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In this study, we summarized our own and literature data on the helminth fauna in amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals inhabiting the Mordovia Nature Reserve (European Russia). The history of research on parasitic worms in vertebrates has more than 70 years here. Nowadays, 242 species of helminths have been identified in vertebrates in this protected area: 54 cestodes, 87 trematodes, 98 nematodes, and 3 acanthocephalans. Of these, 169 helminth species have an indirect life cycle, while 73 develop directly. 217 revealed parasite species use vertebrates as definitive hosts and 21 as intermediate and/or parathenic hosts. Three species of trematodes, Gorgoderina vitelliloba, Haplometra cylindracea, and Opisthioglyphe ranae combine the larval and mature lifestyle stages in amphibians. The most diverse helminth fauna is in rodents (41 species), birds (38), artiodactyls (37), and insectivores (35). Less rich in amphibians (32), bats (32), reptiles (26), and carnivores (19). Only six parasite species are found in hares. Most of the helminth species recorded in the vertebrates of the Mordovia Nature Reserve belong to the Palearctic faunistic complex – 107 species. Fifty-eight species are cosmopolitan. The range of 39 species covers the Holarctic. The distribution of 37 species of helminths is limited to Europe. Seventy-three of 242 species found in the nature reserve’s vertebrates have medical and veterinary importance as potential pathogens of dangerous zoonoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted serologic surveillance for flaviviruses and orthobunyaviruses in vertebrate animals in Mexico in 2018–2019. Sera were collected from 856 vertebrate animals, including 323 dogs, 223 horses, and 121 cows, from 16 species. The animals were from 3 states: Chihuahua in northwest Mexico (704 animals) and Guerrero and Michoacán on the Pacific Coast (27 and 125 animals, respectively). Sera were assayed by plaque reduction neutralization test using four flaviviruses (dengue type 2, St. Louis encephalitis, West Nile, and Zika viruses) and six orthobunyaviruses from the Bunyamwera (BUN) serogroup (Cache Valley, Lokern, Main Drain, Northway, Potosi, and Tensaw viruses). Antibodies to West Nile virus (WNV) were detected in 154 animals of 9 species, including 89 (39.9%) horses, 3 (21.4%) Indian peafowl, and 41 (12.7%) dogs. Antibodies to St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) were detected in seven animals, including three (0.9%) dogs. Antibodies to Lokern virus (LOKV) were detected in 22 animals: 19 (8.5%) horses, 2 (1.7%) cows, and a dog (0.3%). Antibodies to Main Drain virus (MDV) were detected in three (1.3%) horses. WNV and LOKV activity was detected in all three states, SLEV activity was detected in Chihuahua and Michoacán, and MDV activity was detected in Chihuahua. None of the animals was seropositive for Cache Valley virus, the most common and widely distributed BUN serogroup virus in North America. In conclusion, we provide serologic evidence that select flaviviruses and BUN serogroup viruses infect vertebrate animals in Chihuahua, Guerrero, and Michoacán. We also provide the first evidence of LOKV and MDV activity in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positive interactions between shrubs and animals are frequent in desert ecosystems. Shrub canopies can provide refuge to some animal species from predators and shelter from stressful environmental conditions by ameliorating high temperatures through lowering the amplitude of variation. Consequently, there have been many contrasts of shrub versus open effects; however, we extend this approach further by testing these effects on a gradient of shrub densities in the Carrizo National Monument, California. We tested the hypothesis that shrub density is a landscape-level predictor of vertebrate community composition and structure. We used camera traps, transects and focal observations to estimate animal density and composition, alongside the deployment of temperature sensors. Plots were established within shrub patches ranging from 0 to 12 shrubs per 10 m radius. Plots with relatively higher shrub densities had increased abundance and richness of vertebrate animal species. Temperature and residual dry matter were also important mediators of animal density and richness. Shrub cover was also an important driver of animal communities but we propose that shrub density is a more rapid proxy for vegetation effects in deserts relevant to wildlife conservationists, and managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local