Zoology Research This is an OPML file. It can be used to export all the MedWorm RSS feeds on this topic into your personal RSS reader (usually you have to save this file to your own computer before clicking on an Import OPML command in your own feed reader to upload the file which will then import all the feeds) or it can be used by webmasters to integrate MedWorm feeds with their own website. This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader, such as GoogleReader, or to display this data on your own website or blog. Subscribe to this data using MyMedWorm.Subscribe to this data using GoogleReader.Subscribe to this data using Bloglines.Subscribe to this data using MyYahoo.

This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory. This is page number 29.

Vegetation height and egg coloration differentially affect predation rate and overheating risk: an experimental test mimicking a ground-nesting bird
Canadian Journal of Zoology, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 694-703, e-First articles.
Source: Canadian Journal of Zoology - May 12, 2012 Category: Zoology Tags: article Source Type: research

Measurement and comparison of labyrinthine structures with the digital volume tomography: ancient Egyptian mummies’ versus today’s temporal bones
The objective of this study was to investigate whether the labyrinthine structures of ancient Egyptian mummies differ significantly from modern labyrinths. The new technique of digital volume tomography (DVT) was used to visualize the temporal bones. To obtain standardized images and measurements, precise instructions regarding volume rotation, slicing and measurements’ positioning were determined. Twenty-five dimensions were obtained. The groups were compared statistically. No significant differences could be found except one cochlear diameter which proved to be significantly larger in the control group. DVT is appl...
Source: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - May 12, 2012 Category: ENT & OMF Tags: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Source Type: research

Assigning birds to geographic origin using feather hydrogen isotope ratios (δ2H): importance of year, age, and habitat
Canadian Journal of Zoology, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 722-728, e-First articles.
Source: Canadian Journal of Zoology - May 11, 2012 Category: Zoology Tags: article Source Type: research

An experimental study of how variation in deer density affects vegetation and songbird assemblages of recently harvested boreal forests
Canadian Journal of Zoology, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 704-713, e-First articles.
Source: Canadian Journal of Zoology - May 11, 2012 Category: Zoology Tags: article Source Type: research

The landscape of fear: habitat use by a predator (Canis latrans) and its main prey (Lepus californicus and Sylvilagus audubonii)
Canadian Journal of Zoology, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 683-693, e-First articles.
Source: Canadian Journal of Zoology - May 11, 2012 Category: Zoology Tags: article Source Type: research

Performance on patterned string problems by common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus).
Abstract This experiment examined the performance of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) on a series of patterned string problems to assess the marmosets' understanding of means-ends relationships. One marmoset, Jet, was exposed to a series of problems that were ordered in terms of perceived difficulty during two testings that were separated by 1 year. In the second testing, Jet received problems that had been used during the first testing along with three new problems. Each of the new problems was designed to be an exemplar of the type of problem that Jet had experienced difficulty with in the first testing. A ...
Source: Animal Cognition - May 11, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Gagne M, Levesque K, Nutile L, Locurto C Tags: Anim Cogn Source Type: research

Cues that Spiders (Araneae: Araneidae, Tetragnathidae) Use to Build Orbs: Lapses in Attention to One Set of Cues because of Dissonance with Others?
AbstractEven for small animals such as spiders, behavioral decisions are sometimes influenced by multiple cues. Orb webs constitute exquisitely precise records of the stimuli the spider experienced and the decisions that it made while building its web. In addition, because spiders appear to sense their webs largely by touch, direct behavioral observations can determine which stimuli they probably sense. Previous studies have shown that when an orb‐weaving spider decides how far apart to space successive sticky lines during orb construction, it responds to at least five different kinds of stimuli, all of which apparently ...
Source: Ethology - May 11, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: William G. Eberhard, Thomas Hesselberg Tags: Research Paper Source Type: research

