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Tissue & Cell Jun 2024Exposure to the neonicotinoid insecticide, imidacloprid (IMI), causes reproductive toxicity in mammals and reptiles. However, reports on the effects of IMI on the gonads...
Exposure to the neonicotinoid insecticide, imidacloprid (IMI), causes reproductive toxicity in mammals and reptiles. However, reports on the effects of IMI on the gonads in birds are grossly lacking. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of pubertal exposure to IMI on the histology, ultrastructure, as well as the cytoskeletal proteins, desmin, smooth muscle actin and vimentin, of the gonads of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Quails were randomly divided into four groups at 5 weeks of age. The control group was given only distilled water, whereas, the other three experimental groups, IMI was administered by oral gavage at 1.55, 3.1, and 6.2 mg/kg, twice per week for 4 weeks. Exposure to IMI doses of 3.1 and 6.2 mg/kg caused dose-dependent histopathological changes in the ovary and testis. In the ovary, accumulation of lymphocytes, degenerative changes, and necrosis with granulocyte infiltrations were observed, while in the testis, distorted seminiferous tubules, germ cell sloughing, vacuolisations, apoptotic bodies, autophagosomes, and mitochondrial damage were detected. These changes were accompanied by a decreased number of primary follicles (P ≤ 0.05) in the ovary and a decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in the epithelial height, luminal, and tubular diameters of seminiferous tubules at the two higher dosages. In addition, IMI had a negative effect on the immunostaining intensity of desmin, smooth muscle actin, and vimentin in the ovarian and testicular tissue. In conclusion, exposure to IMI during puberty can lead to a range of histopathological alterations in the gonads of Japanese quails, which may ultimately result in infertility.
PubMed: 38941762
DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2024.102450 -
Science Advances Jun 2024Rotator cuff repair surgeries fail frequently, with 20 to 94% of the 600,000 repairs performed annually in the United States resulting in retearing of the rotator cuff....
Rotator cuff repair surgeries fail frequently, with 20 to 94% of the 600,000 repairs performed annually in the United States resulting in retearing of the rotator cuff. The most common cause of failure is sutures tearing through tendons at grasping points. To address this issue, we drew inspiration from the specialized teeth of snakes of the Pythonoidea superfamily, which grasp soft tissues without tearing. To apply this nondamaging gripping approach to the surgical repair of tendon, we developed and optimized a python tooth-inspired device as an adjunct to current rotator cuff suture repair and found that it nearly doubled repair strength. Integrated simulations, 3D printing, and ex vivo experiments revealed a relationship between tooth shape and grasping mechanics, enabling optimization of the clinically relevant device that substantially enhances rotator cuff repair by distributing stresses over the attachment footprint. This approach suggests an alternative to traditional suturing paradigms and may reduce the risk of tendon retearing after rotator cuff repair.
Topics: Animals; Rotator Cuff; Boidae; Rotator Cuff Injuries; Tooth; Suture Techniques; Biomechanical Phenomena; Humans; Printing, Three-Dimensional
PubMed: 38941456
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl5270 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024Reptile white blood cell (WBC) morphological features are strikingly variable across species. In the Argentine black and white tegu (), red tegu (), and Savannah monitor...