animals such as buffaloes, elephants, goats, birds, and others frequently kill farm crops. Farmers lose a lot of money as a result. Farmers cannot barricade whole fields or remain on the premises 24 hours a day to guard them. For animal detection and unknown individual detection, we propose a deep learning process. We will create a system to detect wild animals trespassing on agricultural fields as part of this project. We'll be working on a device to identify wild animals trespassing on farmland as part of this project. Animal detection and classification may help farmers avoid damage to their fields, track down livestock, and avoid crop loss. To recognize unknown persons or animal, we'll use face recognition tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present time, the issue of age-dependence of morphological parameters of the thymus blood vessels in members of various terrestrial vertebrates classes has been poorly studied, due to the lack of comparative morphological approaches. Therefore, the main goal of our work was to specify this kind of dependences. We studied samples of thymus glands from vertebrate animals belonging to four classes: Amphibians, Reptilian, Aves, and Mammals, including humans. For the first time, using methods of light microscopy, we performed comparative morphological studies of thymic blood microvessels in animals and humans, looking for age dependence of these differences. It was found the number and area of microcirculatory bed in thymic cortex and medullary substance depends on age, taxonomic class of the animal as well as on the environmental conditions. We have also revealed age-related differences of the intra-organ vasculature in thymus, including large arteries and venous vessels. Some specific age-related changes were found for human thymic vascular bed. On the basis of our studies, we can make conclusions about functional role of age-related changes of thymic blood vessels in immunity. The results of this study are important for basic and applied biology and medicine, being of interest to researches, especially in immunology.

Cu could act as a modifier and influence lipid metabolism, but the potential mechanism was not explored. Juvenile yellow catfish were fed diet containing 0.71 (low Cu), 3.93 (intermediate Cu) and 88.81 (high Cu) mg Cu kg −1 , for 8 weeks to explore the modulation of intestinal lipid metabolism following dietary Cu addition. Using specific pathway inhibitors (Fatostatin for SREBP1, T0070907 for PPARG and Compound C for AMPK), primary enterocytes of yellow catfish were used to explore the molecular mechanisms of Cu reducing intestinal lipid deposition. Dietary Cu addition triggered Cu accumulation but suppressed lipid deposition in the fore- and mid-intestine. The reduced lipid deposition was attributable to the suppressed lipogenesis and lipid absorption, and accelerated lipid transport. The PPARG, SREBP1 and AMPK signaling pathways mediated the Cu-induced changes in lipogenesis, lipid uptake and lipid transport in the intestine of yellow catfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[i]Pantoea agglomerans[/i], a bacterium associated with plants, is not an obligate infectious agent in humans. However, it could be a cause of opportunistic human infections, mostly by wound infection with plant material, or as a hospital-acquired infection, mostly in immunocompromised individuals. Wound infection with [i]P. agglomerans[/i] usually follow piercing or laceration of skin with a plant thorn, wooden splinter or other plant material and subsequent inoculation of the plant-residing bacteria, mostly during performing of agricultural occupations and gardening, or children playing. Septic arthritis or synovitis appears as a common clinical outcome of exogenous infection with [i]P. agglomerans[/i], others include endophthalmitis, periostitis, endocarditis and osteomyelitis. Another major reason for clinical infection with [i]P. agglomerans[/i] is exposure of hospitalized, often immunodeficient individuals to medical equipment or fluids contaminated with this bacterium. Epidemics of nosocomial septicemia with fatal cases have been described in several countries, both in adult and paediatric patients. In most cases, however, the clinical course of the hospital-acquired disease was mild and application of the proper antibiotic treatment led to full recovery. Compared to humans, there are only few reports on infectious diseases caused by [i]Pantoea agglomerans[/i] in vertebrate animals. This species has been identified as a possible cause of equine abortion and placentitis and a