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The gut microbiota of rodents is essential for survival and adaptation and is susceptible to various factors, ranging from environmental conditions to genetic predispositions. Nevertheless, few comparative studies have considered the contribution of species identity and geographic spatial distance to variations in the gut microbiota. In this study, a random sampling survey encompassing four rodent species (Apodemus agrarius, Cricetulus barabensis, Tscherskia triton and Rattus norvegicus) was conducted at five sites in northern China's farming–pastoral ecotone. Through a cross‐factorial comparison, we aimed to discern whether belonging to the same species or sharing the same capture site predominantly influences the composition of gut microbiota. Notably, the observed variations in microbiome composition among these four rodent species match the host phylogeny at the family level but not at the species level. The gut microbiota of these four rodent species exhibited typical mammalian characteristics, predominantly characterized by the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla. As the geographic distance between populations increased, the number of shared microbial taxa among conspecific populations decreased. We observed that within a relatively small geographical range, even different species exhibited convergent α‐diversity due to their inhabitation within the same environmental microbial pool. In contrast, the composition and structure of the intestinal microbiota in the allopatric populations of A. agrarius demonstrated marked differences, similar to those of C. barabensis. Additionally, geographical environmental elements exhibited significant correlations with diversity indices. Conversely, host‐related factors had minimal influence on microbial abundance. Our findings indicated that the similarity of the microbial compositions was not determined primarily by the host species, and the location of the sampling explained a greater amount of variation in the microbial composition, indicating that the local environment played a crucial role in shaping the microbial composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Ambrosia arborescens Mill. (A. arborescens) is an aromatic plant used in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory, anti-tussive, anti-rheumatic, and anti-diarrheal agent. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of A. arborescens Mill. on a Rattus norvegicus var. albinus-induced breast cancer model. Materials and Methods: We collected A. arborescens from the province of Julcán, La Libertad Region, Per, and prepared an ethanolic extract using pulverized leaves macerated in 96° ethanol for 72 h with magnetic stirring. In the evaluation of anticancer activity, four experimental groups with 10 female rats each were formed: Group I (Control-7,12-dimethylbenz[a] anthracene [DMBA]), which received DMBA (single dose) and physiological saline solution for 4 months, and Groups II, III, and IV, which received DMBA (single dose) and 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg/day of the ethanolic extract of A. arborescens, respectively, for 4 months. Results: The DMBA control group presented histological characteristics of ductal carcinoma in situ with necrotic and inflammatory areas, whereas the A. arborescens extract group showed a decrease in tumor volume and recovery of the ductal duct. Conclusion: Ethanol extract of A. arborescens leaves decreases tumor development in rats with induced breast cancer, and this effect is dose-dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current manuscript had been conducted to evaluate the effect of ageing on the brains of albino rats on the macro‐morphometric level and to assess the different parameters of brain and brain structures affected by ageing. Fifty apparently healthy rats of both sexes (27 males and 23 females) were used in the study, in addition to three rats for MRI. The animals were divided into four groups according to their age. Magnetic resonance imaging and cross sections of the brain were performed to document dimensions of various brain structures such as the hippocampus, surface area of lateral ventricle as well as dorsal and piriform cortices. Ageing would result into a negative impact on some brain structures. However, some others had not been affected as much. Furthermore, sex of the animal presented an important role as a variant where male rats of each age group demonstrated different results than their analogous female rats. In addition, MRI examination of the rat brain allowed recognition of the major cerebral structures. Findings of this work might be considered as a trial to provide a proof of changes resulted from normal ageing in both male and female rats and which sex is more affected than the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The gray short-tailed opossum, Monodelhis domestica (M. domestica), is a widely used marsupial model species that presents unique advantages for neurodevelopmental studies. Notably their extremely altricial birth allows manipulation of postnatal pups at timepoints equivalent to embryonic stages of placental mammals. A robust literature exists on the development of short-tailed opossums, but many researchers working in the more conventional model species of mice and rats may find it daunting to identify the appropriate age at which to conduct experiments. Methods: Here, we present detailed staging diagrams taken from photographic observations of 40 individual pups, in 6 litters, over 25 timepoints across postnatal development. We also present a comparative neurodevelopmental timeline of short-tailed opossums (M. domestica), the house mouse (Mus musculus), and the laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus) during embryonic as well as postnatal development, using timepoints taken from this study and a review of existing literature, and use this dataset to present statistical models comparing the opossum to the rat and mouse. Results: One aim of this research was to aid in testing the generalizability of results found in rodents to other mammalian brains, such as the more distantly related metatherians. However, this broad dataset also allows the identification of potential heterochronies in opossum development compared to rats and mice. In contrast to previous work, we found broad similarity between the pace of opossum neural development with that of rats and mice. We also found that development of some systems was accelerated in the opossum, such as the forelimb motor plant, oral motor control, and some aspects of the olfactory system, while the development of the cortex, some aspects of the retina, and other aspects of the olfactory system are delayed compared to the rat and mouse. Discussion: The pace of opossum development is broadly similar to that of mice and rats, which underscores the usefulness of this species as a compliment to the more commonly used rodents. Many features that differ the most between opossums and rats and mice were either clustered around the day of birth and were features that have functional importance for the pup immediately after or during birth, or were features that have reduced functional importance for the pup until later in postnatal development, given that it is initially attached to the mother. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous challenges of land use change have brought potential threats to biodiversity and the spread of zoonotic diseases. In this study, synanthropic rodents and their helminth parasites were used as sentinels to assess the potential impact of land use on zoonosis. Rats were collected in different ecosystems, namely agricultural, agroforest, and residential areas in the northeastern sub-watersheds of Mount Makiling, Laguna, Philippines. Three (3) species of rats were captured, namely, Rattus tanezumi, Rattus norvegicus, and Rattus exulans. Of the total 180 rats collected, 92.7 % were found infected with helminth parasites, namely Hymenolepis diminuta, Hymenolepis nana, Taenia pisiformis, and Strobilocercus fasciolaris (cestodes); Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, Strongyloides ratti, Capillaria hepatica, Trichuris muris, and Rictularia sp. (nematodes); and Echinostoma ilocanum (trematode). Of these 11 species, nine (9) were considered zoonotic. This study provides important information on the helminth parasites of rats in the northeastern sub-watersheds of Mount Makiling and the potential threat of zoonotic transmission due to increasing land use change and urbanization in the area. Moreover, urbanization can provide favorable eco-epidemiological conditions for rodent-borne pathogens, such as parasites, that are seriously threatening agricultural settings and human settlements in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mammalian research, it has been debated what can initiate an evolutionary tradeoff between different senses, and the phenomenon of sensory tradeoff in rodents, the most abundant mammalian clade, is not evident. The Nile rat (Arvicanthis niloticus), a murid rodent, recently adapted to a diurnal niche through an evolutionary acquisition of daylight vision with enhanced visual acuity. As such, this model provides an opportunity for a cross-species investigation where comparative morphological and multi-omic analyses of the Nile rat are made with its closely related nocturnal species, e.g. the mouse (Mus musculus) and the rat (Rattus norvegicus). Thus, morphological examinations were performed, and evolutionary reductions in relative sizes of turbinal bone surfaces, the cribriform plate, and the olfactory bulb were discovered in Nile rats. Subsequently, we compared multiple murid