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This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory. This is page number 38.

Cnidae in the sea anemone Sagartiogeton viduatus (Muller, 1776) (Cnidaria, Anthozoa); A comparison to cnidae in the sea anemone Metridium senile (Linnaeus, 1761) (Cnidaria, Anthozoa)
AbstractThe cnidom of the sea anemone Sagartiogeton viduatus (Muller, 1776) is described from interference‐contrast light micrographs (LMs) and scanning electron micrographs (SEMs). Special attention is given to nematocyst maturation, including the differentiation of the shaft into proximal and main regions as helical folding of the shaft wall proceeds. Comparisons are made with Metridium senile (Linnaeus, 1761), whose cnidom, with a few exceptions, is closely similar to that of S. viduatus. The two anemones possess b‐ and p‐mastigophores, p‐amastigophores, isorhizas and spirocysts. Although the majority of cnidae...
Source: Acta Zoologica - April 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Carina Östman, Fredrik Borg, Carsten Roat, Jens Roat Kultima, Sau Yu Grace Wong Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Characterization of mature testis and sperm morphology of Gymnotus carapo (Gymnotidae, Teleostei) from the southeast of Brazil
AbstractThe present study examined the testicular structure and sperm morphology of freshwater fish Gymnotus carapo. Testicular structure and sperm morphology were analyzed using light, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Anatomically, the testes weighed 0.070 ± 0.01 g and were oval with a yellow‐white color. The G. caparo testis is organized in interstitial and tubular compartments. Spermatogenesis occurs in seminiferous tubules where the germinal epithelium is organized in spermatogenic cystis. Germ cells are seen in different stages of differentiation: type A (SPGA) and type B (SPGB) spermatogonia, pri...
Source: Acta Zoologica - April 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Cristiane dos S. Vergílio, Renata V. Moreira, Carlos E.V. Carvalho, Edésio J.T. Melo Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Jaw musculature of the Meiglyptini (Aves: Piciformes: Picidae)
AbstractThe Meiglyptini comprise eight species of woodpeckers grouped into three genera, two of which contain three species (Meiglyptes and Mulleripicus), while one genus includes two species (Hemicircus). The purpose of this study is to describe the mandibular apparatus found in six species of Meiglyptini and to compare them with each other and with other woodpecker species. The results reveal a number of structures that are worth mentioning: (i) the components of the external mandibular adductor system of Hemicircus concretus, particularly the M. adductor mandibulae externus caudalis medialis, are underdeveloped compare...
Source: Acta Zoologica - April 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Reginaldo J. Donatelli Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

The impact and implications of climate change for bats
ABSTRACT1Climate influences the biogeography of bats, their access to food, timing of hibernation, reproduction and development, frequency and duration of torpor and rate of energy expenditure.2Empirical data on the impact of climate change on bats are a cause for concern as current increases in global temperature are one fifth, or less, of those expected over the next century.3We review observed impacts of climate change on bats and identify risk factors allowing species‐specific predictions.4The impact on species is reviewed in relation to six aspects, namely foraging, roosting, reproduction, biogeography, extreme weat...
Source: Mammal Review - April 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Hayley A. SHERWIN, W. Ian MONTGOMERY, Mathieu G. LUNDY Source Type: research

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The 7th volume of Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine is the latest publication in a series of veterinary medical texts that has been a staple reference for zoological medicine practitioners since the 1st edition was published in 1978. This volume follows a Current Therapy format, similar to the third, fourth, and sixth editions, which emphasizes the latest advances in the field and is thus not intended to be a complete, standalone reference. Readers may note that in contrast to previous versions, this latest publication is labeled a volume, perhaps both to denote the Current Therapy format and to highlight the fact that informat...
Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - April 1, 2012 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Kimberlee Wojick Tags: Literature Review Source Type: research

Impacts of acute imipramine treatment on plasma and brain amino acid metabolism in mice given graded levels of dietary chicken protein
In conclusion, the metabolism of several amino acids in the plasma and brain were altered by dietary chicken protein.
Source: Animal Science Journal - April 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Mao NAGASAWA, Tatsuro MURAKAMI, Shozo TOMONAGA, Mikako SATO, Yoshihisa TAKAHATA, Fumiki MORIMATSU, Mitsuhiro FURUSE Source Type: research

