Jung
- Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation Group, Biodiversity and Natural Resources Management Programme, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria
| | - Stuart H M Butchart
- BirdLife International, David Attenborough Building, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Pedro Cardoso
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe), Finnish Museum of Natural History Luomus, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Giordano Mancini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - H Reşit Akçakaya
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC), Gland, Switzerland
| | | | - Guillaume Patoine
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Moreno Di Marco
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
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37
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Cruz CD, Icochea ME, Espejo V, Troncos G, Castro-Sanguinetti GR, Schilling MA, Tinoco Y. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) from Wild Birds, Poultry, and Mammals, Peru. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:2572-2576. [PMID: 37987605 PMCID: PMC10683826 DOI: 10.3201/eid2912.230505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We identified highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus clade 2.3.4.4b in wild birds, poultry, and a lion in Peru during November 2022-February 2023 and markers associated with transmission adaptation and antiviral drug resistance. Continuous genomic surveillance is needed to inform public health measures and avoid mass animal deaths.
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38
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Concha-Velasco F, Aguirre E, Ortiz-Cam L, Quispe-Jihuallancca H, Bernable-Villasante L, Bascope R, Arizabal M, Vargas-Luna E, Espinoza-Culupú A, Mantari C, Lopez –Ingunza R. Rabies in chozna ' Potus flavus': a warning of a potential threat to public and animal health. Vet Q 2023; 43:1-6. [PMID: 37560894 PMCID: PMC10443979 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2023.2247453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
We reported an outbreak of wild rabies in Potus flavus (choznas), a carnivorous mammal associated with insectivorous bats in Kosñipata, Cusco, Peru, from February 2021 to October 2022. Eight human exposures were reported, with aggressive attacks resulting in injuries. The outbreak prompted a public health response and raised concerns about zoonotic diseases due to habitat fragmentation and urbanization. The study involved antigenic and genetic characterization of the virus in the affected animals, revealing similarities with variants in non-hematophagous bats. This outbreak marked the first time rabies had been reported in choznas in the region, highlighting the need for early intervention programs and wildlife protection. Pre-exposure rabies vaccinations were administered to residents, and community surveillance was established to control the outbreak. The study emphasizes the importance of continuous surveillance and education to prevent rabies transmission from choznas to humans and other animals, as their role as potential secondary transmitters of the virus warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Concha-Velasco
- Gerencia Regional de Salud, Cusco, Peru
- Universidad Continental, Cusco, Peru
- Universidad Nacional San Antonio Abad del Cusco, Cusco, Peru
| | | | - Lizzie Ortiz-Cam
- Servicio Nacional Forestal y de Fauna Silvestre (SERFOR), Lima, Peru
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39
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Jones ME, Sheard C. The macroevolutionary dynamics of mammalian sexual size dimorphism. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231211. [PMID: 37964522 PMCID: PMC10646455 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is a common phenomenon across the animal kingdom. Mammals are unusual in primarily displaying male-biased SSD, where males of a species are typically larger than females. The driving factors behind the evolution of this SSD have been much debated, with popular hypotheses invoking the influence of mating system and social organization via sexual selection, dietary niche divergence and broad-scale correlations with body size (Rensch's rule). Here, we investigate the macroevolutionary origins and maintenance of SSD among mammals, using phylogenetic general mixed linear models and a comprehensive global dataset to evaluate correlations of diet, body mass, seasonality, social organization and mating system with SSD type. We find that SSD as a whole is lost at a greater rate than it is gained, with female-biased SSD being particularly unstable. Non-monogamous mating systems, vertebrate prey consumption and temperature seasonality correlate with male-biased SSD, while polyandry correlates with female-biased SSD, and both types of SSD are positively correlated with body mass. This is in partial contrast to the predictions of Rensch's rule, which predicts that female-biased SSD would correlate negatively with body size. Taken together, our results highlight the importance of considering multiple ecological and social drivers when evaluating the macroevolutionary trajectory of sex differences in body size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Jones
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, 176 Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9QQ, UK
- Bristol Palaeobiology Group, School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Catherine Sheard
- Bristol Palaeobiology Group, School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Ave, Aberdeen, AB24 2TZ, UK
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40
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Lange EC, Griffin M, Fogel AS, Archie EA, Tung J, Alberts SC. Environmental, sex-specific and genetic determinants of infant social behaviour in a wild primate. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231597. [PMID: 37964524 PMCID: PMC10646456 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Affiliative social bonds are linked to fitness components in many social mammals. However, despite their importance, little is known about how the tendency to form social bonds develops in young animals, or if the timing of development is heritable and thus can evolve. Using four decades of longitudinal observational data from a wild baboon population, we assessed the environmental determinants of an important social developmental milestone in baboons-the age at which a young animal first grooms a conspecific-and we assessed how the rates at which offspring groom their mothers develops during the juvenile period. We found that grooming development differs between the sexes: female infants groom at an earlier age and reach equal rates of grooming with their mother earlier than males. We also found that age at first grooming for both sexes is weakly heritable (h2 = 0.043, 95% CI: 0.002-0.110). These results show that sex differences in grooming emerge at a young age; that strong, equitable social relationships between mothers and daughters begin very early in life; and that age at first grooming is heritable and therefore can be shaped by natural selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C. Lange