genomes, and profiled olfactory epithelium transcriptomes of mice and Nile rats at various ages with RNA sequencing. The results further demonstrate that, in comparison with mouse olfactory receptor (OR) genes, Nile rat OR genes have experienced less frequent gain, more frequent loss, and more frequent expression reduction during their evolution. Furthermore, functional degeneration of coding sequences in the Nile rat lineage was found in OR genes, yet not in other genes. Taken together, these results suggest that acquisition of improved vision in the Nile rat has been accompanied by degeneration of both olfaction-related anatomical structures and OR gene repertoires, consistent with the hypothesis of an olfaction-vision tradeoff initiated by the switch from a nocturnal to a diurnal lifestyle in mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Rodents are one of the most abundant and diverse species of mammals and have recently been identified as carriers of numerous human pathogens. The current study was conducted to assess the prevalence, subtype (STs) distribution, and zoonotic potential of Blastocystis spp. in various species of rodents in Shiraz, southwestern Iran. Methods: For this aim, a total of 120 fresh fecal samples were collected from Mus musculus (n = 40), Rattus norvegicus (n = 40), and Rattus rattus (n = 40) in various municipality districts of Shiraz (6 out of 10 districts) between February and November 2020. Upon detecting parasites using light microscopy, a DNA fragment of the Blastocystis SSU rDNA gene was amplified using conventional PCR. Results: By employing direct wet mount examination, 8 out of 120 fecal samples (6.7%; 2 from house mice, 3 from black rats, and 3 from brown rats) tested positive. Similarly, 5% (2/40) of house mice, 7.5% (3/40) of black rats, and 7.5% (3/40) of brown rats tested positive using the molecular method. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Blastocystis infecting different rodent species in Shiraz belonged to two potentially zoonotic STs (ST1 and ST4). Accordingly, rodents should not be overlooked as potential reservoirs of zoonotic Blastocystis infections. Different sampled urban districts and their statistical association with reported prevalence rates were analyzed separately. Conclusion: Overall, the issue of the frequency and ST distribution of Blastocystis in urban rodents of Iran is still open to question and for a proper understanding, wider and more comprehensive studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red fruit (Pandanus conodus L.) is a plant native to Papua, ethnomedical used as a traditional medicine with a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects. However, research on the bioactivity of red fruit is still very poorly reported. The aim of this study was to characterize the bioactive content, antioxidant bioactivity and the effect of lowering blood glucose in hyperglycemic rats. Red fruit has extracted used the maceration method with 95% ethanol. Analysis of active compound content using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometry (GC MS). Analysis of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and blood glucose levels was carried out using the in vivo method using white rats. The research results showed that red fruit ethanol extract contained 173 compounds from six main groups of compounds. Red fruit extract has effective in reducing MDA levels in hyperglycemic mice. K4 and K5 treatments were the best treatments for reducing MDA. Red fruit extract affects the duration of induction of increased SOD in hyperglycemic rats. Treatments K4 and K5 were the best treatments for SOD induction. Red fruit extract affects reducing blood glucose in hyperglycemic mice. Red fruit extract has antioxidant activity and lowers blood glucose. Red fruit extract has the potential to be developed as a source of bioactive antioxidants and antidiabetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From July 2020 to June 2021, 248 wild house mice (Mus musculus), deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), and black rats (Rattus rattus) from Texas and Washington, USA, and British Columbia, Canada, were tested for SARS-CoV-2 exposure and infection. Two brown rats and 11 house mice were positive for neutralizing antibodies using a surrogate virus neutralization test, but negative or indeterminate with the Multiplexed Fluorometric ImmunoAssay COVID-Plex, which targets full-length spike and nuclear proteins. Oro-nasopharyngeal swabs and fecal samples tested negative by RT-qPCR, with an indeterminate fecal sample in one house mouse. Continued surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wild rodents is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic physical stress has many effects on the nervous system and can cause structural changes in different parts of the brain and hemomodulatory, including hormonal. Current pharmacotherapeutic treatments have limited efficacy and are associated with many deleterious side effects Aim: The aim of this research is to determine how apis dorsata forest honey administration affects FSH and LH levels in rats who are subjected to forced swim tests as a model of chronic physical stress placed in a container filled with water from which it cannot escape. Methods: This was an experimental laboratory study with 32 rats divided into four treatment groups: control (C), Treatment 1 (T1) with a forced swim test + honey (2 g/rat/day), Treatment 2 (T2) with a forced swim test + honey (4 g/rat/day), and Treatment 3 (T3) with a forced swim test + honey (6 g/rat/day). All treatments were administered for 14 days. Then blood was taken for FSH and LH serum tests, and a one-way ANOVA and Duncan test were used to statistically test the data analysis. Results: The results of this study indicate that the administration of forest honey had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on the FSH parameter, but there was a significant decrease in LH levels in the T2 and T3 groups (p [Open Vet J 2024; 14(2.000): 738-742]

The animal models used in biomedical research cover virtually every human disease. RatDEGdb, a knowledge base of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of the rat as a model object in biomedical research is a collection of published data on gene expression in rat strains simulating arterial hypertension, age-related diseases, psychopathological conditions and other human afflictions. The current release contains information on 25,101 DEGs representing 14,320 unique rat genes that change transcription levels in 21 tissues of 10 genetic rat strains used as models of 11 human diseases based on 45 original scientific papers. RatDEGdb is novel in that, unlike any other biomedical database, it offers the manually curated annotations of DEGs in model rats with the use of independent clinical data on equal changes in the expression of homologous genes revealed in people with pathologies. The rat DEGs put in RatDEGdb were annotated with equal changes in the expression of their human homologs in affected people. In its current release, RatDEGdb contains 94,873 such annotations for 321 human genes in 836 diseases based on 959 original scientific papers found in the current PubMed. RatDEGdb may be interesting first of all to human geneticists, molecular biologists, clinical physicians, genetic advisors as well as experts in biopharmaceutics, bioinformatics and personalized genomics. RatDEGdb is publicly available at https://www.sysbio.ru/RatDEGdb.

Human ocular toxocariasis (OT), caused by pet roundworm Toxocara canis (Nematoda Ascaridoidea), is a worldwide ocular parasitic infection that poses a severe threat to eyesight, especially in school-aged children. However, the infection process and pathological mechanism of Toxocara are difficult to study in the human body. This study was designed to explore long-term ocular manifestations in different rodents infected with Toxocara canis, uncovering the specific pathological mechanism and migration pathway of larvae after infection. The three types of experimental animals we selected were C57BL/6 mice, Mongolian gerbils and Brown Norway rats. Mice were randomly divided into five groups and infected orally with 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000 and 10,000 T. canis eggs; gerbils were randomly divided into four groups and infected orally with 1000, 2000, 4000 and 10,000 T. canis eggs; rats were randomly divided into three groups and infected orally with 2000, 6000 and 10,000 T. canis eggs. Their ocular changes were closely observed and recorded for at least 2 months. We also enucleated the eyeballs of some animals to perform pathological sectioning and hematoxylin-eosin staining. After 3 dpi (days post-infection), hemorrhagic lesions, mechanical injury of the retina and larval migration could be observed in some infected animals. The ocular infection and mortality rates tended to be stable at 7 dpi. Larval tissue, structure disorder and inflammation could be observed in the pathological sections. In conclusion, the mice infected with 2000 T. canis eggs and gerbils infected with 1000, 2000 and 4000 T. canis eggs showing obvious ocular lesions and lower mortality rates could provide a basis for long-term observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma spp., is a zoonotic parasitic disease affecting human health. Rattus norvegicus (rats) are a non-permissive host of Schistosoma , in which the worms cannot mature and cause typical egg granuloma. We previously demonstrated that inherent high levels of nitric oxide (NO), produced by inducible NO synthase (iNOS), is a key molecule in blocking the development of S. japonicum in rats. To further explore the mechanism of NO inhibiting S. japonicum development