Termite Soldier Differentiation in Incipient Colonies is Related to Parental Proctodeal Trophallactic Behavior.
Abstract Termite soldiers represent a peculiar caste among social insects in terms of their specific defensive roles. Numbers of soldiers are relatively low in a mature colony, and it is impossible to identify the individuals that will differentiate into soldiers. If it were possible to specify these individuals prior to soldier differentiation, it would facilitate a better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of soldier differentiation under natural condition. Here we analyzed soldier differentiation in incipient colonies of Zootermopsis nevadensis, in which only a single soldier develops via a presoldier st...
Source: Zoological Science - April 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Maekawa K, Nakamura S, Watanabe D Tags: Zoolog Sci Source Type: research

Evaluation of Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) Species Richness using Two Sampling Methods in the Hydroelectric Reservoir of Simplício, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Abstract We compared two types of light traps used for monitoring mosquito abundance in the hydroelectric reservoir of Simplício, Além Paraíba - Minas Gerais. Mosquitoes were captured bimonthly using automatic CDC and Shannon traps before the filling of the hydroelectric plant reservoir from December 2008 to December 2009. In total, 1474 specimens from 13 genera were captured. Among the captured specimens, several species known to be vectors of disease-causing agents for humans and/or animals were identified, including Anopheles aquasalis, Aedes albopictus, Coquillettidia venezuelensis, Haemagogus leucocelaenus,...
Source: Zoological Science - April 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Alencar J, de Mello VS, Serra-Freire NM, Silva Jdos S, Morone F, Guimarães AÉ Tags: Zoolog Sci Source Type: research

Mitochondrial genome of a Japanese placozoan.
Abstract Placozoans are marine invertebrates found in tropical and subtropical waters. Their body plan is among the simplest of free-living animals. The present study determined the mitochondrial genome sequence of a placozoan collected on the coast of Shirahama, Wakayama, Honshu, Japan, and compared it with those of Trichoplax adhaerens from the Red Sea and of three strains from the Caribbean Sea. The sequences of mitochondrial respiratory chain of the Japanese placozoan genes are very similar to those of the BZ49 strain from the Caribbean Sea. However, there are distinct differences in gene arrangement, such as t...
Source: Zoological Science - April 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Miyazawa H, Yoshida MA, Tsuneki K, Furuya H Tags: Zoolog Sci Source Type: research

Genetic Structure and Cryptic Diversity of Onychodactylus japonicus (Amphibia, Caudata, Hynobiidae) in Northeastern Honshu, Japan, as Revealed by Allozymic Analysis.
Abstract We conducted a comprehensive allozymic analysis of 393 specimens of the Japanese clawed salamander, Onychodactylus japonicus, from 33 populations of northeastern Honshu, Japan. As a result, these populations exhibited extensive geographic genetic differentiation, and four major genetic groups (N-Tohoku, S-Tohoku, Tsukuba, and SW-Honshu groups) were consistently recognized. Of these, the Tsukuba group was geographically isolated from all the others, whereas the N- and S-Tohoku groups, and the S-Tohoku and SW-Honshu groups, respectively, were nearly parapatric, without distinct geographic barriers. The magni...
Source: Zoological Science - April 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Yoshikawa N, Matsui M, Nishikawa K Tags: Zoolog Sci Source Type: research

Population Genetic Structure and Historical Demography of the Ground Beetle Pheropsophus jessoensis from the Tsinling-Dabashan Mountains, Central China Based on Mitochondrial DNA Analysis.
Abstract The population genetic structure and demographic history of the ground beetle Pheropsophus jessoensis (Coleoptera: Carabidae) from the Tsinling-Dabashan Mountains, central China were estimated using the mtDNACol-tRNALeu-mtDNAColl region as a molecular marker. 184 individuals from 25 local populations, were collected. The haplotype diversity (H (d)) of total and each individual sampled population was high, and was accompanied by lower nucleotide diversity (P (i)). AMOVA analysis suggested that most of the variation was within populations (92.17%), while differentiation of among populations only contributed ...
Source: Zoological Science - April 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Li X, Yin H, Li K, Gao X Tags: Zoolog Sci Source Type: research

Cypris larvae (cirripedia: balanomorpha) display auto-fluorescence in nearly species-specific patterns.
This study of FPs should be helpful for identification of cyprid species. PMID: 22468834 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Zoological Science - April 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Kamiya K, Yamashita K, Yanagawa T, Kawabata T, Watanabe K Tags: Zoolog Sci Source Type: research

