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Objective To analyze the factors influencing the abundance of floor fleas from households of the commensal rodent plague foci in Yunnan Province. Methods A total of 320 households in 16 natural villages in the commensal plague natural foci were selected from Mangshi City, Lianghe County, and Mile City in Yunnan Province. Floor fleas were collected using the water-containing plate method, with 10 pans placed per household for two consecutive nights. The potential factors influencing the abundance of floor fleas in households were collected through a self-made questionnaire. A hurdle Poisson regression model under R4.3.0 was performed to analyze the factors influencing the abundance of floor fleas in households. Results A total of 6 400 plates were placed per night in 320 households, with 44 households capturing floor fleas, resulting in an infestation rate of 13.75% (44/320). A total of 136 floor fleas were collected in water pans, with a floor fleas index of 0.021 (136/6 400). Ctenocephalides felis felis was the dominant flea species, accounting for 61.76% (84/136), followed by Xenopsylla cheopis and Pulex irritans, each accounting for 19.12% (26/136). The multivariate hurdle Poisson regression model of the abundance of floor fleas showed that the probabilities of capturing floor fleas in households with other houses ground structure, garbage dumping outdoors, raising cat, rodent's activities, and fleas activities were 4.39, 3.16, 3.09, 3.08, and 2.29 times higher than the corresponding reference groups. The probability of capturing floor fleas in households with the Dai ethnic group was 0.30 of that in the Han ethnic group. The number of captured floor fleas in households in Mile City, of the Dai ethnicity, with chickens, and surrounded by other houses were 3.84, 2.95, 7.58, and 5.37 times higher than the corresponding reference group, while the number of captured floor fleas in households with migrant workers, other ground structure, and rodent eradication behavior were 0.32, 0.45, and 0.28 of the corresponding reference group. Conclusions The abundance of floor fleas from households of the commensal rodent plague foci in Yunnan Province is influenced by the basic family situation, indoor and outdoor environmental factors, and human interference factors. To avoid the spread of flea-borne diseases to humans, it is necessary to take comprehensive measures to control the abundance of floor fleas in households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cluster of Differentiation 1 (CD1) proteins are widely expressed throughout jawed vertebrates and present lipid antigens to specific CD1-restricted T lymphocytes. CD1 molecules play an important role in immune defense with the presence or absence of particular CD1 proteins frequently associated with the functional characteristics of the immune system. Here, we show the evolution of CD1 proteins in the Rodentia family and the diversity among its members. Based on the analysis of CD1 protein-coding regions in rodent genomes and the reconstruction of protein structures, we found that Heterocephalus glaber represents a unique member of the suborder Hystricomorpha with significant changes in protein sequences and structures of the CD1 family. Multiple lines of evidence point to the absence of CD1d and CD1e and probably a dysfunctional CD1b protein in Heterocephalus glaber. In addition, the impact of CD1d loss on the CD1d/Natural killer T (NKT) cell axis in the naked mole-rat and its potential implications for immune system function are discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rodents comprise around half of all mammalian species, showcasing their remarkable adaptability to thrive in almost all terrestrial habitats. Their evolutionary success is exemplified by a wide range of morphological features reflecting various feeding and locomotory adaptations. This study examines the functional variation in cranial and mandibular traits as well as locomotion indices in rodent communities within the high-altitude Afroalpine environment of the Ethiopian Highlands. The findings reveal two distinct patterns in cranial and mandibular traits. One pattern is associated with dietary differences, distinguishing the primarily herbivorous species Otomys helleri, Arvicanthis abyssinicus and Lophuromys melanonyx, which are characterised by relatively long molar rows, massive mandibles, and likely enhanced bite force, from the generally omnivorous genus Stenocephalemys and the more faunivorous Lophuromys flavopunctatus. The second pattern indicates that species in the Afroalpine ecosystem have adapted to life in distinct habitats across different elevational zones. Species from the highest elevational zones within the genera Stenocephalemys and Lophuromys exhibit convergent morphological adaptations for life in open habitats, characterised by their larger size, narrower interorbital constriction, and larger orbits. Regarding locomotion, our study emphasises the unique morphology of Otomys, which is characterised by equally long forelimbs and hindlimbs. This corresponds to its predominant fast quadrupedal running. In contrast, Stenocephalemys species are likely to rely more on saltatory locomotion. Among them, the forest-dwelling S. albipes likely demonstrates the most advanced form of this locomotory style. The study highlights significant functional diversification in rodent assemblages from the Ethiopian Highlands, primarily driven by foraging and locomotor ecologies. This morphological variation has likely contributed to shaping the rich rodent communities integral to the Eastern Afromontane Biodiversity Hotspot, globally recognized for its significance in mammal endemism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on the neural correlates of navigation in 3D environments are plagued by several issues that need to be solved. For example, experimental studies show markedly different place cell responses in rats and bats, both navigating in 3D environments. In this study, we focus on modelling the spatial cells in rodents in a 3D environment. We propose a deep autoencoder network to model the place and grid cells in a simulated agent navigating in a 3D environment. The input layer to the autoencoder network model is the HD layer, which encodes the agent's HD in terms of azimuth (θ) and pitch angles (ϕ). The output of this layer is given as input to the Path Integration (PI) layer, which computes displacement in all the preferred directions. The bottleneck layer of the autoencoder model encodes the spatial cell-like responses. Both grid cell and place cell-like responses are observed. The proposed model is verified using two experimental studies with two 3D environments. This model paves the way for a holistic approach using deep neural networks to model spatial cells in 3D navigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anomaluroid rodents (i.e. Anomaluridae + Zenkerellidae) have a long evolutionary history in Africa dating back to at least the middle Eocene, but Palaeogene fossil members of the anomaluroid crown group have never been found south of the Sahara. Here, we describe the oldest crown anomaluroid from sub-Saharan Africa, Eliwourus topernawiensis (new genus and species) from the early Oligocene Topernawi Formation of northern Kenya. Bayesian phylogenetic tip-dating analysis of a combined molecular-morphological dataset places ~29.5 Ma Eliwourus as an advanced stem anomalurid, and suggests that crown Anomaluridae originated ~28.2 Ma. The gliding behaviour seen in all crown anomalurids had, therefore, likely evolved before the close of the early Oligocene. Bayesian geocoordinates analysis places the origin of crown Anomaluroidea (~47.2 Ma) in northern Africa, and identifies a stem anomalurid dispersal into equatorial eastern Africa in the latest Eocene or earliest Oligocene. We present the first quantitative analysis of the pace of anomaluroid dental evolution and confirm a remarkably slow or bradytelic rate of phenotypic change, despite significant transformations in postcranial morphology related to the evolution of gliding behaviour during the same interval. The Topernawi area was evidently sufficiently forested during the early Oligocene to support both arboreal rodents and primates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoehrlichia mikurensis (N. mikurensis) is an emerging tick-borne pathogen that can cause neoehrlichiosis. Rodents are considered the major host for N. mikurensis. Currently, N. mikurensis has been detected in rodents in several studies from China and other countries. However, no research on N. mikurensis infection in rodents has been reported in the Liupan mountain region. The region of Liupan Mountain, located in northwestern China, is the center of the triangle formed by the cities of Xi'an, Yinchuan, and Lanzhou, with multiple tourist sites in the region. To survey whether there is N. mikurensis in hosts, rodents were captured in this region in September 2020. A nested polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the DNA of N. mikurensis, followed by nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. In the region, among 88 rodents, 3 rodents were detected positive for N. mikurensis, a detection rate of 3.4%. Based on phylogenetic analysis of the partial groEL gene sequences, N. mikurensis from rodents in Liupan Mountain clustered in the same evolutionary branch with those found in rodents from Japan, Russia, and northeastern China, and also in ticks and clinical cases from Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of cortical columns, regarded as computational units underlying both lower and higher-order information processing, has long been associated with highly evolved brains, and previous studies suggested their absence in rodents. However, recent discoveries have unveiled the presence of ocular dominance columns (ODCs) in the primary visual cortex (V1) of Long-Evans rats. These domains exhibit continuity from layer 2 through layer 6, confirming their identity as genuine ODCs. Notably, ODCs are also observed in Brown Norway rats, a strain closely related to wild rats, suggesting the physiological relevance of ODCs in natural survival contexts, although they are lacking in albino rats. This discovery has enabled researchers to explore the development and plasticity of cortical columns using a multidisciplinary approach, leveraging studies involving hundreds of