in rats, we performed S-nitrosocysteine proteomics of S. japonicum collected from infected rats and mice. The results suggested that S. japonicum in rats may have undergone endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Interestingly, we found that the ER of S. japonicum in rats showed marked damage, while the ER of the worm in iNOS−/− rats and mice were relatively normal. Moreover, the expression of ER stress markers in S. japonicum from WT rats was significantly increased, compared with S. japonicum from iNOS−/− rats and mice. Using the NO donor sodium nitroprusside in vitro, we demonstrated that NO could induce ER stress in S. japonicum in a dose-dependent manner, and the NO-induced ER stress in S. japonicum could be inhibited by ER stress inhibitor 4-Phenyl butyric acid. We further verified that inhibiting ER stress of S. japonicum in rats promoted parasite development and survival. Furthermore, we demonstrated that NO-induced ER stress of S. japonicum was related to the efflux of Ca2+ from ER and the impairment of mitochondrial function. Collectively, these findings show that high levels of NO in rats could induce ER stress in S. japonicum by promoting the efflux of Ca2+ from ER and damaging the mitochondrial function, which block the worm development. Thus, this study further clarifies the mechanism of anti-schistosome in rats and provides potential strategies for drug development against schistosomiasis and other parasitosis. [Display omitted] • High levels of nitric oxide (NO) induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in S. japonicum in vivo and in vitro. • NO inhibits parasite development and survival by inducing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in S. japonicum. • NO-induced ER stress in S. japonicum is related to the efflux of Ca2+ from ER. • NO-induced ER stress in S. japonicum impaire mitochondrial structure and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heterodimeric amino acid transporter systemic XCT plays a crucial role in redox balance regulation by facilitating L-cystine and L-glutamate import/export in a 1:1 ratio. Translating findings from preclinical to clinical contexts poses challenges due to interspecies receptor variations. To understand these differences and achieve success during translating studies, in silico analysis of FDA-approved drugs was performed against three species for systemic XCT receptors with UniProt-ids D4ADU2 (Rattus norvegicus), Q9WTR6 (Mus musculus), and Q9UPY5 (Homo sapiens). Homology modelling produced validated 3D structures for D4ADU2 and Q9WTR6, achieving an excellent model quality score (∼84%). Virtual screening identified common hits in Rat and Mouse Homology Modelled Structures (RHMS and MHMS), including Avodart, Rolapitant, and Olmesartan. In Homo sapiens (PDBs 7P9U and 7P9 V), common hits Dihydroergotamine and Ergotamine showed binding affinities of −12.3 to −10.1 kcal/mol as compared to glutamate and cystine (−4.9 to −5.9 kcal/mol) within the same binding pocket. A 500 ns MD simulation confirmed structural stability, positive correlations and limited atomic displacements. Free energy calculations highlighted the top compounds highly favourable binding affinities across all receptors. These results shed light on structural and dynamical variations among the interspecies receptors-ligands interactions which provide valuable insights into transitioning from preclinical to clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Leydig cells isolated from the testis are able to sustain high levels of testosterone production in vitro, but only for up to 3 days. Such cells are valuable for addressing the acute effects of chemicals on steroidogenic function, but not for repeated or chronic effects. Methodology is now available by which adult Leydig cells can be derived in vitro from seminiferous tubule-associated stem cells. In contrast to isolated Leydig cells, the Leydig cells derived in this way can synthesize and secrete high levels of testosterone for months. Herein, we asked whether this system might be used to address the effect of mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) exposure on the formation of Leydig cells from tubuleassociated stem cells, and on the Leydig cells after their formation. Methods: Adult Brown Norway rats received an intraperitoneal injection of ethane dimethanesulfonate (EDS) to eliminate the existing Leydig cells. Seminiferous tubules then were isolated and cultured in medium containing Insulin-Transferrin-Selenium (ITS), Smoothened Agonist (SAG), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Results: Culture of the tubules for 8 weeks resulted in the formation of cells on the surfaces of the tubules that stained for CYP11A1 and STAR and produced high levels of testosterone. When the tubules were cultured in medium containing increasing concentrations of MEHP, concentration-dependent effects on Leydig cell formation occurred. To determine the effect of MEHP on newly produced Leydig cells, tubules were cultured for 8 weeks in the absence of MEHP, resulting in the formation of adult Leydig cells, and then in medium containing increasing concentrations of MEHP. Concentration-dependent decreases in testosterone production by the adult Leydig cells were seen, and these decreases proved to be reversible. Discussion: The use of this new system should make it possible to determine the mechanisms by which acute, repeated, or chronic exposures to increasing concentrations of MEHP and/or exposure to other chemicals affect the formation of Leydig cells from stem cells, as well as the steroidogenic function of adult Leydig cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repeated interruption of the sleep cycle, commonly known as sleep fragmentation, is associated with a plethora of health issues, ranging from mood swings and memory loss to severe neurodegenerative disorders. Despite being a significant health problem with consequences on the social lives of individuals, its effect on vocal communication has been poorly studied. Here we show that sleep fragmentation induces a decrease in vocal production of a social rodent, without altering the acoustic characteristics of the vocalisations emitted. We conducted an experimental study using Rattus norvegicus rats, known for their ultrasonic vocal repertoire, in which we frequently woke pairs of individuals during their daily sleeping period. The rats whose sleep was artificially fragmented produced fewer vocalisations during their active periods than control pairs whose sleep was not disturbed. This decrease in vocal activity occurred after only two phases of fragmented sleep and was maintained throughout the 4 weeks of the experimentation. Conversely, sleep fragmentation had no effect on the rats' vocal repertoire. Our results demonstrate that fragmented sleep impacts vocal interactions and emotional expression in a social mammal, and that this effect is maintained over weeks without recovering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Across many taxa, the complexes of the electron transport system associate with each other within the inner mitochondrial membrane to form supercomplexes (SCs). These SCs are thought to confer some selective advantage, such as increasing cellular respiratory capacity or decreasing the production of damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we investigate the relationship between supercomplex abundance and performance of liver mitochondria isolated from rats that do not hibernate and hibernating ground squirrels in which metabolism fluctuates substantially. We quantified the abundance of SCs (respirasomes (SCs containing CI, CIII, and CIV) or SCs containing CIII and CIV) and examined the relationship with state 3 (OXPHOS) and state 4 (LEAK) respiration rate, as well as net ROS production. We found that, in rats, state 3 and 4 respiration rate correlated negatively with respirasome abundance, but positively with CIII/CIV SC abundance. Despite the greater range of respiration rates in different hibernation stages, these relationships were similar in ground squirrels. This is, to our knowledge, the first report of differential effects of supercomplex types on mitochondrial respiration and ROS production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Malate dehydrogenase (MDH, ЕC 1.1.1.37) is a multifunctional enzyme complex that catalyzes the reversible conversion of malate to oxaloacetate using NADH as a coenzyme. Currently, the regulation of MDH expression is poorly understood and needs further study. The aim of the study was to study the role of transcription factor CREB1 in regulating the expression of the gene encoding the mitochondrial form of malate dehydrogenase in the liver of rats Rattus norvegicus L. with experimental diabetes. Methods: The work investigated the rate of malate dehydrogenase functioning and the features of its regulation by the transcription factor CREB. Results and Discussion: An increase in the rate of work of NAD-dependent malate dehydrogenase in rat liver cells during the development of experimental diabetes was shown, associated with the activation of the Mdh1 and Mdh2 genes encoding this enzyme. The analysis of the promoters of these genes showed that only in the Mdh2 gene there is a specific binding site with the transcription factor CREB1. It was found that in the liver of rats with pathology, there is an increase in the rate of expression of the gene encoding this transcription factor, which correlates with the expression of the Mdh2 gene. Conclusions: Thus, the data obtained by us confirm the possibility of positive regulation of the rate of the Mdh2 gene by the transcription factor CREB1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eradication of rats (Rattus norvegicus, R. exulans and R. rattus) on islands is essential for the preservation of island ecosystems, including seabird populations, which are particularly vulnerable to rat predation. However, the long‐term positive effects of rat eradication on seabird colonies and populations are often understudied. Brown rats (R. norvegicus) were eradicated from Tromelin Island in 2005. No other significative active restoration actions (such as artificial social attraction, translocation or habitat manipulations) have been implemented, which provides a unique opportunity to investigate natural seabird recolonization and recovery processes after rat eradication. We used seabird annual nest counts conducted from 2005 to 2022 and georeferenced data of occupied nests, to precisely describe the rebuilding of the seabird community of Tromelin Island. Despite the lack of any active restoration actions after the eradication of rats, and the remoteness of the island, 17 years after rat eradication, the seabird community increased from two to seven breeding species, and from 353 to 4758 breeding pairs (total for all species). The recovery of masked and red‐footed booby populations was mostly due to the improved breeding success and in fine to auto‐recruitment. Inter‐ and intra‐specific social attraction accelerated the arrival of new species and boosted their population growth. On a finer spatial scale, recolonizing species showed different patterns of colony settlement linked to intra‐specific attraction. The dynamics of the community of Tromelin Island after rat eradication can be regarded as a natural experiment that informs the processes of colony settlement, population dynamics and connectivity in tropical seabirds. Our results demonstrate the huge benefits of eradicating rats from seabird islands, even when no additional active restoration actions are feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic physical stress has many effects on the nervous system and can cause structural changes in different parts of the brain and hemomodulatory, including hormonal. Current pharmacotherapeutic treatments have limited efficacy and are associated with many deleterious side effects Aim: The aim of this research is to determine how Apis dorsata forest honey administration affects follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in rats who are subjected to forced swim tests as a model of chronic physical stress placed in a container filled with water from which it cannot escape. Methods: This was an experimental laboratory study with 32 rats divided into four treatment groups: control (C), Treatment 1 (T1) with a forced swim test + honey (2 g/rat/day), Treatment 2 (T2) with a forced swim test + honey (4 g/rat/day), and Treatment 3 (T3) with a forced swim test + honey (6 g/rat/day). All treatments were administered for 14 days. Then, blood was taken for FSH and LH serum tests, and a one-way ANOVA and Duncan test were used to statistically test the data analysis. Results: The results of this study indicate that the administration of forest honey had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on the FSH parameter, but there was a significant decrease in LH levels in the T2 and T3 groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that giving forest honey to rats who were subjected to a 14-day forced swim test had no effect on FSH and LH levels. In rats given a forced swim test as a model of chronic stress, administration at doses of 4 and 6 g/rat/day reduced LH serum levels. Thus, giving forest honey could maintain reproductive health in rat that experience chronic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptospirosis, caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the Leptospira genus, is a common zoonosis in tropical and subtropical regions and can lead to an epidemic following heavy rainfall or flooding. The primary reservoirs of Leptospira include rodents, wild animals, dogs, cats, amphibians, and others, but the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) remains the main source of human Leptospirosis. Humans are often accidental hosts and they can be infected through cuts, abrasions, mucosa, conjunctiva, or by ingesting contaminated water. The clinical manifestation of leptospirosis can vary from mild, nonspecific symptoms to a fatal outcome involving liver and renal failure, pulmonary hemorrhage, meningitis, and septic shock. The severity of fatal outcomes is likely to be due to virulence factors, host susceptibility, and epidemiological conditions. L. interrogans are associated with high-risk individuals, particularly patients older than 60 years of age in clinical settings. The current case study showed a foreign worker who presented with rapidly deteriorating clinical signs of fever, jaundice, impaired consciousness, and oliguric acute renal failure. Drawing from our experience, it is advisable to consider the possibility of leptospirosis diagnosis in patients who show clinical symptoms such as fever, hepatic failure with jaundice, and acute renal failure. This is particularly important for those individuals with a prior history of pathogen exposure. This case study had a strong suspicion of leptospirosis, which was confirmed by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and, later, the patient's recovery following treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

S‐Adenosyl‐l‐methionine (SAM)‐dependent methyltransferases (MTs) are highly chemoselective enzymes grouped in C‐, N‐, O‐, S‐ and halide MTs, depending on the (hetero) atom that acts as the methyl group acceptor. So far, OMTs present the largest group, including many well investigated candidates. The catechol OMT from mammals such as from Rattus norvegicus (RnCOMT) is involved in the metabolism of neurotransmitters like dopamine. It is known to methylate the hydroxyl of the catechol ring in the 3 position. There are also reports showing that the regioselectivity of different COMTs can vary leading to different products with methyl groups in the 3 and or 4 positions. Nevertheless, there was only O‐methylation reported for COMTs. Another related MT, the caffeate OMT involved in the lignin biosynthesis of plants has also been reported as a chemoselective enzyme. In nature, S‐methylation is a rare phenomenon with different methyl donors being involved in the methyl transfer onto sulfur atoms. Several SAM‐dependent MTs are identified as S‐methyltransferases (SMTs), these are involved in salvaging pathways and xenobiotic metabolism of cells. Here, we report a new function of three OMTs; RnCOMT, a COMT from Myxococcus xanthus (MxSafC), and a CaOMT from Prunus persica (PpCaOMT) with acceptance towards different aromatic thiol substrates with up to full conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The invasive brownrat (Rattus norvegicus) and the Oriental rats (Rattus tanezumi) are common commensal murid that are important hosts for rodent-borne diseases in southeast Asia. Understanding their population structure and genetic diversity is essential to uncover their invasion biology and distribution dynamics that are essential for controlling rodent-borne diseases. Methods: TA total of 103 R. norvegicus and 85 R. tanezumi were collected from 13 to 9 coastal areas of six provincial monitoring sentinel sites, respectivelyto assess patterns in their microsatellite loci and their mitochondrial coxl gene region. Results: Eleven sampled populations of R. norvegicus were divided into two major clusters by region. The observed heterozygosity values of all regional populations were smaller than expected genetic diversity heterozygosity values and deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium Nine sample populations of R. tanezumi were divided into three clusters; two that included sample from Hainan and Fujian provinces, and one that included samples from the other provinces and cities. The genetic diversity of R. tanezumi was highest in samples from Jiangsu and Guangdong provinces. Conclusion: The data in this paper confirm the two invasive rodent species from the southeastern coastal region of China may have relied on maritime transport to spread from the southern region of China to the Yangtze River basin. R. tanezumi may then hanve migrated unidirectionally, along the southeastern provinces of China towards the north, while R. norvegicus spread in a complex and multidirectional manner in Hainan, Fujian, Zhejiang and Jiangsu Provinces of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some of the most complex surgical interventions to treat trauma and cancer include the use of locoregional pedicled and free autologous tissue transfer flaps. While the techniques used for these reconstructive surgery procedures have improved over time, flap complications and even failure remain a significant clinical challenge. Animal models are useful in studying the pathophysiology of ischemic flaps, but when repeatability is a primary focus of a study, conventional in-vivo designs, where one randomized subset of animals serves as a treatment group while a second subset serves as a control, are at a disadvantage instigated by greater subject-to-subject variability. Our goal was to provide a step-by-step methodological protocol for creating an alternative standardized, more economical, and transferable pre-clinical animal research model of excisional full-thickness wound healing following a simulated autologous tissue transfer which includes the primary ischemia, reperfusion, and secondary ischemia events with the latter mimicking flap salvage procedure. Results: Unlike in the most frequently used classical unilateral McFarlane's caudally based dorsal random pattern skin flap model, in the herein described bilateral epigastric