Reversed sexual dimorphism and altered prey base: the effect on sooty owl (Tyto tenebricosa tenebricosa) diet
Rohan J. Bilney, John G. White, Raylene Cooke
Source: Australian Journal of Zoology - May 11, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Rohan J. BilneyJohn G. WhiteRaylene Cooke Source Type: research

Development of a multiplex polymerase chain reaction to detect five common Gram‐negative bacteria of aquatic animals
AbstractA multiplex polymerase chain reaction (m‐PCR) technique was developed as a rapid and accurate diagnostic tool for identifying five major Gram‐negative bacilli –Vibrio vulnificus, V. parahaemolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila, Chryseobacterium meningosepticum and Edwardsiella tarda– that cause major diseases in cultured aquatic animals in Taiwan. The expected amplicons for V. vulnificus, V. parahaemolyticus, A. hydrophila, C. meningosepticum and E. tarda were 410, 368, 685, 180 and 230 bp, respectively. The assay was shown to be specific for the target pathogens. The sensitivities of detection were estim...
Source: Journal of Fish Diseases - May 10, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: M‐A Tsai, P‐Y Ho, P‐C Wang, Y‐J E, L‐L Liaw, S‐C Chen Source Type: research

Life history of tundra-dwelling wolf spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae) from the Yukon Territory, Canada
Canadian Journal of Zoology, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 714-721, e-First articles.
Source: Canadian Journal of Zoology - May 10, 2012 Category: Zoology Tags: article Source Type: research

The shift from aquatic to terrestrial phenotype in Lissotriton italicus: larval and adult remodelling of the skin.
Abstract Morphology and ultrastructure of the skin of Lissotriton italicus (previously named Triturus italicus) have been described in different phases of its biological cycle: larval stage, metamorphic stage and adult stage with emphasis on modifications occurring between aquatic and terrestrial adults. In the present study, light microscopy and both scanning and transmission electron microscopy were employed to analyze the histological and cytological remodelling that occurs in the skin of L. italicus during metamorphosis. The ultrastructure of the larval epidermis is arranged into three principal layers comprisi...
Source: Zoology - May 10, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Perrotta I, Sperone E, Bernabò I, Tripepi S, Brunelli E Tags: Zoology (Jena) Source Type: research

Splenic mycobacteriosis in an Atlantic guitarfish, Rhinobatos lentiginosus Garman
Source: Journal of Fish Diseases - May 10, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: E T Anderson, S Frasca, M G Asakawa, M H Fatzinger, J Johnson, K Marchetere, L Goodale, G R Risatti, C A Harms Tags: Short Communication Source Type: research

Cavernous haemangioma in cultured olive barb, Puntius sarana (Hamilton)
Source: Journal of Fish Diseases - May 10, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: P K Sahoo, B R Mohanty, A Das, K D Mahapatra, J N Saha Tags: Short Communication Source Type: research

Correlation of viral load with bone marrow and hematological changes in pale patients with chronic hepatitis C virus
In this study, we investigated changes in bone marrow (BM) and blood and their correlation with viremia level in 30 pale patients with chronic HCV who were selected before antiviral therapy. Patients with BM positive for HCV RNA (53.33 %) showed moderate to high viremia, while patients with BM negative for RNA (46.67 %) had low viremia. There was no significant difference in the liver histopathology between patients with HCV-RNA-negative and positive BM. Patients with BM positive for HCV RNA showed significant changes in BM cells, including the degree of immune complex deposition and alterations in periphera...
Source: Archives of Virology - May 9, 2012 Category: Virology Tags: Archives of Virology Source Type: research