individuals--an endeavor challenging in carnivore and primate species. Notably, developmental trajectories differ depending on the aspect under examination: while the distribution of geniculo-cortical afferent terminals indicates matured ODCs even before eye-opening, consistent with prevailing theories in carnivore/primate studies, examination of cortical neuron spiking activities reveals immature ODCs until postnatal day 35, suggesting delayed maturation of functional synapses which is dependent on visual experience. This developmental gap might be recognized as 'critical period' for ocular dominance plasticity in previous studies. In this article, I summarize crossspecies differences in ODCs and geniculo-cortical network, followed by a discussion on the development, plasticity, and evolutionary significance of rat ODCs. I discuss classical and recent studies on critical period plasticity in the venue where critical period plasticity might be a component of experiencedependent development. Consequently, this series of studies prompts a paradigm shift in our understanding of species conservation of cortical columns and the nature of plasticity during the classical critical period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabies is a lethal disease caused by the rabies virus (RABV), which causes acute neurological infections in mammals, including human beings. We previously reported that an mRNA vaccine (LVRNA001) encoding the rabies virus's glycoprotein induced strong protective immune responses to rabies in mice and dogs. Here, we further evaluate the safety of LVRNA001. First, we performed a confirmative efficacy study in dogs, which showed that LVRNA001 fully protected the animals from the virus, both pre- and post-infection. Moreover, using pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis murine models, we showed that LVRNA001, built from the CTN-1 strain, was able to protect against various representative RABV strains from the China I–VII clades. To evaluate the safety of the vaccine, chronic and reproductive toxicity studies were performed with cynomolgus macaques and rats, respectively. In a repeated-dose chronic toxicity study, vaccinated monkeys displayed no significant alterations in body weight, temperature, or hematological and biochemical markers. Lymphocyte subset measurement and histopathological examination showed that no toxicity was associated with the vaccine. The immunogenicity study in cynomolgus macaques demonstrated that LVRNA001 promoted the generation of neutralizing antibodies and Th1-biased immune response. Evaluation of reproductive toxicity in rats revealed that administration of LVRNA001 had no significant effects on fertility, maternal performance, reproductive processes, and postnatal outcomes. In conclusion, LVRNA001 can provide efficient protection against rabies virus infection in dogs and mice, and toxicity studies showed no significant vaccine-related adverse effects, suggesting that LVRNA001 is a promising and safe vaccine candidate for rabies prophylaxis and therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Globally, rodents and shrew populations constitute crucial elements of diverse environments and animal communities. It is imperative to study their population dynamics to mitigate any potential negative impact on humans, as they can be involved in the transmission of critical zoonotic agents, such as Blastocystis. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the prevalence and genetic composition of Blastocystis in wild rodents and shrews residing in the Zhejiang provinces of China. Methods: A total of 652 wild rodents and and shrews were captured from three different regions in Zhejiang Province from April 1st to October 31, 2023. The DNA was isolated by collecting fresh feces from the intestines of each rodent or and shrew. Rodent and shrew species were examined by vertebrate cytochrome b (cytb) analysis and PCR amplification. Blastocystis was also found in all fecal samples using PCR analysis and sequencing of the partial small subunit of ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. Results: Among all the samples, 6.6% (43/652) showed a positive result for Blastocystis. In the results, 6 species of rodent and shrew were identified with Blastocystis, including Apodemusagrarius (n = 36) (2.8%), Niviventer confucianus (n = 75) (17.3%), Rattus losea (n = 18) (5.6%), R. norvegicus (n = 155) (2.6%), R. tanezumi (n = 86) (3.5%), and Suncus murinus (n = 282) (7.4%). The existence of 6 Blastocystis subtypes, ST4 (n = 33), ST1 (4), ST7 (n = 3), ST2 (n = 1), ST3 (n = 1), and ST5 (n = 1), were confirmed by sequence analysis. Discussion: Based on the molecular data obtained, the wild rodents and shrews under investigation were found to be concurrently infected with zoonotic subtypes of Blastocystis, including ST1 to ST5 and ST7. This suggests that these animals could potentially pose a zoonotic threat to humans and other animals susceptible to Blastocystis infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are two main approaches within classical cognitive science to explaining how humans can entertain mental states that integrate contents across domains. The language‐based framework states that this ability arises from higher cognitive domain‐specific systems that combine their outputs through the language faculty, whereas the language‐independent framework holds that it comes from non‐language‐involving connections between such systems. This article turns on its head the most influential empirical argument for the language‐based framework, an argument that originates from research on spatial reorientation. I make the case that neuroscientific findings about spatial reorientation in rodents and humans bolster the language‐independent framework instead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rodents are recognized as major reservoirs of numerous zoonotic pathogens and are involved in the transmission and maintenance of infectious diseases. Furthermore, despite their importance, diseases transmitted by rodents have been neglected. To date, there have been limited epidemiological studies on rodents, and information regarding their involvement in infectious diseases in the Republic of Korea (ROK) is still scarce. Methodology/Principal findings: We investigated rodent-borne pathogens using nested PCR/RT-PCR from 156 rodents including 151 Apodemus agrarius and 5 Rattus norvegicus from 27 regions in eight provinces across the ROK between March 2019 and November 2020. Spleen, kidney, and blood samples were used to detect Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group, Coxiella burnetii, Leptospira interrogans, and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV). Of the 156 rodents, 73 (46.8%) were infected with Bartonella spp., 25 (16.0%) with C. burnetii, 24 (15.4%) with L. interrogans, 21 (13.5%) with A. phagocytophilum, 9 (5.8%) with SFTSV, and 5 (3.2%) with Borrelia afzelii. Co-infections with two and three pathogens were detected in 33 (21.1%) and 11 rodents (7.1%), respectively. A. phagocytophilum was detected in all regions, showing a widespread occurrence in the ROK. The infection rates of Bartonella spp. were 83.3% for B. grahamii and 16.7% for B. taylorii. Conclusions/Significance: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of C. burnetii and SFTSV infections in rodents in the ROK. This study also provides the first description of various rodent-borne pathogens through an extensive epidemiological survey in the ROK. These results suggest that rodents harbor various pathogens that pose a potential threat to public health in the ROK. Our findings provide useful information on the occurrence and distribution of zoonotic pathogens disseminated among rodents and emphasize the urgent need for rapid diagnosis, prevention, and control strategies for these zoonotic diseases. Author summary: Rodents live almost everywhere in the world, adapt to extremely diverse habitats, and transmit various infectious diseases to humans and other animals. All six pathogens were detected in rodents. Our findings demonstrated that 66.7% (104/156) of rodents were infected with at least one pathogen. We also observed differences in the pathogens detected in rodents by province. These results provide evidence that rodents play an important role in the transmission of SFTSV. Although we did not screen for all rodent-borne diseases, these data provide information about emerging rodent-borne diseases disseminated in the ROK and emphasize the risk of occurrence of rodent-borne diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey on the diversity, abundance, and habitat association of small mammals in Wenchi Highland, central Ethiopia, was carried out from August 2019 to January 2021. Small mammals were trapped at six different habitats (Hagenia Woodland, Erica Scrub, Qibate, Lakeshore, Erica, and Albesa Forests) using Sherman and snap traps in standard trapping grids. A total of 937 rodents belonging to 12 species (Arvicanthis abyssinicus, Desmomys yaldeni, Mastomys natalensis, M. awashensis, Stenocephaylemys albipes, Lophuromys flavopunctatus, L. brevicaudus, L. chrysopus, Dendromus lovati, Lophiomys imhausi, Graphirius murinus, and an unidentified murid rodent), and 22 insectivores belonging to 3 species (Crocidura bailey, C. fumosa and C. olivieri) were recorded. Hystrix cristata and Tachyoryctes splendens were also recorded through indirect evidence. About 52.9% of the identified small mammals were endemic to Ethiopia. A significant variation was observed in the captures of small mammals. The capture rate was higher in live traps (23.85%) than in snap traps (8.26%). The diversity and composition of small mammal species varied among habitats. The highest species diversity (H’=1.656) was recorded in Albesa Forest, while the lowest was in Erica Scrub (H’=1.409) and Qibate Forest (H’=1.407). However, after controlling for sampling effects, species diversity was the highest in the Erica Scrub (Fisher’s alpha=2.128) and the lowest in the Lakeshore Forests (Fisher’s alpha=1.318). The highest number of individuals was recorded in Lakeshore Forest (27.73%), whereas the lowest was in Erica Forest (3.96%). Mastomys natalensis (30.86%) and S. albipes (27.82%) were the two most abundant species, whereas L. imhausi (0.1%) was the least abundant one. Wenchi montane forests are essential homes for unique small mammals that need urgent conservation actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the historical treatment of rodents in scientific research and the need for improved methods that prioritize animal welfare. It highlights the growing recognition of rodents' cognitive abilities and challenges the notion that their welfare is less important due to their perceived inferiority. The article introduces a collection of contributions from researchers around the world that explore various approaches to animal-friendly behavioral testing for rodents. It discusses the importance of designing behavioral tests that consider the specific characteristics of different animal species and prioritize animal welfare. The text also highlights the contributions of various researchers in developing animal-friendly behavioral tests, including the use of mirror-based tests, infrared thermography, robotic animals, and automated home-cage monitoring systems. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for further development and exploration of new approaches in animal-friendly behavioral testing. This document is a list of references from various scientific articles related to animal behavior, specifically focusing on rodents such as mice and rats. The articles cover a range of topics including empathy, social behavior, cognitive abilities, and experimental methods for studying animal behavior. [Extracted from the article]