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, SUNY Oswego, Oswego, NY, USA
| | | | - Arielle S. Fogel
- University Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Archie
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Jenny Tung
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Population Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Primate Behavior and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Susan C. Alberts
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Population Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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41
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Mancini IAD, Levato R, Ksiezarczyk MM, Castilho MD, Chen M, van Rijen MHP, IJsseldijk LL, Kik M, van Weeren PR, Malda J. Microstructural differences in the osteochondral unit of terrestrial and aquatic mammals. eLife 2023; 12:e80936. [PMID: 38009703 PMCID: PMC10781421 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
During evolution, animals have returned from land to water, adapting with morphological modifications to life in an aquatic environment. We compared the osteochondral units of the humeral head of marine and terrestrial mammals across species spanning a wide range of body weights, focusing on microstructural organization and biomechanical performance. Aquatic mammals feature cartilage with essentially random collagen fiber configuration, lacking the depth-dependent, arcade-like organization characteristic of terrestrial mammalian species. They have a less stiff articular cartilage at equilibrium with a significantly lower peak modulus, and at the osteochondral interface do not have a calcified cartilage layer, displaying only a thin, highly porous subchondral bone plate. This totally different constitution of the osteochondral unit in aquatic mammals reflects that accommodation of loading is the primordial function of the osteochondral unit. Recognizing the crucial importance of the microarchitecture-function relationship is pivotal for understanding articular biology and, hence, for the development of durable functional regenerative approaches for treatment of joint damage, which are thus far lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina AD Mancini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtNetherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Utrecht, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtNetherlands
| | - Riccardo Levato
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtNetherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Utrecht, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtNetherlands
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Centre UtrechtUtrechtNetherlands
| | - Marlena M Ksiezarczyk
- Regenerative Medicine Utrecht, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtNetherlands
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Centre UtrechtUtrechtNetherlands
| | - Miguel Dias Castilho
- Regenerative Medicine Utrecht, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtNetherlands
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Centre UtrechtUtrechtNetherlands
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of TechnologyEindhovenNetherlands
| | - Michael Chen
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of AdelaideAdelaideAustralia
| | - Mattie HP van Rijen
- Regenerative Medicine Utrecht, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtNetherlands
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Centre UtrechtUtrechtNetherlands
| | - Lonneke L IJsseldijk
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtNetherlands
| | - Marja Kik
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtNetherlands
| | - P René van Weeren
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtNetherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Utrecht, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtNetherlands
| | - Jos Malda
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtNetherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Utrecht, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtNetherlands
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Centre UtrechtUtrechtNetherlands
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42
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Smith CH, Georges P, Nguyen N. The Systems Measurement of Mammalian Biotas, Part Two. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2193. [PMID: 38004333 PMCID: PMC10672127 DOI: 10.3390/life13112193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
For a recent publication, the authors identified a seven-region model of mammal family distribution patterns, in which each unit contributes equally to the system's overall statistical characteristics of diversity, despite its individual units having measurably different levels of diversity and endemism. This systemization presents a highly efficient descriptive model that can possibly be interpreted as a form of natural classification. An additional analysis of the same mode is described here, in which the seven-region model of the distribution of mammal families' spatial affinities is shown to closely approach a most-probable-state arrangement, as assessed through combinatorics, raising some important questions about how macroevolutionary patterns might self-organize spatially. One of the possible practical applications of the overall approach is to areal representation; statistical moments of the underlying world patterns can be used to characterize faunal statuses at any individual location by relating the latter to the former. Through this approach, classical concepts such as corridors, tracks, and transition zones might be re-examined in a manner that better lends itself to hypothesis testing. An arbitrarily chosen bounded area, the conterminous United States, is treated in this fashion by way of illustration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles H. Smith
- Western Kentucky University (Prof. Emeritus), Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA
| | - Patrick Georges
- Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada;
| | - Ngoc Nguyen
- Department of Mathematics, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA;
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43
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Abstract
A new computational tool provides insights into the structure of the cerebellum in mammals.