Adhesive and frictional properties of tarsal attachment pads in two species of stick insects (Phasmatodea) with smooth and nubby euplantulae.
Abstract In the present study, the tarsal attachment pads (euplantulae) of two stick insect species (Phasmatodea) were compared. While the euplantulae of Cuniculina impigra (syn. Medauroidea extradentata) are smooth, those of Carausius morosus bear small nubs on their surfaces. In order to characterize the adhesive and frictional properties of both types of euplantulae, adhesion and friction measurements on smooth (Ra=0.054μm) and rough (Ra=1.399μm) substrates were carried out. The smooth pads of C. impigra generated stronger adhesion on the smooth substrate than on the rough one. The adhesive forces of the struc...
Source: Zoology - May 9, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Bußhardt P, Wolf H, Gorb SN Tags: Zoology (Jena) Source Type: research

Marked changes in neuropeptide expression accompany broadcast spawnings in the gastropod Haliotis asinina
Conclusions: Exploiting the predictable semi-lunar spawning cycle of the gastropod H. asinina, we have identified a suite of evolutionarily-conserved, mollusc-specific and rapidly-evolving neuropeptides that appear to contribute to the regulation of spawning. Dramatic increases and decreases in ganglionic neuropeptide expression levels from 36 h before to 24 h after the broadcast spawning event are consistent with these peptides having a regulatory role in translating environmental signals experienced by a population into a synchronous physiological output, in this case, the release of gametes.
Source: Frontiers in Zoology - May 9, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Patrick YorkScott CumminsSandie DegnanBen WoodcroftBernard Degnan Source Type: research

The nature of nutrition: a unifying framework
Stephen J. Simpson, David Raubenheimer
Source: Australian Journal of Zoology - May 9, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Stephen J. SimpsonDavid Raubenheimer Source Type: research

Successional Dynamics in the Seasonally Forced Diamond Food Web
The American Naturalist, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Ahead of Print.
Source: The American Naturalist - May 8, 2012 Category: Zoology Tags: article Source Type: research

Niche Specialization Influences Adaptive Phenotypic Plasticity in the Threespine Stickleback
The American Naturalist, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Ahead of Print.
Source: The American Naturalist - May 8, 2012 Category: Zoology Tags: article Source Type: research

Correction to Ward et al. (2012).
This article contained a wording error in the title and throughout the article. The title read “Conditional Stimulus... .”, and should have read “Conditioned Stimulus... .” This applies throughout the article; all instances of “conditional” stimulus should have read “conditioned” stimulus. All versions of this article have been corrected. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2012-08602-001.) In a conditioning protocol, the onset of the conditioned stimulus ([CS]) provides information about when to expect reinforcement (unconditioned stimulus [US]). There are two sources of inf...
Source: Journal of Experimental Psychology: Animal Behavior Processes - May 7, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Ward, Ryan D.; Gallistel, C. R.; Jensen, Greg; Richards, Vanessa L.; Fairhurst, Stephen; Balsam, Peter D. Source Type: research

The DAX1 mutation in a patient with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and adrenal hypoplasia congenita causes functional disruption of induction of spermatogenesis
Content Type Journal ArticleCategory GeneticsPages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s10815-012-9778-yAuthors Donata Ponikwicka-Tyszko, Department of Biology and Pathology of Human Reproduction, Bialystok, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-748 Olsztyn, PolandMalgorzata Kotula-Balak, Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Cracow, PolandKatarzyna Jarzabek, Department of Biology and Pathology of Human Reproduction, Bialystok, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-...
Source: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics - May 5, 2012 Category: Reproduction Medicine Tags: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Source Type: research

Female lizards ignore the sweet scent of success: Male characteristics implicated in female mate preference.
Abstract Sexual selection molds the morphology, physiology and behavior of males in many animals. At first glance, it seems reasonable to assume that females would use the same male traits and signals in mate choice as males do during male-male competition. However, intra- and intersexual competition may affect traits in the same or the opposite direction, with differing strength. We investigated which color, morphometric and performance traits are selected for through male-male competition and whether female mate preference is based on these same traits and/or dominance status in the three male color morphs of the...
Source: Zoology - May 4, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Huyghe K, Vanhooydonck B, Herrel A, Tadić Z, Van Damme R Tags: Zoology (Jena) Source Type: research