Reptile white blood cell (WBC) morphological features are strikingly variable across species. In the Argentine black and white tegu (), red tegu (), and Savannah monitor (Var), previous reports described a WBC type with a single distinct, clear, linear- to ovoid- to crescent-shaped inclusion of presumptive monocytic origin. The objective of this study was to further investigate the origin of this unique WBC type with crescent-shaped inclusions. Blood samples from two Argentine black and white tegus, tegu 1, a 4-year-old female, and tegu 2, a 2-year-old presumed male, were submitted for routine hematological evaluation. Additional blood films were prepared and stained with these cytochemical stains: alkaline phosphatase (ALP; naphthol AS-MX phosphate substrate), alpha-naphthyl butyrate esterase, alpha-chloroacetate esterase, myeloperoxidase, Periodic acid-Schiff, and Sudan black B. Blood films from tegu 1 were also stained with a second ALP stain (5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indoxyl-phosphate and nitroblue tetrazolium substrate), Luna, luxol fast blue, and toluidine blue. The blood from tegu 1 was cytocentrifuged to isolate and fix the buffy coat in glutaraldehyde 2.5% aqueous solution for transmission electron microscopy. Six morphologically distinct WBC types were identified from tegu 1, including heterophils, basophils, monocytes, azurophils, lymphocytes, and the unique WBC type, which were identified as eosinophils with inclusions. WBC types in tegu 2 were similar; however, eosinophils lacked a discernable inclusion. Proper WBC identification will be useful in obtaining accurate hemogram data for this species.
PubMed: 38938912
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1387178 -
PeerJ 2024Enhancing detection of cryptic snakes is critical for the development of conservation and management strategies; yet, finding methods that provide adequate detection...
BACKGROUND
Enhancing detection of cryptic snakes is critical for the development of conservation and management strategies; yet, finding methods that provide adequate detection remains challenging. Issues with detecting snakes can be particularly problematic for some species, like the invasive Burmese python () in the Florida Everglades.
METHODS
Using multiple survey methods, we predicted that our ability to detect pythons, larger snakes and all other snakes would be enhanced with the use of live mammalian lures (domesticated rabbits; ). Specifically, we used visual surveys, python detection dogs, and time-lapse game cameras to determine if domesticated rabbits were an effective lure.
RESULTS
Time-lapse game cameras detected almost 40 times more snakes ( = 375, treatment = 245, control = 130) than visual surveys ( = 10). We recorded 21 independent detections of pythons at treatment pens (with lures) and one detection at a control pen (without lures). In addition, we found larger snakes, and all other snakes were 165% and 74% more likely to be detected at treatment pens compared to control pens, respectively. Time-lapse cameras detected almost 40 times more snakes than visual surveys; we did not detect any pythons with python detection dogs.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study presents compelling evidence that the detection of snakes is improved by coupling live mammalian lures with time-lapse game cameras. Although the identification of smaller snake species was limited, this was due to pixel resolution, which could be improved by changing the camera focal length. For larger snakes with individually distinctive patterns, this method could potentially be used to identify unique individuals and thus allow researchers to estimate population dynamics.
Topics: Animals; Boidae; Rabbits; Time-Lapse Imaging; Snakes; Florida; Dogs; Photography; Predatory Behavior
PubMed: 38938602
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17577 -
Current Topics in Developmental Biology 2024Morphogenesis is a physical process that sculpts the final functional forms of tissues and organs. Remarkably, the lungs of terrestrial vertebrates vary dramatically in... (Review)
Review
Morphogenesis is a physical process that sculpts the final functional forms of tissues and organs. Remarkably, the lungs of terrestrial vertebrates vary dramatically in form across species, despite providing the same function of transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. These divergent forms arise from distinct physical processes through which the epithelium of the embryonic lung responds to the mechanical properties of its surrounding mesenchymal microenvironment. Here we compare the physical processes that guide folding of the lung epithelium in mammals, birds, and reptiles, and suggest a conceptual framework that reconciles how conserved molecular signaling generates divergent mechanical forces across these species.
Topics: Animals; Morphogenesis; Lung; Vertebrates; Humans
PubMed: 38937031
DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2024.05.003 -
Infection, Genetics and Evolution :... Jun 2024Trypanosomatids have achieved significant evolutionary success in parasitizing various groups, yet reptiles remain relatively unexplored. The utilization of advanced...