Translational studies benefit from experimental designs where laboratory organisms use human-relevant behaviors. One such behavior is decision-making, however studying complex decision-making in rodents is labor-intensive and typically restricted to two levels of cost/reward. We design a fully automated, inexpensive, high-throughput framework to study decision-making across multiple levels of rewards and costs: the REward-COst in Rodent Decision-making (RECORD) system. RECORD integrates three components: 1) 3D-printed arenas, 2) custom electronic hardware, and 3) software. We validated four behavioral protocols without employing any food or water restriction, highlighting the versatility of our system. RECORD data exposes heterogeneity in decision-making both within and across individuals that is quantifiably constrained. Using oxycodone self-administration and alcohol-consumption as test cases, we reveal how analytic approaches that incorporate behavioral heterogeneity are sensitive to detecting perturbations in decision-making. RECORD is a powerful approach to studying decision-making in rodents, with features that facilitate translational studies of decision-making in psychiatric disorders. The development of RECORD, a high-throughput, customizable system offers an alternative model for unveiling the behavioral strategies leveraged by rodents during naturalistic foraging-like decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diurnal and nocturnal mammals have evolved distinct pathways to optimize survival for their chronotype-specific lifestyles. Conventional rodent models, being nocturnal, may not sufficiently recapitulate the biology of diurnal humans in health and disease. Although diurnal rodents are potentially advantageous for translational research, until recently, they have not been genetically tractable. The present study aims to address this major limitation by developing experimental procedures necessary for genome editing in a well-established diurnal rodent model, the Nile grass rat (Arvicanthis niloticus). Results: A superovulation protocol was established, which yielded nearly 30 eggs per female grass rat. Fertilized eggs were cultured in a modified rat 1-cell embryo culture medium (mR1ECM), in which grass rat embryos developed from the 1-cell stage into blastocysts. A CRISPR-based approach was then used for gene editing in vivo and in vitro, targeting Retinoic acid-induced 1 (Rai1), the causal gene for Smith-Magenis Syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder. The CRISPR reagents were delivered in vivo by electroporation using an improved Genome-editing via Oviductal Nucleic Acids Delivery (i-GONAD) method. The in vivo approach produced several edited founder grass rats with Rai1 null mutations, which showed stable transmission of the targeted allele to the next generation. CRISPR reagents were also microinjected into 2-cell embryos in vitro. Large deletion of the Rai1 gene was confirmed in 70% of the embryos injected, demonstrating high-efficiency genome editing in vitro. Conclusion: We have established a set of methods that enabled the first successful CRISPR-based genome editing in Nile grass rats. The methods developed will guide future genome editing of this and other diurnal rodent species, which will promote greater utility of these models in basic and translational research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Babesia is a tick-transmitted parasite that infects wild and domestic animals, causes babesiosis in humans, and is an increasing public health concern. Here, we investigated the prevalence and molecular characteristics of Babesia infections in the rodents in Southeastern Shanxi, China. Small rodents were captured, and the liver and spleen tissues were used for Babesia detection using traditional PCR and sequencing of the partial 18S rRNA gene. The analysis revealed that 27 of 252 small rodents were positive for Babesia, with an infection rate of 10.71%. The infection rates in different sexes and rodent tissues were not statistically different, but those in different rodent species, habitats, and sampling sites were statistically different. The highest risk of Babesia infection was observed in Niviventer confucianus captured from the forests in Huguan County. Forty-three sequences from 27 small rodents positive for Babesia infection were identified as Babesia microti, including 42 sequences from 26 N. confucianus, and one sequence from Apodemus agrarius. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all sequences were clustered together and had the closest genetic relationship with Babesia microti strains isolated from Rattus losea and N. confucianus in China, and belonged to the Kobe-type, which is pathogenic to humans. Compared to other Kobe-type strains based on the nearly complete 18S rRNA gene, the sequences obtained in this study showed the difference by 1–3 bp. Overall, a high prevalence of Babesia microti infection was observed in small rodents in Southeastern Shanxi, China, which could benefit us to take the implementation of relevant prevention and control measures in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemotherapeutic drugs have demonstrated effectiveness in treating various neoplastic conditions; however, they can also have detrimental effects on male gonadal function and fertility. Consequently, interest has grown in identifying novel approaches that can mitigate chemotherapy-induced testicular damage. Thymoquinone (TQ), the chief active component of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa (NS), has a wide range of therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. The aim of this systematic review was to identify experimental animal studies that have evaluated the protective effects of TQ against testicular complications associated with chemotherapy. In accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a thorough search was performed across several databases (PubMed, EBSCOhost, Sage and Scopus) to identify experimental studies published from 2010 to May 2022 that focused on rodent models and compared the effects of TQ versus other chemotherapeutic drugs. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, comparing TQ with methotrexate (MTX), 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), cyclophosphamide (CPA), bleomycin (BL), doxorubicin (DOX) or busulfan (BUS). The results of these studies consistently demonstrated that TQ significantly improved sperm parameters, the levels of oxidative stress (OS) markers, apoptosis markers, and hormones and testicular histopathology, indicating that TQ has protective effects against chemotherapy-induced damage. TQ mitigated chemotherapy-induced testicular toxicity by decreasing lipid peroxidation and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes within chemotherapy-treated testes. These findings highlight the potential of TQ as a therapeutic agent that can ameliorate testicular complications associated with chemotherapy, thereby providing a basis for further research and potential therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction:Rhipidomys is the second most specious and the most widespread genus of the tribe Thomasomyini. Chromosomal data have been an important tool in the taxonomy of the group that presents low variability of diploid number (2n) and highly variable fundamental numbers (FNs). Despite such diversity, the genus has been studied mainly by classical and banding cytogenetic techniques. Methods: This study performed a comparative study between R. emiliae (2n = 44, FN = 52), R. macrurus (2n = 44, FN = 49), R. nitela (2n = 50, FN = 71), and R. mastacalis (2n = 44, FN = 72) using chromosome painting probes of two Oryzomyini species. Results: Our analysis revealed pericentric inversion as the main rearrangement involved in the karyotype evolution of the group, although tandem fusions/fissions were also detected. In addition, we detected eight syntenic associations exclusive of the genus Rhipidomys, and three syntenic associations shared between species of the tribe Thomasomyini and Oryzomyini. Conclusion: Comparative cytogenetic analysis by ZOO-FISH on genus Rhipidomys supports a pattern of chromosomal rearrangement already suggested by comparative G-banding. However, the results suggest that karyotype variability in the genus could also involve the occurrence of an evolutionary new centromere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Morphological and ecological attributes of parasite species did not contribute to parasite beta-diversity. • Contribution of parasite species to their beta-diversity depended on mean abundance and/or prevalence. • The effect of host sex or age on their contribution to parasite beta-diversity was detected in a few species only. We searched for common patterns in parasite ecology by investigating species and host contributions to the beta-diversity of infracommunities (=assemblages of parasites harboured by a host individual) in helminths of three species of South African ungulates and fleas of 11 species of South American rodents, assuming that a comparison of patterns