11-ketotestosterone Synchronously Induces Oocyte Development and Silvering-Related Changes in the Japanese Eel, Anguilla japonica.
Abstract To evaluate the effects of sex steroids on silvering in the Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica, the development of oocytes, eye size, digestive tract, and swim bladder were studied in relation to observations of the profiles of plasma levels of sex steroids (estradiol 17β, E2; testosterone, T; 11-ketotestosterone; 11-KT) during silvering for each sex and by administrating 11-KT to yellow eels. All steroids examined in the study increased in female eels after silvering had begun, whereas in males, only 11-KT increased significantly, and no statistical differences were found in plasma levels of E2 and T betwee...
Source: Zoological Science - April 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Sudo R, Tosaka R, Ijiri S, Adachi S, Aoyama J, Tsukamoto K Tags: Zoolog Sci Source Type: research

Improvement and validation of the method to determine neutral detergent fiber in feed
ABSTRACTTo improve the performance of the analytical method for neutral detergent fiber in feed with heat‐stable α‐amylase treatment (aNDFom), the process of adding heat‐stable α‐amylase, as well as other analytical conditions, were examined. In this new process, the starch in the samples was removed by adding amylase to neutral detergent (ND) solution twice, just after the start of heating and immediately after refluxing. We also examined the effects of the use of sodium sulfite, and drying and ashing conditions for aNDFom analysis by this modified amylase addition method. A collaborative study to validate this ...
Source: Animal Science Journal - April 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Hisaaki HIRAOKA, Rie FUKUNAKA, Eiichi ISHIKURO, Osamu ENISHI, Tetsuhisa GOTO Source Type: research

Fluorescent Protein Candidate Genes in the Coral Acropora digitifera Genome.
We examined how many genes encoding fluorescent proteins are present in the recently sequenced genome of the coral Acropora digitifera. Based on molecular phylogenetic analysis, we found one, five, one, and three candidate genes for CFP, GFP, RFP, and chromoprotein, respectively. The CFP and GFP genes are clustered in a ∼80-kb-long genomic region, suggesting that they originated from an ancestral gene by tandem duplication. Since CFP and GFP possess the same chromophore, the gene clustering may provide the first genomic evidence for a common origin of the two proteins. Comparison between the fluorescent protein genes of ...
Source: Zoological Science - April 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Shinzato C, Shoguchi E, Tanaka M, Satoh N Tags: Zoolog Sci Source Type: research

Existence of Two Sexual Races in the Planarian Species Switching between Asexual and Sexual Reproduction.
Abstract In certain planarian species that are able to switch between asexual and sexual reproduction, determining whether a sexual has the ability to switch to the asexual state is problematic, which renders the definition of sexuals controversial. We experimentally show the existence of two sexual races, acquired and innate, in the planarian Dugesia ryukyuensis. Acquired sexuals used in this study were experimentally switched from asexuals. Inbreeding of acquired sexuals produced both innate sexuals and asexuals, but inbreeding of innate sexuals produced innate sexuals only and no asexuals. Acquired sexuals, but ...
Source: Zoological Science - April 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Kobayashi K, Maezawa T, Nakagawa H, Hoshi M Tags: Zoolog Sci Source Type: research

Reproduction in Female Copperhead Snakes (Agkistrodon contortrix): Plasma Steroid Profiles during Gestation and Post-Birth Periods.
Abstract We investigated levels of plasma progesterone (P4), 17β-estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and corticosterone (CORT) during gestation and post-birth periods in wild-collected female copperhead snakes (Viperidae; Agkistrodon contortrix). We also sought to determine whether CORT levels at (or near) birth dramatically increase and were correlated with duration of labor and litter size. Specifically, pregnant subjects (N = 14) were collected during early- to mid-gestation, held in the laboratory, and repeatedly bled to obtain plasma for steroid analyses. Progesterone showed significant changes during gestation...
Source: Zoological Science - April 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Smith CF, Schuett GW, Hoss SK Tags: Zoolog Sci Source Type: research

