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Regney M, Kraberger S, Custer JM, Crane AE, Shero MR, Beltran RS, Kirkham AL, Van Doorslaer K, Stone AC, Goebel ME, Burns JM, Varsani A. Diverse papillomaviruses identified from Antarctic fur seals, leopard seals and Weddell seals from the Antarctic. Virology 2024; 594:110064. [PMID: 38522135 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110064] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Papillomaviruses (family Papillomaviridae) are non-enveloped, circular, double-stranded DNA viruses known to infect squamous and mucosal epithelial cells. In the family Papillomaviridae there are 53 genera and 133 viral species whose members infect a variety of mammalian, avian, reptilian, and fish species. Within the Antarctic context, papillomaviruses (PVs) have been identified in Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae, 2 PVs), Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii, 7 PVs), and emerald notothen (Trematomus bernacchii, 1 PV) in McMurdo Sound and Ross Island in eastern Antarctica. Here we identified 13 diverse PVs from buccal swabs of Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella, 2 PVs) and leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx, 3 PVs) in western Antarctica (Antarctic Peninsula), and vaginal and nasal swabs of Weddell seals (8 PVs) in McMurdo Sound. These PV genomes group into four genera representing 11 new papillomavirus types, of which five are from two Antarctic fur seals and a leopard seal and six from Weddell seals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Regney
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, United States; The Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, United States
| | - Simona Kraberger
- The Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, United States; Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, United States
| | - Joy M Custer
- The Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, United States; Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, United States
| | - Adele E Crane
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, United States
| | - Michelle R Shero
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Rd, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, United States
| | - Roxanne S Beltran
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, 130 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
| | - Amy L Kirkham
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Mammals Management, 1011 E. Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK, 99503, United States
| | - Koenraad Van Doorslaer
- Department of Immunobiology, UA Cancer Center, The BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, United States
| | - Anne C Stone
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, United States; School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, United States
| | - Michael E Goebel
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
| | - Jennifer M Burns
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409, United States
| | - Arvind Varsani
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, United States; The Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, United States; Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, United States; Structural Biology Research Unit, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa.
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Beltran RS, Lozano RR, Morris PA, Robinson PW, Holser RR, Keates TR, Favilla AB, Kilpatrick AM, Costa DP. Individual variation in life-history timing: synchronous presence, asynchronous events and phenological compensation in a wild mammal. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20232335. [PMID: 38628129 PMCID: PMC11021928 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2335] [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: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Many animals and plants have species-typical annual cycles, but individuals vary in their timing of life-history events. Individual variation in fur replacement (moult) timing is poorly understood in mammals due to the challenge of repeated observations and longitudinal sampling. We examined factors that influence variation in moult duration and timing among elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris). We quantified the onset and progression of fur loss in 1178 individuals. We found that an exceptionally rapid visible moult (7 days, the shortest of any mammals or birds), and a wide range of moult start dates (spanning 6-10× the event duration) facilitated high asynchrony across individuals (only 20% of individuals in the population moulting at the same time). Some of the variation was due to reproductive state, as reproductively mature females that skipped a breeding season moulted a week earlier than reproductive females. Moreover, individual variation in timing and duration within age-sex categories far outweighed (76-80%) variation among age-sex categories. Individuals arriving at the end of the moult season spent 50% less time on the beach, which allowed them to catch up in their annual cycles and reduce population-level variance during breeding. These findings underscore the importance of individual variation in annual cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne S. Beltran
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Raquel R. Lozano
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Patricia A. Morris
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Patrick W. Robinson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Rachel R. Holser
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Theresa R. Keates
- Department of Ocean Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Arina B. Favilla
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - A. Marm Kilpatrick
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Daniel P. Costa
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
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Cebuhar JD, Negrete J, Rodríguez Pirani LS, Picone AL, Proietti M, Romano RM, Della Védova CO, Casaux R, Secchi ER, Botta S. Anthropogenic debris in three sympatric seal species of the Western Antarctic Peninsula. Sci Total Environ 2024; 922:171273. [PMID: 38408675 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171273] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Litter pollution is a growing concern, including for Antarctica and the species that inhabit this ecosystem. In this study, we investigated the microplastic contamination in three seal species that inhabit the Western Antarctic Peninsula: crabeater (Lobodon carcinophaga), leopard (Hydrurga leptonyx) and Weddell (Leptonychotes weddellii) seals. Given the worldwide ubiquity of this type of contaminant, including the Southern Ocean, we hypothesized that the three seal species would present anthropogenic debris in their feces. We examined 29 scat samples of crabeater (n = 5), leopard (n = 13) and Weddell (n = 11) seals. The chemical composition of the items found were identified using micro-Raman and micro-FTIR spectroscopies. All the samples of the three species presented anthropic particles (frequency of occurrence - %FO - 100 %). Fibers were the predominant debris, but fragments and filaments were also present. Particles smaller than 5 mm (micro debris) were predominant in all the samples. Leopard seals ingested significantly larger micro-debris in comparison with the other seal species. The dominant color was black followed by blue and white. Micro-Raman and micro-FTIR Spectroscopies revealed the presence of different anthropogenic pigments such as reactive blue 238, Indigo 3600 and copper phthalocyanine (blue and green). Carbon black was also detected in the samples, as well as plastic polymers such as polystyrene, polyester and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide, polypropylene and polyurethane These results confirm the presence of anthropogenic contamination in Antarctic seals and highlight the need for actions to mitigate the effects and reduce the contribution of debris in the Antarctic ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta D Cebuhar
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Av. Itália Km 8 s/n, Rio Grande, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Rio Grande, Brazil.
| | - Javier Negrete
- Laboratório de Predadores Tope, Instituto Antártico Argentino, Av. 25 de Mayo 1147, Villa Lynch, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Calle 64 N° 3, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata 1900, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz, 2290, C1425FQB, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucas S Rodríguez Pirani
- CEQUINOR (UNLP, CCT-CONICET La Plata, associated with CIC), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Blvd. 120 N° 1465, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - A Lorena Picone
- CEQUINOR (UNLP, CCT-CONICET La Plata, associated with CIC), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Blvd. 120 N° 1465, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Maira Proietti
- Laboratório de Ecologia Molecular Marinha and Projeto Lixo Marinho, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Av. Itália Km 8 s/n, Rio Grande, Brasil Rio Grande, Brazil; The Ocean Cleanup, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rosana M Romano
- CEQUINOR (UNLP, CCT-CONICET La Plata, associated with CIC), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Blvd. 120 N° 1465, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Carlos O Della Védova
- CEQUINOR (UNLP, CCT-CONICET La Plata, associated with CIC), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Blvd. 120 N° 1465, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Casaux
- Centro de Investigación Esquel de Montaña y Estepa Patagónica (CIEMEP), Roca 780, 9200 Esquel, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Eduardo R Secchi
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Av. Itália Km 8 s/n, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - Silvina Botta
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande-FURG, Av. Itália Km 8 s/n, Rio Grande, Brazil
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Mphephu MM, Olaokun OO, Mavimbela C, Hofmeyer G, Mwale M, Mkolo NM. Metabolomics approach for predicting stomach and colon contents in dead Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus, Arctocephalus tropicalis, Lobodon carcinophaga and Ommatophoca rossii from sub-Antarctic region. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300319. [PMID: 38557648 PMCID: PMC10984408 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The dietary habits of seals play a pivotal role in shaping management and administration policies, especially in regions with potential interactions with fisheries. Previous studies have utilized various methods, including traditional approaches, to predict seal diets by retrieving indigestible prey parts, such as calcified structures, from intestines, feces, and stomach contents. Additionally, methods evaluating nitrogen and stable isotopes of carbon have been employed. The metabolomics approach, capable of quantifying small-scale molecules in biofluids, holds promise for specifying dietary exposures and estimating disease risk. This study aimed to assess the diet composition of five seal species-Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus, Lobodon carcinophaga, Ommatophoca rossii, and Arctocephalus tropicalis 1 and 2-by analyzing stomach and colon contents collected from stranded dead seals at various locations. Metabolite concentrations in the seal stomach and colon contents were determined using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. Among the colon and stomach contents, 29 known and 8 unknown metabolites were identified. Four metabolites (alanine, fumarate, lactate, and proline) from stomach contents and one metabolite (alanine) from colon contents showed no significant differences between seal species (p>0.05). This suggests that traces of these metabolites in the stomach and colon contents may be produced by the seals' gut microbiome or derived from other animals, possibly indicating reliance on fish caught at sea. Despite this insight, the cause of death for stranded seals remains unclear. The study highlights the need for specific and reliable biomarkers to precisely indicate dietary exposures across seal populations. Additionally, there is a call for the development of relevant metabolite and disease interaction networks to explore disease-related metabolites in seals. Ultimately, the metabolomic method employed in this study reveals potential metabolites in the stomach and colon contents of these seal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukhethwa Micheal Mphephu
- Department of Biology, School of Science and Technology, Sefako Makgatho Health Science University, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Oyinlola Oluwunmi Olaokun
- Department of Biology, School of Science and Technology, Sefako Makgatho Health Science University, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Caswell Mavimbela
- Department of Biology, School of Science and Technology, Sefako Makgatho Health Science University, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Greg Hofmeyer
- Port Elizabeth Museum at Bayworld, Humewood, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - Monica Mwale
- South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), National Zoological Garden, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Nqobile Monate Mkolo
- Department of Biology, School of Science and Technology, Sefako Makgatho Health Science University, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa
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Dunt TK, Heck KS, Lyons K, Murphy CT, Bayoán Cal R, Franck JA. Wavelength-induced shedding frequency modulation of seal whisker inspired cylinders. Bioinspir Biomim 2024; 19:036004. [PMID: 38377615 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ad2b04] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The spanwise undulated cylinder geometry inspired by seal whiskers has been shown to alter shedding frequency and reduce fluid forces significantly compared to smooth cylindrical geometry. Prior research has parameterized the whisker-inspired geometry and demonstrated the relevance of geometric variations on force reduction properties. Among the geometric parameters, undulation wavelength was identified as a significant contributor to forcing changes. To analyze the effect of undulation wavelength, a thorough investigation isolating changes in wavelength is performed to expand upon previous research that parameterized whisker-inspired geometry and the relevance of geometric variations on the force reduction properties. A set of five whisker-inspired models of varying wavelength are computationally simulated at a Reynolds number of 250 and compared with an equivalent aspect ratio smooth elliptical cylinder. Above a critical non-dimensional value, the undulation wavelength reduces the amplitude and frequency of vortex shedding accompanied by a reduction in oscillating lift force. Frequency shedding is tied to the creation of wavelength-dependent vortex structures which vary across the whisker span. These vortices produce distinct shedding modes in which the frequency and phase of downstream structures interact to decrease the oscillating lift forces on the whisker model with particular effectiveness around the wavelength values typically found in nature. The culmination of these location-based modes produces a complex and spanwise-dependent lift frequency spectra at those wavelengths exhibiting maximum force reduction. Understanding the mechanisms of unsteady force reduction and the relationship between undulation wavelength and frequency spectra is critical for the application of this geometry to vibration tuning and passive flow control for vortex-induced vibration (VIV) reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor K Dunt
- Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Kirby S Heck
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Kathleen Lyons
- Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Christin T Murphy
- Naval Undersea Warfare Center-Newport, Newport, RI, United States of America
| | - Raúl Bayoán Cal
- Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Jennifer A Franck
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