Effect of acute heat stress on rat adrenal medulla — a morphological and ultrastructural study
Abstract Isolated rat adrenal medulla was analyzed by light and electron microscope after an acute (60 min) exposure to high ambient temperature (38°C). Under these conditions there was a significant rise in plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline. Stereological investigation by light microscopy showed a significant decrease in volume density of cells and an increase in the interstitium. At the ultrastructural level, the profile area of cells, nuclei and cytoplasm of adrenaline cells were significantly decreased. After the heat stress numbers of resting granules in adrenaline and noradrenaline cells were signif...
Source: Central European Journal of Biology - May 3, 2012 Category: Biology Tags: Central European Journal of Biology Source Type: research

Schizophyllan inhibits the development of mammary and hepatic carcinomas induced by 7,12 dimethylbenz(α)anthracene and decreases cell proliferation: comparison with tamoxifen
Conclusions Only one dose of SCH had similar therapeutic effects against DMBA-induced mammary carcinomas as 4 weeks of TAM treatment. This coupled with the ability of SCH to suppress hepatic lesions associated with TAM treatment provides the rationale for further investigating the combined therapeutic effects of TAM+SCH in preclinical models of ER-positive breast cancer, as well as in liver cancer. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperPages 1-18DOI 10.1007/s00432-012-1224-0Authors Ahmed Mansour, Department of Zoology, Division of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria ...
Source: Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology - May 3, 2012 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology Source Type: research

The calf training for loading onto vehicle at weaning
ABSTRACTThe aim of this study is to examine whether calf training for loading at the weaning period improves later loading. Five calves were allocated to the trained group and the control group, respectively. Calves in the trained group were loaded onto a livestock trailer for 5 successive days at weaning. Trainers led or hauled the calves by rope only. When loading was completed, trainers fed calves with sugar cubes as rewards. Calves in the control group were weaned without any treatment. Five weeks after weaning, tests were carried out under similar conditions as the trained group. Loading efficiency, physical effort on...
Source: Animal Science Journal - May 3, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Michiru FUKASAWA Source Type: research

Practical capability of a DNA pool‐based genome‐wide association study using BovineSNP50 array in a cattle population
ABSTRACTGenome‐wide association mapping for complex traits in cattle populations is a powerful, but expensive, selection tool. The DNA pooling technique can potentially reduce the cost of genome‐wide association studies. However, in DNA pooling design, the additional variance generated by pooling‐specific errors must be taken into account. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate factors such as: (i) the accuracy of allele frequency estimation; (ii) the magnitude of errors in pooling construction and in the array; and (iii) the effect of the number of replicate arrays on P‐values estimated by a genome‐wide asso...
Source: Animal Science Journal - May 3, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Yoshinobu UEMOTO, Nanae SASAGO, Tsuyoshi ABE, Hideki OKADA, Hitomi MARUOKA, Hiroaki NAKAJIMA, Noriaki SHOJI, Shin MARUYAMA, Naohiko KOBAYASHI, Hideyuki MANNEN, Eiji KOBAYASHI Source Type: research

The mcrA gene and 16S rRNA gene in the phylogenetic analysis of methanogens in the rumen of faunated and unfaunated cattle
ABSTRACTThe influence of rumen protozoa on the composition of rumen methanogens was studied by using seven growing Holstein cattle divided into two groups: four faunated and three unfaunated. 16S ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) and methyl coenzyme‐M reductase (MCR) α subunit (mcrA) gene clonal libraries were constructed. The results of each analysis showed that Methanobacteriales was dominant in the rumen of both groups. By mcrA gene analysis, 22.1% of unfaunated clones were classified into unfaunated group 1, which was not detected from faunated cattle. The 16S rRNA gene analysis showed that the number of operational taxonom...
Source: Animal Science Journal - May 3, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Yuhei OZUTSUMI, Kiyoshi TAJIMA, Akio TAKENAKA, Hisao ITABASHI Source Type: research