Iophenoxic acid as a bait marker for wild mammals: efficacy and safety considerations
ABSTRACT1Bait delivery of vaccines, toxicants or contraceptives to target wild mammals is an essential component of management strategies worldwide. Marking agents are required to enable the identification of individuals that consume the baits in order to evaluate and optimize the cost‐efficacy of baiting campaigns.2Ethyl‐iophenoxic acid (Et‐IPA) is an organic iodine‐containing compound that has been used increasingly since the 1980s as a bait marker. It binds to proteins in animal blood and therefore can be detected indirectly by measuring plasma or serum iodine concentration or directly by measuring plasma or ser...
Source: Mammal Review - April 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Cristina BALLESTEROS, Mickaël SAGE, Penny FISHER, Giovanna MASSEI, Rafael MATEO, José DE LA FUENTE, Sophie ROSSI, Christian GORTÁZAR Source Type: research

The successful introduction of the alpine marmot Marmota marmota in the Pyrenees, Iberian Peninsula, Western Europe
ABSTRACT1The introduction of non‐native species can pose environmental and economic risks, but under some conditions, introductions can serve conservation or recreational objectives. To minimize risks, introductions should be conducted following the International Union for Conservation of Nature's guidelines and should include an initial assessment and a follow‐up.2In 1948, to reduce the predation pressure on Pyrenean chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica by golden eagles Aquila chrysaetos, the alpine marmot Marmota marmota was introduced to the Pyrenees in Western Europe. In successive introductions, about 500 marmots...
Source: Mammal Review - April 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Isabel C. BARRIO, Juan HERRERO, C. Guillermo BUENO, Bernat C. LÓPEZ, Arantza ALDEZABAL, Ahimsa CAMPOS‐ARCEIZ, Ricardo GARCÍA‐GONZÁLEZ Source Type: research

Histomorphological structure of the palate and histochemical profiles of the salivary palatine glands in the Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar, Gray 1830)
In conclusion, it was demonstrated that the histological structure of the mucosal epithelium and the supporting elements displayed similarity to those of other domestic avian species.
Source: Acta Zoologica - April 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Hakan Sağsöz, Serkan Erdoğan, Mehmet E. Akbalik Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Seasonal rhythms of salivary cortisol secretion in captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus).
Abstract Salivary cortisol has been recently used to assess welfare of captive and free-ranging animals. However, rhythms of cortisol secretion may vary annually and thus, it is necessary to take into account these rhythms when evaluating the physiological significance of fluctuations of this hormone throughout the year as stress indicator in animals. Here, we analyze monthly differences in cortisol secretion in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) during a year. Saliva samples of eight adult female Asian elephants were collected and analyzed using Radioimmunoassay. Results revealed an overall seasonal pattern of sali...
Source: General and Comparative Endocrinology - April 1, 2012 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Menargues Marcilla A, Urios V, Limiñana R Tags: Gen Comp Endocrinol Source Type: research

The successful introduction of the alpine marmot Marmota marmota in the Pyrenees, Iberian Peninsula, Western Europe
ABSTRACT1The introduction of non‐native species can pose environmental and economic risks, but under some conditions, introductions can serve conservation or recreational objectives. To minimize risks, introductions should be conducted following the International Union for Conservation of Nature's guidelines and should include an initial assessment and a follow‐up.2In 1948, to reduce the predation pressure on Pyrenean chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica by golden eagles Aquila chrysaetos, the alpine marmot Marmota marmota was introduced to the Pyrenees in Western Europe. In successive introductions, about 500 marmots...
Source: Mammal Review - April 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Isabel C. BARRIOJuan HERREROC. Guillermo BUENOBernat C. LÓPEZArantza ALDEZABALAhimsa CAMPOS‐ARCEIZRicardo GARCÍA‐GONZÁLEZ Source Type: research

Validation of diagnostic assays to screen broodstock for Flavobacterium psychrophilum infections
In this study, tissue and ovarian fluid samples were collected from 224 fish at five hatcheries and screened using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a membrane‐filtration fluorescent antibody test (MF‐FAT), bacteriological culture and nested PCR. Latent class analysis was used to estimate sensitivity and specificity of kidney culture, kidney ELISA, nested PCR and MF‐FAT. Analytical sensitivity of the ELISA varied but was greatest when bacteria were cultured under iron‐limiting conditions. Diagnostic sensitivity estimates ranged from 0.02 (kidney culture) to 0.97 (kidney ELISA). Specificity estimates r...
Source: Journal of Fish Diseases - April 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: A LongM P PolinskiD R CallK D Cain Source Type: research