fasciocutaneous advancement flap (BEFAF) model, one flap heals under normal and a contralateral flap—under perturbed conditions or both flaps heal under conditions that vary by one within-subjects factor. We discuss the advantages and limitations of the proposed experimental approach and, as a part of model validation, provide the examples of its use in laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus) axial pattern flap healing studies. Conclusions: This technically challenging but feasible reconstructive surgery model eliminates inter-subject variability, while concomitantly minimizing the number of animals needed to achieve adequate statistical power. BEFAFs may be used to investigate the spatiotemporal cellular and molecular responses to complex tissue injury, interventions simulating clinically relevant flap complications (e.g., vascular thrombosis) as well as prophylactic, therapeutic or surgical treatment (e.g., flap delay) strategies in the presence or absence of confounding risk factors (e.g., substance abuse, irradiation, diabetes) or favorable wound-healing promoting activities (e.g., exercise). Detailed visual instructions in BEFAF protocol may serve as an aid for teaching medical or academic researchers basic vascular microsurgery techniques that focus on precision, tremor management and magnification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The white-footed deermouse Peromyscus leucopus, a long-lived rodent, is a key reservoir in North America for agents of several zoonoses, including Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and a viral encephalitis. While persistently infected, this deermouse is without apparent disability or diminished fitness. For a model for inflammation elicited by various pathogens, the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to compare genome-wide transcription in blood by P. leucopus, Mus musculus, and Rattus norvegicus and adjusted for white cell concentrations. Deermice were distinguished from the mice and rats by LPS response profiles consistent with non-classical monocytes and alternatively-activated macrophages. LPS-treated P. leucopus, in contrast to mice and rats, also displayed little transcription of interferon-gamma and lower magnitude fold-changes in type 1 interferon-stimulated genes. These characteristics of P. leucopus were also noted in a Borrelia hermsii infection model. The phenomenon was associated with comparatively reduced transcription of endogenous retrovirus sequences and cytoplasmic pattern recognition receptors in the deermice. The results reveal a mechanism for infection tolerance in this species and perhaps other animal reservoirs for agents of human disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alginate lyase is known to have antibiofilm activity. Toxicity tests for the alginate lyase produced by Streptomyces olivaceus from Serena Kecil Island, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, have never been reported. This research conducted an in vivo toxicity study of the alginate lyase, using male Wistar rats for its development as an oral anti-biofilm agent. Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided equally into four groups of: technical control (TC), which was only given food and drink; negative control (NC), given phosphate buffer saline 1x; experimental group (E1), given alginate lyase at a dose of 0.63 g/kg BW, and (E2), given alginate lyase at a dose of 20.85 g/kg BW. The toxicity tests were carried out for 7 days by observing the following parameters: changes in the body weight and behavior; changes in AST and ALT enzyme levels; and evaluation of macroscopic and microscopic damages to the liver. Results: After 7 days of treatment, rats in the NC, E1, and E2 groups experienced insignificant weight losses. They also had normal behavior and did not show signs of toxicity or death. The AST and ALT levels in rats, given alginate lyase (E1 and E2) decreased significantly but were still within the normal range. Alginate lyase also caused an adaptive stress response and degeneration in the liver cells. Conclusions: Alginate lyase at 0.63 g/kg BW and 20.85 g/kg BW were considered safe in the rats and had the prospect of being developed into an anti-biofilm agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to define reference values for vertebral heart score (VHS) and modified left atrium (LA)-VHS, cardiac structures, and major thoracic vessels measurements and ratios obtained from thoracic contrast radiography Wistar albino rats. VHS, modified LA-VHS, left (LV) and right (RV) ventricles, interventricular septum (IVS), aorta (Ao), caudal vena cava (CaVC), and fourth thoracic vertebrae (v) length (T4) were measured from left lateral thoracic contrast radiographs of 50 young, healthy adult male Wistar albino rats. LV/T4, RV/T4, IVS/T4, Ao/T4, CaVC/T4, and CaVC/Ao ratios were calculated from these values. Measurements were performed by two observers unaware of the signalment data for interobserver repeatability analysis. Median values and references ranges were 8.2v (7.4-9.1) for VHS, 1.2 (1.0-1.5) for modified LA-VHS, 7.8 mm (6.2-9.1) for LV, 3.4 mm (2.8-4.5) for RV, 2.1 mm (1.8-3.0) for IVS, 2.1 mm (1.8-2.8) for Ao, 2.2 mm (1.7-3.0) for CaVC, 4 mm (3.5-4.5) for T4, 2 (1.5-2.3) for LV/T4, 0.85 (0.68-1.22) for RV/T4, 0.52 (0.42-0.83) for IVS/T4, 0.53 (0.42-0.75) for Ao/T4, 0.55 (0.45-0.7) for CaVC/T4 and 1.05 (0.74-1.1.37) for CaVC/Ao. Further studies are now needed to determine whether measurement values obtained from contrast radiography in rats are useful in the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy and heart failure. The radiographic measurement values presented in this study can be used as a reference baseline for both pet and laboratory rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aotearoa—New Zealand has only four rodent species, all introduced. In order of arrival, they are Pacific rat Rattus exulans, brown rat R. norvegicus, house mouse Mus musculus, and black rat R. rattus. Rodent management in New Zealand aims mainly to conserve indigenous biodiversity rather than to protect crops or manage diseases, as is usual elsewhere. We describe four major "regimes" and one major vision for rodent control in New Zealand to meet ecological restoration objectives. Current challenges for island eradications are for large islands that are remote or populated by people. Aerial 1080 is the only large‐scale (tens of thousands of hectares) option for black rat control, but its application requires adjustment to counter subsequent rapid black rat repopulation. Unfenced "ecosanctuaries" (mean 720 ha) use ground‐based traps and poisons to target mainly black rats and face constant reinvasion. Ecosanctuaries with mammal‐resistant fences (up to 3500 ha) limit reinvasion and target more pest species and have enabled the return of previously extirpated taxa to the main islands. Predator Free 2050 aims to eradicate the rat species (but not mice) plus some other introduced mammals from New Zealand by 2050. This vision is not attainable with current tools, but research and experimental management is exploring techniques and technologies. The large scale (to 100 000 ha) at which black rats are now targeted for control to extremely low abundance seems to be unique to New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is caused by hantaviruses (HVs) and is endemic in Zhejiang Province, China. In this study, we aimed to explore the changing epidemiology of HFRS cases and the dynamics of hantavirus hosts in Zhejiang Province. Joinpoint regression was used to analyze long-term trends in the incidence of HFRS. The comparison of animal density at different stages was conducted using the Mann–Whitney Test. A comparison of HV carriage rates between stages and species was performed using the chi-square test. The incidence of HFRS shows a continuous downward trend. Cases are widely distributed in all counties of Zhejiang Province except Shengsi County. There was a high incidence belt from west to east, with low incidence in the south and north. The HFRS epidemic showed two seasonal peaks in Zhejiang Province, which were winter and summer. It showed a marked increase in the age of the incidence population. A total of 23,073 minibeasts from 21 species were captured. Positive results were detected in the lung tissues of 14 rodent species and 1 shrew species. A total of 80% of the positive results were from striped field mice and brown rats. No difference in HV carriage rates between striped field mice and brown rats was observed (χ2 = 0.258, p = 0.611). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gentamicin (GN) is one the first-line drugs for managing severe gram-negative bacterial infections in low-income populations, but its association with acute kidney injury (AKI) has limited its use in clinical applications. Rosmarinus Officinalis (rosemary) is a traditional herb rich in antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the histological effect of Rosmarinus Officinalis (RO) on GN has not yet been explicated. The study investigated the protective histological effect of RO on gentamicin induced acute Kidney injury in adult male albino rats of Rattus norvegicus. This study used a total of 25 rats that were systematically randomized into 5 groups of five rats each: Control received rat pellets plus water ad libitum, GN (100mg/kg/bwt/i.p), low dose RO (RO100mg/kg/bwt/po +GN), medium RO(150mg/kg/bwt/po+GN), and high dose RO(200mg/kg/bwt/po+GN). GN was administered intraperitoneal and RO orally for seven days. Albino rats were humanely sacrificed after 24hours of the last drug administration, blood collected for biomarkers and kidney harvested for histological examination. Histological findings in the low RO, medium RO, and gentamicin groups; the glomerulus shrunken, proximal convoluted tubules and Bowman's space were dilated, respectively, whereas those in the high-dose RO and control groups were normal and comparable. This study shows that Co-administration of a high dose of RO attenuates histological effects of Gentamicin-induced AKI among Male albino rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) converts chemical energy into heat to maintain body temperature. Although fatty acids (FAs) represent a primary substrate for uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)‐dependent thermogenesis, BAT also utilizes glucose for the same purpose. Considering that estrous cycle effects on BAT are not greatly explored, we examined those of 6‐h fasting on interscapular BAT (iBAT) thermogenic markers in proestrus and diestrus. We found that the percentage of multilocular adipocytes was lower in proestrus than in diestrus, although it was increased after fasting in both analyzed estrous cycle stages. Furthermore, the percentage of paucilocular adipocytes was increased by fasting, unlike the percentage of unilocular cells, which decreased in both analyzed stages of the estrous cycle. The UCP1 amount was lower in proestrus irrespectively of the examined dietary regimens. Regarding FA transporters, it was shown that iBAT CD36 content was increased in fasted rats in diestrus. In contrast to GLUT1, the level of GLUT4 was interactively modulated by selected estrous cycle phases and fasting. There was no change in insulin receptor and ERK1/2 activation, while AKT activation was interactively modulated by fasting and estrous cycle stages. Our study showed that iBAT exhibits morphological and functional changes in proestrus and diestrus. Moreover, iBAT undergoes additional dynamic functional and morphological changes during short‐term fasting to modulate nutrient utilization and adjust energy expenditure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Literature shows that most of the information on the toxicity of gluten is generated from survey and observational studies, resulting in inconsistent outcomes and a decrease in the acceptability of gluten-rich foods. To determine gluten's safety, an in-depth in vitro and in vivo toxicological examination is required. This enables scientists to come up with ameliorative strategies if it turns out to have side effects, and consumers' trust can be restored. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the toxicity of gluten extracts on albino rats (Rattus norvegicus). Materials and Methods: twenty-four rats were randomly selected and divided into four groups, each comprising six rats. Group 1 (control) rats were fed on pellet feeds and groups 2, 3, and 4 were fed on daily dosages of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g gluten extracts, respectively. The rats' body weights and reactions were observed for 90 days before blood samples were collected for hematobiochemical and micronucleus tests. Histopathological examinations of the liver and kidneys were also performed. Results: There was no difference (P > 0.05) in body weight, blood glucose level, or micronuclei between the control and treated rats. The lymphocytes, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, total protein, and calcium ions of the test rats were all significantly (P < 0.05) altered but remained within the normal ranges. Other hematobiochemical parameters, including packed cell volume, hemoglobin, white and red blood cells, aspartate transaminase, albumin, sodium ions, potassium ions, chloride ions, and urea, revealed no marked changes. The treated rats' livers and kidneys showed no histopathological changes. Conclusion: Gluten had no adverse effects on body weight, blood glucose level, genetic constitution, or histopathology in the treated rats. However, it altered hematobiochemical parameters, particularly the lymphocytes, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, total protein, and calcium ions. This suggests that prolonged consumption of gluten-containing diets can affect hematobiochemical parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute effects of exogenous melatonin have been widely reported to promote sleep or induce drowsiness in human. However, testing of the hypnotic effects of melatonin in nocturnal rodents has yielded contradictory results. The latter may be associated with differences in concentration, lighting conditions, time of administration of melatonin, and possibly the type of analysis. In this study, electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram were recorded in pigmented male Brown Norway rats under both light‐dark (LD) and constant dark (DD) conditions. Melatonin was administered intraperitoneally at a moderate dose of 3 mg/kg, at either 1 h after lights on under LD condition or 1 h after the activity offset under DD condition. The dosage is known to be able to entrain nocturnal rodents in DD conditions, but does not change sleep in rodents in LD. Only the rats under DD conditions showed a significant reduction in nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep latency, while the NREM sleep power spectrum remained unaffected. Under LD condition, melatonin did not alter NREM and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep latency, and had only minor effects on the NREM sleep EEG. Regardless of lighting conditions, melatonin administration resulted in less, but longer episodes for all vigilance states suggesting increased vigilance state consolidation. In the discussion, we compare our results with a summary of previously published data concerning the hypnotic effects of melatonin in polysomnographic/EEG‐confirmed sleep in humans and nocturnal rodents. In conclusion, the hypnotic effect of exogenous melatonin in nocturnal rodents not only depends on the time of day, and concentration, but is also influenced by the lighting conditions. Regardless of inducing sleep or not, melatonin may consolidate sleep and through that enhance sleep quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, we have identified a recessive mutation, an abnormal coat appearance in the BXH6 strain, a member of the HXB/BXH set of recombinant inbred (RI) strains. The RI strains were derived from the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and Brown Norway rat (BN-Lx) progenitors. Whole genome sequencing of the mutant rats identified the 195875980 G/A mutation in the tuftelin 1 (Tuft1) gene on chromosome 2, which resulted in a premature stop codon. Compared with wild-type BXH6 rats, BXH6- Tuft1 mutant rats exhibited lower body weight due to reduced visceral fat and ectopic fat accumulation in the liver and heart. Reduced adiposity was associated with decreased serum glucose and insulin and increased insulin-stimulated glycogenesis in skeletal muscle. In addition, mutant rats had lower serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and leptin levels, indicative of reduced inflammation. Analysis of the liver proteome identified differentially expressed proteins from fatty acid metabolism and b-oxidation, peroxisomes, carbohydrate metabolism, inflammation, and proteasome pathways. These results provide evidence for the important role of the Tuft1 gene in the regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism and suggest underlying molecular mechanisms. NEW & NOTEWORTHY A new spontaneous mutation, abnormal hair appearance in the rat, has been identified as a nonfunctional tuftelin 1 (Tuft1) gene. The pleiotropic effects of this mutation regulate glucose and lipid metabolism. Analysis of the liver proteome revealed possible molecular mechanisms for the metabolic effects of the Tuft1 gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Rattus norvegicus can carry and transmit various zoonotic pathogens. Some studies were conducted to investigate a few zoonotic pathogens in Guangzhou, China, but no coinfections were investigated or specifically mentioned. Studies on the infections and the influencing factors of various zoonotic pathogens in R. norvegicus along the Zengjiang River in Guangzhou have not been carried out. Materials and Methods: In this study, R. norvegicus was captured in November 2020 and September 2021 along the Zengjiang River, and was tested for Bartonella spp., Leptospira spp., Orientia tsutsugamushi, Borrelia burgdorferi, Hantavirus (HV), Ehrlichia spp., and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) by the RT-PCR. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the impact of habitat and demographic factors on the infections and coinfections of the surveyed pathogens. Results: In 119 R. norvegicus, the detection rates of Bartonella spp., Leptospira spp., O. tsutsugamushi, B. burgdorferi, and HV were 46.2%, 31.9%, 5%, 0.8%, and 18.5%, respectively. Ehrlichia spp. and SFTSV were negative. The triple coinfection rate of Bartonella spp., Leptospira spp., and HV was 11.8%. In addition, the coinfection of Bartonella spp., Leptospira spp., and B. burgdorferi was 0.8%. Dual coinfection of Bartonella spp. and Leptospira spp., Leptospira spp. and HV, Bartonella spp. and O. tsutsugamushi, Leptospira spp. and O. tsutsugamushi, and HV and O. tsutsugamushi was 9.2%, 3.4%, 1.7%, 1.7%, and 0.8%, respectively. Infections of these pathogens in R. norvegicus were found in habitats of banana plantation, grassland, and bush. Weight affected the infection of Bartonella spp., Leptospira spp., or HV in R. norvegicus. Conclusions:R. norvegicus along the Zengjiang River not only carried various potentially zoonotic pathogens but also had a variety of coinfections. Surveillance of the density and pathogens in R. norvegicus should be strengthened to reduce the incidence of relevant zoonotic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative gross anatomical study was carried out on six apparently healthy adult male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) and albino mice (Mus musculus) (Three rats and three mice) The aim of the current work is to demonstrate the gross anatomical topography, morphology, and fixation of (liver, kidney, spleen, stomach and pancreas) in order to highlight similarities and differences between both species. The animals were brought from local animal markets and delivered to the anatomy laboratory of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Cairo University, Egypt. After euthanasia, animals were anatomically dissected via mid laparotomy to study the concerned abdominal viscera in both species. The organs were removed separately and preserved by both freezing and immersion in a container filled with 10% neutral buffered formalin solution for further examination. Photographs of the organs insitu and isolated were taken, discussed and compared with that of the other lab mammals in previous literatures. The study confirmed the absence of the gall bladder and the round ligament of liver in albino rat, while the hepatorenal ligament was absent in albino mouse. Also, the site of renal impression was found to be located on the right lateral hepatic lobe in albino rat while on the caudate process of liver in albino mouse. Albino rats and mice had a bean shaped smooth unipapillated kidneys, however the position of kidneys greatly varied between both species. The characteristic crescentic-shaped stomach in rats with a tightly closed esophageal opening compared to the thumb-shaped stomach of mice with slightly loose esophageal opening were anatomical remarks. The proper knowledge of the normal morphology and topography of these abdominal viscera would assist veterinarians in designing of therapeutic surgical approaches in abdominal cavity and experimental transplantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alfaxalone is used in laboratory and companion rodents for sedation and anesthesia. The purpose of this study was to determine if 5 mg/kg alfaxalone administered intramuscularly provides safe and effective sedation for radiography in client-owned rats. Eleven rats were recruited. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature were measured prior to and during sedation. Reflexes (forelimb withdrawal, hind limb withdrawal, tail pinch, ear flick) were evaluated. Induction, sedation, and recovery quality were scored. Sedation depth was scored by 3 different observers based on video recordings. Ten minutes post-injection, thoracic radiographs were obtained. Nine rats were healthy, while two had mild respiratory signs. The mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) time to first effect was 3 (95%CI 1.3–4.7) minutes. Duration of sedation was 21.6 (95%CI 17.3–25.8) minutes. Vitals remained within clinically acceptable limits. Mild, self-limiting tremoring was noted in 3/11 rats. Reflexes tended to be preserved but were occasionally decreased or absent in some rats. Induction and recovery quality were very smooth in most rats. Radiographs were able to be performed in all rats. The time from radiographs to recovery was 4.7 (95%CI 1.4–8.1) minutes. Alfaxalone had rapid onset and recovery. It was effective for radiographic positioning, but an additional sedative could be considered in healthy rats to provide greater sedation depth and duration. The protocol appeared safe in a very small sample size of clinically ill rats, but further research is needed to confirm safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), an emerging zoonotic pathogen, poses a significant public health concern worldwide. Recently, rat HEV (Rocahepevirus ratti genotype C1; HEV‐C1) has been reported to cause zoonotic infections and hepatitis in humans. Human infections with HEV‐C1 are considered to be underestimated worldwide due to limited knowledge of transmission routes, genome epidemiology, and the risk assessment of zoonosis associated with these viruses. A total of 186 wild Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) were collected from the Republic of Korea (ROK) between 2011 and 2021. The prevalence of HEV‐C1 RNA was 8 of 180 (4.4%) by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. We first reported three nearly whole‐genome sequences of HEV‐C1 newly acquired from urban rats in the ROK. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that Korea‐indigenous HEV‐C1 formed an independent genetic group with those derived from R. norvegicus rats in other countries, indicating geographical and genetic diversity. Our findings provide critical insights into the molecular prevalence, genome epidemiology, and zoonotic potential of Rocahepevirus. This report raises awareness of the presence of Rocahepevirus‐related hepatitis E among physicians in the ROK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases and chronic heart failure. Although medication can help lower blood pressure, it often has side effects. Gene therapy using small interfering RNA (siRNA) has been proposed as a potential solution to regulate blood pressure by targeting proteins involved in blood pressure regulation, such as angiotensinogen. A study on rats aimed to determine the effect of intravenously administered siRNA-angiotensinogen on blood pressure. The siRNA was designed using sequenceangiotensinogen mRNA Rattus norvegicus obtained from NCBI and was given to normal and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) in different doses. Blood pressure measurements were taken at various intervals after treatment, and angiotensinogen protein was isolated from blood plasma for analysis. The results showed that siRNA treatment decreased blood pressure in both normal rats and SHR, while the placebo group did not experience a decrease in blood pressure. The reduction in blood pressure in the SHR group ranged from 21-53% (SBP) and 17-58% (DBP) compared to the control group. Gene therapy using siRNA has the potential to provide longlasting and highly specific control of blood pressure, and further research is needed to explore its effectiveness and safety in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we explore the impact of hypermetabolic conditions on the immune function of the body, with a particular focus on the role of glutamine, an amino acid involved in protein synthesis and the regulation of metabolic processes within the immune system. Macrophages and monocytes play a crucial role in responding to A.Baumanii infection, being the first line of defense. Our investigation aims to analyze the augmentation of macrophage cell count activity against A. Baumanii through the administration of glutamine. Using an experimental study design, 45 rats were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group, a Glutamine treatment group, and a Glutamine against A. Baumanii group. The rats were evaluated on days 1, 5, and 7, with enteral administration of glutamine at a dose of 1 g/kg body weight/day. Specimens were taken from the peritoneum tissue, and anatomical pathology preparations were conducted to calculate the number of macrophage cells. Data collected were then input into a table and processed using SPSS 26 for Windows. Results revealed a significant increase in macrophage cell count on day 1 in the Glutamine against A.Baumanii group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). On day 5, the macrophage cell count in both the Glutamine group and the Glutamine against A. Baumanii group was higher than in the control group, with significant differences observed between groups (p < 0.05). On day 7, a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the number of macrophage cells was noted between the Glutamine groups. In conclusion, enteral glutamine feeding led to a notable increase in the number of macrophage cells, indicating a positive impact on the immune system. This rise in macrophages correlates with enhanced phagocytic activity against A. Baumanii infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pneumonia is the second most common lung infection caused by Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. This study aimed to analyze the effect of Cinnamomum burmannii Bark oil (CbBO) as an antibacterial (decreasing bacterial counts) and anti-inflammatory agent through the inhibition of Immunoreactive Score Nuclear Factor Kappa Beta (IRS NF-Kß/p65) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6), and chest radiography/CXR analysis of male Wistar rats' model Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp). The experimental animals were divided into seven groups consisting of normal control group (C), negative control (NC, Kp 100 µL), Treatment 1 (T1: Kp + Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 3 mL), Treatment 2 (T2: Kp + Levofloxacin 13.5 mg/200 gram BW of rats), Treatment 3-5 (T3, T4, T5: Kp+ CbBO 0.36; 0.72; and 1.44 µL/200 gram BW of rats). The treatment was given for the first, second, and third days post-inoculation. All parameters on day 4 were examined. The bacterial count, IRS NF-Kß/p65, and IL-6 are parametric data evaluated using Kruskall Wallis and post hoc tests. The CXR, a non-parametric data, was analysed with a chi-square test. The results showed that T3 and T4 decreased in all parameters. There was a significant difference test between NC compared T4 on the bacterial count (p-value=0.033), NC compared T3 (pvalue= 0.05), and T5 (p-value=0.037) on the IRS NF-Kß/p65, and T1 compared T4 (pvalue= 0.045) on CXR. This study concluded that CbBO doses of 0.36 and 0.72 µL/200 gram BW of rats reduce all parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the zoonotic parasite of rodents that can cause human