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Capanni F, Karamanlidis AA, Dendrinos P, Zaccaroni A, Formigaro C, D'Agostino A, Marsili L. Monk seals (Monachus monachus) in the Mediterranean Sea: The threat of organochlorine contaminants and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Sci Total Environ 2024; 915:169854. [PMID: 38185159 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169854] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is an emblematic species of conservation concern. Anthropogenic pressures have led to severe population declines and significant fragmentation of the remaining populations. Because of their close relationship with coastal areas, Mediterranean monk seals may be potentially exposed to pollution from agricultural sources, as well as from oil tanker spills. Although monitoring of pollution has long been considered a priority for this species, data on monk seal contamination levels are scarce. In this study, 55 blubber samples of all genders and age classes collected during necropsies (1995-2013) from seals of the Eastern Mediterranean subpopulation were analyzed for organochlorine compounds (OCs), i.e., hexachlorobenzene (HCB), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Overall, PCBs > DDTs ≫ PAHs > HCB in all samples. Results showed a significant downward trend over the 19-year period for DDTs and HCB. No marked pattern was found for PAHs, even though relative abundance of cancerogenic PAH fraction rose in recent years. PCB levels in subadult specimens increased noticeably over time despite worldwide ban. Our findings did not suggest recent releases of DDT or new pesticides (e.g., Dicofol) in the environment, but may indicate an improper disposal of ancient storages of PCBs or a remobilization from reservoirs. OC levels exceeded thresholds that are commonly associated with immunosuppression and reproductive impairment in other pinnipeds. Hence, OCs could be responsible of potential toxicological effects in this subpopulation. This study represents the first report on PAH and one of the few reports on OC bioaccumulation in Mediterranean monk seals. Based on the levels found in the blubber of monk seals from the Eastern Mediterranean, and given the known harmful effects associated to the prolonged exposure to these substances and the reduced long-term expectations of species recovery, regular monitoring is advocated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Capanni
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, via P. A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Alexandros A Karamanlidis
- MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, Solomou Str. 18, 10682 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Dendrinos
- MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, Solomou Str. 18, 10682 Athens, Greece
| | - Annalisa Zaccaroni
- Department Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Vespucci 2, 47042 Cesenatico, FC, Italy
| | - Costanza Formigaro
- Department Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Vespucci 2, 47042 Cesenatico, FC, Italy
| | - Antonella D'Agostino
- Department of Economics and Statistics, University of Siena, P.zza S. Francesco 8, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Letizia Marsili
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, via P. A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; Centro Interuniversitario per la Ricerca sui Cetacei (CIRCE), Department of Physical Science, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Strada Laterina 8, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Rohonczy J, Chételat J, Robinson SA, Arragutainaq L, Heath JP, McClelland C, Mickpegak R, Forbes MR. Contrasting trophic transfer patterns of cadmium and mercury in the Arctic marine food web of east Hudson Bay, Canada. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2024; 31:20586-20600. [PMID: 38374506 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32268-3] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
We investigated trophic transfer of cadmium (Cd) through an Arctic marine food web in Hudson Bay and compared it with mercury (Hg), a metal known to strongly biomagnify. We evaluated blue mussel, sea urchin, common eider, sculpin, Arctic cod, and ringed seal for the influence of dietary and biological variables on variation in Cd and Hg concentrations. Age and size influenced metal concentrations among individuals within a vertebrate species. Consumer carbon and sulfur isotope values were correlated with their Cd and Hg concentrations, indicating habitat-specific feeding influenced metal bioaccumulation. Trophic transfer patterns for Cd depended on the vertebrate tissue, with food web biodilution observed for the muscle but not the liver. Liver Cd concentrations were higher in ringed seal and some common eider relative to prey. In contrast, we observed mercury biomagnification for both tissues. Tissue- and species-specific physiology can explain discrepancies of Cd trophic transfer in this Arctic marine food web.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Rohonczy
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - John Chételat
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H3, Canada.
| | - Stacey A Robinson
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H3, Canada
| | | | - Joel P Heath
- Arctic Eider Society, Sanikiluaq, NU, X0A 0W0, Canada
| | - Christine McClelland
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H3, Canada
| | | | - Mark R Forbes
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
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Bleckmann H. The incomparable fascination of comparative physiology: 40 years with animals in the field and laboratory. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2024; 210:211-226. [PMID: 37987801 PMCID: PMC10995018 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-023-01681-3] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
This paper is not meant to be a review article. Instead, it gives an overview of the major research projects that the author, together with his students, colleagues and collaborators, has worked on. Although the main focus of the author's work has always been the fish lateral line, this paper is mainly about all the other research projects he did or that were done in his laboratory. These include studies on fishing spiders, weakly electric fish, seals, water rats, bottom dwelling sharks, freshwater rays, venomous snakes, birds of prey, fire loving beetles and backswimmers. The reasons for this diversity of research projects? Simple. The authors's lifelong enthusiasm for animals, and nature's ingenuity in inventing new biological solutions. Indeed, this most certainly was a principal reason why Karl von Frisch and Alfred Kühn founded the Zeitschrift für vergleichende Physiologie (now Journal of Comparative Physiology A) 100 years ago.
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Affiliation(s)
- Horst Bleckmann
- Institute of Zoology, University of Bonn, Poppelsdorfer Schloss, Bonn, Germany.
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Vacquié-Garcia J, Spitz J, Hammill M, Stenson GB, Kovacs KM, Lydersen C, Chimienti M, Renaud M, Méndez Fernandez P, Jeanniard du Dot T. Foraging habits of Northwest Atlantic hooded seals over the past 30 years: Future habitat suitability under global warming. Glob Chang Biol 2024; 30:e17186. [PMID: 38450925 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17186] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The Arctic is a global warming 'hot-spot' that is experiencing rapid increases in air and ocean temperatures and concomitant decreases in sea ice cover. These environmental changes are having major consequences on Arctic ecosystems. All Arctic endemic marine mammals are highly dependent on ice-associated ecosystems for at least part of their life cycle and thus are sensitive to the changes occurring in their habitats. Understanding the biological consequences of changes in these environments is essential for ecosystem management and conservation. However, our ability to study climate change impacts on Arctic marine mammals is generally limited by the lack of sufficiently long data time series. In this study, we took advantage of a unique dataset on hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) movements (and serum samples) that spans more than 30 years in the Northwest Atlantic to (i) investigate foraging (distribution and habitat use) and dietary (trophic level of prey and location) habits over the last three decades and (ii) predict future locations of suitable habitat given a projected global warming scenario. We found that, despite a change in isotopic signatures that might suggest prey changes over the 30-year period, hooded seals from the Northwest Atlantic appeared to target similar oceanographic characteristics throughout the study period. However, over decades, they have moved northward to find food. Somewhat surprisingly, foraging habits differed between seals breeding in the Gulf of St Lawrence vs those breeding at the "Front" (off Newfoundland). Seals from the Gulf favoured colder waters while Front seals favoured warmer waters. We predict that foraging habitats for hooded seals will continue to shift northwards and that Front seals are likely to have the greatest resilience. This study shows how hooded seals are responding to rapid environmental change and provides an indication of future trends for the species-information essential for effective ecosystem management and conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Vacquié-Garcia
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Jérôme Spitz
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, Villiers-en-Bois, France
- Observatoire Pelagis, UAR 3462 La Rochelle Université - CNRS, La Rochelle, France
| | - Mike Hammill
- Institut Maurice Lamontagne, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Mont-Joli, Québec, Canada
| | - Garry B Stenson
- Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Kit M Kovacs
- Fram Centre, Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Marianna Chimienti
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Mathylde Renaud
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | | | - Tiphaine Jeanniard du Dot
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, Villiers-en-Bois, France
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10
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Bodini A, Pereira D, Scotti M. The decline of kilkas, sturgeons and seals in the Caspian Sea: The potential of qualitative loop analysis for the cumulative assessment of multiple drivers of stress. Mar Pollut Bull 2024; 200:116091. [PMID: 38335632 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116091] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Multiple stressors often act concomitantly on ecosystems but detection of species responses follows the "single species-single driver" strategy, and cumulative impacts are seldom considered. During 1990-2010, multiple perturbations in the Caspian Sea, led to the decline of kilka, sturgeon and Caspian seal populations. Specific causes for their collapse were identified but a cumulative assessment has never been carried out. Using loop analysis, a qualitative modelling technique suitable in poor-data contexts, we show how multiple drivers can be combined to assess their cumulative impact. We confirm that the decline of kilka, sturgeon and Caspian seal populations is compatible with a net effect of the concomitant perturbations. Kilkas collapse was certainly due to the outburst of M. leidyi and overfishing. In addition, the excess nutrient might have conspired to reduce these populations. The interplay between concurrent drivers produces trade-offs between opposite effects and ecosystem management must face this challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Bodini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Daniel Pereira
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; UMR PACEA 5199, University of Bordeaux, France
| | - Marco Scotti
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Germany; Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council of Italy, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, (Firenze), Italy
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11
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Stepien EN, Galatius A, Hansen KA, Nabe-Nielsen J, Teilmann J, Wahlberg M. Response of Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) to underwater acoustic harassment device sounds. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4988. [PMID: 38424202 PMCID: PMC10904746 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55481-z] [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] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Seal scarers (or acoustic harassment devices, AHDs) are designed to deter seals from fishing gear and aquaculture operations, as well as to prevent seals from entering rivers to avoid predation on valuable fish. Our study investigated the potential effects of AHDs on non-target species, specifically the Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra), by testing the reaction of two rehabilitated otters to simulated AHDs sounds at 1 and 14 kHz, with a received sound intensity of 105-145 dB re 1 µPa rms. The 1 kHz sounds were used to investigate alternative frequencies for scaring seals without scaring otters. The otters reacted to both 1 and 14 kHz tonal signals when retrieving fish from a feeding station 0.8 m below the surface. Their diving behaviour and time to extract food progressively increased as sound intensity increased for all tested sound levels. Notably, the sound levels used in our tests were significantly lower (40-80 dB) than the source levels from commercial AHDs. These findings highlight the importance of caution when using AHDs in river and sea habitats inhabited by otters, as AHDs can change their behaviour and potentially result in habitat exclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anders Galatius
- Marine Mammal Research, Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kirstin Anderson Hansen
- Marine Biological Research Centre, Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jacob Nabe-Nielsen
- Marine Mammal Research, Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jonas Teilmann
- Marine Mammal Research, Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Magnus Wahlberg
- Marine Biological Research Centre, Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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12
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Peterson SH, Peterson MG, Ackerman JT, Debier C, Goetsch C, Holser RR, Hückstädt LA, Johnson JC, Keates TR, McDonald BI, McHuron EA, Costa DP. Foraging behavior and age affect maternal transfer of mercury to northern elephant seal pups. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4693. [PMID: 38409311 PMCID: PMC10897339 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54527-6] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Deep ocean foraging northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) consume fish and squid in remote depths of the North Pacific Ocean. Contaminants bioaccumulated from prey are subsequently transferred by adult females to pups during gestation and lactation, linking pups to mercury contamination in mesopelagic food webs (200-1000 m depths). Maternal transfer of mercury to developing seal pups was related to maternal mercury contamination and was strongly correlated with maternal foraging behavior (biotelemetry and isotopes). Mercury concentrations in lanugo (hair grown in utero) were among the highest observed worldwide for young pinnipeds (geometric mean 23.01 μg/g dw, range 8.03-63.09 μg/g dw; n = 373); thus, some pups may be at an elevated risk of sub-lethal adverse health effects. Fetal mercury exposure was affected by maternal foraging geographic location and depth; mercury concentrations were highest in pups of the deepest diving, pelagic females. Moreover, pup lanugo mercury concentrations were strongly repeatable among successive pups of individual females, demonstrating relative consistency in pup mercury exposure based on maternal foraging strategies. Northern elephant seals are biosentinels of a remote deep-sea ecosystem. Our results suggest that mercury within North Pacific mesopelagic food webs may also pose an elevated risk to other mesopelagic-foraging predators and their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H Peterson
- Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, U.S. Geological Survey, 800 Business Park Drive Suite D, Dixon, CA, USA.
