scholarly journals Reptile Euthanasia — No Easy Solution?

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr Kristin Warren
Keyword(s):  
Biological Research ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Physical Methods ◽  
Reptile Species ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Acceptable Method ◽  
Pentobarbitone Sodium ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Reptilian Species

Reptiles are commonly studied in biological research projects, and wildlife researchers may be required to euthanize a reptile if it sustains a severe injury associated with the research. When conducting euthanasia of any animal it is critical to confirm death. Whilst in mammals and birds euthanasia and confirmation of death can easily be accomplished, in reptiles these are not straight forward processes due to reptilian poikilothermic biology and physiology. Many traditional methods of reptile euthanasia are controversial, and recommended methods of acceptable euthanasia vary amongst the different reptilian orders. Physical methods of euthanasia involving hypothermia or decapitation alone are considered inhumane and are not acceptable methods of euthanasia. Injectable pentobarbitone sodium is considered an acceptable method of euthanasia for all reptiles, except large crocodiles and other large reptile species where carcass removal in the wild may be problematic. However, in Australia pentobarbitone sodium is a Scheduled 4 drug with requirements for locked storage, and users other than registered veterinarians must apply for authorization to administer scheduled drugs. Stunning followed by destruction of the brain is considered acceptable with reservations in some small species of snakes and lizards, where these methods can be effectively accomplished. MS222 has been used in several species of reptiles, however further research is required to determine whether this technique is effective and humane across the diverse range of reptilian species. Humane euthanasia in reptiles is not easily achieved and, whilst recognizing limitations in accessing veterinary anaesthetic and euthanasia drugs, it can best be assured by using a two-stage euthanasia process — whereby the reptile is initially anaesthetized, and then euthanized by administration of pentobarbitone sodium or alternatively a combination of decapitation and brain destruction following anaesthesia.

scholarly journals Methodological limitations of counting total leukocytes and thrombocytes in reptiles (Amazon turtle, Podocnemis expansa): an analysis and discussion

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 351-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcos Tavares-Dias ◽  
Antônio Aderson Oliveira-Júnior ◽  
Jaydione Luiz Marcon
Keyword(s):  
White Blood Cells ◽  
Estimation Methods ◽  
Freshwater Turtle ◽  
South American ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Blood Smears ◽  
Reptile Species ◽  
Acceptable Method ◽  
Podocnemis Expansa ◽  
Reptilian Species

The aim of this paper is to compare three different methods for counting white blood cells [WBC] (Natt and Herrick method, estimation with 1,000 and 2,000 erythrocytes) and three methods for counting total thrombocytes [TT] (Wojtaszek method, estimation with 1,000 and 2,000 erythrocytes) in a South American freshwater turtle species, Podocnemis expansa, Schweigger 1812 (Reptilia, Pelomedusidae). Direct WBC counts using the Natt and Herrick method showed limitations, which are discussed here. The WBC and TT counts using 1,000 erythrocytes from blood smears are not recommended for Amazon turtles nor other reptilian species, since wide variation in counts can be observed. Estimation methods for determining WBC and TT based on 2,000 erythrocytes of blood smears were most acceptable because they allow a differentiation between leukocytes and thrombocytes and also had a smaller variation. The methods investigated here for the Amazon turtle, which have been widely used in other reptile species, provided evidence that the most acceptable method is not that of using diluted stains and a hemocytometer.

scholarly journals Reptiles sold as traditional medicine in Xipamanine and Xiquelene Markets (Maputo, Mozambique)

2016 ◽  
Vol Volume 112 (Number 7/8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivienne L. Williams ◽  
Thibedi J. Moshoeu ◽  
Graham J. Alexander ◽  
◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
International Trade ◽  
Traditional Medicine ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Traditional Medicines ◽  
Domestic Trade ◽  
Reptile Species

Abstract Zootherapy plays a role in healing practices in Mozambican society. Although several studies have focused on ethnobotany and traditional medicine in the country, little research has been conducted on the use of reptiles in zootherapy. The aim of this study was therefore to fill this gap by assessing the reptile species traded for traditional medicine in the Xipamanine and Xiquelene Markets in Maputo, Mozambique. We found that few reptile species are traded domestically for traditional medicine and that their use appears to be in decline in Mozambique. Our findings also suggest that the domestic trade of reptiles for traditional medicines in Maputo markets is unlikely to have a significant impact on the conservation of reptiles in Mozambique. However, we suggest that international trade with South Africa is likely having a larger impact, given observations of Mozambican nationals selling a diverse range of fauna in urban traditional medicine markets in Johannesburg and Durban.

scholarly journals Symbols and narratives of Europe: Three tropes

2021 ◽  
Vol 06 (02) ◽  
pp. 85-100
Author(s):  
Johan Fornas
Keyword(s):  
Meaning Making ◽  
Introductory Remark ◽  
Critical Hermeneutics ◽  
Current Debate ◽  
Interpretive Research ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Cultural Entity ◽  
Methodological Reflection