haemorrhagic disease in dolphin fish ([i]Coryphaena hippurus[/i]). [i]P. agglomerans[/i] strains occur commonly, usually as symbionts, in insects and other arthropods. [i]Pantoea agglomerans[/i] usually occurs in plants as an epi- or endophytic symbiont, often as mutualist. Nevertheless, this species has also also been identified as a cause of diseases in a range of cultivable plants, such as cotton, sweet onion, rice, maize, sorghum, bamboo, walnut, an ornamental plant called Chinese taro ([i]Alocasia cucullata[/i]), and a grass called onion couch ([i]Arrhenatherum elatius[/i]). Some plant-pathogenic strains of [i]P. agglomerans[/i] are tumourigenic, inducing gall formation on table beet, an ornamental plant gypsophila ([i]Gypsophila paniculata[/i]), wisteria, Douglas-fir and cranberry. Recently, a [i]Pantoea[/i] species closely related to [i]P. agglomerans[/i] has been identified as a cause of bacterial blight disease in the edible mushroom [i]Pleurotus eryngii[/i] cultivated in China. The genetically governed determinants of plant pathogenicity in [i]Pantoea agglomerans[/i] include such mechanisms as the hypersensitive response and pathogenicity (hrp) system, phytohormones, the quorum-sensing (QS) feedback system and type III secretion system (T3SS) injecting the effector proteins into the cytosol of a plant cell.

The immune system is an inherent protection system in vertebrate animals including human beings that exhibit properties such as self‐organisation, self‐adaptation, learning, and recognition. It interacts with the other allied systems such as the gut and lymph nodes. There is a need for immune system modelling to know about its complex internal mechanism, to understand how it maintains the homoeostasis, and how it interacts with the other systems. There are two types of modelling techniques used for the simulation of features of the immune system: equation‐based modelling (EBM) and agent‐based modelling. Owing to certain shortcomings of the EBM, agent‐based modelling techniques are being widely used. This technique provides various predictions for disease causes and treatments; it also helps in hypothesis verification. This study presents a review of agent‐based modelling of the immune system and its interactions with the gut and lymph nodes. The authors also review the modelling of immune system interactions during tuberculosis and cancer. In addition, they also outline the future research directions for the immune system simulation through agent‐based techniques such as the effects of stress on the immune system, evolution of the immune system, and identification of the parameters for a healthy immune system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertebrate animals can be injured or threatened with injury through human activities, thus warranting their 'rescue.' Details of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, release, and associated research (our 4 Rs) are often recorded in large databases, resulting in a wealth of available information. This information has huge research potential and can contribute to understanding of animal biology, anthropogenic impacts on wildlife, and species conservation. However, such databases have been little used, few studies have evaluated factors influencing success of rehabilitation and/or release, recommended actions to conserve threatened species have rarely arisen, and direct benefits for species conservation are yet to be demonstrated. We therefore recommend that additional research be based on data from rescue, rehabilitation, and release of animals that is broader in scope than previous research and would have community support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evolutionary origin and physiological significance of the tetrodotoxin (TTX) resistance of the vertebrate cardiac Na+ current (INa) is still unresolved. To this end, TTX sensitivity of the cardiac INa was examined in cardiac myocytes of a cyclostome (lamprey), three teleost fishes (crucian carp, burbot and rainbow trout), a clawed frog, a snake (viper) and a bird (quail). In lamprey, teleost fishes, frog and bird the cardiac INa was highly TTX-sensitive with EC50-values between 1.4 and 6.6 nmol·L−1. In the snake heart, about 80% of the INa was TTX-resistant with EC50 value of 0.65 μmol·L−1, the rest being TTX-sensitive (EC50 = 0.5 nmol·L−1). Although TTX-resistance of the cardiac INa appears to be limited to mammals and reptiles, the presence of TTX-resistant isoform of Na+ channel in the lamprey heart suggest an early evolutionary origin of the TTX-resistance, perhaps in the common ancestor of all vertebrates.