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.
| | - Michael G Peterson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, U.S. Geological Survey, 800 Business Park Drive Suite D, Dixon, CA, USA
| | - Cathy Debier
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Chandra Goetsch
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
- CSS, Inc, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Rachel R Holser
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Luis A Hückstädt
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - Jennifer C Johnson
- Moss Landing Marine Labs, San Jose State University, Moss Landing, CA, USA
| | - Theresa R Keates
- Department of Ocean Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth A McHuron
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Daniel P Costa
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
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13
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Olin AB, Bergström U, Bodin Ö, Sundblad G, Eriksson BK, Erlandsson M, Fredriksson R, Eklöf JS. Predation and spatial connectivity interact to shape ecosystem resilience to an ongoing regime shift. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1304. [PMID: 38347008 PMCID: PMC10861472 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45713-1] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Ecosystem regime shifts can have severe ecological and economic consequences, making it a top priority to understand how to make systems more resilient. Theory predicts that spatial connectivity and the local environment interact to shape resilience, but empirical studies are scarce. Here, we use >7000 fish samplings from the Baltic Sea coast to test this prediction in an ongoing, spatially propagating shift in dominance from predatory fish to an opportunistic mesopredator, with cascading effects throughout the food web. After controlling for the influence of other drivers (including increasing mesopredator densities), we find that predatory fish habitat connectivity increases resilience to the shift, but only when densities of fish-eating top predators (seals, cormorants) are low. Resilience also increases with temperature, likely through boosted predatory fish growth and recruitment. These findings confirm theoretical predictions that spatial connectivity and the local environment can together shape resilience to regime shifts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes B Olin
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Ulf Bergström
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Örjan Bodin
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Göran Sundblad
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Britas Klemens Eriksson
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mårten Erlandsson
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ronny Fredriksson
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan S Eklöf
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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14
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Pearson AB, Hückstädt LA, Kinsey ST, Schmitt TL, Robeck TR, St Leger J, Ponganis PJ, Tift MS. Relationship between red blood cell lifespan and endogenous carbon monoxide in the common bottlenose dolphin and beluga. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2024; 326:R134-R146. [PMID: 37982188 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00172.2023] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Certain deep-diving marine mammals [i.e., northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris), Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii)] have blood carbon monoxide (CO) levels that are comparable with those of chronic cigarette smokers. Most CO produced in humans is a byproduct of heme degradation, which is released when red blood cells (RBCs) are destroyed. Elevated CO can occur in humans when RBC lifespan decreases. The contribution of RBC turnover to CO concentrations in marine mammals is unknown. Here, we report the first RBC lifespans in two healthy marine mammal species with different diving capacities and heme stores, the shallow-diving bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and deep-diving beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas), and we relate the lifespans to the levels of CO in blood and breath. The belugas, with high blood heme stores, had the longest mean RBC lifespan compared with humans and bottlenose dolphins. Both cetacean species were found to have three times higher blood CO content compared with humans. The estimated CO production rate from heme degradation indicates some marine mammals may have additional mechanisms for CO production, or delay CO removal from the body, potentially from long-duration breath-holds.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to determine the red blood cell lifespan in a marine mammal species. High concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) were found in the blood of bottlenose dolphins and in the blood and breath of belugas compared with healthy humans. Red blood cell turnover accounted for these high levels in bottlenose dolphins, but there may be alternative mechanisms of endogenous CO production that are contributing to the CO concentrations observed in belugas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna B Pearson
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina, United States
| | - Luis A Hückstädt
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina, United States
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen T Kinsey
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina, United States
| | - Todd L Schmitt
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Todd R Robeck
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Judy St Leger
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States
| | - Paul J Ponganis
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Michael S Tift
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina, United States
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15
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‘Altruistic’ bull elephant seal lends a helping flipper. Nature 2024; 626:459-459. [PMID: 38321156 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-00319-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
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16
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Lei J, Zhao F, Wang Y, Su H. Optimization design of fiber rubber asphalt gravel sealing layer based on fatigue crack resistance test. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297090. [PMID: 38252653 PMCID: PMC10802954 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Crack is one of the main diseases of pavement structure. In order to improve the anti-reflective crack ability of pavement, fiber rubber gravel sealing layer is proposed as the stress absorbing layer. In view of the shortcoming that Mcleod design method can not be associated with road performance, a sealing layer optimization design method based on fatigue crack test is proposed. Firstly, the reinforcement effect of fiber on rubber asphalt was studied through force ductility testing. Secondly, the optimum dosage of fiber, asphalt and gravel was optimized through fatigue cracking resistance test. Finally, the cracking resistance of fiber rubber gravel seal was verified through fracture energy test. The results show that fibers can significantly increase the maximum tensile force and strain yield energy of rubber asphalt, and basalt fiber has the best reinforcement effect. The most obvious effect on cracking resistance performance in the sealing layer is the amount of fiber, followed by the amount of asphalt, and finally the amount of gravel. The optimized material combination with the best crack resistance is 120g/m2 fiber, 14kg/m2 gravel and 2.4kg/m2 rubber asphalt, and the fatigue resistance times can reach 19532 times. The fracture energy of the composite pavement treated by the optimized sealing layer is nearly double that of the non-treated pavement structure, and it has a good anti-crack effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun’an Lei
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, China
| | - Fujing Zhao
- School of Education, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, China
| | - Haicheng Su
- Xiangyang Road and Bridge Construction Group Co., Ltd., Xiangyang, Hubei, China
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17
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Dosi A, Meziti A, Tounta E, Koemtzopoulos K, Komnenou A, Dendrinos P, Kormas K. Fecal and skin microbiota of two rescued Mediterranean monk seal pups during rehabilitation. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0280523. [PMID: 38084980 PMCID: PMC10783143 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02805-23] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE This study showed that during the rehabilitation of two rescued Mediterranean monk seal pups (Monachus monachus), the skin and fecal bacterial communities showed similar succession patterns between the two individuals. This finding means that co-housed pups share their microbiomes, and this needs to be considered in cases of infection outbreaks and their treatment. The housing conditions, along with the feeding scheme and care protocols, including the admission of antibiotics as prophylaxis, probiotics, and essential food supplements, resulted in bacterial communities with no apparent pathogenic bacteria. This is the first contribution to the microbiome of the protected seal species of M. monachus and contributes to the animal's conservation practices through its microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aggeliki Dosi
- Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
| | - Alexandra Meziti
- Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
| | - Eleni Tounta
- MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, Athens, Greece
| | - Kimon Koemtzopoulos
- MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Komnenou
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Dendrinos
- MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kormas
- Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
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18
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Charlanne LM, Chaise L, Sornette D, Piot E, McCafferty DJ, Ancel A, Gilbert C. Breaking the fast: first report of dives and ingestion events in molting southern elephant seals. Commun Biol 2024; 7:64. [PMID: 38191678 PMCID: PMC10774426 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05720-2] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Southern elephant seals (SES) experience a 'catastrophic molt', a costly event characterized by the renewal of both hair and epidermis that requires high peripheral vascular circulation. Molting animals are therefore constrained by high metabolic heat loss and are thought to fast and remain on land. To examine the ability of individuals to balance the energetic constraints of molting on land we investigate the stomach temperature and movement patterns of molting female SES. We find that 79% of females swam and 61% ingested water or prey items, despite the cost of cold-water exposure while molting. This behavior was related to periods of warm and low wind conditions, and females that dived and ingested more often, lost less body mass. We conclude that the paradigm of fasting during the molt in this species, and the fitness consequences of this behavior should be reconsidered, especially in the context of a changing climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Charlanne
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Laureline Chaise
- Hex·Data, 847 Route de Frans, 69400, Villefranche-sur-Saône, France
| | - Damien Sornette
- Hex·Data, 847 Route de Frans, 69400, Villefranche-sur-Saône, France
| | - Erwan Piot
- CNRS UMR5536, Université de Bordeaux, 33076, Bordeaux, France
- UMR 7179, CNRS/MNHN, Laboratoire MECADEV, 1 avenue du petit château, 91400, Brunoy, France
| | - Dominic J McCafferty
- Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - André Ancel
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Caroline Gilbert
- UMR 7179, CNRS/MNHN, Laboratoire MECADEV, 1 avenue du petit château, 91400, Brunoy, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 7 avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94704, Maisons-Alfort, France
