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The Veterinary Clinics of North... May 2021Although the companion animal population is predominantly canine and feline, the popularity of domesticated small mammals (or pocket pets) has been steadily increasing.... (Review)
Review
Although the companion animal population is predominantly canine and feline, the popularity of domesticated small mammals (or pocket pets) has been steadily increasing. As a result, ferrets, rabbits, and rodents can be expected to present for veterinary evaluation. Many common medical problems in pocket pets are often associated with poor husbandry and/or inappropriate nutrition and are thus responsive to nutritional therapies. Although this article touches on minor background information and husbandry, the primary foci are the basic nutritional needs of, and common nutrition-responsive diseases in, pocket pets. Detailed husbandry needs are beyond the scope of this article.
Topics: Animal Husbandry; Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Ferrets; Pets; Rabbits; Rodentia
PubMed: 33773647
DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2021.01.001 -
Journal of Proteomics Jan 2020Milk is a complex body fluid aimed at addressing the nutritional and defensive needs of the mammal's newborns. Harbored microbiota plays a pivotal role throughout the... (Review)
Review
Milk is a complex body fluid aimed at addressing the nutritional and defensive needs of the mammal's newborns. Harbored microbiota plays a pivotal role throughout the cheesemaking process and contributes to the development of flavor and texture typical of different type of cheeses. Understanding the dairy microbiota dynamics is of paramount importance for controlling the qualitative, sensorial and biosafety features of the dairy products. Although many studies investigated the contribution of single or few microorganisms, still there is some information lacking about microbial communities. The widespread of the omics platforms and bioinformatic tools enable the investigation of the cheese-associated microbial community in both phylogenetical and functional terms, highlighting the effects of the diverse cheesemaking variables. In this review, the most relevant literature is revised to provide an introduction of the milk- and cheese-associated microbiota, along with their structural and functional dynamics in relation to the diverse cheesemaking technologies and influencing variables. Also, we focus our attention on the latest omics technologies adopted in dairy microbiota investigation. Discussion on the key-steps and major drawbacks of each omics discipline is provided along with a collection of results from the latest research studies performed to unravel the fascinating world of the dairy-associated microbiota. SIGNIFICANCE: Understanding the milk- and cheese- associated microbial community is nowadays considered a key factor in the dairy industry, since it allows a comprehensive knowledge on how all phases of the cheesemaking process impact the harbored microflora; thus, predict the consequences in the finished products in terms of texture, organoleptic characteristics, palatability and biosafety. This review, collect the pioneering and milestones works so far performed in the field of dairy microbiota, and provide the basic guidance to whom approaching the cheese microbiota investigation by means of the latest omics technologies. Also, the review emphasizes the benefits and drawbacks of the omics disciplines, and underline how the integration of diverse omics sciences enhance a comprehensive depiction of the cheese microbiota. In turn, a better consciousness of the dairy microbiota might results in the application of improved starter cultures, cheesemaking practices and technologies; supporting a bio-safe and standardized production of cheese, with a strong economic benefit for both large-scale industries and local traditional dairy farms.
Topics: Animals; Cheese; Dairying; Food Microbiology; Genome; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Humans; Microbiota; Milk; Proteome; Transcriptome
PubMed: 31629058
DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2019.103534 -
The Journal of Animal Ecology Aug 2020Traditionally, most studies have described the organization of host-parasite interaction networks by considering only few host groups at limited geographical extents....
Traditionally, most studies have described the organization of host-parasite interaction networks by considering only few host groups at limited geographical extents. However, host-parasite relationships are merged within different taxonomic groups and factors shaping these interactions likely differ between host and parasite groups, making group-level differences important to better understand the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of these interactive communities. Here we used a dataset of 629 ectoparasite species and 251 species of terrestrial mammals, comprising 10 orders distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical regions of Mexico to assess the species-level drivers of mammalian ectoparasite faunas. Specifically, we evaluated whether body weight, geographical range size and within-range mammal species richness (i.e. diversity field) predict mammal ectoparasite species richness (i.e. degree centrality) and their closeness centrality within the mammal-ectoparasite network. In addition, we also tested if the observed patterns differ among mammal orders and if taxonomic closely related host mammals could more likely share the same set of ectoparasites. We found that ectoparasite species richness of small mammals (mainly rodents) with large proportional range sizes was high compared to large-bodied mammals, whereas the diversity field of mammals had no predictive value (except for bats). We also observed that taxonomic proximity was a main determinant of the probability to share ectoparasite species. Specifically, the probability to share ectoparasites in congeneric species reached up to 90% and decreased exponentially as the taxonomic distance increased. Further, we also detected that some ectoparasites are generalists and capable to infect mammalian species across different orders and that rodents have a remarkable role in the network structure, being closely connected to many other taxa. Hence, because many rodent species have synanthropic habits they could act as undesired reservoirs of disease agents for humans and urban animals. Considering the reported worldwide phenomenon of the proliferation of rodents accompanying the demographic decrease or even local extinction of large-bodied mammal species, these organisms may already be an increasing health threat in many regions of the world.