Calming effect of orally administered γ‐aminobutyric acid in Shih Tzu dogs
ABSTRACTThe calming effects of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) by oral administration were investigated in four adult Shih Tzu dogs. Three dosage levels (1, 2 and 4 mg/kg body weight) and non‐administration were tested by an increase and decrease method. Changes in activity (for 1.5 h) and urinary cortisol levels (pre‐administration, 3 and 7 h later) of dogs were monitored after administration. Without reference to dosage level, the mean times spent standing (P = 0.06), sitting (P < 0.05) and walking (P < 0.05) tended to decrease compared to non‐administration. A significant depression in the ur...
Source: Animal Science Journal - May 3, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Katsuji UETAKE, Ayano OKUMOTO, Noriko TANI, Akihiro GOTO, Toshio TANAKA Source Type: research

Genetic Effects on Mating Success and Partner Choice in a Social Mammal
The American Naturalist, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Ahead of Print.
Source: The American Naturalist - May 2, 2012 Category: Zoology Tags: article Source Type: research

Fecal Corticosterone Levels in RCAN1 Mutant Mice.
Abstract Regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) is related to the expression of human neurologic disorders such as Down syndrome, Alzheimer disease, and chromosome 21q deletion syndrome. We showed here that RCAN1-knockout mice exhibit reduced innate anxiety as indicated by the elevated-plus maze. To examine whether glucocorticoids contribute to this phenotype, we measured fecal corticosterone in male wildtype and RCAN1-knockout mice and in male and female transgenic mice with neuronal overexpression of RCAN1 (Tg-RCAN1(TG)). We found no difference in fecal corticosterone levels of RCAN1-knockout mice and their wildtype ...
Source: Comparative Medicine - May 2, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Rakowski-Anderson T, Wong H, Rothermel B, Cain P, Lavilla C, Pullium JK, Hoeffer C Tags: Comp Med Source Type: research

Cutaneous B-Cell Lymphoma in a Perdido Key Beach Mouse (Peromyscus poliontus trissyllepsis).
Abstract The Perdido Key beach mouse (Peromyscus poliontus trissyllepsis) is an endangered mammal indigenous to the panhandle beaches of Northwest Florida. A captive 3.5-y-old female mouse was evaluated because of severe pruritus, diffuse alopecia, skin reddening, and ulcerations over the dorsum of her body. Initial skin biopsy of the affected area suggested bacterial dermatitis but was inconclusive. Despite empiric antibiotic, anthelmintic, and antihistamine treatments, she continued to decline and developed severe ulcerations over the majority of her body. Postmortem histopathologic evaluation led to a tentative ...
Source: Comparative Medicine - May 2, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Aitken-Palmer C, Kiupel M, Russell K, Hayes L, Heard D Tags: Comp Med Source Type: research

A new apparatus and surgical technique for the dual perfusion of human tumor xenografts in situ in nude rats.
We present a new perfusion system and surgical technique for simultaneous perfusion of 2 tissue-isolated human cancer xenografts in nude rats by using donor blood that preserves a continuous flow. Adult, athymic nude rats (Hsd:RH-Foxn1(rnu)) were implanted with HeLa human cervical or HT29 colon adenocarcinomas and grown as tissue-isolated xenografts. When tumors reached an estimated weight of 5 to 6 g, rats were prepared for perfusion with donor blood and arteriovenous measurements. The surgical procedure required approximately 20 min to complete for each tumor, and tumors were perfused for a period of 150 min. Results sho...
Source: Comparative Medicine - May 2, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Dauchy RT, Dauchy EM, Mao L, Belancio VP, Hill SM, Blask DE Tags: Comp Med Source Type: research