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19
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Preuss A, Büscher TH, Herzog I, Wohlsein P, Lehnert K, Gorb SN. Attachment performance of the ectoparasitic seal louse Echinophthirius horridus. Commun Biol 2024; 7:36. [PMID: 38182875 PMCID: PMC10770372 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05722-0] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Marine mammals host a great variety of parasites, which usually co-evolved in evolutionary arms races. However, little is known about the biology of marine mammal insect parasites, and even less about physical aspects of their life in such a challenging environment. One of 13 insect species that manage to endure long diving periods in the open sea is the seal louse, Echinophthirius horridus, parasitising true seals. Its survival depends on its specialised adaptations for enduring extreme conditions such as hypoxia, temperature changes, hydrostatic pressure, and strong drag forces during host dives. To maintain a grip on the seal fur, the louse's leg morphology is equipped with modified snap hook claws and soft pad-like structures that enhance friction. Through techniques including CLSM, SEM, and histological staining, we have examined the attachment system's detailed structure. Remarkably, the seal louse achieves exceptional attachment forces on seal fur, with safety factors (force per body weight) reaching 4500 in average measurements and up to 18000 in peak values, indicating superior attachment performance compared to other insect attachment systems. These findings underscore the louse's remarkable adaptations for life in a challenging marine environment, shedding light on the relationship between structure and function in extreme ecological niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika Preuss
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Thies H Büscher
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Insa Herzog
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Büsum, Germany
| | - Peter Wohlsein
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kristina Lehnert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Büsum, Germany
| | - Stanislav N Gorb
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
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20
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Han HS, Lee JT, Oh S, Cho YD, Kim S. Effectiveness of a collagen matrix seal and xenograft in alveolar ridge preservation: an experimental study in dogs. Sci Rep 2024; 14:163. [PMID: 38168516 PMCID: PMC10762190 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50370-3] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Majority of previous studies on alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) used collagen membranes as barrier membranes, and further evidence for ARP in dehiscent extraction sockets with a deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) and matrix is needed. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of non-cross linked collagen membranes (membrane) and crosslinked collagen matrices (matrix) on ARP using DBBM in extraction sockets with buccal dehiscence. In six mongrel dogs, the mesial roots of three mandibular premolars (P2, P3, and P4) were extracted 1 month after dehiscence defect induction. Two experimental groups were randomly assigned: (1) DBBM with a membrane (DBBM/membrane group) and (2) DBBM with a matrix (DBBM/matrix group). Three-dimensional (3D) volumetric, microcomputed tomography (μCT), and histologic analyses were performed to assess the ridge preservation. Both groups were effective to maintain the ridge width (p > 0.05), and the DBBM/matrix group showed more favorable soft tissue regeneration and bone quality in the histological analysis (p = 0.05). Based on these results, DBBM/matrix could be better choice for ARP in cases of buccal dehiscence defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Seung Han
- Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University and Seoul National University Dental Hospital, 101 Daehak-no, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Tae Lee
- One-Stop Specialty Center, Seoul National University Dental Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghan Oh
- Department of Dental Biomaterials, The Institute of Biomaterial and Implant, School of Dentistry, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Dan Cho
- Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University and Seoul National University Dental Hospital, 101 Daehak-no, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sungtae Kim
- Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University and Seoul National University Dental Hospital, 101 Daehak-no, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
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21
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Woo GH. Endogenous lipid pneumonia in a ringed seal ( Pusa hispida subsp. ochotensis). J Vet Sci 2024; 25:e14. [PMID: 38311327 PMCID: PMC10839177 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.23263] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
An adult female ringed seal died suddenly and was subsequently examined for diagnostic purposes. The animal's lungs demonstrated mild non-collapsibility and multifocal white to yellow patches. Histopathological examination revealed multifocal pulmonary histiocytosis. Alveoli were filled with numerous foamy macrophages cytoplasm and scattered multinucleated giant cells containing cholesterol clefts. The foamy cytoplasm of the macrophages stained with oil red O stain. Further, lipid droplets within the cytoplasm were detected by electron microscopy. To the author's knowledge, this is the first case report describing the histochemical staining and electron microscopic findings associated with endogenous lipid pneumonia in ringed seal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gye-Hyeong Woo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Laboratory of Histopathology, Semyung University, Jecheon 27136, Korea.
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22
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Gonzales-Viera O, Goldstein T, Duignan P, Eiamcharoen P, Keel MK. California sea lion ( Zalophus californianus) lymph-node explant reveals involvement and possible transcriptional regulation of SLAM and nectin-4 during phocine distemper virus infection. Vet Pathol 2024; 61:125-134. [PMID: 37458158 DOI: 10.1177/03009858231186189] [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] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Phocine distemper virus (PDV) is a significant cause of mortality for phocid seals; however, the susceptibility of otariids to this virus is poorly understood. The authors used a lymph-node explant culture system from California sea lions (Zalophus californianus, CSL) to investigate: (1) the role of signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) and nectin-4 in PDV infection and their cellular expression patterns, (2) if PDV induces transcriptional regulation of cell-entry receptors, and (3) the involvement of apoptosis in PDV infection. PDV replicated in the lymph-node explants with peak replication 3 days post-infection (dpi), but the replication was not sustained 4 to 5 dpi. The PDV+ cells co-localized SLAM and nectin-4. These cells expressed IBA1, indicating a histiocytic lineage. Comparison of receptor expression between infected and mock-infected lymph nodes suggested transcriptional downregulation of both receptors during the initial stage of infection and upregulation during the late stage of infection, but the values lack of statistical significance. Cleaved caspase-3+ cells were slightly increased in the infected lymph nodes compared with the mock-infected lymph node from 1 to 4 dpi, but without statistical significance, and a few apoptotic cells co-expressed PDV. The results suggest that lymph-node explants might be an important model to study PDV pathogenesis. CSLs have the potential to be infected with PDV, as they express both cell-entry receptors in histiocytes. The lack of statistical significance in the PDV replication, transcriptional regulation of viral receptors, and changes in apoptosis suggest that although CSL might be infected by PDV, they might be less susceptible than phocid species.
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23
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Granroth J, Laakkonen J. Comparison of chemical and enzymatic maceration processes for soft tissue removal from arterial silicone casts on skull scaffolds. Anat Histol Embryol 2024; 53:e12981. [PMID: 37838942 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12981] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
The various models used in gross anatomical studies to improve the visualization of blood vessels differ in the amount of manual labour, cost, equipment and time involved. This study aimed to compare chemical and enzymatic maceration processes for soft-tissue removal from arterial silicone casts on skull scaffolds using ringed seal (Pusa hispida) skull specimens. Both processes produced specimens that covered all anatomical aspects required to visualize the intracranial arterial arrangement on a bone scaffold. Overall, the enzyme maceration process was better for production of such specimens, as this process is easy and safe to perform, is less harmful to the bony parts of the specimen, and the resulting specimens are visually more appealing for display and teaching. Compared with previously published models, the end result varied in the amount of dissolved bone tissue and the visual presentation of the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janne Granroth
- Finnish Museum of Natural History (Luomus), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juha Laakkonen
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Division of Veterinary Anatomy and Developmental Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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24
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Baily JL, Paterson GK, Foster G, Davison NJ, Begeman L, Hall AJ, Dagleish MP. The first report of Listeria monocytogenes detected in pinnipeds. J Comp Pathol 2024; 208:54-60. [PMID: 38211467 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2023.12.003] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe the pathology in seals from which Listeria monocytogenes was isolated and investigate if the lesions' nature and severity were related to the phylogeny of isolates. L. monocytogenes was isolated from 13 of 50 (26%) dead grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) pups, six (12%) in systemic distribution, on the Isle of May, Scotland. Similar fatal L. monocytogenes-associated infections were found in a grey seal pup from Carnoustie, Scotland, and a juvenile harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) in the Netherlands. Whole genome sequencing of 15 of the L. monocytogenes isolates identified 13 multilocus sequence types belonging to the L. monocytogenes lineages I and II, but with scant phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance and limited variation in virulence factors. The phylogenetic diversity present suggests there are multiple sources of L. monocytogenes, even for seal pups born in the same colony and breeding season. This is the first description of L. monocytogenes isolated from, and detected in lesions in, pinnipeds and indicates that infection can be systemic and fatal. Therefore, listeriosis may be an emerging or overlooked disease in seals with infection originating from contamination of the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna L Baily
- Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, Scotland, UK; Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, Scotland, UK
| | - Gavin K Paterson
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian EH25 9RG, Scotland, UK
| | - Geoffrey Foster
- SRUC Veterinary Services, An Lochran, 10 Inverness Campus, Inverness IV2 5NA, Scotland, UK
| | - Nicholas J Davison
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, UK
| | - Lineke Begeman
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ailsa J Hall
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 8LB, Scotland, UK
| | - Mark P Dagleish
- Department of Pathology, Public Health and Disease Investigation, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Jarrett Building, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland, UK.
