Zoology

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Effects of polyvinyl chloride microplastics on reproduction, oxidative stress and reproduction and detoxification-related genes in Daphnia magna

Yang Liu, Jiale Zhang, Haoyang Zhao, Ji Cai, Yousef Sultan, Haiyan Fang, Bangjun Zhang, Junguo Ma

Summary: The drastic increase of microplastics in aquatic environment is a serious threat to marine and freshwater ecosystems. This study investigated the potential harmful effects of polyvinyl chloride microplastics on aquatic organisms. The results showed that chronic exposure to PVC-MPs affected reproduction parameters, oxidative stress, and gene expression in Daphnia magna, suggesting that PVC-MPs in aquatic environment may cause reproduction toxicity.

COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY (2022)

Article Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science

Gut Microbiota Implications for Health and Welfare in Farm Animals: A Review

Siyu Chen, Shuyan Luo, Chao Yan

Summary: This review summarizes recent studies on the influence of gut microbiota on the health, immunity, behavior, and stress response of farm animals. The application of fecal microbiota transplantation is highlighted as a novel approach to regulate the composition and function of the microbiota in recipient animals. The review provides new insights into the evaluation and improvement of farm animal welfare through the study of gut microbiota.

ANIMALS (2022)

Review Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science

Exploring the Roles of Dietary Herbal Essential Oils in Aquaculture: A Review

Mahmoud A. O. Dawood, Mohammed F. El Basuini, Sevdan Yilmaz, Hany M. R. Abdel-Latif, Mahmoud Alagawany, Zulhisyam Abdul Kari, Mohammad Khairul Azhar Abdul Razab, Noor Khalidah Abdul Hamid, Tossapol Moonmanee, Hien Van Doan

Summary: Essential oils play an important role in aquaculture by improving the growth performance and immune response of aquatic animals. Herbal essential oils are promising alternatives to antibiotics, with prominent antibacterial, antioxidative, and immunostimulant effects.

ANIMALS (2022)

Article Zoology

Panstrongylus noireaui, a remarkable new species of Triatominae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) from Bolivia

Helcio R. Gil-Santana, Tamara Chavez, Sebastian Pita, Francisco Panzera, Cleber Galvao

Summary: A new species, Panstrongylus noireaui sp. nov. from Bolivia, is described based on morphological and genetic features. It is morphologically similar to Panstrongylus rufotuberculatus but shows distinct chromosomal and molecular characteristics. Furthermore, the new species can be distinguished by specific features of the male genitalia. An updated key for the identification of Panstrongylus species is provided.

ZOOKEYS (2022)

Review Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science

Worldwide Traceability of Antibiotic Residues from Livestock in Wastewater and Soil: A Systematic Review

Lizbeth E. Robles-Jimenez, Edgar Aranda-Aguirre, Octavio A. Castelan-Ortega, Beatriz S. Shettino-Bermudez, Rutilio Ortiz-Salinas, Marta Miranda, Xunde Li, Juan C. Angeles-Hernandez, Einar Vargas-Bello-Perez, Manuel Gonzalez-Ronquillo

Summary: This work reviews research on antibiotic residues and evaluates their use in livestock production, excretion in animal products, and environmental contamination worldwide. The main antibiotics used in animal production are sulfonamides, tetracyclines, quinolones, penicillin, and cephalosporins. Despite increasing regulations, antibiotics are still widely used and misused in many countries, posing a global contamination issue that requires improved control and reduction measures.

ANIMALS (2022)

Review Zoology

Cenozoic Tethyan changes dominated Eurasian animal evolution and diversity patterns

Zhe Zhao, Zhong-E Hou, Shu-Qiang Li

Summary: This study reviews the influence of tectonic evolution in the Tethyan region on the evolution and diversity patterns of Eurasian animals. The tectonic evolution in the Tethyan region directly impacts the composition and spatial distribution of Eurasian animal diversity, as well as animal origin, dispersal, preservation, diversification, and extinction. The Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Tethyan region plays a significant role in shaping the changes in Eurasian animal distribution.