Pantoea agglomerans, a bacterium associated with plants, is not an obligate infectious agent in humans. However, it could be a cause of opportunistic human infections, mostly by wound infection with plant material, or as a hospital-acquired infection, mostly in immunocompromised individuals. Wound infection with P. agglomerans usually follow piercing or laceration of skin with a plant thorn, wooden splinter or other plant material and subsequent inoculation of the plant-residing bacteria, mostly during performing of agricultural occupations and gardening, or children playing. Septic arthritis or synovitis appears as a common clinical outcome of exogenous infection with P. agglomerans, others include endophthalmitis, periostitis, endocarditis and osteomyelitis. Another major reason for clinical infection with P. agglomerans is exposure of hospitalized, often immunodeficient individuals to medical equipment or fluids contaminated with this bacterium. Epidemics of nosocomial septicemia with fatal cases have been described in several countries, both in adult and paediatric patients. In most cases, however, the clinical course of the hospital-acquired disease was mild and application of the proper antibiotic treatment led to full recovery. Compared to humans, there are only few reports on infectious diseases caused by Pantoea agglomerans in vertebrate animals. This species has been identified as a possible cause of equine abortion and placentitis and a haemorrhagic disease in dolphin fish (Coryphaena hippurus). P. agglomerans strains occur commonly, usually as symbionts, in insects and other arthropods. Pantoea agglomerans usually occurs in plants as an epi- or endophytic symbiont, often as mutualist. Nevertheless, this species has also also been identified as a cause of diseases in a range of cultivable plants, such as cotton, sweet onion, rice, maize, sorghum, bamboo, walnut, an ornamental plant called Chinese taro (Alocasia cucullata), and a grass called onion couch (Arrhenatherum elatius). Some plant-pathogenic strains of P. agglomerans are tumourigenic, inducing gall formation on table beet, an ornamental plant gypsophila (Gypsophila paniculata), wisteria, Douglas-fir and cranberry. Recently, a Pantoea species closely related to P. agglomerans has been identified as a cause of bacterial blight disease in the edible mushroom Pleurotus eryngii cultivated in China. The genetically governed determinants of plant pathogenicity in Pantoea agglomerans include such mechanisms as the hypersensitive response and pathogenicity (hrp) system, phytohormones, the quorum-sensing (QS) feedback system and type III secretion system (T3SS) injecting the effector proteins into the cytosol of a plant cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative morphological study on Hassall's corpuscles of different maturity in vertebrate animals and humans with consideration of the age was carried out by light microscopy. It was found that the number and size of Hassall's corpuscles of different maturity depend on age, as well as the environmental conditions. Conclusions on the functional role of Hassall's corpuscles were drawn based on the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phylogenetics exercise is incorporated into the ‘Introduction to biocomputing’ course, a junior-level course at Savannah State University. This exercise is designed to help students learn important concepts and practical skills in molecular phylogenetics through solving a real-world problem. In this application, students are required to identify orthologous protein sequences of the human (Homo sapiens) cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) from other species and to reconstruct a phylogenetic tree of these species by comparing their CFTR amino acid sequences. Students are also asked to evaluate their trees critically by comparing them with published phylogenies in the literature. This exercise helps students understand the principles underlying molecular phylogenetics and gain practical skills in searching genetic databases and conducting phylogenetic analysis using computer programs. In addition, this inquiry-based exercise encourages students to develop their critical-thinking skills through evaluating conflicting phylogenies reconstructed from different data or approaches. Although this exercise is designed to teach molecular phylogenetics in the biocomputing course, it can be easily adapted and used to enhance instruction in other biology courses. The activities are well suited for college students at all academic levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphometrical parameters, osmoregulatory possibilities, and the value of membrane reserve of nucleated hemocytes (leukocytes and erythrocytes) of the main vertebrate animal classes were studied with use of the method of hypoosmotic loadings. It has been established that in erythrocytes, in the fish-mammal row, the absolute reserve of plasmalemma increases, while the relative area of the cell surface decreases. Evolution of leukocytes is accompanied by an increase of the membrane reserve and the surface area at the expense of a decrease of the volume and a rise of folding of the plasmalemma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the alternative conceptions of high school students in Erzurum, Turkey about animals' general characteristics and classification of vertebrates. It mentions the various alternative conceptions of the students about those issues. It notes the students' ground reasons for each conception. It also emphasizes the common characteristics of animals defined by the students and the attributes for identifying their viability.