in distinctly different parasites and hosts would allow us to judge the generality or, at least, commonness of these patterns. We used data on species' composition and numbers of parasites and asked whether (i) parasite species' attributes (life cycle, transmission mode, and host specificity in helminths; possession of sclerotized combs, microhabitat preference, and host specificity in fleas) or their population structure (mean abundance and/or prevalence) and (ii) host characteristics (sex and age) affect parasite and host species' contributions to parasite beta-diversity (SCBD and HCBD, respectively). We found that parasite species' morphological and ecological attributes were mostly not associated with their SCBD. In contrast, parasite SCBD, in both ungulates and rodents, significantly increased with either parasite mean abundance or prevalence or both. The effect of host characteristics on HCBD was detected in a few hosts only. In general, parasite infracommunities' beta-diversity appeared to be driven by variation in parasite species rather than the uniqueness of the assemblages harboured by individual hosts. We conclude that some ecological patterns (such as the relationships between SCBD and parasite abundance/prevalence) appear to be common and do not differ between different host-parasite associations in different geographic regions, whereas other patterns (the relationships between SCBD and parasite species' attributes) are contingent and depend on parasite and host identities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many tree species adopt fast seed germination to escape the predation risk by rodents. Physical seed damage and the saliva of rodents on partially consumed seeds may act as cues for seeds to accelerate germination process. However, the impacts of these factors on seed germination rate and speed remain unclear. In this study, we investigated such impacts on the germination rate and speed (reversal of germination time) of four tree species (Quercus variabilis, Q. serrata, Q. acutissima, Q. glauca) after partial consumption by four rodent species (Leopoldamys edwards, Niviventer fulvescens, N. confucianus, Apodemus draco), through a series of experiments. We also examined how seed traits may affect the seed damage degree by rodents by analyzing the relationship between the germination rate and time of rodent‐damaged seed and the traits. We found that, artificially‐ and rodent‐damaged seeds exhibited a significantly higher seed germination rate and speed, compared to intact seeds. Also, the rodent saliva on seeds showed no significant effect on seed germination rate and speed. Furthermore, we observed significant positive correlations between several seed traits (including the seed mass, coat thickness, and protein content) and the seed germination rate and speed. These correlations are likely due to their beneficial traits countering seed damage by rodents. Overall, our results highlight the significant role of physical seed damage by rodents (rather than their saliva) in facilitating seed germination of tree species, and potential mutualism between rodents and trees. Additionally, our results may have some implications in forest restoration, such that intentionally sowing or dispersing slightly damaged seeds by humans or drones may increase the likelihood of successful seed regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Madagascar is famous for its exceptional present and past diversity, yet its Holocene small mammal fauna remains poorly documented. In this work we present the first taxonomic study of the Children's Cave rodent and tenrec subfossil assemblages collected by Forsyth Major as early as 1895 near Antsirabe in the Central Highlands. We found five rodent species, three endemic and two non-native, as well as six species of tenrecids. This assemblage represents one of the earliest records of Rattus rattus and Mus musculus in the Central Highlands of Madagascar. It is also the first record of Macrotarsomys bastardi in that region, a species that does not currently occur there, and which may indicate a slight environmental change with more bush and forest at the time of the site formation. We find that the native and invasive subfossil specimens do not differ in size and morphology from modern representatives, except for Macrotarsomys. Some proportional differences in rodent taxa are evident between the two Central Highland subfossil assemblages of Children's Cave and the nearby site of Lavajaza, as well as differences in rodent and tenrecid species composition from other sites in southern parts of Madagascar. Therefore, we are unable to draw any conclusions about the contemporaneity of the Lavajaza and Children's Cave assemblages nor can we attempt to estimate the relative age of the subfossil fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is a large semi-aquatic rodent with a broad distribution across South America. Although it is a relatively common and well-known species, there are few studies on its evolutionary history. Consequently, we decided to investigate the genetic diversity, population structure, and demographic history of capybaras, including new populations from its southern distribution range, by using a 226 bp fragment of the mitochondrial D-loop region. We found 16 haplotypes and populations, with moderate levels of haplotype and nucleotide diversity. In addition, the genetic structure analyses suggested high genetic divergence among populations, mainly among Pampean and Chacoan populations. We also found a consistent phylogeographical pattern with the distribution of main rivers. In agreement with palaeontological data, we propose two colonization pathways towards the south driven by main basins: Paraná–Paraguay and Uruguay–Atlantic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the transmission of viruses from wildlife to humans has raised significant public health concerns, exemplified by the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Human activities play a substantial role in increasing the risk of zoonotic virus transmission from wildlife to humans. Rats and mice are prevalent in urban environments and may act as reservoirs for various pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of zoonotic viruses in wild rats and mice in both urban and rural areas, focusing on well-known zoonotic viruses such as betacoronavirus, hantavirus, arenavirus, kobuvirus, and monkeypox virus, along with other viruses occasionally detected in rats and mice, including rotavirus, norovirus, and astrovirus, which are known to infect humans at a high rate. A total of 128 animals were captured, including 70 brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), 45 black rats (Rattus rattus), and 13 house mice (Mus musculus), and feces, lung, and liver were collected. Among brown rats, one fecal sample tested positive for astrovirus RNA. Nucleotide sequencing revealed high sequence similarity to both human and rat astrovirus, suggesting co-presence of these viruses in the feces. Murine kobuvirus (MuKV) was detected in fecal samples from both black (n = 7) and brown (n = 6) rats, primarily from urban areas, as confirmed by sequence analysis. These findings highlight the importance of surveillance and research to understand and mitigate the risks associated with the potential transmission of pathogens by rodents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. High-speed videography of hind paw withdrawal produced variable results across experimenters, did not consistently reflect intensity-dependent pain scores, and did not differentiate inflamed and naive animals. Few analgesics identified using preclinical models have successfully translated to clinical use. These translational limitations may be due to the unidimensional nature of behavioral response measures used to assess rodent nociception. Advances in high-speed videography for pain behavior allow for objective quantification of nuanced aspects of evoked paw withdrawal responses. However, whether videography-based assessments of mechanical hypersensitivity outperform traditional measurement reproducibility is unknown. First, we determined whether high-speed videography of paw withdrawal was reproducible across experimenters. Second, we examined whether this method distinguishes behavioral responses exhibited by naive mice and mice with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammation. Twelve experimenters stimulated naive C57BL/6 mice with varying mechanical stimuli. Paw withdrawal responses were recorded with high-speed videography and scored offline by one individual. Our group was unable to replicate the original findings produced by high-speed videography analysis. Surprisingly, ∼80% of variation was not accounted for by variables previously reported to distinguish between responses to innocuous and noxious stimuli (paw height, paw velocity, and pain score), or by additional variables (experimenter, time-of-day, and animal), but rather by unidentified factors. Similar high-speed videography assessments were performed in CFA- and vehicle-treated animals, and the cumulative data failed to reveal an effect of CFA injection on withdrawal as measured by high-speed videography. This study does not support using paw height, velocity, or pain score measurements from high-speed recordings to delineate behavioral responses to innocuous and noxious stimuli. Our group encourages the continued use of traditional mechanical withdrawal assessments until additional high-speed withdrawal measures are validated in established pain models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temperature coefficients of heart rate (Q10HR) or oxygen consumption (Q10Ox) were analyzed upon arousal from natural hibernation in long-tailed ground squirrels Urocitellus undulatus and during the rewarming of artificially precooled adult rats and rat pups. The Q10Ox value was calculated using a standard equation, whereas for calculating Q10HR, the equation was empirically modified to track changes in this parameter over a wide range of body temperatures (Tb). It was found that during the initial period of arousal from torpor, at Th ≤ 10°C, ground squirrels demonstrated a sharp increase in the temperature coefficients up to Q10HR = 40–50 and Q10Ox = 6–7. Even higher values of Q10HR (>100) were recorded at the onset of rewarming of rat pups, although they had a low level of Q10Ox (1.2). Adult rats could not tolerate cooling below 16°C and demonstrated a moderate variability of both Q10HR = 2.0–4.0 and Q10Ox = 2.0–2.2. During the recovery of normal Tb, the Q10HR values in all animals approximated to ~2.0, as predicted by the van't Hoff–Arrhenius rule for chemical reactions in both living and inanimate nature. We assume that high values of Q10HR and Q10Ox, detected in the early period of ground squirrel's arousal from hibernation, may indicate the functioning of adaptive processes aimed at accelerating body warming. Resistance to cooling and a high Q10HR in rat pups may suggest the rudimentary adaptability to hibernation in the juvenile period of rats as representatives of the order Rodentia, which also includes such natural hibernators as ground squirrels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Cryptosporidium spp. members of the phylum Apicomplexa are obligate protozoan parasites capable of infecting various vertebrate hosts, including rodents and chickens. Infection caused by these parasites may lead to zoonotic diseases in humans. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in rodents and domestic chickens sampled in Franceville, Gabon. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and eighty-five samples were collected, of which 185 samples were from rodents and 100 from domestic chickens. Microscopy after modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining and nested polymerase chain reaction targeting the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene were used to examine Cryptosporidium spp. Results: The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts was 55.8%, with a prevalence of 72.4% in rodents and 25.0% in domestic chickens. Molecular analysis showed that Cryptosporidium spp. were present in 4.0% of the samples. No significant correlation was observed between Cryptosporidium spp. carriage and sex or location in this study. These results indicate that Cryptosporidium spp. persist and circulate in the studied animal species in Franceville, Gabon. Conclusion: Infection with Cryptosporidium is very common in rodents and chickens in Franceville. The potential risk of human contamination cannot be ruled out. More research should be conducted to characterize Cryptosporidium species circulating in rodents and chickens in Gabon. Such studies are essential to better understand the epidemiology of this protozoan and its potential impact on public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The house mouse is a commensal species that invades natural ecosystems and threatens both native rodents and ecosystems. Therefore, it is important to describe the population of Mus musculus in native ecosystems to develop effective management plans for eradicating or controlling this species. In this study, we assessed the abundance and habitat preferences of M. musculus in Reserva Nacional de Illescas (RNI) and Manglares de San Pedro de Vice (MSPV) using capture-recapture methods during 2021 and 2022. We recorded only a few captures (N = 3) of M. musculus in the RNI, whereas numerous captures and recaptures (N = 195 and N = 41, respectively) were recorded at the MSPV. Our analysis suggests that M. musculus prefers complex habitats. We discuss the implications of the presence of house mice in mangrove ecosystems and emphasize the population dynamics of this species for its control and management in legally protected areas. In conclusion, the population size of the house mouse varies among different habitats, with a preference for complex environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a diverse Late-Holocene (1889–1743 cal yrs BP) small mammal assemblage (14 species, 204 individuals) resulting from the trophic activity of owls, we reconstruct the paleoenvironmental conditions of Las Chacritas area, Catamarca Province, northwestern Argentina. Twenty modern and one additional Late-Holocene samples from the region were used as comparative parameters in the paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Through direct comparison with a present-day assemblage from Las Chacritas, and using Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling, spatial and temporal beta diversity (employing the Sorensen dissimilarity index), and the temporal beta diversity index (TBI) including all the small mammal samples, we quantitatively reconstruct the relationships among modern and Late-Holocene assemblages. Direct comparison showed significant differences, with relative abundances changing markedly over time, with several species of the Late-Holocene assemblage absent in the modern sample whereas many species frequent in the modern community absent in the Late-Holocene. NMDS analysis associated the Late-Holocene assemblage with modern samples of western drier environments. Beta diversity was low for presence-absence and moderate for abundance data, with higher contribution of turnover than nestedness, although for abundance data the proportion of nestedness was higher. TBI showed high variation among both Holocene sites and their present-day counterparts, whereas species gains dominated in modern samples. Our results suggest that the habitats surrounding Las Chacritas have modified markedly since the Late-Holocene. Presence of species today frequent in arid environments and absence of forest-dwelling species suggest that open, dry and relatively rocky habitats characterized this area in that interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the order Rodentia does not present a high risk of extinction compared to mammals as a whole, several families demonstrate high levels of threat and/or data deficiency, therefore highlighting the need for targeted research and the application of ecological and reproductive data to the development of conservation actions. The order Rodentia, the largest among mammals, includes 9 families, and the family Cricetidae is the most diverse of the Brazilian rodents. In Brazil, 12 of the 16 genera of Oecomys are found. Oecomys bicolor is known in Brazil as the 'arboreal rat' and is, found in dry, deciduous and tropical forests. The mean body weight of Oecomys bicolor was 35.8 g and the gonadal, tubular and epithelial somatic indexes were, 0.53%, 0.47% and 0.37%, respectively. Seminiferous tubules volume density was 89.72% and the mitotic and meiotic indexes corresponded to 8.59 and 2.45 cells, respectively, and the yield of spermatogenesis was 23.83 cells. The intertubular compartment represented 10.28% of the testis parenchyma and around 5% of the interstitial space was occupied by Leydig cells, whose number per gram of testis was 11.10 × 107 cells. By evaluating the biometric and histomorphometric characteristics of the testis, there is evidence that this species has a high investment in reproduction. Due to the high contribution of the seminiferous epithelium and the intertubular compartment in this species, compared to the others of the same family, it is possible to infer that the species Oecomys bicolor has a promiscuous reproductive behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Leptotrombidium imphalum (a chigger species) can serve as a transmitting vector of scrub typhus. Based on the field investigation in southwest China from 2001 to 2022, this article presents the first report on the distribution and infestation of L. imphalum on small mammals in the region. A total of 2161 L. imphalum were identified from 218 small mammal hosts that crossed three orders, and the majority of the mites were found on the order Rodentia (rodents). Different host species had different susceptibility to the infestation of L. imphalum, and the shrew gymnure (Neotetracus sinensis) was much more susceptible to the infestation than other host species. Leptotrombidium imphalum exhibited an aggregated distribution among different individuals of its hosts. The positive correlation between the infestation indices for L. imphalum on small mammals and the occurrence of scrub typhus, together with the low host specificity of the mite, indicates the potential risk of the mite. Leptotrombidium imphalum is a species of chigger mites, and it can serve as a transmitting vector of scrub typhus. Southwest China is an important focus of scrub typhus. Based on the field investigation in southwest China from 2001 to 2022, this article presents the first report on the distribution and infestation of L. imphalum on rodents and other sympatric small mammals in the region. A total of 2161 L. imphalum were identified from 218 small mammal hosts in 21 of 114 survey sites. The 17 host species of L. imphalum crossed 13 genera and 5 families in 3 orders (Rodentia, Eulipotyphla, and Scandentia), indicating the low host specificity of the mite. The Asian house rat (Rattus tanezumi) was the dominant host species in the 21 sites where L. imphalum were collected, and 49.38% of mites were found on R. tanezumi. Different small mammals had different susceptibility to the infestation of L. imphalum. The prevalence (PM = 27.66%), infestation mean abundance (MA = 6 mites/per examined host), and mean intensity (MI = 21.69 mites/per infested host) for L. imphalum on the shrew gymnure (Neotetracus sinensis) were much higher than those on other host species (p < 0.05), indicating N. sinensis had a high susceptibility to the infestation of L. imphalum. The infestation indices for L. imphalum on small mammal hosts varied along different altitude and latitude gradients (p < 0.05), indicating the environmental heterogeneity of the mite infestation. Leptotrombidium imphalum exhibited an aggregated distribution among different individuals of its hosts. Besides the low host specificity of L. imphalum, the prevalence of the mite was positively correlated with the occurrence of scrub typhus, indicating the potential risk of the mite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining can significantly alter landscapes, impacting wildlife and ecosystem functionality. Natural recovery in open‐pit mines is vital for habitat restoration and ecosystem re‐establishment, although few empirical studies have examined this process. Here, we assessed temporal and spatial responses of small rodents at the community, population, and individual levels during natural mine recovery. We examined the abundance, reproductive potential, and individual health of small rodents at active mines and at former mine sites left to recover naturally for approx. 