Effects of increased dietary cholesterol with carbohydrate restriction on hepatic lipid metabolism in Guinea pigs.
Abstract Excessive lipid accumulation within hepatocytes, or hepatic steatosis, is the pathognominic feature of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a disease associated with insulin resistance and obesity. Low-carbohydrate diets (LCD) improve these conditions and were implemented in this study to potentially attenuate hepatic steatosis in hypercholesterolemic guinea pigs. Male guinea pigs (n = 10 per group) were randomly assigned to consume high cholesterol (0.25 g/100 g) in either a LCD or a high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) for 12 wk. As compared with HCD, plasma LDL cholesterol was lower and plasma triglyceride...
Source: Comparative Medicine - May 2, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Deogburn R, Leite JO, Ratliff J, Volek JS, McGrane MM, Fernandez ML Tags: Comp Med Source Type: research

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction in rabbits.
Abstract To understand the structure-function relationship in the postinfarcted myocardium in rabbits, we induced cardiac ischemia by ligating the left circumflex coronary artery. Sham controls underwent thoracotomy only. At 7 and 30 d after ligation, cardiac MRI was conducted by using pulse-oxymetry-gated cine acquisition to provide complete phases of the heartbeat. The rabbits were anesthetized under 1.5% isoflurane ventilation, and ultrafast techniques made breath-hold 3D coverage in different cardiac axes feasible. Viability imaging was performed after intravenous injection of 0.15 mmol/kg gadolinium to assess ...
Source: Comparative Medicine - May 2, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Hu N, Sabey KH, Curtis HR, Hoang N, Dowdle SB, Garzarelli AA, Buswell HR, Dibella E, Yockman JW, Bull DA Tags: Comp Med Source Type: research

Rabbit models.
Abstract An osteosarcoma developed in the tarsal joint region involving the distal tibia of a domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Micrometastases were present in the lungs. Histologically the tumor was composed of ovoid to short-spindle cells with abundant giant cells, producing irregular islands of osteoids. The tumor cells were immunopositive with antiosteocalcin monoclonal antibody, consistent with their derivation from osteoblasts. According to review of 10 published cases, productive osteoblasic osteosarcoma is the most common bone tumor in rabbits, with half of all cases developing in the skull or facial...
Source: Comparative Medicine - May 2, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Ishikawa M, Kondo H, Onuma M, Shibuya H, Sato T Tags: Comp Med Source Type: research

Swine model.
Abstract A 39.2-kg, castrated male Yucatan minipig (Sus scrofa domestica) was presented for enrollment in a coronary artery study. Angiography revealed an anomalous right coronary artery originating from the left sinus of Valsalva. The left anterior descending, left circumflex, and anomalous right coronary arteries were implanted with metallic stents without complications. The minipig remained on the study for 3 mo until it reached its predetermined study endpoint, during which time it showed no clinical signs of disease. Histologic examination of the implanted coronary arteries revealed no differences between the ...
Source: Comparative Medicine - May 2, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Matthews KA, Gogas BD, Sumida A, Nagai H, King Iii SB, Chronos N, Hou D Tags: Comp Med Source Type: research

Chronic Diseases in Captive Geriatric Female Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes).
Abstract The current aging population of captive chimpanzees is expected to develop age-related diseases and present new challenges to providing their veterinary care. Spontaneous heart disease and sudden cardiac death are the main causes of death in chimpanzees (especially of male animals), but little is known about the relative frequency of other chronic diseases. Furthermore, female chimpanzees appear to outlive the males and scant literature addresses clinical conditions that affect female chimpanzees. Here we characterize the types and prevalence of chronic disease seen in geriatric (older than 35 y) female ch...
Source: Comparative Medicine - May 2, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Nunamaker EA, Lee DR, Lammey ML Tags: Comp Med Source Type: research