Throughout history, attempts have been made to identify Europe as a geographical, political, social, and cultural entity. Recent efforts to establish key symbols and narratives of Europe have focused on a set of central signifying elements, even if there is a wide and contradictory range of ways to define, structure, and interpret them. An introductory remark on the current debate on the need for renewed European self-reflection paves the way for some conceptual clarifications of my approach to concepts like culture, meaning, identity and mediation. A methodological reflection accompanies this on how to use semiotic tools in cultural studies based on critical hermeneutics. The concept of culture used here is based on the signifying practice of mediating meaning-making, linking imagination to communication in a triangular dynamic between texts, subjects, and contexts. Examples are given from two research projects on a broad and diverse range of European symbols and narratives, illustrating such interpretive research results. European identifications are crystallized and spun around three dominant tropes: supreme universality, resurrection from division, and communicative mobility. Their intricate tensions and interrelations attest to how deeply Europe remains a highly contested and dynamic meaning cluster.

ATP-binding cassette transporters and neurodegenerative diseases

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jared S. Katzeff ◽  
Woojin Scott Kim
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Abc Transporters ◽  
Brain Diseases ◽  
Atp Binding ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Atp Binding Cassette

Abstract ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are one of the largest groups of transporter families in humans. ABC transporters mediate the translocation of a diverse range of substrates across cellular membranes, including amino acids, nucleosides, lipids, sugars and xenobiotics. Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of brain diseases that detrimentally affect neurons and other brain cells and are usually associated with deposits of pathogenic proteins in the brain. Major neurodegenerative diseases include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ABC transporters are highly expressed in the brain and have been implicated in a number of pathological processes underlying neurodegenerative diseases. This review outlines the current understanding of the role of ABC transporters in neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on some of the most important pathways, and also suggests future directions for research in this field.

The development of the sensory neuron pattern in the antennal disc of wild-type and mutant (lz3, ssa) Drosophila melanogaster

Development ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 112 (4) ◽  
pp. 1063-1075
Author(s):  
M.C. Lienhard ◽  
R.F. Stocker
Keyword(s):  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Sensory Neuron ◽  
Antennal Segment ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Homeotic Mutant ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Antennal Disc ◽  
Antennal Nerve

The development of the sensory neuron pattern in the antennal disc of Drosophila melanogaster was studied with a neuron-specific monoclonal antibody (22C10). In the wild type, the earliest neurons become visible 3 h after pupariation, much later than in other imaginal discs. They lie in the center of the disc and correspond to the neurons of the adult aristal sensillum. Their axons join the larval antennal nerve and seem to establish the first connection towards the brain. Later on, three clusters of neurons appear in the periphery of the disc. Two of them most likely give rise to the Johnston's organ in the second antennal segment. Neurons of the olfactory third antennal segment are formed only after eversion of the antennal disc (clusters t1-t3). The adult pattern of antennal neurons is established at about 27% of metamorphosis. In the mutant lozenge3 (lz3), which lacks basiconic antennal sensilla, cluster t3 fails to develop. This indicates that, in the wild type, a homogeneous group of basiconic sensilla is formed by cluster t3. The possible role of the lozenge gene in sensillar determination is discussed. The homeotic mutant spineless-aristapedia (ssa) transforms the arista into a leg-like tarsus. Unlike leg discs, neurons are missing in the larval antennal disc of ssa. However, the first neurons differentiate earlier than in normal antennal discs. Despite these changes, the pattern of afferents in the ectopic tarsus appears leg specific, whereas in the non-transformed antennal segments a normal antennal pattern is formed. This suggests that neither larval leg neurons nor early aristal neurons are essential for the outgrowth of subsequent afferents.

scholarly journals Tetracosahexaenoylethanolamide, a novel N-acylethanolamide, is elevated in ischemia and increases neuronal output

2020 ◽  
Vol 61 (11) ◽  
pp. 1480-1490
Author(s):  
Lin Lin ◽  
Adam H. Metherel ◽  
Mathieu Di Miceli ◽  
Zhen Liu ◽  
Cigdem Sahin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nucleus Accumbens ◽  
Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Acid Amide ◽  
Biological Tissues ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Transient Transfection Assay ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Neuronal Output

N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) are endogenous lipid-signaling molecules derived from fatty acids that regulate numerous biological functions, including in the brain. Interestingly, NAEs are elevated in the absence of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and following CO2-induced ischemia/hypercapnia, suggesting a neuroprotective response. Tetracosahexaenoic acid (THA) is a product and precursor to DHA; however, the NAE product, tetracosahexaenoylethanolamide (THEA), has never been reported. Presently, THEA was chemically synthesized as an authentic standard to confirm THEA presence in biological tissues. Whole brains were collected and analyzed for unesterified THA, total THA, and THEA in wild-type and FAAH-KO mice that were euthanized by either head-focused microwave fixation, CO2 + microwave, or CO2 only. PPAR activity by transient transfection assay and ex vivo neuronal output in medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of the nucleus accumbens by patch clamp electrophysiology were determined following THEA exposure. THEA in the wild-type mice was nearly doubled (P < 0.05) following ischemia/hypercapnia (CO2 euthanization) and up to 12 times higher (P < 0.001) in the FAAH-KO compared with wild-type. THEA did not increase (P > 0.05) transcriptional activity of PPARs relative to control, but 100 nM of THEA increased (P < 0.001) neuronal output in MSNs of the nucleus accumbens. Here were identify a novel NAE, THEA, in the brain that is elevated upon ischemia/hypercapnia and by KO of the FAAH enzyme. While THEA did not activate PPAR, it augmented the excitability of MSNs in the nucleus accumbens. Overall, our results suggest that THEA is a novel NAE that is produced in the brain upon ischemia/hypercapnia and regulates neuronal excitation.