ZOOLOGICAL RESEARCH (2022)

Article Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science

Antioxidant Activity of Milk and Dairy Products

Magdalena Stobiecka, Jolanta Krol, Aneta Brodziak

Summary: Consumption of food products rich in natural antioxidants improves the antioxidant status and reduces the risk of civilization diseases; milk and dairy products are rich sources of antioxidant compounds that can be enhanced through animal nutrition or processing modifications.

ANIMALS (2022)

Article Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science

Poultry Production and Sustainability in Developing Countries under the COVID-19 Crisis: Lessons Learned

Youssef A. Attia, Md. Tanvir Rahman, Md. Jannat Hossain, Shereen Basiouni, Asmaa F. Khafaga, Awad A. Shehata, Hafez M. Hafez

Summary: Poultry farming is an important economic contributor in developing countries, but it has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially due to restrictions on exporting necessary supplies. Coordinated efforts at both private and government levels are needed to provide loans and help farms restore normal production and market operations.

ANIMALS (2022)

Article Zoology

Unknown species from China: The case of phrurolithid spiders (Araneae, Phrurolithidae)

Ke-Ke Liu, Shu-Qiang Li, Xiao-Qing Zhang, Yuan-Hao Ying, Ze-Yuan Meng, Ming-Hui Fei, Wen-Hui Li, Yong-Hong Xiao, Xiang Xu

ZOOLOGICAL RESEARCH (2022)

Review Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Chemically induced models of Parkinson's disease

Thilaga Thirugnanam, Kirankumar Santhakumar

Summary: Environmental toxins can be harmful to humans, causing neurodegenerative disorders. Certain neurotoxins, when present in optimal concentrations, can mimic the clinical features of neurodegenerative diseases in animal models, aiding in understanding the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration.

COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY (2022)

Article Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science

An Integrated, Tentative Remote-Sensing Approach Based on NDVI Entropy to Model Canine Distemper Virus in Wildlife and to Prompt Science-Based Management Policies

Emanuele Carella, Tommaso Orusa, Annalisa Viani, Daniela Meloni, Enrico Borgogno-Mondino, Riccardo Orusa

Summary: This study focuses on Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) outbreaks in the Aosta Valley region of Italy and finds that CDV trends are closely related to environmental changes. The use of remote sensing and GIS tools can help monitor and control the spread of CDV in wildlife, as well as support policy-making for wildlife health management and conservation.

ANIMALS (2022)

Review Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Critical review of environmental impacts of microfibers in different environmental matrices

Jin Il Kwak, Huanliang Liu, Dayong Wang, Young Hwan Lee, Jae-Seong Lee, Youn-Joo An

Summary: Microfibers are emerging environmental pollutants that have potential adverse impacts on organisms in ecosystems. While existing research shows negative effects on ecosystems, there is still a lack of evidence on the toxic effects of microfibers on primary producers in food chains. This highlights the need for further investigation into the long-term effects of microfiber toxicity on different ecosystems and ultimately human health.

COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY (2022)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Biochemical, physiological (haematological, oxygen-consumption rate) and behavioural effects of mercury exposures on the freshwater snail, Bellamya bengalensis

Kishore Dhara, Shubhajit Saha, Prasenjit Pal, Azubuike V. Chukwuka, Asish Kumar Panigrahi, Nimai Chandra Saha, Caterina Faggio

Summary: The study investigated the toxic effects of Mercury on Bellamya bengalensis, from acute exposure regime to chronic durations, including haematological and biochemical responses. Safe levels of mercury concentration for Bellamya bengalensis and other aquatic species were determined to be 0.01 to 0.04 ppm, based on the observed responses in oxygen consumption rate, behavioral changes, and physiological parameters.

COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY (2022)

Article Zoology

GroupStruct: An R Package for Allometric Size Correction

Kin Onn Chan, L. Lee Grismer

Summary: This article introduces an allometric growth model for correcting ontogenetic body size variation, and extends its application from intraspecific to interspecific datasets through an easy-to-use software package. The study finds that choosing the appropriate size correction method is crucial for downstream analysis results and biological interpretations.

ZOOTAXA (2022)

Review Zoology

The status of fertility control for rodents-recent achievements and future directions

Kyra Jacoblinnert, Jens Jacob, Zhibin Zhang, Lyn A. Hinds

Summary: Managing overabundant rodents at a landscape scale is complex, and fertility control is seen as a potentially more species-specific and humane approach. More research is needed to find effective and environmentally friendly fertility control agents.

INTEGRATIVE ZOOLOGY (2022)

Article Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science

Salmonella in Swine: Prevalence, Multidrug Resistance, and Vaccination Strategies

Shawn M. D. Bearson

Summary: An estimated 1.3 million Salmonella infections and 420 deaths occur annually in the United States. Over 50% of US swine operations test positive for Salmonella, with 20% of the bacteria being multidrug resistant. Salmonella is a commensal in food animals and poses challenges in controlling its spread. Vaccination of swine against Salmonella is a promising strategy to mitigate contamination.

ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANIMAL BIOSCIENCES (2022)

Article Zoology

No Planet for Apes? Assessing Global Priority Areas and Species Affected by Linear Infrastructures

Fernando Ascensao, Marcello D'Amico, Rafael Barrientos

Summary: The study assessed the threats faced by primates globally due to linear infrastructures, identifying priority areas and species for conservation. The assessment resulted in the delineation of Mitigation Areas and Preservation Areas, as well as a list of priority species affected by infrastructures.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY (2022)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Evaluation of the effects of Astragalus polysaccharides as immunostimulants on the immune response of crucian carp and against SVCV in vitro and in vivo

Jia Liu, Peijun Zhang, Bo Wang, Yuting Lu, Liang Li, Yuehong Li, Shaojun Liu

Summary: This experiment demonstrated that Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) had immunomodulatory effects on crucian carp, enhancing immune-related indicators and antiviral abilities. The results showed that APS could significantly improve the immune response and resistance against viral infection in crucian carp and EPC cells infected with SVCV.

COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY (2022)

Article Endocrinology & Metabolism

Kobayashi Award 2019: The neuroendocrine regulation of the mammalian reproduction

Hiroko Tsukamura

Summary: This article discusses the importance of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis in mammalian reproductive function. It focuses on the role of kisspeptin neurons in the hypothalamus in regulating GnRH release and the epigenetic regulation of kisspeptin gene expression by estrogen. The article also explores the mechanisms by which malnutrition and lactation suppress GnRH/gonadotropin pulses and the programming effect of estrogen on kisspeptin neurons in the developmental brain.

GENERAL AND COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY (2022)

Article Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science

Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) and Thermoregulation in Animals: Structural Biology and Neurophysiological Aspects

Karina Lezama-Garcia, Daniel Mota-Rojas, Alfredo M. F. Pereira, Julio Martinez-Burnes, Marcelo Ghezzi, Adriana Dominguez, Jocelyn Gomez, Ana de Mira Geraldo, Pamela Lendez, Ismael Hernandez-Avalos, Isabel Falcon, Adriana Olmos-Hernandez, Dehua Wang

Summary: This review discusses recent discoveries about transient receptor potential and their role in thermoregulatory mechanisms of animals, emphasizing the importance of understanding how these receptors are activated and the pathways they use to recognize specific thermal sensations. Ongoing research aims to develop therapeutic approaches targeting these receptors to improve non-human animals' quality of life. The review presents and analyzes findings on TRP structure, physiology, and neurotransmission in thermoregulation, highlighting the need for further studies to advance our understanding of these mechanisms and control thermoregulatory disorders.

ANIMALS (2022)