10 and 20 years. We also assessed the effects of disturbance on rodent recovery processes at three distances from the mine boundary. Rodent numbers peaked after 10–13 years of recovery and exhibited the strongest male bias in the sex ratio. The Chinese white‐bellied rat (Niviventer confucianus) was the most abundant species, achieving its highest population abundance at sites abandoned for 10–13 years and thriving at locations closer to the mine boundary. Only Chevrier's field mouse exhibited morphological responses to the mine recovery category. Ectoparasite load was unaffected by mine or distance‐disturbance categories. Both Chevrier's field mouse (Apodemus chevrieri) and the South China field mouse (Apodemus draco) were affected significantly by vegetation layer cover during recovery succession. Our study highlights the complexities of ecological succession, with a peak in abundance as pioneer communities transition toward a climax seral stage. Careful prior planning and active site management are necessary to optimize abandoned mine recovery. Efforts to accelerate mine recovery through technical restoration should promote conditions that initiate and perpetuate the establishment and succession of wildlife assemblages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the analysis of a fragment of the cytochrome b (cytb) gene of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), the genetic diversity of the little ground squirrel Spermophilus pygmaeus Pallas, 1779 of the Central and Eastern Caucasus was studied. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the existence of two clusters A and B within the western clade of S. pygmaeus 2. Cluster A is formed by haplotypes of ground squirrels from the Eastern Caucasus and the right bank of the Volga River, while B, only haplotypes of Central Caucasian animals. The distance between clusters A and B reaches 1.3%. The relatively isolated position on the phylogenetic tree of the ground squirrel population of the Central Caucasus, the absence of identical haplotypes in Central and Eastern Caucasian animals, and the distances obtained indicate genetic heterogeneity of the ground squirrel in the North Caucasus. The results of molecular dating showed that the evolutionary age of S. pygmaeus mtDNA haplotypes from the studied areas of the Eastern Caucasus was approximately 260 000 years, and that of the Central Caucasus, 163 000 years. A decrease in haplotypic and nucleotide variability was noted in the Central Caucasian populations of the little squirrel as compared to those from the Eastern Caucasus, which in general indicates the low viability of S. pygmaeus inhabiting the mountains of the Central Caucasus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose Experimental Approach Key Results Conclusions and Implications The gut hormone glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) signals via the GIP receptor (GIPR), resulting in postprandial potentiation of glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion. The translation of results from rodent studies to human studies has been challenged by the unexpected effects of GIPR‐targeting compounds. We, therefore, investigated the variation between species, focusing on GIPR desensitization and the role of the receptor C‐terminus.The GIPR from humans, mice, rats, pigs, dogs and cats was studied in vitro for cognate ligand affinity, G protein activation (cAMP accumulation), recruitment of beta‐arrestin and internalization. Variants of the mouse, rat and human GIPRs with swapped C‐terminal tails were studied in parallel.The human GIPR is more prone to internalization than rodent GIPRs. Despite similar agonist affinities and potencies for Gαs activation, especially, the mouse GIPR shows reduced receptor desensitization, internalization and beta‐arrestin recruitment. Using an enzyme‐stabilized, long‐acting GIP analogue, the species differences were even more pronounced. ‘Tail‐swapped’ human, rat and mouse GIPRs were all fully functional in their Gαs coupling, and the mouse GIPR regained internalization and beta‐arrestin 2 recruitment properties with the human tail. The human GIPR lost the ability to recruit beta‐arrestin 2 when its own C‐terminus was replaced by the rat or mouse tail.Desensitization of the human GIPR is dependent on the C‐terminal tail. The species‐dependent functionality of the C‐terminal tail and the different species‐dependent internalization patterns, especially between human and mouse GIPRs, are important factors influencing the preclinical evaluation of GIPR‐targeting therapeutic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new chigger species, belonging to genera Leeuwenhoekia Oudemans, 1911 (Leeuwenhoekiidae), Colicus Brennan 1970, and Herpetacarus (Vercammen-Grandjean 1960) (Trombiculidae), are described, based on specimens deposited in the Acarological collection at Centro de Coleções Taxonômicas da UFMG, including voucher material for which sequences from multiple genes are available, sampled from Minas Gerais and Amazonas states, Brazil. Leeuwenhoekia berthalutzaesp. nov. was found in association with the rodent Calomys sp. and Oligoryzomys sp., Colicus helenagrecaesp. nov. with the rodent Cerradomys cf. subflavus, Colicus carolinaesp. nov. in cave soil, off-host, and Herpetacarus mariellaesp. nov. in leaf litter, off-host. Additionally, we report a new record for Quadraseta brasiliensisGoff & Gettinger, 1989 associated with rodents from Parque Nacional Serra do Itajaí, Santa Catarina state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the breeding activity of three sympatric rodent species: Stenocephalemys albipes, Mastomys awashensis, and Acomys cahirinus, in the semi-arid region of Tigray in northern Ethiopia, using mark-recapture data, to determine the influence of rainfall on their breeding patterns within exclosure (i.e., protected area from livestock grazing). Breeding activities of S. albipes and M. awashensis commenced during the wet season, continued into the early dry season, and ceased during the subsequent dry season. The proportion of breeding females reached its peak during the wet season, gradually declining until the dry season. In contrast, A. cahirinus exhibited a different breeding strategy, with year-round breeding, including during the dry season, a period characterized by limited resources. A significant difference in the proportion of breeding females among the three species was observed across seasons. Furthermore, all species shared a common trend of heightened breeding activity, particularly at the conclusion of the wet season and the onset of the early dry season. These findings enhance our understanding of the interplay between rainfall and seasonal breeding within exclosures, while other variables remain constant. Moreover, the region's future plans for managing rodents and the establishment of exclosures must take this information into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been developed as therapeutic targets for various diseases. Biodistribution is crucial for EVs intended for therapeutic purposes because it can determine the degree of on‐ and off‐target effects. This study aimed to explore techniques to evaluate the biodistribution of unmodified EVs. We devised a novel quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)‐based assay to detect unmodified EVs by targeting mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA), a constituent of EVs. We focused on specific mtDNA regions that exhibited homologous variations distinct from their rodent mtDNA counterparts to establish this analytical approach. Herein, we successfully designed primers and probes targeting human and rodent mtDNA sequences and developed a highly specific and sensitive qPCR method. Furthermore, the quantification range of EVs isolated from various cells differed based on the manufacturer and cell source. IRDye 800CW‐labelled Expi293F EV mimetics were administered to the animals via the tail vein to compare the imaging test and mtDNA‐qPCR results. The results obtained from imaging tests and mtDNA‐qPCR to investigate EV biodistribution patterns revealed differences. The results revealed that our newly developed method effectively determined the biodistribution of unmodified EVs with high sensitivity and reproducibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Niche partitioning is a common strategy species use to avoid competition for limited resources, allowing them to coexist. Rodent species often reduce competition by spatial segregation and trophic differentiation, but behavioural differences, particularly related to foraging, can also be important. Therefore, temporal segregation can also be an important mechanism for species coexistence, as it helps them avoid sub‐optimal habitats. We found three rodent species (the native Octodon degus and O. lunatus, and the exotic Rattus rattus) foraging on endemic palm Jubaea chilensis seeds, a highly valuable but limited resource. We hypothesized that these rodent species could coexist by segregating foraging in time, showing behavioural differences. To test this, we used camera traps to monitor the fate of J. chilensis seeds and rodent activity at 25 feeding stations. From 596 photographic records, we identified 128 as O. degus, 232 as O. lunatus and 236 as R. rattus. Octodon degus had a diurnal activity, while O. lunatus and R. rattus were nocturnal, showing significant temporal segregation. However, we found no spatial association among these rodents. We found significant behavioural differences in decision and handling times and seed removal rates, with O. degus having the greatest seed removal rate. Nevertheless, we found some nocturnal O. degus records in which the three rodent species were co‐foraging, which may suggest that the resource is limited but valuable enough to shift from exploitation to interference competition. Our results suggest that temporal and behavioural differentiation are more important than spatial segregation and trophic differentiation. Thus, niche partition over multiple dimensions might allow for species coexistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small mammals in the Horšianska dolina-Valley were researched first in 1984–86 and later in 2016–19. This paper seeks to identify and assess the species composition and dynamics of fleas (Siphonaptera) found in the valley on small mammals of Rodentia and Eulipotyphla and to compare findings from these two periods separated by thirty years. The results indicated deviations in small mammal and flea community similarity as well as in the small mammal