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25
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Hall J, Bengtson Nash S, Gautam A, Bender H, Pitcher BJ, McCallum H, Doyle C. Persistent organic pollutants and trace elements detected in New Zealand fur seals (long-nosed fur seal; Arctocephalus forsteri) from New South Wales, Australia, between 1998 and 2019. Sci Total Environ 2023; 902:166087. [PMID: 37549703 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166087] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollution is a growing threat to wildlife health and biodiversity. The relationship between marine mammals and pollutants is, however, complex and as new chemicals are introduced to ecosystems alongside concomitant, interacting threats such as climate change and habitat degradation, the cumulative impact of these stressors to wildlife continues to expand. Understanding the health of wildlife populations requires a holistic approach to identify potential threatening processes. In the context of environmental pollution in little studied wildlife species, it is important to catalogue the current exposome to develop effective biomonitoring programs that can support diagnosis of health impacts and management and mitigation of pollution. In New South Wales, Australia, the New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) is a resident species experiencing population growth following devastating historic hunting practices. This study presents a retrospective investigation into the exposure of New Zealand fur seals to a range of synthetic organic compounds and essential and non-essential trace elements. Liver tissue from 28 seals were broadly analyzed to assess concentrations of organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and essential and non-essential trace elements. In addition to contributing extensive pollution baseline data for the species, the work explores the influence of sex, age, and body condition on accumulation patterns. Further, based on these findings, it is recommended that a minimum of 11 juvenile male New Zealand fur seals are sampled and analyzed annually in order to maintain a holistic biomonitoring approach for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Hall
- Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia; Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Susan Bengtson Nash
- Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Anil Gautam
- NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Environment Protection Science Branch, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Hannah Bender
- Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Pitcher
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia; School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, Macquarie Park, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Hamish McCallum
- Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Christopher Doyle
- NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Environment Protection Science Branch, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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26
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Mirolo M, Pohlmann A, Ahrens AK, Kühl B, Rubio-Garcìa A, Kramer K, Meinfelder U, Rosenberger T, Morito HL, Beer M, Ludlow M, Wohlsein P, Baumgärtner W, Harder T, Osterhaus A. Highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus (HPAIV) H5N1 infection in two European grey seals ( Halichoerus grypus) with encephalitis. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:e2257810. [PMID: 37682060 PMCID: PMC10768861 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2257810] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACTRecent reports documenting sporadic infections in carnivorous mammals worldwide with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b have raised concerns about the potential risk of adaptation to sustained transmission in mammals, including humans. We report H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b infection of two grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) from coastal waters of The Netherlands and Germany in December 2022 and February 2023, respectively. Histological and immunohistochemical investigations showed in both animals a non-suppurative and necrotising encephalitis with viral antigen restricted to the neuroparenchyma. Whole genome sequencing showed the presence of HPAIV H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b strains in brain tissue, which were closely related to sympatric avian influenza viruses. Viral RNA was also detected in the lung of the seal from Germany by real-time quantitative PCR. No other organs tested positive. The mammalian adaptation PB2-E627K mutation was identified in approximately 40% of the virus population present in the brain tissue of the German seal. Retrospective screening for nucleoprotein-specific antibodies, of sera collected from 251 seals sampled in this region from 2020 to 2023, did not show evidence of influenza A virus-specific antibodies. Similarly, screening by reverse transcription PCR of tissues of 101 seals that had died along the Dutch coast in the period 2020-2021, did not show evidence of influenza virus infection. Collectively, these results indicate that individual seals are sporadically infected with HPAIV-H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, resulting in an encephalitis in the absence of a systemic infection, and with no evidence thus far of onward spread between seals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Mirolo
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anne Pohlmann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | | | - Bianca Kühl
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Hannah Leah Morito
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Beer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Ludlow
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Wohlsein
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Timm Harder
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Albert Osterhaus
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Sealcentre Pieterburen, Pieterburen, Netherlands
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27
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Ferčák O, Lyons KM, Murphy CT, Kamensky KM, Cal RB, Franck JA. Multicolor dye-based flow structure visualization for seal-whisker geometry characterized by computer vision. Bioinspir Biomim 2023; 19:016004. [PMID: 37939394 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ad0aa8] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Pinniped vibrissae possess a unique and complex three-dimensional topography, which has beneficial fluid flow characteristics such as substantial reductions in drag, lift, and vortex induced vibration. To understand and leverage these effects, the downstream vortex dynamics must be studied. Dye visualization is a traditional qualitative method of capturing these downstream effects, specifically in comparative biological investigations where complex equipment can be prohibitive. High-fidelity numerical simulations or experimental particle image velocimetry are commonplace for quantitative high-resolution flow measurements, but are computationally expensive, require costly equipment, and can have limited measurement windows. This study establishes a method for extracting quantitative data from standard dye visualization experiments on seal whisker geometries by leveraging novel but intuitive computer vision techniques, which maintain simplicity and an advantageous large experimental viewing window while automating the extraction of vortex frequency, position, and advection. Results are compared to direct numerical simulation (DNS) data for comparable geometries. Power spectra and Strouhal numbers show consistent behavior between methods for a Reynolds number of 500, with minima at the canonical geometry wavelength of 3.43 and a peak frequency of 0.2 for a Reynolds number of 250. The vortex tracking reveals a clear increase in velocity from roll-up to 3.5 whisker diameters downstream, with a strong overlap with the DNS data but shows steady results beyond the limited DNS window. This investigation provides insight into a valuable bio-inspired engineering model while advancing an analytical methodology that can readily be applied to a broad range of comparative biological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondřej Ferčák
- Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Kathleen M Lyons
- Department of Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Christin T Murphy
- Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport, Newport, RI, United States of America
| | - Kristina M Kamensky
- Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport, Newport, RI, United States of America
| | - Raúl Bayoán Cal
- Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, Portland State University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Jennifer A Franck
- Department of Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
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28
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Wakui N, Ichikawa K, Okami A, Kagi H, Kawakubo S, Togawa C, Matsuoka R, Watanabe M, Yamamura M, Shirozu S, Tsubota Y, Yoshizawa Y, Machida Y. Evaluating the effectiveness of applying aroma seals to masks in reducing stress caused by wearing masks: A randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294357. [PMID: 37971989 PMCID: PMC10653515 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks on patients and healthy people have been recommended to prevent airborne transmission of the virus. This increased the number of people who felt stressed while wearing masks. In this study, we investigated the stress-relieving effects of attaching aroma seals to masks. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 62 university students. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups and instructed to apply a seal to their masks once a day throughout the study period. The primary measure used was the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), while the secondary measures included the assessment of breathlessness associated with mask-wearing and the World Health Organization Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5). The intervention group, referred to as the aroma-seal use group, utilized aroma seals infused with orange-lime essential oil with the expectation of experiencing the healing effects of citrus. On the other hand, the non-intervention group, known as the placebo-seal use group, utilized identical seals without any aroma. Results indicated that the aroma-seal use group exhibited significant improvements in both the total DASS-21 scores and depression scores compared to their baseline values by the second week of the intervention. Furthermore, the aroma-seal use group demonstrated a reduced occurrence of breathlessness while wearing masks compared to the placebo-seal group. Additionally, when assessing the item "I have felt calm and relaxed" from the WHO-5 questionnaire, the aroma-seal use group displayed significantly higher scores than the placebo group. Therefore, using aroma seals containing orange-lime essential oil could be beneficial in relieving mental stress and reducing breathlessness while wearing a mask, thus improving mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuyuki Wakui
- Division of Applied Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kotoha Ichikawa
- Division of Applied Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Aika Okami
- Division of Applied Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hinako Kagi
- Division of Applied Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shoko Kawakubo
- Division of Applied Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chikako Togawa
- Division of Applied Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Raini Matsuoka
- Division of Applied Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mai Watanabe
- Division of Applied Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miho Yamamura
- Division of Applied Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Shirozu
- Division of Applied Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuika Tsubota
- Division of Applied Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukiko Yoshizawa
- Division of Applied Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Machida
- Division of Applied Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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29
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Reiter EB, Escher BI, Rojo-Nieto E, Nolte H, Siebert U, Jahnke A. Characterizing the marine mammal exposome by iceberg modeling, linking chemical analysis and in vitro bioassays. Environ Sci Process Impacts 2023; 25:1802-1816. [PMID: 37132588 PMCID: PMC10647987 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00033h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The present study complements work on mixture effects measured with in vitro bioassays of passive equilibrium sampling extracts using the silicone polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) in organs from marine mammals with chemical profiling. Blubber, liver, kidney and brain tissues of harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), ringed seal (Phoca hispida) and orca (Orcinus orca) from the North and Baltic Seas were investigated. We analyzed 117 chemicals including legacy and emerging contaminants using gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry and quantified 70 of those chemicals in at least one sample. No systematic differences between the organs were found. Only for single compounds a clear distribution pattern was observed. For example, 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, enzacamene and etofenprox were mainly detected in blubber, whereas tonalide and the hexachlorocyclohexanes were more often found in liver. Furthermore, we compared the chemical profiling with the bioanalytical results using an iceberg mixture model, evaluating how much of the biological effect could be explained by the analyzed chemicals. The mixture effect predicted from the quantified chemical concentrations explained 0.014-83% of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor activating effect (AhR-CALUX), but less than 0.13% for the activation of the oxidative stress response (AREc32) and peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor (PPARγ). The quantified chemicals also explained between 0.044-45% of the cytotoxic effect measured with the AhR-CALUX. The largest fraction of the observed effect was explained for the orca, which was the individuum with the highest chemical burden. This study underlines that chemical analysis and bioassays are complementary to comprehensively characterize the mixture exposome of marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva B Reiter
- Department of Ecological Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Beate I Escher
- Department of Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
- Environmental Toxicology, Department of Geosciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 94-96, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Elisa Rojo-Nieto
- Department of Ecological Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Hannah Nolte
- Department of Ecological Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, 52074, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstr. 6, 25761, Büsum, Germany
| | - Annika Jahnke
- Department of Ecological Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, 52074, Germany
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30
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Sanderson H, Czub M, Jakacki J, Koschinski S, Tougaard J, Sveegaard S, Frey T, Fauser P, Bełdowski J, Beck AJ, Przyborska A, Olejnik A, Szturomski B, Kicinski R. Environmental impact of the explosion of the Nord Stream pipelines. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19923. [PMID: 37964081 PMCID: PMC10646109 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47290-7] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Armed conflicts have, in addition to severe impacts on human lives and infrastructure, also impacts on the environment, which needs to be assessed and documented. On September the 26th 2022, unknown perpetrators deliberately ruptured the two gas pipelines Nord Stream 1 and 2 with four coordinated explosions near a major chemical munition dump site near the Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea. While the massive release of natural gas into atmosphere raised serious concerns concerning the contribution to climate change-this paper assesses the overlooked direct impact of the explosions on the marine ecosystem. Seals and porpoises within a radius of four km would be at high risk of being killed by the shockwave, while temporary impact on hearing would be expected up to 50 km away. As the Baltic Proper population of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) is critically endangered, the loss or serious injury of even a single individual is considered a significant impact on the population. The rupture moreover resulted in the resuspension of 250000 metric tons of heavily contaminated sediment from deep-sea sedimentary basin for over a week, resulting in unacceptable toxicological risks towards fish and other biota in 11 km3 water in the area for more than a month.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Sanderson
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, 399 Frederiksborgvej, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Michał Czub
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, 399 Frederiksborgvej, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Hydrobiology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Functional Biology and Ecology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sopot, Poland
| | - Jaromir Jakacki
- Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sopot, Poland
| | | | - Jakob Tougaard
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Signe Sveegaard
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Torsten Frey
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Patrik Fauser
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, 399 Frederiksborgvej, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jacek Bełdowski
- Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sopot, Poland
| | - Aaron J Beck
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Anna Przyborska
- Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sopot, Poland
| | - Adam Olejnik
- Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Polish Naval Academy, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Bogdan Szturomski
- Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Polish Naval Academy, Gdynia, Poland
| | - Radoslaw Kicinski
- Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Polish Naval Academy, Gdynia, Poland
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31
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Esteban JM, Martín-Serra A, Pérez-Ramos A, Mulot B, Jones K, Figueirido B. The impact of the land-to-sea transition on evolutionary integration and modularity of the pinniped backbone. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1141. [PMID: 37949962 PMCID: PMC10638317 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05512-8] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigate how the terrestrial-aquatic transition influenced patterns of axial integration and modularity in response to the secondary adaptation to a marine lifestyle. We use 3D geometric morphometrics to quantify shape covariation among presacral vertebrae in pinnipeds (Carnivora; Pinnipedia) and to compare with patterns of axial integration and modularity in their close terrestrial relatives. Our results indicate that the vertebral column of pinnipeds has experienced a decrease in the strength of integration among all presacral vertebrae when compared to terrestrial carnivores (=fissipeds). However, separate integration analyses among the speciose Otariidae (i.e., sea lions and fur seals) and Phocidae (i.e., true seals) also suggests the presence of different axial organizations in these two groups of crown pinnipeds. While phocids present a set of integrated "thoracic" vertebrae, the presacral vertebrae of otariids are characterized by the absence of any set of vertebrae with high integration. We hypothesize that these differences could be linked to their specific modes of aquatic locomotion -i.e., pelvic vs pectoral oscillation. Our results provide evidence that the vertebral column of pinnipeds has been reorganized from the pattern observed in fissipeds but is more complex than a simple "homogenization" of the modular pattern of their close terrestrial relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Miguel Esteban
- Departamento de Ecología y Geología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos s/n, 29071, Málaga, Spain.