Trypanosomatids have achieved significant evolutionary success in parasitizing various groups, yet reptiles remain relatively unexplored. The utilization of advanced molecular tools has revealed an increased richness of trypanosomatids in vertebrate hosts. The aim of this study was to identify the trypanosomatid species infecting Bothrops moojeni and Crotalus durissus kept in captivity from 2000 to 2022. Blood samples were obtained from 106 snakes: 73C. durissus and 33 B. moojeni. Whole blood was collected for hemoculture, blood smears and centrifugated to obtain the blood clot that had its DNA extracted and submitted to Nested PCR (18S rDNA gene) to detect Trypanosomatidae. Positive samples were quantified and submitted to both conventional (Sanger) and next generation sequencing (NGS). Cloning of the amplified PCR product was performed for only one individual of C. durissus. To exclude the possibility of local vector transmission, attempts to capture sandflies were conducted using six CDC-LT type light traps. Molecular diagnosis revealed that 34% of the snakes presented trypanosomatid DNA, 47.94% in C. durissus and 3.9% in B. moojeni. The cloning process generated four colonies identified as a new MOTU named Trypanosomatidae sp. CROT. The presence of DNA of five trypanosomatids (Trypanosoma cruzi TcII/VI, Trypanosoma sp. DID, Trypanosoma cascavelli, Trypanosomatidae sp. CROT, Leishmania infantum and Leishmania sp.) and one free-living kinetoplastid (Neobodo sp.) was revealed through NGS and confirmed by phylogenetic analysis. The haplotypic network divided the T. cascavelli sequences into two groups, 1) marsupials and snakes and 2) exclusive to marsupials. Therefore, the diversity of Kinetoplastea is still underestimated. Snakes have the ability to maintain infection with T. cruzi and L. infantum for up to 20 years and the DNA finding of Neobodo sp. in the blood of a C. durissus suggests that this genus can infect vertebrates.
PubMed: 38936526
DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105630 -
Microorganisms Jun 2024Living in arid environments presents unique challenges to organisms, including limited food and water, extreme temperatures, and UV exposure. Reptiles, such as the South...
Living in arid environments presents unique challenges to organisms, including limited food and water, extreme temperatures, and UV exposure. Reptiles, such as the South American leaf-toed gecko (), have evolved remarkable adaptations to thrive in such harsh conditions. The gut microbiome plays a critical role in host adaptation and health, yet its composition remains poorly characterized in desert reptiles. This study aimed to characterize the composition and abundance of the gut microbiome in inhabiting the hyperarid Atacama Desert, taking into account potential sex differences. Fecal samples from adult female and male geckos were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. No significant differences in bacterial alpha diversity were observed between the sexes. However, the phylum Bacteroidota was more abundant in females, while males had a higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio. The core microbiome was dominated by the phyla Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria in both sexes. Analysis of bacterial composition revealed 481 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) shared by female and male geckos. In addition, 108 unique ASVs were exclusive to females, while 244 ASVs were unique to males. Although the overall bacterial composition did not differ significantly between the sexes, certain taxa exhibited higher relative abundances in each sex group. This study provides insight into the taxonomic structure of the gut microbiome in a desert-adapted reptile and highlights potential sex-specific differences. Understanding these microbial communities is critical for elucidating the mechanisms underlying host resilience in Earth's most arid environments, and for informing conservation efforts in the face of ongoing climate change.
PubMed: 38930576
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061194 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2024We investigated the evolving landscape of reptile pet ownership in Hong Kong. Employing a quantitative approach, a self-administered survey was distributed and over 200...