indicator species for each habitat and flea indicator species for the small mammal species. A total 12 different species of small mammals were captured, and 12 flea species were collected. Eight flea species were detected in 1984–86 and ten species were found in 2016–19. In both periods A. penicilliger, C. assimilis, C. solutus, D. dasycnema, N. fasciatus were captured. The differences were that in the earlier period, the species uncovered were C. congener, P. bidentata, and P. soricis, while in the later period they were C. agyrtes, C. bisoctodentatus, M. turbidus, and R. integella. In the relationship between fleas and small mammals, C. solutus was the specific species for Apodemus flavicollis, while A. penicilliger and C. agyrtes were for Clethrionomys glareolus, and C. assimilis was for Microtus arvalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed rain and the soil seed bank represent the dispersal of seeds in space and time, respectively, and can be important sources of recruitment of new individuals during plant community regeneration. However, the temporal dynamics of seed rain and the mechanisms by which the seed rain and soil seed bank may play a role in plant community regeneration with increased grazing disturbance remain unclear. Seed rain, soil seed bank, aboveground vegetation, and rodent density were sampled along a grazing gradient in an alpine marsh on the eastern Tibetan Plateau. We described the temporal dynamics of seed dispersal using Bayesian generalized mixed models, and nonmetric multidimensional scaling and the structural equation model were used to examine the effects of grazing disturbance on the relative role of seed rain and soil seed bank on aboveground plant community regeneration. The temporal dynamics of seed rain changed from a unimodal to a bimodal pattern with increased grazing disturbance. Both species diversity and seed density of the seed rain and seed bank increased significantly with increased grazing disturbance. Increased grazing disturbance indirectly increased the similarity of composition between seed rain, seed bank, and aboveground plant community by directly increasing species diversity and abundance of aboveground plant community. However, increased grazing disturbance also indirectly decreased the similarity of seed rain, soil seed bank, and aboveground plant community by directly increasing rodent density. The similarity between seed rain and aboveground plant community was greater than that of the soil seed bank and aboveground plant community with increased grazing disturbance. Grazing disturbance spreads the risk of seed germination and seedling establishment by changing the temporal dynamics of seed dispersal. Plants (positive) and rodents (negative) mediated the role of seed rain and soil seed bank in plant community regeneration. The role of seed rain in plant community regeneration is higher than the seed bank in disturbed alpine marshes. Our findings increase our understanding of the regeneration process of the plant community, and they provide valuable information for the conservation and restoration of alpine marsh ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Wild rodents can serve as reservoirs or carriers of E. bieneusi, thereby enabling parasite transmission to domestic animals and humans. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of E. bieneusi in wild rodents from the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region and Liaoning Province of China. Moreover, to evaluate the potential for zoonotic transmission at the genotype level, a genetic analysis of the isolates was performed. Methods: A total of 486 wild rodents were captured from two provinces in China. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to amplify the vertebrate cytochrome b (cytb) gene in the fecal DNA of the rodents to detect their species. The genotype of E. bieneusi was determined via PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA. The examination of genetic characteristics and zoonotic potential requires the application of similarity and phylogenetic analysis. Results: The infection rates of E. bieneusi in the four identified rodent species were 5.2% for Apodemus agrarius (n = 89), 4.5% for Cricetulus barabensis (n = 96), 11.3% for Mus musculus (n = 106), and 38.5% for Rattus norvegicus (n = 195). Infection was detected at an average rate of 17.4% among 486 rodents. Of the 11 identified genotypes, nine were known: SHR1 (detected in 32 samples), D (30 samples), EbpA (9 samples), PigEbITS7 (8 samples), HNR-IV (6 samples), Type IV (5 samples), HNR-VII (2 samples), HNH7 (1 sample), and HNPL-V (1 sample). Two novel genotypes were also discovered, NMR-I and NMR-II, each comprising one sample. The genotypes were classified into group 1 and group 13 via phylogenetic analysis. Discussion: Based on the initial report, E. bieneusi is highly prevalent and genetically diverse in wild rodents residing in the respective province and region. This indicates that these animals are crucial for the dissemination of E. bieneusi. Zoonotic E. bieneusi-carrying animals present a significant hazard to local inhabitants. Therefore, it is necessary to increase awareness regarding the dangers presented by these rodents and reduce their population to prevent environmental contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The apparent exchange‐dependent relaxation (AREX) analysis has been proposed as an effective means to correct T1 contribution in CEST quantification. However, it has been recognized that AREX T1 correction is not straightforward if CEST scans are not performed under the equilibrium condition. Our study aimed to test if quasi‐steady‐state (QUASS) reconstruction could boost the accuracy of the AREX metric under common non‐equilibrium scan conditions. Theory and Methods: Numerical simulation and in vivo scans were performed to assess the AREX metric accuracy. The CEST signal was simulated under different relaxation delays, RF saturation amplitudes, and durations. The AREX was evaluated as a function of the bulk water T1 and labile proton concentration using the multiple linear regression model. AREX MRI was also assessed in brain tumor rodent models, with both apparent CEST scans and QUASS reconstruction. Results: Simulation showed that the AREX calculation from apparent CEST scans, under non‐equilibrium conditions, had significant dependence on labile proton fraction ratio, RF saturation time, and T1. In comparison, QUASS‐boosted AREX depended on the labile proton fraction ratio without significant dependence on T1 and RF saturation time. Whereas the apparent (2.7 ± 0.8%) and QUASS MTR asymmetry (2.8 ± 0.8%) contrast between normal and tumor regions of interest (ROIs) were significant, the difference was small. In comparison, AREX contrast between normal and tumor ROIs calculated from the apparent CEST scan and QUASS reconstruction was 3.8 ± 1.1%/s and 4.4 ± 1.2%/s, respectively, statistically different from each other. Conclusions: AREX analysis benefits from the QUASS‐reconstructed equilibrium CEST effect for improved T1 correction and quantitative CEST analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rodent infestation has always been one of the most severe threats to humans, which to solve consumes massive manpower and resources. People usually use traps or poisons to treat rat infestation. Such passive countermeasures are inefficient. Damage often occurs when the rats are finally trapped or killed, not to mention the potential risk to injure humans or cause pollution. In this article, we propose a WiFi-based active small object tracking system named TomFi. The core components of TomFi include several deep learning techniques that bridge rat locations/motions and WiFi signal variations (represented by the channel state information). TomFi first employs a detection model to detect the appearance of the rat and then localize it based on a two-branch localization model. Through the design of the two-branch localization model, to our best knowledge, we are the first to solve the information loss and distortion problem. We conducted extensive experiments in both the laboratory environment and real-world kitchen scenarios. The results show that TomFi can achieve a detection success rate of 99%+ and a centimeter-level localization accuracy in real time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endangered species recovery requires knowledge of species abundance, distribution, habitat preferences, and threats. Endangered beach mouse populations (Peromyscus polionotus subspp.) occur on barrier islands in Florida and Alabama. Camera traps may supplement current methods and strengthen inferences of animal activity. Between November 2020-February 2022, we conducted 140 camera surveys across 86 track tubes on Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. We used generalized linear models to explore the relationships between beach mouse detections and environmental factors. We detected beach mice on 6,397 occasions across all tubes. Detections ranged from 0 to 147 observations/survey. Our top model suggested that beach mouse detection was related to cover type with positive associations with grassland and dune compared to scrub. Detections further varied depending on islands, were negatively associated with predator detections, and increased in winter months. Our results suggest that cameras can supplement inference about vegetation associations at broader scales to complement monthly track tube surveys since detection counts are more informative than presence/absence data alone. Given that all tubes exhibited at least one observation, the camera trap network may provide a less frequent and more robust survey method relative to monthly track tube surveys. Adopting such a multifaceted approach may reduce effort and strengthen inference to inform recovery objectives and adaptive management range-wide for all listed beach mouse subspecies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study uses rodent models to explore the anxiolytic properties of Hemidesmus indicus' ethanolic extract (EEHI). Hemidesmus indicus, an evergreen plant well-known for its therapeutic characteristics, has been widely used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety. This study seeks to give scientific validation for its anxiolytic properties. The ethanolic extract was made using normal extraction processes and given to rodents in varied doses (100,200 and 400 mg/kg). The