Nonhuman Primate model.
Abstract A cohort of rhesus macaques used in neuroscience research was found at routine examinations to have chronic anemia (spun Hct less than 30%). Four anemic (Hct, 24.8% ± 3.4%) and 10 control (39.6% ± 2.9%) macaques were assessed to characterize the anemia and determine probable cause(s); some animals in both groups had cephalic implants. Diagnostic tests included CBC, bone marrow evaluations, iron panels, and serum erythropoietin and hepcidin concentrations. Serum iron and ferritin were 15.8 ± 11.1 μg/dL and 103.8 ± 53.1 ng/mL, respectively, for the anemic group compared with 109.8 ± 23.8 μL/dL and 88....
Source: Comparative Medicine - May 2, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Turk ML, Simoni R, Cacioppo L, Marini RP, Patterson MM Tags: Comp Med Source Type: research

Zoology: Jellies reproduce as little larvae
Nature 485, 7396 (2012). doi:10.1038/485009c A population of comb jellies in the central Baltic Sea is the first of its kind to be discovered living and reproducing entirely in the larval stage.Mertensia ovum (pictured) is common in the Arctic. Cornelia Jaspers at the Technical University of
Source: Nature - May 2, 2012 Category: Research Tags: Research Highlights Source Type: research

Role of wing pronation in evasive steering of locusts
Abstract Evasive steering is crucial for flying in a crowded environment such as a locust swarm. We investigated how flying locusts alter wing-flapping symmetry in response to a looming object approaching from the side. Desert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria) were tethered to a rotatable shaft that allowed them to initiate a banked turn. A visual stimulus of an expending disk on one side of the locust was used to evoke steering while recording the change in wingbeat kinematics and electromyography (EMG) of metathoracic wing depressors. Locusts responded to the looming object by rolling to the contralateral dir...
Source: Journal of Comparative Physiology A: Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology - May 1, 2012 Category: Physiology Tags: Journal of Comparative Physiology A: Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology Source Type: research

Haptoglobin baseline value in jennies and the effect of ovariectomy on its serum concentration.
In conclusion, Hp is not related to reproductive status of jennies and it can be used as an indicator for cell and tissue damage after surgical operations. PMID: 22513719 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Animal Reproduction Science - May 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Aziz DM, Hiss-Pesch S, Mielenz B, Sauerwein H Tags: Anim Reprod Sci Source Type: research

Ovulatory activity and plasma prolactin concentrations in wild and domestic ewes exposed to artificial photoperiods between the winter and summer solstices.
In conclusion, the results show that these two types of Mediterranean sheep differ in their ovulatory response when subjected to artificial photoperiods. The results also suggest that refractoriness to SDs may be the most important physiological mechanism regulating the onset of anoestrus in highly seasonal breeds, but not in less seasonal breeds. PMID: 22525093 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Animal Reproduction Science - May 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Gómez-Brunet A, Santiago-Moreno J, Malpaux B, Chemineau P, Tortonese DJ, López-Sebastián A Tags: Anim Reprod Sci Source Type: research

Prenatal and neonatal flutamide administration increases proliferation and reduces apoptosis in large antral follicles of adult pigs.
Abstract Ovarian follicular atresia is regulated by androgens directly via androgen receptors and indirectly after conversion to estrogens. The balance between proliferation and cell apoptosis is crucial for the physiological functioning of the follicles. The disorder between these processes leads to reproductive failure, such as cyst formation. Recent research suggests maternally or neonatally mediated effects of antiandrogen flutamide on reproductive functions during adulthood. Therefore, the current study was performed to determine whether late gestational or neonatal exposure to flutamide influences proliferati...
Source: Animal Reproduction Science - May 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Durlej M, Knapczyk-Stwora K, Slomczynska M Tags: Anim Reprod Sci Source Type: research