| | - Alberto Martín-Serra
- Departamento de Ecología y Geología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos s/n, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Alejandro Pérez-Ramos
- Departamento de Ecología y Geología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos s/n, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Baptiste Mulot
- ZooParc de Beauval & Beauval Nature, 41110, Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Katrina Jones
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Borja Figueirido
- Departamento de Ecología y Geología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos s/n, 29071, Málaga, Spain
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Hillemann F, Beheim BA, Ready E. Socio-economic predictors of Inuit hunting choices and their implications for climate change adaptation. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220395. [PMID: 37718596 PMCID: PMC10505855 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0395] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In the Arctic, seasonal variation in the accessibility of the land, sea ice and open waters influences which resources can be harvested safely and efficiently. Climate stressors are also increasingly affecting access to subsistence resources. Within Inuit communities, people differ in their involvement with subsistence activities, but little is known about how engagement in the cash economy (time and money available) and other socio-economic factors shape the food production choices of Inuit harvesters, and their ability to adapt to rapid ecological change. We analyse 281 foraging trips involving 23 Inuit harvesters from Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik, Canada using a Bayesian approach modelling both patch choice and within-patch success. Gender and income predict Inuit harvest strategies: while men, especially men from low-income households, often visit patches with a relatively low success probability, women and high-income hunters generally have a higher propensity to choose low-risk patches. Inland hunting, marine hunting and fishing differ in the required equipment and effort, and hunters may have to shift their subsistence activities if certain patches become less profitable or less safe owing to high costs of transportation or climate change (e.g. navigate larger areas inland instead of targeting seals on the sea ice). Our finding that household income predicts patch choice suggests that the capacity to maintain access to country foods depends on engagement with the cash economy. This article is part of the theme issue 'Climate change adaptation needs a science of culture'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Hillemann
- Department of Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Bret A. Beheim
- Department of Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Elspeth Ready
- Department of Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Switzer AD, Callahan BJ, Costello EK, Bik EM, Fontaine C, Gulland FMD, Relman DA. Rookery through rehabilitation: Microbial community assembly in newborn harbour seals after maternal separation. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:2182-2202. [PMID: 37329141 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microbial community assembly remains largely unexplored in marine mammals, despite its potential importance for conservation and management. Here, neonatal microbiota assembly was studied in harbour seals (Phoca vitulina richardii) at a rehabilitation facility soon after maternal separation, through weaning, to the time of release back to their native environment. We found that the gingival and rectal communities of rehabilitated harbour seals were distinct from the microbiotas of formula and pool water, and became increasingly diverse and dissimilar over time, ultimately resembling the gingival and rectal communities of local wild harbour seals. Harbour seal microbiota assembly was compared to that of human infants, revealing the rapid emergence of host specificity and evidence of phylosymbiosis even though these harbour seals had been raised by humans. Early life prophylactic antibiotics were associated with changes in the composition of the harbour seal gingival and rectal communities and surprisingly, with transient increases in alpha diversity, perhaps because of microbiota sharing during close cohabitation with other harbour seals. Antibiotic-associated effects dissipated over time. These results suggest that while early life maternal contact may provide seeding for microbial assembly, co-housing of conspecifics during rehabilitation may help neonatal mammals achieve a healthy host-specific microbiota with features of resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra D Switzer
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Benjamin J Callahan
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Statistics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth K Costello
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | | | | | - Frances M D Gulland
- The Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito, California, USA
- Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - David A Relman
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Infectious Diseases Section, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
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Martin M, Gridley T, Elwen S, Charrier I. Inter-site variability in the Cape fur seal's behavioural response to boat noise exposure. Mar Pollut Bull 2023; 196:115589. [PMID: 37776738 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115589] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
The impact of man-made noise on wildlife is recognised as a major global concern affecting many taxa in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, with the degree of impact varying among individuals or species. Understanding the factors inducing intra-species differences in response to noise is essential for the development of adapted and effective mitigation measures. This study compares the behavioural response of Cape fur seals to boat noise exposures at two study sites showing differences in their level of exposure to anthropogenic activities, and individual composition. Increased vigilance was found for Lambert's Bay seals exposed to high noise level (70-80 dB) compared to those tested at Cape Town harbour. Comparisons with a similar study performed in Namibia were made. Intrinsic factors such as individuals' age-class, sex or arousal state as well as extrinsic factors such as the ambient noise and the nature/extent of human-seal interactions were suggested to induce such variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Martin
- Université Paris-Saclay, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, CNRS, 91400 Saclay, France; Sea Search Research and Conservation NPC, Muizenberg, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Tess Gridley
- Sea Search Research and Conservation NPC, Muizenberg, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Simon Elwen
- Sea Search Research and Conservation NPC, Muizenberg, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Isabelle Charrier
- Université Paris-Saclay, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, CNRS, 91400 Saclay, France
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Skafte-Holm A, Pedersen TR, Frølund M, Stegger M, Qvortrup K, Michaels DL, Brown DR, Jensen JS. Mycoplasma phocimorsus sp. nov., isolated from Scandinavian patients with seal finger or septic arthritis after contact with seals. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2023; 73. [PMID: 37966467 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.006163] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Seal finger (sealer's finger, spekk finger), an extremely painful hand infection contracted by individuals handling seals, has previously been associated with Mycoplasma phocacerebrale. From 2000 to 2014, six independent strains of a novel Mycoplasma species were isolated at Statens Serum Institut, Denmark, from Scandinavian patients with seal finger (M5725T, M6447, M6620, M6642 and M6879) or septic arthritis (M6921). Prior to the onset of infection, all patients had reported contact with unspeciated seals. All isolates grew within 2-5 days in Friis' modified broth and metabolized glucose and arginine but not urea. Strains M5725T, M6447, M6642 and M6921 also grew in Hayflick-type media. Colonies on agar media were large (0.5-1.0 mm) and had a typical 'fried egg' appearance, reduced tetrazolium, and were digitonin sensitive. Growth occurred at 32 °C but not at 42 °C. Strains were susceptible to doxycycline and moxifloxacin but resistant to azithromycin and erythromycin. The genomes of the six strains were sequenced and relatedness to all known Mycoplasma species was inferred. Phylogenetic analyses using 16S rRNA gene sequences and core genome single nucleotide polymorphisms showed that the isolated strains were highly similar and phylogenetically distinct from all other species within the genus Mycoplasma. The sizes of the genome sequences of the strains ranged from 744 321 to 772409 bp, with a G+C content of 25.0-25.2 mol%. Based on these analyses, we propose a novel species of the genus Mycoplasma with the name Mycoplasma phocimorsus sp. nov. with the first isolate M5725T (NCTC 14922T=DSM 116188T) as the proposed type strain and representative strains M6447, M6620, M6642, M6879 and M6921.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Skafte-Holm
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Roland Pedersen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Frølund
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marc Stegger
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - Klaus Qvortrup
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, CFIM, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dina L Michaels
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Daniel R Brown
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jorgen Skov Jensen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Nehring I, Staniszewska M. Comparison of prenatal and postnatal exposure to endocrine active phenol derivatives in mammals - Humans and Baltic grey seals. Mar Pollut Bull 2023; 196:115567. [PMID: 37741109 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115567] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tert-octylphenol (4-t-OP), and 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) are characterised by their endocrine active properties. Their negative effects on the development of the body are doubly important in the reproduction process. The goal was to compare the maternal transfer of phenol derivatives in humans and seals and identify factors that may affect the load of phenol derivatives entering the mother's body, which translates into a risk to the offspring. Phenol derivatives were determined using HPLC-FLD. It was shown that higher concentrations of phenol derivatives in blood or milk were detected in humans (mothers and newborns) compared to concentrations in Baltic seals. This was influenced by external exposure factors, i.e., leaching of phenol derivatives from food packaging or dermal contact. The authors conclude that milk is the main component in the maternal transfer of BPA to the next generation in humans, while blood is a carrier of alkylphenols, particularly 4-tert-octylphenol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iga Nehring
- Department of Chemical Oceanography and Marine Geology, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdańsk, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Marta Staniszewska
- Department of Chemical Oceanography and Marine Geology, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdańsk, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland.