Evolutionary origin and physiological significance of the tetrodotoxin (TTX) resistance of the vertebrate cardiac Na+ current (INa) is still unresolved. To this end, TTX sensitivity of the cardiac INa was examined in cardiac myocytes of a cyclostome (lamprey), three teleost fishes (crucian carp, burbot and rainbow trout), a clawed frog, a snake (viper) and a bird (quail). In lamprey, teleost fishes, frog and bird the cardiac INa was highly TTX-sensitive with EC50-values between 1.4 and 6.6 nmol⋅L-1. In the snake heart, about 80% of the INa was TTX-resistant with EC50 value of 0.65 µmol⋅L-1, the rest being TTX-sensitive (EC50 = 0.5 nmol⋅L-1). Although TTX-resistance of the cardiac INa appears to be limited to mammals and reptiles, the presence of TTX-resistant isoform of Na+ channel in the lamprey heart suggest an early evolutionary origin of the TTX-resistance, perhaps in the common ancestor of all vertebrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Forest Research Station of Hokkaido University owns a vast area of experimental forests, which are composed of a large variety of ecosystems ranging from aquatic ecosystems, such as wetlands and river basins, to various types of forests, such as primary, secondary and artificial forests. Additionally, these forests are representative of numerous climatic zones, such as warm temperate, cool temperate and subarctic. Since the initial establishment of the Forest Research Station in 1901, huge efforts have been devoted to recording the vegetation structure and vertebrate assemblages of these experimental forests. Thus, a large body of literature and long‐term data on fauna and flora of these forests has been accumulated in our archives. However, most of these records have been written in Japanese and are not opened to the public or well structured. Therefore, we comprehensively reviewed these records and related scientific articles from the 1910s to the 2010s to build up the database for vascular plant and vertebrate animals that inhabited (in the past) and/or are currently inhabiting in the experimental forests. Additional site‐specific information was also listed, including geological and topographical characteristics where species were found as well as the localities, survey area and year in which species were recorded. These databases, which span a large temporal and spatial scale, are expected to provide useful data for research or educational purposes and for understanding the flora and fauna of Japan. These can also contribute to a greater understanding of the historical transition of biodiversity in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the use of methods of light microscopy we produce comparison morphological investigation of Hassall corpuscles of different maturity in animals and human with age difference. It was arranged that quantity and sizes of Hassall corpuscles in different stages of age depend on organization level, belonging to a vital form, shape and age of animal. On the base of our investigation we can make resume about functional role of Hassall corpuscles.

Evolutionary origin and physiological significance of the tetrodotoxin (TTX) resistance of the vertebrate cardiac Na(+) current (I(Na)) is still unresolved. To this end, TTX sensitivity of the cardiac I(Na) was examined in cardiac myocytes of a cyclostome (lamprey), three teleost fishes (crucian carp, burbot and rainbow trout), a clawed frog, a snake (viper) and a bird (quail). In lamprey, teleost fishes, frog and bird the cardiac I(Na) was highly TTX-sensitive with EC(50)-values between 1.4 and 6.6 nmol·L(-1). In the snake heart, about 80% of the I(Na) was TTX-resistant with EC(50) value of 0.65 μmol·L(-1), the rest being TTX-sensitive (EC(50) = 0.5 nmol·L(-1)). Although TTX-resistance of the cardiac I(Na) appears to be limited to mammals and reptiles, the presence of TTX-resistant isoform of Na(+) channel in the lamprey heart suggest an early evolutionary origin of the TTX-resistance, perhaps in the common ancestor of all vertebrates.