Androcoll-E large selects a subset of live stallion spermatozoa capable of producing ROS.
Abstract The aim of this study was to elucidate if SLC after 24 h storage selects the subpopulation of spermatozoa that better withstands osmotic shock. To test this hypothesis, viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and superoxide anion (O(2)(·-)) production of uncentrifuged (UC) and single layer centrifugation (SLC) - selected spermatozoa were analyzed following SLC after storage of the semen. An aliquot of the extended ejaculate (100×10(6) spermatozoa/mL) was centrifuged through a single layer of a silane-coated silica based colloid formulation optimized for equine spermatozoa (Androcoll-E large, SL...
Source: Animal Reproduction Science - May 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Macías-García B, González-Fernández L, Gallardo-Bolaños JM, Peña FJ, Johannisson A, Morrell JM Tags: Anim Reprod Sci Source Type: research

Expression of vitellogenin receptor gene in the ovary of wild and captive Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus).
Abstract The cDNA sequences of vitellogenin receptor proteins (VgR(+) and VgR(-)), containing or lacking the O-linked sugar domain, were determined in Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus L.). VgR(-) gene expression in the ovary was compared in captive-reared and wild Atlantic bluefin tuna during the reproductive cycle. Gonad samples from adult fish were sampled from 2008 to 2010 from stocks reared in captivity at different commercial fattening operations in the Mediterranean Sea and from wild individuals caught either by traditional tuna traps during their migration towards the spawning grounds in the Mediterran...
Source: Animal Reproduction Science - May 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Pousis C, Santamaria N, Zupa R, De Giorgi C, Mylonas CC, Bridges CR, de la Gándara F, Vassallo-Agius R, Bello G, Corriero A Tags: Anim Reprod Sci Source Type: research

Enhancing follicular growth as a prerequisite for GnRH treatment of true anestrum in buffalo.
Abstract A total of 140 true anestrous buffalo were divided on the basis of receiving short-term (20 days) nutritional supplementation (N, n=80) or not (WN, n=60). The animals in N group were subdivided into NQ (n=40) where the quantity of the offered diet was increased by 20% and NF (n=40) where the offered diet was supplemented by 3% of dry protected fat. Buffaloes in either NQ or NF were equally allotted on the following treatment regimens: Insulin/GnRH (NQi or NFi, n=10 for each); rbST/GnRH (NQr or NFr, n=10 for each); GnRH alone treated (NQG or NFG, n=10 for each) and saline-treated control (NQc or NFc, n=10 f...
Source: Animal Reproduction Science - May 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Ramoun AA, Serur BH, Fattouh el-SM, Darweish SA, Abou El-Ghait HA Tags: Anim Reprod Sci Source Type: research

Differences in the ability of spermatozoa from individual boar ejaculates to withstand different semen-processing techniques.
Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the ability of spermatozoa from individual boar ejaculates to withstand different semen-processing techniques. Eighteen sperm-rich ejaculate samples from six boars (three per boar) were diluted in Beltsville Thawing Solution and split into three aliquots. The aliquots were (1) further diluted to 3×10(7) sperm/mL and stored as a liquid at 17°C for 72 h, (2) frozen-thawed (FT) at 1×10(9) sperm/mL using standard 0.5-mL straw protocols, or (3) sex-sorted with subsequent liquid storage (at 17°C for 6 h) or FT (2×10(7) sperm/mL using a standard 0.25-mL straw protocol). Th...
Source: Animal Reproduction Science - May 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Parrilla I, del Olmo D, Sijses L, Martinez-Alborcia MJ, Cuello C, Vazquez JM, Martinez EA, Roca J Tags: Anim Reprod Sci Source Type: research

Comparison of myelination between large and small pig fetuses during late gestation.
Abstract We compared myelination of the cerebellum, brain stem, and spinal cord in the largest and smallest pig fetuses within a litter during late gestation. Gilts were killed on Days 92, 100, and 110 of gestation and these neural tissues were obtained from the largest and smallest fetuses in each litter. Myelin basic protein (MBP) mRNA was quantified in each tissue using real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR). Myelin was recovered from each tissue and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and thin layer chromatography (TLC) was used to measure MBP and lipi...
Source: Animal Reproduction Science - May 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Vallet JL, Miles JR Tags: Anim Reprod Sci Source Type: research