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Chevallay M, Goulet P, Madsen PT, Campagna J, Campagna C, Guinet C, Johnson MP. Large sensory volumes enable Southern elephant seals to exploit sparse deep-sea prey. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2307129120. [PMID: 37844247 PMCID: PMC10614626 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307129120] [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: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of echolocating toothed whales to detect and classify prey at long ranges enables efficient searching and stalking of sparse prey in these time-limited dives. However, nonecholocating deep-diving seals such as elephant seals appear to have much less sensory advantage over their prey. Both elephant seals and their prey rely on visual and hydrodynamic cues that may be detectable only at short ranges in the deep ocean, leading us to hypothesize that elephant seals must adopt a less efficient reactive mode of hunting that requires high prey densities. To test that hypothesis, we deployed high-resolution sonar and movement tags on 25 females to record simultaneous predator and prey behavior during foraging interactions. We demonstrate that elephant seals have a sensory advantage over their prey that allows them to potentially detect prey 5 to 10 s before striking. The corresponding prey detection ranges of 7 to 17 m enable stealthy approaches and prey-specific capture tactics. In comparison, prey react at a median range of 0.7 m, close to the neck extension range of striking elephant seals. Estimated search swathes of 150 to 900 m2 explain how elephant seals can locate up to 2,000 prey while swimming more than 100 km per day. This efficient search capability allows elephant seals to subsist on prey densities that are consonant with the deep scattering layer resources estimated by hydroacoustic surveys but which are two orders of magnitude lower than the prey densities needed by a reactive hunter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Chevallay
- Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Villiers-en-Bois79360, France
| | - Pauline Goulet
- Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Villiers-en-Bois79360, France
| | | | - Julieta Campagna
- Centro Nacional Patagónico, Centro Científico Tecnológico del Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Puerto Madryn9120, Argentina
| | | | - Christophe Guinet
- Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Villiers-en-Bois79360, France
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Amin OM, Chaudhary A, Sharifdini M, Singh HS. The elevation of a unique population of Corynosoma strumosum (Acanthocephala: Polymorphidae) from the Caspian seal, Pusa caspica, in the Caspian Sea to Corynosoma neostrumosum n. sp. - CORRIGENDUM. J Helminthol 2023; 97:e74. [PMID: 37807853 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x23000627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
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Nieto-Miranda JJ, Aguilar-Medrano R, Hernández-Camacho CJ, Peredo CM, Cruz-Escalona VH. Mechanical properties of the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) and northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) lower jaws explain trophic plasticity. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2023; 306:2597-2609. [PMID: 36794994 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25180] [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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
The fossil record of pinnipeds documents a suite of morphological changes that facilitate their ecological transition from a terrestrial to an aquatic lifestyle. Among these is the loss of the tribosphenic molar and the behavior typically associated with it in mammals: mastication. Instead, modern pinnipeds exhibit a broad range of feeding strategies that facilitate their distinct aquatic ecologies. Here, we examine the feeding morphology of two species of pinnipeds with disparate feeding ecologies: Zalophus californianus, a specialized raptorial biter, and Mirounga angustirostris, a suction specialist. Specifically, we test whether the morphology of the lower jaws facilitates trophic plasticity in feeding for either of these species. We used finite element analysis (FEA) to simulate the stresses during the opening and closing of the lower jaws in these species to explore the mechanical limits of their feeding ecology. Our simulations demonstrate that both jaws are highly resistant to the tensile stresses experienced during feeding. The lower jaws of Z. californianus experienced the maximum stress at the articular condyle and the base of the coronoid process. The lower jaws of M. angustirostris experienced the maximum stress at the angular process and were more evenly distributed throughout the body of the mandible. Surprisingly, the lower jaws of M. angustirostris were even more resistant to the stresses experienced during feeding than those of Z. californianus. Thus, we conclude that the superlative trophic plasticity of Z. californianus is driven by other factors unrelated to the mandible's tensile resistance to stress during feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Jesús Nieto-Miranda
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Escuela Superior de Ingeniería Mecánica y Eléctrica Unidad Azcapotzalco, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Rosalía Aguilar-Medrano
- Departamento de Ecología Marina, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Claudia J Hernández-Camacho
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
| | | | - Víctor Hugo Cruz-Escalona
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
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de la Vega C, Kershaw J, Stenson GB, Frie AK, Biuw M, Haug T, Norman L, Mahaffey C, Smout S, Jeffreys RM. Multi-decadal trends in biomarkers in harp seal teeth from the North Atlantic reveal the influence of prey availability on seal trophic position. Glob Chang Biol 2023; 29:5582-5595. [PMID: 37477068 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16889] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Arctic food webs are being impacted by borealisation and environmental change. To quantify the impact of these multiple forcings, it is crucial to accurately determine the temporal change in key ecosystem metrics, such as trophic position of top predators. Here, we measured stable nitrogen isotopes (δ15 N) in amino acids in harp seal teeth from across the North Atlantic spanning a period of 60 years to robustly assess multi-decadal trends in harp seal trophic position, accounting for changes in δ15 N at the base of the food web. We reveal long-term variations in trophic position of harp seals which are likely to reflect fluctuations in prey availability, specifically fish- or invertebrate-dominated diets. We show that the temporal trends in harp seal trophic position differ between the Northwest Atlantic, Greenland Sea and Barents Sea, suggesting divergent changes in each local ecosystem. Our results provide invaluable data for population dynamic and ecotoxicology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille de la Vega
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Joanna Kershaw
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, UK
| | - Garry B Stenson
- Science Branch, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, Fisheries & Oceans Canada, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Department of Biology, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | | | - Martin Biuw
- Institute of Marine Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Tore Haug
- Institute of Marine Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Louisa Norman
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Claire Mahaffey
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sophie Smout
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, UK
| | - Rachel M Jeffreys
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Nowak BVR, Bowen WD, den Heyer CE, Lang SLC, Lidgard DC. Ontogeny of movement patterns in naïve grey seal pups inhabiting a complex continental shelf ecosystem. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290707. [PMID: 37756252 PMCID: PMC10529606 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Most vertebrate offspring must transition from the relative security of parental care (nutrition and protection) to independent foraging. Offspring face many challenges during this critical period, particularly in species where parental care ends at weaning, such as the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus). We studied the development of movement behaviour in naïve grey seal pups from their first trips to sea to about five months of age. Twenty-five (12 males and 13 females) newly-weaned pups were fitted with satellite-linked GPS tags on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada in January 2016. The influence of fixed effects (pup size, sex, week) and the random effect of pup identity on trip characteristics were examined. Movement behaviour was analyzed using a move persistence mixed-effects model. Habitat use was highly variable among individuals and covered much of the geographic distribution of the population. Unlike older juveniles, subadults, and adults in this population, most naïve pups used multiple haulout sites to begin and end trips. There was little evidence of area-restricted search behaviour during trips, suggesting that naïve pups were using an opportunistic foraging tactic that may result in more variable foraging success than that of older, experienced animals. Naïve pups made longer trips with longer haulout durations between them than observed for older greys seals. Males and females differed in some trip characteristics, but sex effects were small over the first few months of life. Offspring size at weaning was not a useful predictor of trip characteristics. Move persistence of grey seal pups was initially high and then decreased over time as individuals gained experience. Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors were influential on the movements of grey seal pups. Greater body length at weaning, longer duration spent on shore after weaning, shallower water column depth, and farther distance from shore were all associated with lower move persistence. Female grey seal pups had lower move persistence than males. Overall, the movements of naïve grey seal pups during the first few months of life were characterized by extensive exploration, but move persistence decreased over time suggesting they may be using an exploration-refinement foraging tactic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benia V. R. Nowak
- Biology Department, Life Science Centre Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Population Ecology Division, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - W. Don Bowen
- Biology Department, Life Science Centre Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Population Ecology Division, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Cornelia E. den Heyer
- Population Ecology Division, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Shelley L. C. Lang
- Population Ecology Division, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Damian C. Lidgard
- Biology Department, Life Science Centre Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Population Ecology Division, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Pritchard JC, Cho YM, Hawkins KM, Spahr S, Higgins CP, Luthy RG. Predicting PFAS and Hydrophilic Trace Organic Contaminant Transport in Black Carbon-Amended Engineered Media Filters for Improved Stormwater Runoff Treatment. Environ Sci Technol 2023; 57:14417-14428. [PMID: 37699564 PMCID: PMC10537446 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01260] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Improved stormwater treatment is needed to prevent toxic and mobile contaminant transport into receiving waters and allow beneficial use of stormwater runoff. In particular, safe capture of stormwater runoff to augment drinking water supplies is contingent upon removing dissolved trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) not captured by conventional stormwater control measures. This study builds upon a prior laboratory-based column study investigating biochar and regenerated activated carbon (RAC) amendment for removing hydrophilic trace organic contaminants (HiTrOCs) and poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from stormwater runoff. A robust contaminant transport model framework incorporating time-dependent flow and influent concentration is developed and validated to predict HiTrOC and PFAS transport in biochar- and RAC-amended stormwater filters. Specifically, parameters fit using a sorption-retarded intraparticle pore diffusion transport model were validated using data further along the depth of the column and compared to equilibrium batch isotherms. The transport model and fitted parameters were then used to estimate the lifetime of a hypothetical stormwater filter in Seal Beach, CA, to be 35 ± 6 years for biochar- and 51 ± 17 years for RAC-amended filters, under ideal conditions with no filter clogging. This work offers insights on the kinetics of HiTrOC and PFAS transport within biochar and RAC filters and on the impact of filter design on contaminant removal performance and longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Conrad Pritchard
- Re-inventing the Nation's Urban Water Infrastructure (ReNUWIt), National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Yeo-Myoung Cho
- Re-inventing the Nation's Urban Water Infrastructure (ReNUWIt), National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Kathleen Mills Hawkins
- Re-inventing the Nation's Urban Water Infrastructure (ReNUWIt), National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Stephanie Spahr
- Re-inventing the Nation's Urban Water Infrastructure (ReNUWIt), National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Ecohydrology and Biogeochemistry, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), 12587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Re-inventing the Nation's Urban Water Infrastructure (ReNUWIt), National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Richard G Luthy
- Re-inventing the Nation's Urban Water Infrastructure (ReNUWIt), National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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Sakyi ME, Kamio T, Kohyama K, Rahman MM, Shimizu K, Okada A, Inoshima Y. Assessing of the use of proteins A, G, and chimeric protein AG to detect marine mammal immunoglobulins. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291743. [PMID: 37733771 PMCID: PMC10513184 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been an increase in infectious diseases in marine mammals, including brucellosis, infections of morbillivirus, herpesvirus, and poxvirus. Several serological diagnostic methods, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, immunofluorescence assays (ELISA), and western blotting, have been used to detect antibodies against pathogens in marine mammals. However, options for commercial secondary antibodies used to detect antibodies in marine mammals are limited; therefore, the use of proteins A, G, or chimeric protein AG may provide a suitable alternative. This study aimed to assess the use of proteins A, G, and chimeric protein AG to detect marine mammal immunoglobulins. Currently, there are no comparative studies on the use of proteins A, G, and chimeric protein AG for the detection of immunoglobulins in marine mammals. In this study, we used ten pinnipeds' species (Baikal seal, California sea lion, harbor seal, northern fur seal, ringed seal, South American fur seal, South American sea lion, spotted seal, Steller sea lion, and walrus) and five cetacean species (beluga whale, bottlenose dolphin, harbor porpoise, killer whale, and Pacific white-sided dolphin) and compare binding ability to proteins A, G, or chimeric protein AG by ELISA. The results revealed that the immunoglobulins from pinniped and cetacean species reacted more strongly to protein A than protein G. In addition, the immunoglobulins of pinnipeds and cetaceans showed a strong binding ability to chimeric protein AG. These results suggest that proteins A, G, and chimeric protein AG would be used to help further develop serological assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Essien Sakyi
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takashi Kamio
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | | | - Md. Matiur Rahman
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- Faculty for Veterinary, Department of Medicine, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Kaori Shimizu
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Ayaka Okada
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- Education and Research Center for Food Animal Health, Gifu University (GeFAH), Gifu, Japan
| | - Yasuo Inoshima
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
- Education and Research Center for Food Animal Health, Gifu University (GeFAH), Gifu, Japan
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Wang Z. Enforce China's plan to protect spotted seals. Science 2023; 381:1163. [PMID: 37708257 DOI: 10.1126/science.adj9396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zongxing Wang
- First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao 266061, China and Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-Environmental Science and Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao 266061, China
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Zhou Y, Cheng X, Sun F, Gong R. Investigation on hydrodynamic lubrication effect of micro groove seal in pharmaceutical kettle. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291360. [PMID: 37695777 PMCID: PMC10495019 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
To improve the lubrication conditions of the seal in the pharmaceutical kettles, a specific shape groove with micrometer level on the sealing end face is set up to fully utilize the fluid dynamic pressure effect under given working conditions. A numerical model is developed to solve the pressure distribution in the micro groove, where any groove shape can be used. The numerical form of the model is derived using the principle of mass conservation without considering the film thickness derivative term, and the coordinate transformation is introduced to adapt to the curved shape of the groove. The cavitation phenomenon is taken into account in the flow field of the seal, and the JFO cavitation model is introduced to modify the Reynolds equation. The diversity of groove shapes is considered, and the node adsorption method is adopted to approximate the groove shape. The model is established based on the principle of mass conservation, which can adapt to any different groove shapes and has a strong scalability. By mathematical modeling and solving, the performances of the micro groove seal under different groove shapes are analyzed, providing a basis for the micro groove design of seal in pharmaceutical kettles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghua Zhou
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xing Cheng
- School of Automotive and Traffic Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fengming Sun
- School of Automotive and Traffic Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ran Gong
- School of Automotive and Traffic Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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Badger JJ, Bowen WD, den Heyer CE, Breed GA. Individual Quality Drives Life History Variation in a Long-Lived Marine Predator. Am Nat 2023; 202:351-367. [PMID: 37606942 DOI: 10.1086/725451] [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: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
AbstractIndividual quality and environmental conditions may mask or interact with energetic trade-offs in life history evolution. Deconstructing these sources of variation is especially difficult in long-lived species that are rarely observed on timescales long enough to disentangle these effects. Here, we investigated relative support for variation in female quality and costs of reproduction as factors shaping differences in life history trajectories using a 32-year dataset of repeated reproductive measurements from 273 marked, known-age female gray seals (Halichoerus grypus). We defined individual reproductive investment using two traits, reproductive frequency (a female's probability of breeding) and provisioning performance (offspring weaning mass). Fitted hierarchical Bayesian models identified individual investment relative to conspecifics (over a female's entire life and in three age classes) and subsequently estimated how these investment metrics and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation are associated with longevity. Individual differences (i.e., quality) contributed a large portion of the variance in reproductive traits. Females that consistently invest well in their offspring relative to other females survive longer. The best-supported model estimated survival as a function of age class-specific provisioning performance, where late-life performance was particularly variable and had the greatest impact on survival, possibly indicating individual variation in senescence. There was no evidence to support a trade-off in reproductive performance and survival at the individual level. Overall, these results suggest that in gray seals, individual quality is a stronger driver in life history variation than individual strategies resulting from energetic trade-offs.