Histomorphological structure of the palate and histochemical profiles of the salivary palatine glands in the Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar, Gray 1830)
In conclusion, it was demonstrated that the histological structure of the mucosal epithelium and the supporting elements displayed similarity to those of other domestic avian species.
Source: Acta Zoologica - April 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Hakan SağsözSerkan ErdoğanMehmet E. Akbalik Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Water balance trumps ion balance for early marine survival of juvenile pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)
Abstract Smolting salmonids typically require weeks to months of physiological preparation in freshwater (FW) before entering seawater (SW). Remarkably, pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) enter SW directly following yolk absorption and gravel emergence at a size of 0.2 g. To survive this exceptional SW migration, pink salmon were hypothesized to develop hypo-osmoregulatory abilities prior to yolk absorption and emergence. To test this, alevins (pre-yolk absorption) and fry (post-yolk absorption) were transferred from FW in darkness to SW under simulated natural photoperiod (SNP). Ionoregulatory status...
Source: Journal of Comparative Physiology B: Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology - March 31, 2012 Category: Physiology Tags: Journal of Comparative Physiology B: Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology Source Type: research

Gunther von Hagens' Body Worlds technique applied to animals
Controversial anatomist returns to UK with new show based on plastination process – Animal Inside OutA decade ago, Gunther von Hagens brought his ghoulish travelling show of preserved humans, Body Worlds, to the UK. Now he's back, this time with a zoo's-worth of animals that have undergone the same plastination technique: extracting water and fatty tissues from the body and replacing them with polymers to stop its decomposition.Muscle, bone and organs are exposed, and skin flayed open to show the inner workings of these creatures' bodies. This blue shark is one of the few specimens that hasn't been dissected; its skin ha...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - March 31, 2012 Category: Science Authors: Hannah Booth Tags: Zoology Animal research Science Animal welfare Animals World news guardian.co.uk Source Type: news

Understanding the functional properties of tools: chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) attend to tool features differently.
We examined whether eight capuchins and eight chimpanzees were able to retrieve a reward placed inside a tube, of varying length, by selecting the correct stick from different sets of three sticks differing in length (functional feature) and handle (non-functional feature). Moreover, to investigate whether seeing the stick inside the tube (visual feedback) improves performance, half of the subjects were tested with a transparent apparatus and the other half with an opaque apparatus. Phase 1 included (a) Training 1 in which each stick had a different handle and (b) Transfer 1 in which the handles were switched among sticks,...
Source: Animal Cognition - March 31, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Sabbatini G, Truppa V, Hribar A, Gambetta B, Call J, Visalberghi E Tags: Anim Cogn Source Type: research

The historical ecology of the large mammal populations of Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, east Africa
ABSTRACT1Ngorongoro Crater is an ecologically important protected area in Tanzania, east Africa. We review published and unpublished data on the crater's large mammal community from the first recorded visit by a European in 1892 to 2010.2Early estimates often exaggerated large herbivore numbers and regular scientific censuses have only been made since the 1960s. Since then, most large herbivore populations have declined, particularly wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus, which have been replaced by buffalo Syncerus caffer as the dominant herbivore in terms of biomass. The internationally important population of black rhinocero...
Source: Mammal Review - March 30, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Louise OATESPaul A. REES Source Type: research

Blood cleansing cells in head kidney and spleen in Buenos Aires tetra, Hyphessobrycon anisitsi (Eigenmann), (Characidae: Teleostei)
AbstractThe general structure and cell types in kidney and spleen in Buenos Aires tetra, Hyphessobrycon anisitsi, family Characidae, are described. The capability and capacity of these organs to clean foreign ferritin from the blood stream are analysed and compared. Head kidney was mainly composed of neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes and other white blood cells, whereas unmatured and matured red blood cells were few in number. Spleen often contained much red pulp, that is mainly matured red blood cells between splenic cords, often with some macrophages and neutrophils in the latter. Occasionally, this pulp contained la...
Source: Journal of Fish Diseases - March 30, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: I L Leknes Source Type: research

Comparative study of sperm ultrastructure of Donax hanleyanus and Donax gemmula (Bivalvia: Donacidae)
In conclusion, the conspicuous ultra‐structural differences found between the spermatozoan morphologies were helpful for the discrimination of the species. In conclusion, our results suggest that analyses of sperm ultrastructure of the bivalves in the family Donacidae can be valuable to investigate their taxonomic relatedness. The present results also contribute to assess the monophyletic status of the family.
Source: Acta Zoologica - March 30, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Gisele O. IntroíniFlávio D. PassosShirlei M. Recco‐Pimentel Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