anxiolytic activity was assessed using a variety of widely recognized behavioural assays, including the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), Open Field Test (OFT), and Light-Dark Box (LDB) test. Diazepam (2 mg/kg) served as the standard reference drug. The results revealed that EEHI significantly reduced anxiety-like behaviours in all three tests when compared to the control group. In the EPM test, EEHI-treated rodents spent more time and entered the open arms. In the OFT, ambulation, rearing and assisted rearing increased, indicating lower levels of anxiety. The LDB test supported these findings, with a significant increase in time spent in the light compartment. The study suggests that EEHI has promising anxiolytic activity and may offer a natural treatment alternative for anxiety disorders. Further research is needed to isolate specific active molecules and better understand the underlying mechanisms of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant–animal interactions play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning, especially through seed dispersal mechanisms. Understanding how small mammal populations respond to seed availability is essential for ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation, especially in the context of habitat loss and climate change. We conducted a 10-year study in mixed Mediterranean oak–beech forests to investigate the population dynamics of common small mammal species in response to seed availability. Our findings revealed distinct responses among species, influenced by life history traits, foraging behaviour, and diet. Wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) showed a rapid population increase with seed availability both in the same year of seed fall and the following year, suggesting a flexible foraging strategy and a dependence on arboreal seed producers. Yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis) revealed immediate population increases in response to seed availability in the autumn, probably because of their arboreal habits and preference for exploiting seeds prior to maturation. Bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) showed responses with population peaks in years following high seed availability, indicating a slower demographic response to resource abundance. Surprisingly, the greater white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula) responded indirectly to seed availability in Mediterranean forests, suggesting complex interactions with seed-associated invertebrates or dependence on other variables not considered. Our findings highlight the importance of understanding how changes in seed availability influence the population ecology of small mammals, with significant implications for the conservation and management of Mediterranean forest ecosystems in the context of climate change and recurrent droughts. These results emphasise the need to consider species interactions, resource availability, and climate change in the conservation and management of evolving ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the design of an integrated, frequency-programmable stimulation circuit dedicated to small rodents for the study of pulmonary arterial hypertension. A complete architecture of the stimulation circuit is proposed, based on in vivo tests that have led to the stimulation waveform specification. The circuit is designed using XFAB 0.18 µm technology. The adopted design methodology allows to reduce the power consumption of command blocks to the minimum. Post-layout simulation results shows that the pacing rate can be tuned from 450 to 600 beats per minute (bpm). The total power consumption of the stimulation circuit is 196.1 µW, with 186 µW directly consumed by the voltage multipliers, H-Bridge and pacemaker load, 10.1 µW by the kilohertz-range VCO driver, and only 8.4 nW by the ultra-low power command generator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronaviruses (CoVs), the largest positive-sense RNA viruses, have caused infections in both humans and animals. The cross-species transmission of CoVs poses a serious threat to public health. Rodents and bats, the two largest orders of mammals, serve as significant natural reservoirs for CoVs. It is important to monitor the CoVs carried by bats and rodents. In this study, we collected 410 fecal samples from bats and 74 intestinal samples from rats in Yunnan Province, China. Using RT-PCR, we identified one positive sample for alphacoronavirus (TC-14) from Rhinolophus sinicus (Chinese rufous horseshoe bat) and two positive samples for betacoronavirus (GS-53, GS-56) from Apodemus ilex (Rodentia: Muridae). We successfully characterized the complete genomes of TC-14 and GS-56. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that TC-14 clustered with bat CoV HKU2 and SADS-CoV, while GS-56 was closely related to rat CoV HKU24. The identification of positive selection sites and estimation of divergence dates further helped characterize the genetic evolution of TC-14 and GS-56. In summary, this research reveals the genetic evolution characteristics of TC-14 and GS-56, providing valuable references for the study of CoVs carried by bats and rodents in Yunnan Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Jeilongvirus comprises non-segmented negative-stranded RNA viruses that are classified within the Paramyxoviridae family by phylogeny. Jeilongviruses are found in various reservoirs, including rodents and bats. Rodents are typical viral reservoirs with diverse spectra and zoonotic potential. Little is currently known about jeilongviruses in rodents from central China. The study utilized high-throughput and Sanger sequencing to obtain jeilongvirus genomes, including those of two novel strains (HBJZ120/CHN/2021 (17,468 nt) and HBJZ157/CHN/2021 (19,143 nt)) and three known viruses (HBXN18/CHN/2021 (19,212 nt), HBJZ10/CHN/2021 (19,700 nt), HBJM106/CHN/2021 (18,871 nt)), which were characterized by genome structure, identity matrix, and phylogenetic analysis. Jeilongviruses were classified into three subclades based on their topology, phylogeny, and hosts. Based on the amino acid sequence identities and phylogenetic analysis of the L protein, HBJZ120/CHN/2021 and HBJZ157/CHN/2021 were found to be strains rather than novel species. Additionally, according to specific polymerase chain reaction screening, the positive percentage of Beilong virus in Hubei was 6.38%, suggesting that Beilong virus, belonging to the Jeilongvirus genus, is likely to be widespread in wild rodents. The identification of novel strains further elucidated the genomic diversity of jeilongviruses. Additionally, the prevalence of jeilongviruses in Hubei, China, was profiled, establishing a foundation for the surveillance and early warning of emerging paramyxoviruses. Highlights: 1. Two novel jeilongvirus strains (HBJZ157/CHN/2021 and HBJZ120/CHN/2021) were discovered and characterized. 2. The prevalence of jeilongviruses in rodents from central China was investigated, revealing that the Beilong virus is widespread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orexin-mediated stimulation of orexin receptors 1/2 (OX[1/2]R) may stimulate the diaphragm and genioglossus muscle via activation of inspiratory neurons in the pre-Bötzinger complex, which are critical for the generation of inspiratory rhythm, and phrenic and hypoglossal motoneurons. Herein, we assessed the effects of OX2R-selective agonists TAK-925 (danavorexton) and OX-201 on respiratory function. In in vitro electrophysiologic analyses using rat medullary slices, danavorexton and OX-201 showed tendency and significant effect, respectively, in increasing the frequency of inspiratory synaptic currents of inspiratory neurons in the pre-Bötzinger complex. In rat medullary slices, both danavorexton and OX-201 significantly increased the frequency of inspiratory synaptic currents of hypoglossal motoneurons. Danavorexton and OX-201 also showed significant effect and tendency, respectively, in increasing the frequency of burst activity recorded from the cervical (C3–C5) ventral root, which contains axons of phrenic motoneurons, in in vitro electrophysiologic analyses from rat isolated brainstem–spinal cord preparations. Electromyogram recordings revealed that intravenous administration of OX-201 increased burst frequency of the diaphragm and burst amplitude of the genioglossus muscle in isoflurane- and urethane-anesthetized rats, respectively. In whole-body plethysmography analyses, oral administration of OX-201 increased respiratory activity in free-moving mice. Overall, these results suggest that OX2R-selective agonists enhance respiratory function via activation of the diaphragm and genioglossus muscle through stimulation of inspiratory neurons in the pre-Bötzinger complex, and phrenic and hypoglossal motoneurons. OX2R-selective agonists could be promising drugs for various conditions with respiratory dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-aging research has become critical since the elderly population is increasing dramatically in this era. With the establishment of frailty phenotype and frailty index, the importance of anti-frailty research is concurrently enlightened. The application of natural phytochemicals against aging or frailty is always intriguing, and abundant related studies have been published. Various models are designed for biological research, and each model has its strength and weakness in deciphering the complex aging mechanisms. In this article, we attempt to show the potential of Caenorhabditis elegans in the study of phytochemicals' effects on anti-aging by comparing it to other animal models. In this review, the lifespan extension and anti-aging effects are demonstrated by various physical, cellular, or molecular biomarkers of dietary phytochemicals, including resveratrol, curcumin, urolithin A, sesamin, fisetin, quercetin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, epicatechin, spermidine, sulforaphane, along with extracts of broccoli, cocoa, and blueberry. Meanwhile, the frequency of phytochemicals and models studied or presented in publications since 2010 were analyzed, and the most commonly mentioned animal models were rats, mice, and the nematode C. elegans. This up-to-date summary of the anti-aging effect of certain phytochemicals has demonstrated powerful potential for anti-aging or anti-frailty in the human population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]