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Saab ME, Vanier G, Sudlovenick E, Powell AL, Simonee J, Desmarais G, Muckle CA, Fairbrother JM, Daoust PY. Occurrence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella species and potentially pathogenic Escherichia coli in free-living seals of Canadian Atlantic and eastern Arctic waters. Zoonoses Public Health 2023; 70:542-554. [PMID: 37317052 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13064] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Seal populations in Canadian waters provide sustenance to coastal communities. There is potential for pathogenic and/or antimicrobial-resistant bacteria to transfer to humans through inadvertent faecal contamination of seal products. The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence and potential antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes in faecal samples collected from grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and from ringed seals (Pusa hispida) in Frobisher Bay and Eclipse Sound, Nunavut, Canada. Grey seals were harvested during commercial hunts or during scientific sampling; ringed seals were collected by Inuit hunters during subsistence harvests. Virulence genes defining pathogenic E. coli were identified by PCR, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on recovered isolates. In grey seals, E. coli was detected in 34/44 (77%) samples, and pathogenic E. coli (extraintestinal E. coli [ExPEC], enteropathogenic E. coli [EPEC] or ExPEC/EPEC) was detected in 13/44 (29%) samples. Non-susceptibility to beta-lactams and quinolones was observed in isolates from 18 grey seals. In ringed seals from Frobisher Bay, E. coli was detected in 4/45 (9%) samples; neither virulence genes nor antimicrobial resistance was detected in these isolates. In ringed seals from Eclipse Sound, E. coli was detected in 8/50 (16%) samples and pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC and ExPEC/EPEC) in 5/50 (10%) samples. One seal from Eclipse Sound had an E. coli isolate resistant to beta-lactams. A monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium was recovered from 8/50 (16%) seals from Eclipse Sound. All Salmonella isolates were resistant to ampicillin, streptomycin, sulfisoxazole and tetracycline. L. monocytogenes was not detected in any sample. These findings suggest that seals may act as important sentinel species and as reservoirs or vectors for antimicrobial-resistant and virulent E. coli and Salmonella species. Further characterization of these isolates would provide additional insights into the source and spread of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in these populations of free-living seals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Saab
- Diagnostic Services, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - Ghyslaine Vanier
- WOAH Reference Laboratory for Escherichia coli, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Enooyaq Sudlovenick
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - Ashley Lora Powell
- Diagnostic Services, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | | | - Gabriel Desmarais
- WOAH Reference Laboratory for Escherichia coli, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Catherine Anne Muckle
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - John Morris Fairbrother
- WOAH Reference Laboratory for Escherichia coli, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pierre-Yves Daoust
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
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Macdonald KR, Rotella JJ, Paterson JT. Evaluating the importance of individual heterogeneity in reproduction to Weddell seal population dynamics using integral projection models. J Anim Ecol 2023; 92:1828-1839. [PMID: 37395110 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13975] [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: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Identifying and accounting for unobserved individual heterogeneity in vital rates in demographic models is important for estimating population-level vital rates and identifying diverse life-history strategies, but much less is known about how this individual heterogeneity influences population dynamics. We aimed to understand how the distribution of individual heterogeneity in reproductive and survival rates influenced population dynamics using vital rates from a Weddell seal population by altering the distribution of individual heterogeneity in reproduction, which also altered the distribution of individual survival rates through the incorporation of our estimate of the correlation between the two rates and assessing resulting changes in population growth. We constructed an integral projection model (IPM) structured by age and reproductive state using estimates of vital rates for a long-lived mammal that has recently been shown to exhibit large individual heterogeneity in reproduction. Using output from the IPM, we evaluated how population dynamics changed with different underlying distributions of unobserved individual heterogeneity in reproduction. Results indicate that the changes to the underlying distribution of individual heterogeneity in reproduction cause very small changes in the population growth rate and other population metrics. The largest difference in the estimated population growth rate resulting from changes to the underlying distribution of individual heterogeneity was less than 1%. Our work highlights the differing importance of individual heterogeneity at the population level compared to the individual level. Although individual heterogeneity in reproduction may result in large differences in the lifetime fitness of individuals, changing the proportion of above- or below-average breeders in the population results in much smaller differences in annual population growth rate. For a long-lived mammal with stable and high adult-survival that gives birth to a single offspring, individual heterogeneity in reproduction has a limited effect on population dynamics. We posit that the limited effect of individual heterogeneity on population dynamics may be due to canalization of life-history traits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jay J Rotella
- Ecology Department, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - J Terrill Paterson
- Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Bozeman, Montana, USA
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49
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Anderson MA, Fisk AT, Laing R, Noël M, Angnatok J, Kirk J, Evans M, Pijogge L, Brown TM. Changing environmental conditions have altered the feeding ecology of two keystone Arctic marine predators. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14056. [PMID: 37640733 PMCID: PMC10462653 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39091-9] [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: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental change in the Arctic has impacted the composition and structure of marine food webs. Tracking feeding ecology changes of culturally-valued Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) and ringed seals (Pusa hispida) can provide an indication of the ecological significance of climate change in a vulnerable region. We characterized how changes in sea ice conditions, sea surface temperature (SST), and primary productivity affected the feeding ecology of these two keystone species over a 13- and 18-year period, respectively, in northern Labrador, Canada. Arctic char fed consistently on pelagic resources (δ13C) but shifted over time to feeding at a higher trophic level (δ15N) and on more marine/offshore resources (δ34S), which correlated with decreases in chlorophyll a concentration. A reduction in Arctic char condition factor and lipid content was associated with higher trophic position. Ringed seals also shifted to feeding at a higher trophic level, but on more pelagic resources, which was associated with lower SST and higher chlorophyll a concentrations. Years with abnormally high SSTs and reduced sea ice concentrations resulted in large isotopic niche sizes for both species, suggesting abrupt change can result in more variable feeding. Changes in abundance and distribution of species long valued by the Inuit of Labrador could diminish food security.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aaron T Fisk
- School of the Environment, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Rodd Laing
- Nunatsiavut Government, Nain, NL, Canada
| | | | | | - Jane Kirk
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - Marlene Evans
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | | | - Tanya M Brown
- School of the Environment, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada.
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, West Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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50
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Lyras GA, Werdelin L, van der Geer BGM, van der Geer AAE. Fossil brains provide evidence of underwater feeding in early seals. Commun Biol 2023; 6:747. [PMID: 37591929 PMCID: PMC10435510 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05135-z] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Pinnipeds (seals and related species) use their whiskers to explore their environment and locate their prey. Today they live mostly in marine habitats and are adapted for a highly specialised amphibious lifestyle with their flippers for locomotion and a hydrodynamically streamlined body. The earliest pinnipeds, however, lived on land and in freshwater habitats, much like mustelids today. Here we reconstruct the underwater foraging behaviour of one of these earliest pinnipeds (Potamotherium), focusing in particular on how it used its whiskers (vibrissae). For this purpose, we analyse the coronal gyrus of the brain of 7 fossil and 31 extant carnivorans. This region receives somatosensory input from the head. Our results show that the reliance on whiskers in modern pinnipeds is an ancestral feature that favoured survival of stem pinnipeds in marine habitats. This study provides insights into an impressive ecological transition in carnivoran evolution: from terrestrial to amphibious marine species. Adaptations for underwater foraging were crucial for this transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Lyras
- Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, Department of Historical Geology-Palaeontology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784, Zografos, Greece
| | - Lars Werdelin
- Department of Palaeobiology, Swedish Museum of Natural History, SE-10405, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Alexandra A E van der Geer
- Vertebrate Evolution, Development and Ecology, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, 2333 RA, Leiden, the Netherlands.
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, 2311 EZ, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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