neuroangiostrongyliasis, i.e., Angiostrongylus cantonensis, is found in its natural definitive hosts, it is usually reported in isolation, as if the rat lungworm were the only component of its parasite community. In this study, we report the coinfections found in rats naturally infected by A. cantonensis in urban populations of Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus in Valencia, Spain. In addition to the rat lungworms, which were found in 14 of the 125 rats studied (a prevalence of 11.20%), 18 other parasite species (intestinal and tissular protists, microsporidia and helminths) were found, some of them with high burdens. Fourteen of these nineteen species found are potential zoonotic parasites, namely Blastocystis, Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon hellem, Toxoplasma gondii, Brachylaima spp., Hydatigera taeniaeformis s.l. larvae, Hymenolepis nana, Hymenolepis diminuta, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Calodium hepaticum, Gongylonema neoplasticum and Moniliformis moniliformis. The total predominance of coinfected rats as well as their high parasite loads seem to indicate a trend towards parasite tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is the source of zoonosis toxoplasmosis and causes public health problems throughout the world. Environmental contamination by oocysts excreted by cats as definitive hosts affects the spread of this disease. Wild rats as rodents can be used as an indicator of environmental contamination by oocysts, considering that rats have a habit of living in dirty environments and can be infected by oocysts from the environment. Aim: This study aims to detect toxoplasmosis from tissue cysts and serological tests in wild rats as an indicator of environmental contamination in Surabaya. Methods: A total of 100 wild rats collected from Surabaya were collected in five areas (West, East, Central, North, and South of Surabaya) obtained from three trapping locations: housing, dense settlements, and markets. All samples were examined microscopically for parasitological tests through the brain tissue samples, and the serum was examined using the toxoplasma modified agglutination test to detect the presence of IgG and Immunoglobulin M (IgM). Results: This research used 100 wild rat samples, 77 Rattus tanezumi and 33 Rattus norvegicus, with evidence of 31% in serology and active infection with 19% tissue cyst. The results showed that the seroprevalence of T. gondii in wild rats was 31% (30% for IgG and 1% for IgM). Tissue cysts in the rat brain samples tested were 19% (19/100). The IgG prevalence rate in female rats was 25% (8/32), while for males, it was 32.3% (22/68). The highest seropositive IgG from densely populated settlements was 50%, markets were 25.8%, and housing was 12.1%. The highest seropositive IgM from densely populated settlements was 2.8%. Population density and the presence of cats are factors supporting the high seropositive rate at the trapping location. Conclusion: This study revealed that there has been toxoplasmosis contamination in Surabaya with evidence of 31% in serology and active infection with 19% tissue cyst. It is necessary for controlling with surveillance in cats to prevent transmission in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conditions of upbringing at an early age have a significant impact on the subsequent development, reproduction, and formation of behavioral characteristics of mammals, including rodents. Parents, primarily nursing females, are the main component of the social environment in the early period of postnatal ontogenesis in the majority of mammals. Therefore, the upbringing of mammalian pups in foster families of their own species or another one, even taxonomically distant ones, is one of the main methods for assessing the influence of early experience and the maternal environment on the formation of the behavioral characteristics and the choice of a sexual partner. Rearing of the adopted pups by females of their own or another species is used to preserve valuable species. This necessitates the development of the most effective methods of transferring offspring with maximum survival of the young. In this regard, we analyzed the survival rate and possible causes of mortality of young of a number of rodent species in foster families of mammals of their own and other species. We carried out cross-fostering (interspecific cross-upbringing) and in-fostering (intraspecific cross-upbringing) experiments using house (Mus musculus) and mound-building (Mus spicilegus) mouse pups, yellow steppe lemming (Eolagurusluteus) and brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) pups, and rearing of brown rat pups in foster families of the black polecat (Mustela putorius). As when feeding their own offspring, the main forms of maternal behavior ("maternal behavior complex") of the studied species in relation to adopted young during interspecific transfer are included and manifested in a complex manner if the adoptive mother accepts the young. The survival rate of adopted offspring depends on the degree of taxonomic proximity of the parent taxa: the highest rate was observed during cross-transfer between representatives of species belonging to the supraspecific complex Mus musculus s. l., while the lowest rate is observed when the pups are transferred between representatives of different families and orders of mammals. The success of upbringing adopted young can be determined by the similar composition of milk and the duration of lactation, the similarity of parental behavior (including the degree of male participation in raising the offspring), similar features of the ontogeny of young in closely related forms, and the significant difference in these characteristics in taxonomically distant species. However, successful upbringing of foster offspring is possible if there is similarity in the maternal behavior of taxonomically distant species and taking into account the suitability of milk (for example, feeding of rat pups by female black polecats). According to the results of the analysis of our data and published material, factors influencing the survival and mortality of pups in foster families also include the age of the pups at the time of transfer, species-specific differences in odor, the level of stress of the mother and offspring, the female's previous experience in rearing her own and other pups, and the expression of maternal instinct. All this must be taken into account when using the method of cross-fostering pups in experimental work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study had been established to deliver an anatomical atlas for all veterinary anatomists where various structures of the rat brain through all views are shown clearly. On the other hand, the effect of both aging and sex were put into consideration through the current study. Thirty-four apparently healthy rats of both sexes (19 males and 15 females) were used in the study. The animals were classified into four groups according to their age. Cross sections of the brain were performed to document the cerebral dimensions including the cerebral length, width, and height in addition to the transverse diameter of the thalami and the thickness of the corpus callosum. Ageing would result in a negative impact on some brain structures. However, some others had not been affected as much. Furthermore, sex of the animal presented an important role as a variant where male rats of each age group demonstrated different results than their analogous female rats. Findings of this work might be used as a tool for studying the gross morphometric changes that occurred in the rat brain due to normal aging process in either sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Bartonella includes a group of species that are associated with a wide range of mammalian species, including human. It is challenging to detect all Bartonella species using a single molecular target due to its high genetic diversity. To solve this issue, we developed a quadruplex PCR amplicon sequencing assay using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology for the detection and differentiation of Bartonella species. Our objective was to obtain the specific sequences of a minimum of two of the four target genes as confirmation of the identity of a particular Bartonella species using the assay. Four pairs of primers targeting specific regions on gltA, groEL, rpoB, and ssrA were evaluated for their capability of differentiating Bartonella species individually and collectively by performing singular PCR amplicon sequencing and quadruplex PCR amplicon sequencing. Using the quadruplex PCR amplicon sequencing, 24 Bartonella reference species were tested, all of which were successfully differentiated by at least two targets. Bartonella species were accurately identified from the artificially mixed DNA templates developed to simulate coinfections. The limit of detection was determined to be 1 fg based on testing a series of 10-fold dilutions of DNA from the Bartonella species. Testing of high DNA concentrations of 19 non-Bartonella species showed high specificity with none of the non-Bartonella species misclassified as Bartonella. Finally, the assay was evaluated by testing DNA extracts fromfield-collected body lice (Pediculus humanus humanus) and Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus): Bartonella quintana was detected and confirmed by three targets in the lice and Bartonella tribocorum was detected and confirmed by two targets in the rats. These results demonstrated that Bartonella species could be accurately and rapidly detected and differentiated into different tissue types using the quadruplex sequencing assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]