scholarly journals Pattern of ovulation in an ancient, solitary mole-rat lineage: Heliophobius argenteocinereus emini from Tanzania

2017 ◽  
Vol 95 (10) ◽  
pp. 737-743 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jestina V. Katandukila ◽  
Mungo K. Ngalameno ◽  
Georgies F. Mgode ◽  
Armanda D.S. Bastos ◽  
Nigel C. Bennett
Keyword(s):  
East Africa ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Seasonal Breeding ◽  
Progesterone Concentration ◽  
Subterranean Rodent ◽  
Mole Rat ◽  
The Family ◽  
Experimental Treatments ◽  
Cervical Stimulation ◽  
Ovarian Cyclicity

The genus Heliophobius Peters, 1846 is an ancient subterranean rodent lineage within the family Bathyergidae that displays seasonal breeding over a broad geographical range. In East Africa, reproduction in these solitary mole-rats has been shown to coincide with the long rains, but it is not clear whether the silvery mole-rat subspecies Heliophobius argenteocinereus emini Noack, 1894 from Tanzania is an induced or spontaneous ovulator. To address this, urinary progesterone was measured every second day over a period of 132 days in six wild-caught females subjected to three sequential experimental treatments. In the first, control (C) treatment, females were housed singly for a period of 44 days, following which nonphysical contact (NPC) with a vasectomised male and then physical contact (PC) with the same vasectomised male occurred in each of the subsequent 44-day treatments. Noninvasive monitoring of ovarian cyclicity confirmed that mean urinary progesterone concentration was higher during PC than during either NPC or C, despite the fact that the males were vasectomised and incapable of fertilising the females. Examination of penile morphology revealed that males possess epidermal projections on the glans penis, which probably bring about cervical stimulation during coitus. These findings together with the female progesterone profiles imply the species is an induced ovulator stimulated by penile intromission.

scholarly journals Pattern of ovulation in the East African root rat (Tachyoryctes splendens) from Tanzania: induced or spontaneous ovulator?

2016 ◽  
Vol 94 (5) ◽  
pp. 345-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jestina V. Katandukila ◽  
Nigel C. Bennett
Keyword(s):  
East Africa ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Seasonal Reproduction ◽  
Subterranean Rodents ◽  
East African ◽  
Subterranean Rodent ◽  
Adult Females ◽  
Experimental Treatments ◽  
Cervical Stimulation ◽  
Ovarian Cyclicity

The East African root rat (Tachyoryctes splendens (Rüppell, 1835)) is a solitary subterranean rodent that exhibits a marked seasonal reproduction linked to the bimodal rainfall pattern of East Africa. The current study sets out to determine whether the East African root rat is an induced or spontaneous ovulator. Five wild caught adult females were monitored noninvasively for ovarian cyclicity by measuring urinary progesterone every 2 days over a period of 120 days. Females were subjected to three different experimental treatments, namely, initially singly housed or control (C), nonphysical contact with a male (NPC), and physical contact with a vasectomised male (PC), respectively. The concentration of urinary progesterone was higher during PC than during either NPC or C. The act of coitus appears to be necessary for ovulation to occur in the females. The male East African root rats were found to possess epidermal spines on the penis that can be used to bring about cervical stimulation during coitus. The spines result in the induction of ovulation as has been proposed for other solitary subterranean rodents. The findings from the female progesterone profiles and the assessment of penile morphology suggest that the female East African root rat is an induced ovulator stimulated by penile intromission during coitus.

Is the Mahali mole-rat (Cryptomys hottentotus mahali) a spontaneous or induced ovulator?

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (5) ◽  
pp. 299-305
Author(s):  
D.W. Hart ◽  
K. Medger ◽  
B. van Jaarsveld ◽  
N.C. Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Direct Contact ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Reproductive Suppression ◽  
Subterranean Rodent ◽  
Breeding Female ◽  
Mole Rat ◽  
Cooperatively Breeding ◽  
Reproductive Females ◽  
Unrelated Male

The Mahali mole-rat (Cryptomys hottentotus mahali (Roberts, 1913)) is a social, cooperatively breeding subterranean rodent that breeds aseasonally. Only one female in a colony breeds and the remaining females are reproductively suppressed. When the opportunity arises, these non-reproductive females disperse from the natal colony to escape reproductive suppression and pair up with an unrelated male to start a new colony. This study set out to determine whether female Mahali mole-rats are induced or spontaneous ovulators once separated from the reproductive suppression of the breeding female. Fifteen separated females were subjected to three treatments: housed separately without a male (A), allowed chemical, but not physical, contact with a vasectomised male (NPC), and placed in direct contact with a vasectomised male (PC). Urine was collected from all females under each treatment every 2 days for 40 days. Only females housed in the PC treatment exhibited heightened progesterone concentrations and corpora lutea of ovulation in the ovaries. Furthermore, males possessed epidermal spines on the shaft of the penises that may be used to stimulate the cervix of the female during copulation. These findings suggest that the Mahali mole-rat is an induced ovulator.