scholarly journals Hierarchical Complexity of the Macro-Scale Neonatal Brain

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Blesa ◽  
Paola Galdi ◽  
Simon R Cox ◽  
Gemma Sullivan ◽  
David Q Stoye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Specialization ◽  
Newborn Period ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Sensorimotor Processing ◽  
Macro Scale ◽  
Hierarchical Complexity ◽  
Connectivity Patterns ◽  
Cognitive Information ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Atypical Brain Development

Abstract The human adult structural connectome has a rich nodal hierarchy, with highly diverse connectivity patterns aligned to the diverse range of functional specializations in the brain. The emergence of this hierarchical complexity in human development is unknown. Here, we substantiate the hierarchical tiers and hierarchical complexity of brain networks in the newborn period, assess correspondences with hierarchical complexity in adulthood, and investigate the effect of preterm birth, a leading cause of atypical brain development and later neurocognitive impairment, on hierarchical complexity. We report that neonatal and adult structural connectomes are both composed of distinct hierarchical tiers and that hierarchical complexity is greater in term born neonates than in preterms. This is due to diversity of connectivity patterns of regions within the intermediate tiers, which consist of regions that underlie sensorimotor processing and its integration with cognitive information. For neonates and adults, the highest tier (hub regions) is ordered, rather than complex, with more homogeneous connectivity patterns in structural hubs. This suggests that the brain develops first a more rigid structure in hub regions allowing for the development of greater and more diverse functional specialization in lower level regions, while connectivity underpinning this diversity is dysmature in infants born preterm.

scholarly journals Unraveling of Central Nervous System Disease Mechanisms Using CRISPR Genome Manipulation

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 117957351878746 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aino Vesikansa
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Complex Structure ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Central Nervous System Disease ◽  
Brain Diseases ◽  
Biological Research ◽  
Cns Diseases ◽  
The Brain

The complex structure and highly variable gene expression profile of the brain makes it among the most challenging fields to study in both basic and translational biological research. Most of the brain diseases are multifactorial and despite the rapidly increasing genomic data, molecular pathways and causal links between genes and central nervous system (CNS) diseases are largely unknown. The advent of an easy and flexible CRISPR-Cas genome editing technology has rapidly revolutionized the field of functional genomics and opened unprecedented possibilities to dissect the mechanisms of CNS disease. CRISPR-Cas allows a plenitude of applications for both gene-focused and genome-wide approaches, ranging from original “gene scissors” making permanent modifications in the genome to the regulation of gene expression and epigenetics. CRISPR technology provides a unique opportunity to establish new cellular and animal models of CNS diseases and holds potential for breakthroughs in the CNS research and drug development.

scholarly journals First record of oviposition event by Laemanctus longipes (Sauria: Corytophanidae) in Mexico

Caldasia ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 390-393
Author(s):  
Arturo González-Zamora ◽  
Sónia Sánchez-López ◽  
Christian A. Delfín-Alfonso ◽  
Edgar Ahmed Bello-Sánchez
Keyword(s):  
First Record ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Reptile Species ◽  
In The Wild

Oviposition in elusive reptiles has been poorly documented due to the difficulty in observing it in natural habitats. Here, we document the first egg-laying record in the Eastern Casque-headed Basilisk Laemanctus longipes in the wild. Our record adds novel information about the oviposition of this scarcely studied reptile species. 

scholarly journals Histochemistry as a versatile research toolkit in biological research, not only an applied discipline in pathology

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Pellicciari
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Field ◽  
Live Cells ◽  
Biological Research ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Dynamic Events ◽  
Research Fields ◽  
Tissue Biology ◽  
Disease Specific ◽  
Methodological Refinement

The impressive progress of histochemistry over the last 50 years has led to setting up specific and sensitive techniques to describe dynamic events, through the detection of specific molecules in the very place where they exist in live cells. The scientific field where histochemistry has most largely been applied is histopathology, with the aim to identify disease-specific molecular markers or to elucidate the etiopathological mechanisms. Numerous authors did however apply histochemistry to a variety of other research fields; their interests range from the microanatomy of animal and plant organisms to the cellular mechanisms of life. This is especially apparent browsing the contents of the histochemical journals where the articles on subjects other than pathology are the majority; these journals still keep a pivotal role in the field of cell and tissue biology, while being a forum for a diverse range of biologists whose scientific interests expand  the research horizon of histochemistry to ever novel subjects. Thus, histochemistry can always receive inspiring stimuli toward a continuous methodological refinement.

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