Topics: Animals; Ectoparasitic Infestations; Host-Parasite Interactions; Mammals; Mexico; Parasites; Rodentia
PubMed: 32198927
DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13216 -
Trends in Ecology & Evolution Oct 2019The ecological diversification of early mammals is one of the most globally transformative events in Earth's history and the Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution (KTR) and... (Review)
Review
The ecological diversification of early mammals is one of the most globally transformative events in Earth's history and the Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution (KTR) and end-Cretaceous mass extinction are commonly hailed as catalysts. However, a confounding issue when examining this diversification is that it comprised nested radiations of mammalian subclades within the broader scope of mammalian evolution. In the past 200 million years, various independent groups experienced large-scale radiations, each involving ecological diversification from ancestral lineages of small insectivores; examples include Jurassic mammaliaforms, Late Cretaceous metatherians, and Cenozoic placentals. Here, we review these ecological radiations, highlighting the nuanced complexity of early mammal evolution, the value of ecomorphological fossil data, and the importance of phylogenetic context in macroevolutionary studies.
Topics: Animals; Biological Evolution; Extinction, Biological; Fossils; Mammals; Phylogeny
PubMed: 31229335
DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2019.05.008 -
Current Biology : CB Jun 2023Within mammals, different reproductive strategies (e.g., egg laying, live birth of extremely underdeveloped young, and live birth of well-developed young) have been...
Within mammals, different reproductive strategies (e.g., egg laying, live birth of extremely underdeveloped young, and live birth of well-developed young) have been linked to divergent evolutionary histories. How and when developmental variation across mammals arose is unclear. While egg laying is unquestionably considered the ancestral state for all mammals, many long-standing biases treat the extreme underdeveloped state of marsupial young as the ancestral state for therian mammals (clade including both marsupials and placentals), with the well-developed young of placentals often considered the derived mode of development. Here, we quantify mammalian cranial morphological development and estimate ancestral patterns of cranial shape development using geometric morphometric analysis of the largest comparative ontogenetic dataset of mammals to date (165 specimens, 22 species). We identify a conserved region of cranial morphospace for fetal specimens, after which cranial morphology diversified through ontogeny in a cone-shaped pattern. This cone-shaped pattern of development distinctively reflected the upper half of the developmental hourglass model. Moreover, cranial morphological variation was found to be significantly associated with the level of development (position on the altricial-precocial spectrum) exhibited at birth. Estimation of ancestral state allometry (size-related shape change) reconstructs marsupials as pedomorphic relative to the ancestral therian mammal. In contrast, the estimated allometries for the ancestral placental and ancestral therian were indistinguishable. Thus, from our results, we hypothesize that placental mammal cranial development most closely reflects that of the ancestral therian mammal, while marsupial cranial development represents a more derived mode of mammalian development, in stark contrast to many interpretations of mammalian evolution.
Topics: Pregnancy; Animals; Female; Marsupialia; Biological Evolution; Placenta; Mammals; Skull
PubMed: 37119816
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.04.009 -
Molecules and Cells Jul 2021Aging is associated with functional and structural declines in organisms over time. Organisms as diverse as the nematode and mammals share signaling pathways that... (Review)
Review
Aging is associated with functional and structural declines in organisms over time. Organisms as diverse as the nematode and mammals share signaling pathways that regulate aging and lifespan. In this review, we discuss recent combinatorial approach to aging research employing and mammalian systems that have contributed to our understanding of evolutionarily conserved aging-regulating pathways. The topics covered here include insulin/IGF-1, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and sirtuin signaling pathways; dietary restriction; autophagy; mitochondria; and the nervous system. A combinatorial approach employing high-throughput, rapid systems, and human model mammalian systems is likely to continue providing mechanistic insights into aging biology and will help develop therapeutics against age-associated disorders.