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44
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Akizawa H, Lopes E, Fissore RA. Zn 2+ is Essential for Ca 2+ Oscillations in Mouse Eggs. bioRxiv 2023:2023.04.13.536745. [PMID: 37131581 PMCID: PMC10153198 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.13.536745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Changes in the intracellular concentration of free calcium (Ca2+) underpin egg activation and initiation of development in animals and plants. In mammals, the Ca2+ release is periodical, known as Ca2+ oscillations, and mediated by the type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R1). Another divalent cation, zinc (Zn2+), increases exponentially during oocyte maturation and is vital for meiotic transitions, arrests, and polyspermy prevention. It is unknown if these pivotal cations interplay during fertilization. Here, using mouse eggs, we showed that basal concentrations of labile Zn2+ are indispensable for sperm-initiated Ca2+ oscillations because Zn2+-deficient conditions induced by cell-permeable chelators abrogated Ca2+ responses evoked by fertilization and other physiological and pharmacological agonists. We also found that chemically- or genetically generated eggs with lower levels of labile Zn2+ displayed reduced IP3R1 sensitivity and diminished ER Ca2+ leak despite the stable content of the stores and IP3R1 mass. Resupplying Zn2+ restarted Ca2+ oscillations, but excessive Zn2+ prevented and terminated them, hindering IP3R1 responsiveness. The findings suggest that a window of Zn2+ concentrations is required for Ca2+ responses and IP3R1 function in eggs, ensuring optimal response to fertilization and egg activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Akizawa
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, United States
| | - Emily Lopes
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, United States
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, United States
| | - Rafael A. Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, United States
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45
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Mabry ME, Fanelli A, Mavian C, Lorusso A, Manes C, Soltis PS, Capua I. The panzootic potential of SARS-CoV-2. Bioscience 2023; 73:814-829. [PMID: 38125826 PMCID: PMC10728779 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biad102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Each year, SARS-CoV-2 is infecting an increasingly unprecedented number of species. In the present article, we combine mammalian phylogeny with the genetic characteristics of isolates found in mammals to elaborate on the host-range potential of SARS-CoV-2. Infections in nonhuman mammals mirror those of contemporary viral strains circulating in humans, although, in certain species, extensive viral circulation has led to unique genetic signatures. As in other recent studies, we found that the conservation of the ACE2 receptor cannot be considered the sole major determinant of susceptibility. However, we are able to identify major clades and families as candidates for increased surveillance. On the basis of our findings, we argue that the use of the term panzootic could be a more appropriate term than pandemic to describe the ongoing scenario. This term better captures the magnitude of the SARS-CoV-2 host range and would hopefully inspire inclusive policy actions, including systematic screenings, that could better support the management of this worldwide event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makenzie E Mabry
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Angela Fanelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Carla Mavian
- Emerging Pathogens Institute and with the Department of Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Alessio Lorusso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Teramo, Italy
| | - Costanza Manes
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and with the One Health Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Pamela S Soltis
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Ilaria Capua
- One Health Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
- School of International Advanced Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Bologna, Italy
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46
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Gupta N, Soriano-Úbeda C, Stein P, Savy V, Papas BN, Ardestani G, Carvacho I, Alfandari D, Williams CJ, Fissore RA. Essential role of Mg 2+ in mouse preimplantation embryo development revealed by TRPM7 chanzyme-deficient gametes. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113232. [PMID: 37824328 PMCID: PMC10842026 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
TRPM7 (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 7) is a chanzyme with channel and kinase domains essential for embryo development. Using gamete-specific Trpm7-null lines, we report that TRPM7-mediated Mg2+ influx is indispensable for reaching the blastocyst stage. TRPM7 is expressed dynamically from gametes to blastocysts; displays stage-specific localization on the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus; and undergoes cleavage that produces C-terminal kinase fragments. TRPM7 underpins Mg2+ homeostasis, and excess Mg2+ but not Zn2+ or Ca2+ overcomes the arrest of Trpm7-null embryos; expressing Trpm7 mRNA restores development, but mutant versions fail or are partially rescued. Transcriptomic analyses of Trpm7-null embryos reveal an abundance of oxidative stress-pathway genes, confirmed by mitochondrial dysfunction, and a reduction in transcription factor networks essential for proliferation; Mg2+ supplementation corrects these defects. Hence, TRPM7 underpins Mg2+ homeostasis in preimplantation embryos, prevents oxidative stress, and promotes gene expression patterns necessary for developmental progression and cell-lineage specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Gupta