We investigated the evolving landscape of reptile pet ownership in Hong Kong. Employing a quantitative approach, a self-administered survey was distributed and over 200 reptile pet owners residing in Hong Kong responded. The survey instrument captured demographic data on pet ownership history, species preferences, husbandry practices, and veterinary care utilization. The findings revealed a strong interest in pet reptiles, with lizards being particularly popular (67%) among new owners. Turtles remain common (35%), likely due to cultural factors and perceived ease of care. However, a gap was noted between the awareness and the implementation of proper husbandry practices, with 51% of respondents expressing concerns about enrichment and 21% uncertain about appropriate enclosure size. Veterinary care utilization also showed a disconnect, with 50% of the respondents reporting no regular check-ups were performed, despite acknowledging its importance. Reptile behavior served as a well-being indicator. Over 90% of the respondents observed normal behaviors like locomotion and breathing. Interestingly, a positive correlation emerged between reptile behavior scores and duration of ownership (r = 0.200, < 0.01), suggesting improved well-being for reptiles that were in long-term care. These findings emphasize the need for educational initiatives promoting responsible pet ownership practices and fostering collaboration between reptile owners, veterinarians, and animal welfare organizations. By addressing these knowledge gaps and promoting a collaborative approach, our results aim to contribute to enhanced reptile welfare in the context of Hong Kong's evolving pet ownership trends.
PubMed: 38929386
DOI: 10.3390/ani14121767 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2024Reptiles are usually asymptomatic carriers of , with the manifestation of typical clinical signs of acute forms in adult and non-immunocompromised animals being...
Reptiles are usually asymptomatic carriers of , with the manifestation of typical clinical signs of acute forms in adult and non-immunocompromised animals being considered exceptions. In the present case, an adult male corn snake () was found dead due to septic shock 48 h after consuming a feeder mouse purchased online. The snake's tissue samples and faeces were cultured for bacteria isolation. Microbiological examinations of the snake and mouse livers revealed the presence of . serovar Midway. A whole-genome analysis of these two isolates showed a high correlation between them: they belonged to the strain type ST-357 for the classic MLST scheme and to the strain type ST 171322 for the cgMLST scheme. Also, a virulence gene analysis revealed the presence of stdB and STM3026 genes. This report conveys a case of food-borne salmonellosis in a pet snake, transmitted from a feeder mouse, likely responsible for the snake's death due to septic shock. It highlights the relevance of feeder mice as a source of infections in snakes and the associated risks to human health.
PubMed: 38929341
DOI: 10.3390/ani14121722 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2024Species recognition is a crucial part of understanding the abundance and distribution of various organisms and is important for biodiversity conservation and management....
Species recognition is a crucial part of understanding the abundance and distribution of various organisms and is important for biodiversity conservation and management. Traditional vision-based deep learning-driven species recognition requires large amounts of well-labeled, high-quality image data, the collection of which is challenging for rare and endangered species. In addition, recognition methods designed based on specific species have poor generalization ability and are difficult to adapt to new species recognition scenarios. To address these issues, zero-shot species recognition based on Contrastive Language-Image Pre-training (CLIP) has become a research hotspot. However, previous studies have primarily utilized visual descriptive information and taxonomic information of species to improve zero-shot recognition performance, and the use of geographic distribution characteristics of species to improve zero-shot recognition performance has not been explored. To fill this gap, we proposed a CLIP-driven zero-shot species recognition method that incorporates knowledge of the geographic distribution of species. First, we designed three prompts based on the species geographic distribution statistical data. Then, the latitude and longitude coordinate information attached to each image in the species dataset was converted into addresses, and they were integrated together to form the geographical distribution knowledge of each species. Finally, species recognition results were derived by calculating the similarity after acquiring features by the trained CLIP image encoder and text encoder. We conducted extensive experiments on multiple species datasets from the iNaturalist 2021 dataset, where the zero-shot recognition accuracies of mammals, mollusks, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and insects were 44.96%, 15.27%, 17.51%, 9.47%, 28.35%, and 7.03%, an improvement of 2.07%, 0.48%, 0.35%, 1.12%, 1.64%, and 0.61%, respectively, as compared to CLIP with default prompt. The experimental results show that the fusion of geographic distribution statistical data can effectively improve the performance of zero-shot species recognition, which provides a new way to utilize species domain knowledge.
PubMed: 38929335
DOI: 10.3390/ani14121716