Topics: Animals; Caenorhabditis elegans; Disease Models, Animal; Geroscience; Humans; Mammals; Mice
PubMed: 34248055
DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2021.0080 -
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton,... 2020During recent years, serological evidence has shown that a number of peridomestic mammals (e.g., those commonly found in or around human structures) are naturally...
During recent years, serological evidence has shown that a number of peridomestic mammals (e.g., those commonly found in or around human structures) are naturally exposed to influenza A viruses (IAVs). In addition, experimental studies have demonstrated that many of these species can successfully replicate several different IAVs, including IAVs of high consequence to public or agricultural health. The replication of some IAVs within this group of mammals could have implications for biosecurity associated with poultry production and live bird markets in some regions of the world. Given this evidence, the need for further study and understanding of the role that peridomestic mammals may play in IAV dynamics is increasingly being recognized. This chapter will provide a general overview on IAV associations in peridomestic mammals, especially as they pertain to avian IAVs, and provide some general views and guidelines for sampling these species in various situations.
Topics: Agriculture; Animals; Animals, Domestic; Influenza A virus; Laboratories; Mammals; Orthomyxoviridae Infections; Species Specificity; Specimen Handling
PubMed: 32170707
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0346-8_32 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2022Sex determination is crucial for the transmission of genetic information through generations. In mammal, this process is primarily regulated by an antagonistic network... (Review)
Review
Sex determination is crucial for the transmission of genetic information through generations. In mammal, this process is primarily regulated by an antagonistic network of sex-related genes beginning in embryonic development and continuing throughout life. Nonetheless, abnormal expression of these sex-related genes will lead to reproductive organ and germline abnormalities, resulting in disorders of sex development (DSD) and infertility. On the other hand, it is possible to predetermine the sex of animal offspring by artificially regulating sex-related gene expression, a recent research hotspot. In this paper, we reviewed recent research that has improved our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of the gonad and primordial germ cells (PGCs), progenitors of the germline, to provide new directions for the treatment of DSD and infertility, both of which involve manipulating the sex ratio of livestock offspring.
Topics: Animals; Embryonic Development; Germ Cells; Gonads; Infertility; Mammals
PubMed: 35886859
DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147500 -
Science China. Life Sciences Oct 2021Animal body coverings provide protection and allow for adaptation to environmental pressures such as heat, ultraviolet radiation, water loss, and mechanical forces.... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Animal body coverings provide protection and allow for adaptation to environmental pressures such as heat, ultraviolet radiation, water loss, and mechanical forces. Here, using a comparative genomics analysis of 39 mammal species spanning three skin covering types (hairless, scaly and spiny), we found some genes (e.g., UVRAG, POLH, and XPC) involved in skin inflammation, skin innate immunity, and ultraviolet radiation damage repair were under selection in hairless ocean mammals (e.g., whales and manatees). These signatures might be associated with a high risk of skin diseases from pathogens and ultraviolet radiation. Moreover, the genomes from three spiny mammal species shared convergent genomic regions (EPHB2, EPHA4, and NIN) and unique positively selected genes (FZD6, INVS, and CDC42) involved in skin cell polarity, which might be related to the development of spines. In scaly mammals, the shared convergent genomic regions (e.g., FREM2) were associated with the integrity of the skin epithelium and epidermal adhesion. This study identifies potential convergent genomic features among distantly related mammals with the same skin covering type.
Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Amino Acid Substitution; Animals; Evolution, Molecular; Genome; Genomics; Hair Follicle; Integumentary System; Mammals; Phylogeny; Selection, Genetic
PubMed: 33481165
DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1841-5 -
Experientia Supplementum (2012) 2022Microsporidia are pathogenic organism related to fungi. They cause infections in a wide variety of mammals as well as in avian, amphibian, and reptilian hosts. Many...
Microsporidia are pathogenic organism related to fungi. They cause infections in a wide variety of mammals as well as in avian, amphibian, and reptilian hosts. Many microsporidia species play an important role in the development of serious diseases that have significant implications in human and veterinary medicine. While microsporidia were originally considered to be opportunistic pathogens in humans, it is now understood that infections also occur in immune competent humans. Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are primarily mammalian pathogens. However, many other species of microsporidia that have some other primary host that is not a mammal have been reported to cause sporadic mammalian infections. Experimental models and observations in natural infections have demonstrated that microsporidia can cause a latent infection in mammalian hosts. This chapter reviews the published studies on mammalian microsporidiosis and the data on chronic infections due to these enigmatic pathogens.
Topics: Animals; Enterocytozoon; Feces; Humans; Mammals; Microsporidia; Persistent Infection
PubMed: 35544008
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-93306-7_12