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Cristina Soriano-Úbeda
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery, and Anatomy, Veterinary School, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Paula Stein
- Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Virginia Savy
- Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Brian N Papas
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Goli Ardestani
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; Clinical Research Embryologist, Boston IVF, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Ingrid Carvacho
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Dominique Alfandari
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Carmen J Williams
- Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Rafael A Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
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47
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Zimmerman O, Zimmerman MI, Raju S, Nelson CA, Errico JM, Madden EA, Holmes AC, Hassan AO, VanBlargan LA, Kim AS, Adams LJ, Basore K, Whitener BM, Palakurty S, Davis-Adams HG, Sun C, Gilliland T, Earnest JT, Ma H, Ebel GD, Zmasek C, Scheuermann RH, Klimstra WB, Fremont DH, Diamond MS. Vertebrate-class-specific binding modes of the alphavirus receptor MXRA8. Cell 2023; 186:4818-4833.e25. [PMID: 37804831 PMCID: PMC10615782 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
MXRA8 is a receptor for chikungunya (CHIKV) and other arthritogenic alphaviruses with mammalian hosts. However, mammalian MXRA8 does not bind to alphaviruses that infect humans and have avian reservoirs. Here, we show that avian, but not mammalian, MXRA8 can act as a receptor for Sindbis, western equine encephalitis (WEEV), and related alphaviruses with avian reservoirs. Structural analysis of duck MXRA8 complexed with WEEV reveals an inverted binding mode compared with mammalian MXRA8 bound to CHIKV. Whereas both domains of mammalian MXRA8 bind CHIKV E1 and E2, only domain 1 of avian MXRA8 engages WEEV E1, and no appreciable contacts are made with WEEV E2. Using these results, we generated a chimeric avian-mammalian MXRA8 decoy-receptor that neutralizes infection of multiple alphaviruses from distinct antigenic groups in vitro and in vivo. Thus, different alphaviruses can bind MXRA8 encoded by different vertebrate classes with distinct engagement modes, which enables development of broad-spectrum inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ofer Zimmerman
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Maxwell I Zimmerman
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Saravanan Raju
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Christopher A Nelson
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - John M Errico
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Emily A Madden
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Autumn C Holmes
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Ahmed O Hassan
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Laura A VanBlargan
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Arthur S Kim
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Lucas J Adams
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Katherine Basore
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Bradley M Whitener
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Sathvik Palakurty
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Hannah G Davis-Adams
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Chengqun Sun
- Center for Vaccine Research, Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Theron Gilliland
- Center for Vaccine Research, Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - James T Earnest
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Hongming Ma
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Gregory D Ebel
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | | | - Richard H Scheuermann
- J. Craig Venter Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92161, USA; Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA; Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD 92037, USA
| | - William B Klimstra
- Center for Vaccine Research, Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Daved H Fremont
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Michael S Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Teullet S, Tilak MK, Magdeleine A, Schaub R, Weyer NM, Panaino W, Fuller A, Loughry WJ, Avenant NL, de Thoisy B, Borrel G, Delsuc F. Metagenomics uncovers dietary adaptations for chitin digestion in the gut microbiota of convergent myrmecophagous mammals. mSystems 2023; 8:e0038823. [PMID: 37650612 PMCID: PMC10654083 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00388-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Myrmecophagous mammals are specialized in the consumption of ants and/or termites. They do not share a direct common ancestor and evolved convergently in five distinct placental orders raising questions about the underlying adaptive mechanisms involved and the relative contribution of natural selection and phylogenetic constraints. Understanding how these species digest their prey can help answer these questions. More specifically, the role of their gut microbial symbionts in the digestion of the insect chitinous exoskeleton has not been investigated in all myrmecophagous orders. We generated 29 new gut metagenomes from nine myrmecophagous species to reconstruct more than 300 bacterial genomes in which we identified chitin-degrading enzymes. Studying the distribution of these chitinolytic bacteria among hosts revealed both shared and specific bacteria between ant-eating species. Overall, our results highlight the potential role of gut symbionts in the convergent dietary adaptation of myrmecophagous mammals and the evolutionary mechanisms shaping their gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Teullet