British warship visits Falklands carrying VIP
Famous visitor says islanders' homes in 'miserable condition' as a result of Falklands being 'bone of contention' between nationsAs Nick Clegg dismisses "insinuations" from Argentina's foreign minister that Britain has sent a nuclear-armed submarine to the Falkland Islands, it's worth reading the words of one of the first Englishmen to set foot on the Falklands from a Royal Navy warship, shortly after Britain raised the flag on the islands.In his diary he records:The first news we received was to our astonishment that England had taken possession of the Falkland Islands. These islands have been for some time uninhabited, u...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - March 30, 2012 Category: Science Authors: Peter McGrath Tags: Charles Darwin Science Falkland Islands Americas Argentina guardian.co.uk Blogposts Source Type: news

Broad geographical distribution and high genetic diversity of shrew-borne Seewis hantavirus in Central Europe
The objective of our study was to prove the presence and distribution of shrew-associated Seewis virus (SWSV) in different Sorex species in Central Europe. Therefore, a total of 353 Sorex araneus, 59 S. minutus, 27 S. coronatus, and one S. alpinus were collected in Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Screening by hantavirus-specific L-segment RT-PCR revealed specific amplification products in tissues of 49 out of 353 S. araneus and four out of 59 S. minutus. S-segment sequences were obtained for 45 of the L-segment positive S. araneus and all four L-segment positive S. minutus. Phylogenetic investigation of these...
Source: Virus Genes - March 30, 2012 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Tags: Virus Genes Source Type: research

Low MHC class II diversity in the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii)
Abstract The largest remaining carnivorous marsupial, the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), is currently under threat of extinction due to a fatal contagious cancer—devil facial tumour disease. Low major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I diversity is believed to have contributed to the transmission of the tumour allograft through devil populations. Here, we report low MHC class II variability in this species, with DA β chain genes (Saha-DAB1, 2 and 3) exhibiting very limited diversity and the sole α chain gene (Saha-DAA) monomorphic. Three, six and three alleles were found at Saha-DAB1, 2 and ...
Source: Immunogenetics - March 30, 2012 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Tags: Immunogenetics Source Type: research

Comparative study of sperm ultrastructure of Donax hanleyanus and Donax gemmula (Bivalvia: Donacidae)
In conclusion, the conspicuous ultra‐structural differences found between the spermatozoan morphologies were helpful for the discrimination of the species. In conclusion, our results suggest that analyses of sperm ultrastructure of the bivalves in the family Donacidae can be valuable to investigate their taxonomic relatedness. The present results also contribute to assess the monophyletic status of the family.
Source: Acta Zoologica - March 30, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Gisele O. Introíni, Flávio D. Passos, Shirlei M. Recco‐Pimentel Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Does the A-not-B error in adult pet dogs indicate sensitivity to human communication?
Abstract Recent dog-infant comparisons have indicated that the experimenter's communicative signals in object hide-and-search tasks increase the probability of perseverative (A-not-B) errors in both species (Topál et al. 2009). These behaviourally similar results, however, might reflect different mechanisms in dogs and in children. Similar errors may occur if the motor response of retrieving the object during the A trials cannot be inhibited in the B trials or if the experimenter's movements and signals toward the A hiding place in the B trials ('sham-baiting') distract the dogs' attention. In order to test these ...
Source: Animal Cognition - March 30, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Kis A, Topál J, Gácsi M, Range F, Huber L, Miklósi A, Virányi Z Tags: Anim Cogn Source Type: research

Cuttlefish rely on both polarized light and landmarks for orientation.
In this study, cuttlefish were trained to solve a Y-maze with the e-vector of a polarized light and landmarks as redundant spatial information. The results showed that cuttlefish can use the e-vector orientation and landmarks in parallel to orient and that they are able to use either type of cue when the other one is missing. When they faced conflicting spatial information in the experimental apparatus, the majority of cuttlefish followed the e-vector rather than landmarks. Differences in response latencies in the different conditions of testing (training with both types of cue, tests with single cue or with conflicting in...
Source: Animal Cognition - March 30, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Cartron L, Darmaillacq AS, Jozet-Alves C, Shashar N, Dickel L Tags: Anim Cogn Source Type: research