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution de Montpellier (ISEM), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Marie-Ka Tilak
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution de Montpellier (ISEM), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Amandine Magdeleine
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution de Montpellier (ISEM), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Roxane Schaub
- CIC AG/Inserm 1424, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne Andrée Rosemon, Cayenne, French Guiana, France
- Tropical Biome and immunopathology, Université de Guyane, Labex CEBA, DFR Santé, Cayenne, French Guiana, France
| | - Nora M. Weyer
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Wendy Panaino
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Centre for African Ecology, School of Animals, Plant, and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Andrea Fuller
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - W. J. Loughry
- Department of Biology, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nico L. Avenant
- National Museum and Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Benoit de Thoisy
- Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, Cayenne, French Guiana, France
- Kwata NGO, Cayenne, French Guiana, France
| | - Guillaume Borrel
- Evolutionary Biology of the Microbial Cell, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Delsuc
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution de Montpellier (ISEM), Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
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49
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Zipple MN, Archie EA, Tung J, Mututua RS, Warutere JK, Siodi IL, Altmann J, Alberts SC. Five Decades of Data Yield No Support for Adaptive Biasing of Offspring Sex Ratio in Wild Baboons ( Papio cynocephalus). Am Nat 2023; 202:383-398. [PMID: 37792922 DOI: 10.1086/725886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
AbstractOver the past 50 years, a wealth of testable, often conflicting hypotheses have been generated about the evolution of offspring sex ratio manipulation by mothers. Several of these hypotheses have received support in studies of invertebrates and some vertebrate taxa. However, their success in explaining sex ratios in mammalian taxa-especially in primates-has been mixed. Here, we assess the predictions of four different hypotheses about the evolution of biased offspring sex ratios in the baboons of the Amboseli basin in Kenya: the Trivers-Willard, female rank enhancement, local resource competition, and local resource enhancement hypotheses. Using the largest sample size ever analyzed in a primate population (n = 1,372 offspring), we test the predictions of each hypothesis. Overall, we find no support for adaptive biasing of sex ratios. Offspring sex is not consistently related to maternal dominance rank or biased toward the dispersing sex, nor is it predicted by group size, population growth rates, or their interaction with maternal rank. Because our sample size confers power to detect even subtle biases in sex ratio, including modulation by environmental heterogeneity, these results suggest that adaptive biasing of offspring sex does not occur in this population.
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50
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Liang Y, Hjulsager CK, Jensen TK, Hammer ASV, Ovesen MT, Larsen LE. Characterization of high pathogenicity avian influenza H5Nx viruses from a wild harbor seal and red foxes in Denmark, 2021 and 2022. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2023; 17:e13208. [PMID: 37850154 PMCID: PMC10577164 DOI: 10.1111/irv.13208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2021 and 2022, clade 2.3.4.4b H5Nx high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses were detected in one harbor seal and in one adult and three fox cubs in Denmark. The viruses were closely related to contemporary viruses found in Europe, and some had obtained amino acid substitutions related to mammalian adaptation. Notably, the virus distribution appeared to have been different in the infected fox cubs, as one exclusively tested positive for the presence of HPAIV in the brain and the other two only in the lung. Collectively, these findings stress the need for increased disease surveillance of wild and farmed mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liang
- Department of Veterinary and Animal SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenFrederiksbergDenmark
| | - Charlotte K. Hjulsager
- Department of Virus and Microbiological Special DiagnosticsStatens Serum InstitutCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Tim K. Jensen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenFrederiksbergDenmark
| | - Anne Sofie V. Hammer
- Department of Veterinary and Animal SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenFrederiksbergDenmark
| | - Maibritt T. Ovesen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenFrederiksbergDenmark
| | - Lars E. Larsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenFrederiksbergDenmark
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