Domestication has not affected the understanding of means-end connections in dogs.
Abstract Recent studies have revealed that dogs often perform well in cognitive tasks in the social domain, but rather poorly in the physical domain. This dichotomy has led to the hypothesis that the domestication process might have enhanced the social cognitive skills of dogs (Hare et al. in Science 298:1634-1636, 2002; Miklósi et al. in Curr Biol 13:763-766, 2003) but at the same time had a detrimental effect on their physical cognition (Frank in Z Tierpsychol 5:389-399, 1980). Despite the recent interest in dog cognition and especially the effects of domestication, the latter hypothesis has hardly been tested a...
Source: Animal Cognition - March 30, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Range F, Möslinger H, Virányi Z Tags: Anim Cogn Source Type: research

Threat perception in the chameleon (Chamaeleo chameleon): evidence for lateralized eye use.
Abstract Chameleons are arboreal lizards with highly independent, large amplitude eye movements. In response to an approaching threat, a chameleon on a vertical pole moves so as to keep itself away from the threat. In so doing, it shifts between monocular and binocular scanning of the threat and of the environment. We analyzed eye movements in the Common chameleon, Chamaeleo chameleon, during avoidance response for lateralization, that is, asymmetry at the functional/behavioral levels. The chameleons were exposed to a threat, approaching horizontally from clockwise or anti-clockwise directions, and that could be vi...
Source: Animal Cognition - March 30, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Lustig A, Keter-Katz H, Katzir G Tags: Anim Cogn Source Type: research

Mystery bird: Brewer's blackbird, Euphagus cyanocephalus | GrrlScientist
This mystery bird shares part of its name with a number of species, including one that is distantly relatedBrewer's blackbird, Euphagus cyanocephalus (synonym, Scolecophagus cyanocephalus; protonym, Psarocolius cyanocephalus), Wagler, 1829, also known as the blue-headed grackle, photographed at Bodega Harbour, a shallow natural harbor on the Pacific coast of northern California (United States). Image: Alex Vargas, 29 April 2008 (with permission, for GrrlScientist/Guardian use only) [velociraptorise]. Nikon D80, Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR, with a Kenko 2X teleconverter on. Question: This mystery bird shares part of ...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - March 29, 2012 Category: Science Authors: GrrlScientist Tags: Zoology Science Birds Wildlife Animals guardian.co.uk Blogposts Source Type: news

Today's mystery bird for you to identify | GrrlScientist
If you were out birding and spotted this Chinese mystery bird, this would be the highlight of your yearMystery Bird photographed at Mai Po Wetlands, New Territories, Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. [I will identify this bird in 48 hours] Image: Marie-Louise Ng, 13 February 2012 (with permission, for GrrlScientist/Guardian use only) [velociraptorise]. Nikon D7000, 500.0 mm f/4.0, 0.001 sec, iso:160, +1/3 EV Question: If you were out birding in Asia and spotted this Chinese mystery bird, this sighting would be the highlight of your day, of your week, and very likely one of the h...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - March 29, 2012 Category: Science Authors: GrrlScientist Tags: Zoology Science Birds Wildlife Animals guardian.co.uk Blogposts Source Type: news

Sea bass sperm freezability is influenced by motility variables and membrane lipid composition but not by membrane integrity and lipid peroxidation.
Abstract Cryopreserved sperm quality depends on the characteristics of fresh sperm. Thus, it is necessary to establish a group of variables to predict the cryopreservation potential of the fresh samples with the aim of optimizing resources. Motility, viability, lipid peroxidation and lipid profile of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) sperm were determined before and after cryopreservation to establish which variables more accurately predict the sperm cryopreservation potential in this species. Cryopreservation compromised sperm quality, expressed as a reduction of motility (46.5±2.0% to 35.3±2.5%; P<0.0...
Source: Animal Reproduction Science - March 29, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Martínez-Páramo S, Diogo P, Dinis MT, Herráez MP, Sarasquete C, Cabrita E Tags: Anim Reprod Sci Source Type: research

Development of an artificial insemination protocol in llamas using cooled semen.
The objective of this study was to design an AI protocol using cooled semen to obtain pregnancies in the llama. Each raw ejaculate was subdivided into four aliquots which were extended 1:1 with: (1) 11% lactose-egg yolk (L-EY), (2) Tris-citrate-fructose-egg yolk (T-F-EY), (3) PBS-llama serum (S-PBS) and (4) skim milk-glucose (K). Each sample reached 5°C in 2.5h and remained at that temperature during 24h. Percentages of the semen variables (motility, live spermatozoa) in ejaculates and samples cooled with L-EY were significantly greater than those obtained when cooling with the other extenders; therefore this extender was...
Source: Animal Reproduction Science - March 29, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Giuliano SM, Chaves MG, Trasorras VL, Gambarotta M, Neild D, Director A, Pinto M, Miragaya MH Tags: Anim Reprod Sci Source Type: research

GDF-9 and bFGF enhance the effect of FSH on the survival, activation, and growth of cattle primordial follicles.
This study aims to investigate the effects of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in combination with growth and differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) or basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the activation, survival and growth of cattle primordial follicles. Ovarian tissues were cultured for 3, 7, 14, 22 days in α minimum essential medium (α-MEM) supplemented with FSH, FSH+GDF-9 or FSH+bFGF. Non-cultured and cultured ovarian fragments were processed for histological and TUNEL analysis. Compared to the FSH medium, the results showed FSH+GDF-9 medium increased the percentage of primary follicles in all culture periods and se...
Source: Animal Reproduction Science - March 29, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Tang K, Yang WC, Li X, Wu CJ, Sang L, Yang LG Tags: Anim Reprod Sci Source Type: research

Effects of cold storage on plasma membrane, DNA integrity and fertilizing ability of feline testicular spermatozoa.
In conclusion, cat testicular spermatozoa can be preserved at 4°C for up to 7 days without severely compromising of plasma membrane and DNA integrity while retaining a normal fertilizing ability. PMID: 22516231 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Animal Reproduction Science - March 29, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Buarpung S, Tharasanit T, Comizzoli P, Techakumphu M Tags: Anim Reprod Sci Source Type: research

The cognitive capabilities of farm animals: categorisation learning in dwarf goats (Capra hircus).
Abstract The ability to establish categories enables organisms to classify stimuli, objects and events by assessing perceptual, associative or rational similarities and provides the basis for higher cognitive processing. The cognitive capabilities of farm animals are receiving increasing attention in applied ethology, a development driven primarily by scientifically based efforts to improve animal welfare. The present study investigated the learning of perceptual categories in Nigerian dwarf goats (Capra hircus) by using an automated learning device installed in the animals' pen. Thirteen group-housed goats were tr...
Source: Animal Cognition - March 29, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Meyer S, Nürnberg G, Puppe B, Langbein J Tags: Anim Cogn Source Type: research

Spiral cleavage and early embryology of a loxosomatid entoproct and the usefulness of spiralian apical cross patterns for phylogenetic inferences
Conclusions: A broad comparison of cleavage types and apical cross patterns across Lophotrochozoa shows high plasticity of these character sets and we therefore argue that these developmental traits should be treated and interpreted carefully when used for phylogenetic inferences.
Source: BMC Developmental Biology - Latest articles - March 29, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Julia MerkelTim WollesenBernhard LiebAndreas Wanninger Source Type: research

Achyranthes aspera enhances immunity and antigen clearance in common carp, Cyprinus carpio L.
Source: Journal of Fish Diseases - March 28, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: R ChakrabartiY V Rao Tags: Short Communication Source Type: research

Blood cleansing cells in head kidney and spleen in Buenos Aires tetra, Hyphessobrycon anisitsi (Eigenmann), (Characidae: Teleostei)
AbstractThe general structure and cell types in kidney and spleen in Buenos Aires tetra, Hyphessobrycon anisitsi, family Characidae, are described. The capability and capacity of these organs to clean foreign ferritin from the blood stream are analysed and compared. Head kidney was mainly composed of neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes and other white blood cells, whereas unmatured and matured red blood cells were few in number. Spleen often contained much red pulp, that is mainly matured red blood cells between splenic cords, often with some macrophages and neutrophils in the latter. Occasionally, this pulp contained la...
Source: Journal of Fish Diseases - March 28, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: I L Leknes Source Type: research

Social learning and acquired recognition of a predator by a marine fish.
In this study, we examined the role of social learning in predator recognition for a tropical damselfish, Acanthochromis polyacanthus. This species was found to not only possess and respond to conspecific chemical alarm cues, but naïve individuals were able to learn a predators' identity from experienced individuals, the process of social learning. Fish that learned to associate risk with the olfactory cue of a predator responded with the same intensity as conspecifics that were exposed to a chemical alarm cue from a conspecific skin extract. PMID: 22453926 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Animal Cognition - March 28, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Manassa RP, McCormick MI Tags: Anim Cogn Source Type: research