scholarly journals Chordoma of the sacrum of an adult naked mole-rat

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 132-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordan E. Cole ◽  
James C. Steeil ◽  
Steven J. Sarro ◽  
Kenton L. Kerns ◽  
Andrew Cartoceti
Keyword(s):  
East Africa ◽  
Aging Process ◽  
Surgical Margins ◽  
Spinal Tumors ◽  
Subterranean Rodent ◽  
Heterocephalus Glaber ◽  
Sacral Chordoma ◽  
Mole Rat ◽  
Naked Mole Rat ◽  
Histopathologic Features

The naked mole-rat (NMR; Heterocephalus glaber)—a small, eusocial, subterranean rodent native to East Africa—is distinguished by its capability to live long and resist changes associated with the aging process. Notably, a growing amount of research has been dedicated to NMRs’ multifactorial capacity to resist cancer. Since 2016, however, zoos have begun to document various neoplasms in a handful of individuals. We present herein radiographic, gross anatomic, and histopathologic features of a case of a sacral chordoma in a geriatric female. Chordomas originate in notochordal remnants. These spinal tumors are most commonly seen in ferrets; chordomas are rare in humans, can be difficult to treat, and need wide surgical margins.

scholarly journals Primary Congenital Lymphedema with More Than 10 Years of Treatment Using the Godoy Method Through to Adolescence

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-94
Author(s):  
Ana Carolina Pereira de Godoy ◽  
Jose Maria Pereira de Godoy ◽  
Maria de Fatima Guerreiro Godoy
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Period ◽  
Clinical Diagnosis ◽  
Treatment Option ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
The Body ◽  
The Family ◽  
Cervical Stimulation

Introduction: Lymphedema is a specific type of edema that affects regions of the body in a chronic, progressive manner. Aim: The aim of the present study was to describe the therapeutic evolution of more than ten years of treatment for primary congenital lymphedema using the Godoy and Godoy method. Method: Ten children with primary congenital lymphedema with more than ten years of treatment at the Godoy Clinic were evaluated. Children with a clinical diagnosis of primary congenital lymphedema in treatment for more than 10 years with the Godoy Method. Cervical stimulation is the first treatment option of the method and is performed as monotherapy. The patients were reevaluated with weekly, bi-weekly and monthly frequencies and then every three months or when the family was able to return to the clinic. Results: For cases in which cervical stimulation was not possible, grosgrain stockings as monotherapy was the second therapeutic option. Conclusion: The Godoy and Godoy Method is effective at reducing edema in cases of primary congenital lymphedema, with the maintenance of the results throughout the treatment period.

Seasonal reproduction in the highveld mole-rat, Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae (Rodentia: Bathyergidae)

2002 ◽  
Vol 80 (5) ◽  
pp. 810-820 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Janse van Rensburg ◽  
N C Bennett ◽  
M van der Merwe ◽  
A S Schoeman
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Seasonal Breeding ◽  
Nonbreeding Season ◽  
Ovarian Histology ◽  
Mole Rat ◽  
Reproductive Females

The highveld mole-rat, Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae, is a cooperatively breeding rodent that exhibits seasonal breeding and a reproductive division of labour. Body mass, reproductive-tract morphometrics, ovarian histology, and plasma oestrogen and progesterone concentrations were studied for both reproductive and non-reproductive females from 55 colonies, the main objective being to determine the inclination of this species towards seasonal breeding. Offspring are born from July through to November. However, qualitative analysis of ovarian histology revealed that reproductive females retain the potential for ovulation and subsequent production of corpora lutea during the late-summer nonbreeding period (December–March). Seasonal differences were found in ovarian morphometrics and hormone concentrations that are associated with enhanced follicular activation in April and May and subsequent conceptions from July through to November during the breeding period. The nonbreeding period coincides with maximal dispersal opportunities in the summer-rainfall areas inhabited by the highveld mole-rat. Body mass, reproductive-tract morphometrics, testicular histology, and plasma testosterone concentrations were determined for reproductive and non-reproductive males from 37 colonies. Available evidence suggests that there is a gradual increase in testicular mass for reproductive males as the breeding season approaches, but after September the testicular parameters fall. Seminiferous-tubule diameter was significantly greater in reproductive males but exhibited no seasonal variation. Testosterone concentrations were higher in reproductive males. Current data support a lack of gonadal regression in males during the nonbreeding season.

scholarly journals Influence of Age, Host Plant and Mating Status in Pheromone Production and New Insights on Perception Plasticity in Tuta Absoluta

Insects ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aroa Domínguez ◽  
Sergio López ◽  
Ana Bernabé ◽  
Ángel Guerrero ◽  
Carmen Quero
Keyword(s):  
Host Plant ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Tuta Absoluta ◽  
Pheromone Production ◽  
Female Age ◽  
Young Females ◽  
The Family ◽  
Important Pest ◽  
Behavioral Parameters ◽  
First Time

The tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is one of the most important pests of tomato worldwide. However, in spite of its tremendous economic importance, the success of environmentally friendly measures to control the pest is still limited. Study of physiological and behavioral parameters that affect pheromone production has provided useful information for pest management. Our results show no clear difference in pheromone production by females over the period from 2 h before to 2 h after the scotophase. However, pheromone production was clearly dependent on female age, with young females producing the highest amount of each pheromone component 10 days after emergence. In the presence of the host plant (physical contact and olfaction of the plant volatiles), virgin and mated females produced higher amounts of the major component of the pheromone (TDTA) than those in the absence of plant and those devoid of olfaction (antennectomized) but in physical contact with the plant. In electrophysiological experiments, TDTA elicited slightly lower responses on male antennae than the pheromone mixture. When stimulated at certain time intervals after the first exposure to TDTA, male antennae became more sensitive to the stimulus (sensitization effect). For the first time in an insect of the family Gelechiidae, we have found that females are able to detect their own pheromone (autodetection). Altogether, our results may represent a step forward in the knowledge of the chemical communication of this important pest.

scholarly journals Place-based social contact and mixing: a typology of generic meeting places of relevance for infectious disease transmission

2017 ◽  
Vol 145 (12) ◽  
pp. 2582-2593 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. STRÖMGREN ◽  
E. HOLM ◽  
Ö. DAHLSTRÖM ◽  
J. EKBERG ◽  
H. ERIKSSON ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Transmission Risk ◽  
Geographical Differences ◽  
Infectious Disease Transmission ◽  
Swedish Population ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Family

SUMMARYThis study aims to develop a typology of generic meeting places based on social contact and mixing of relevance for infectious disease transmission. Data were collected by means of a contact diary survey conducted on a representative sample of the Swedish population. The typology is derived from a cluster analysis accounting for four dimensions associated with transmission risk: visit propensity and its characteristics in terms of duration, number of other persons present and likelihood of physical contact. In the analysis, we also study demographic, socio-economic and geographical differences in the propensity of visiting meeting places. The typology identifies the family venue, the fixed activity site, the family vehicle, the trading plaza and the social network hub as generic meeting places. The meeting place typology represents a spatially explicit account of social contact and mixing relevant to infectious disease modelling, where the social context of the outbreak can be highlighted in light of the actual infectious disease.

Synergistic Efficacy of Aframomum Melegueta [Roscoe] K. Schum and Spondias mombin (Linn), a Predictive Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Infection

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Drug Formulation ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Death Sentence ◽  
Initial Symptom ◽  
Infected People ◽  
Spondias Mombin ◽  
The Family

SARS-CoV-2 is closely related to the original SARS-CoV. It is thought to have animal based origin from Bats(Betacoronavirus) in subgenus (Sarbecoronavirus) together with two bat-derived strains The virus is mainly spread between people during physical contact, often through small droplets produced during coughing, sneezing, even talking to patient or infected people. It is primarily spread during close contact and via small droplets produced when infected people cough, sneeze or talk with close contact being within 1–3 m (3 ft 3 in–9 ft 10 in). Those infected with the virus may be asymptomatic (Appearance of No symptoms) or develop flu-like symptom which include fever, cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. The exposure time to initial symptom is day five (5 days). Majority of cases result in mild symptoms, some progress to viral pneumonia and multiple organ failure. Two medicinal plants may be used for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2, the two medicinal plants are Aframomum melegueta and Spondis mombin (Linn). Both contains arrays of natural product that may be used for drug formulation to combat SARS-CoV-2, Aframomum melegueta medicinal plant belong to the family Zingiberaceae which can be used to detoxify liver and bronchitis during lungs infection. Aframomum melegueta contains 6-Gingerol, 8-Gingerol, Methyl-6-Gingerol, 6-Shogaol, 6-Rac-6-Dihydro paradol,6-Gingeredione, 2-(5 butylfuran-2-yl) ethyl}-2-methoxyphenol and 6-Paradol. Secondary metabolite(Phytochemical)investigations of Aframomum melegueta extracts revealed the presence of (-)-buplerol, (-)-arctigenin, (E)- 14-hydroxy-15-norlabda-8(17), 12-dien- 16-al, labda-8(17), 12-dien-15, 16- dial, 16-oxo-8(17), 12(E)-labdadien-15-oic acid, 5-hydroxy-7-methoxy flavone and apigenin, The combination of all this novel compound can be used for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Spondias mombin belongs to the family of Anacardiaceae medicinal plants and contains Catechin and Epigalocatechin, Epicatechin, Stigmasterol and Phytosterol, a very important flavonoid that can be used in drug formulation because of its extensive therapeutic properties which may inhibit specific enzymes, blocking the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) that raises blood pressure of infected patient during elevated fever clinical symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Spondias monbin extract may act by blocking the “suicide” enzyme cyclooxygenase that breaks down prostaglandins, they also prevent platelet aggregation. Cancer-battling antioxidants, flavonoids, have been found in relative abundance in Aframomum melegueta and Spondias mombin. Epicatechin have been proven to have diverse benefits to human health. It reduces the risks of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases, EGC acts as a strong inhibitor of HIV replication in cultured peripheral blood cells and inhibition of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase in vitro. EGC binds directly to CD4 molecules with consequent inhibition of Gp 120 binding and inactivate viruses in vitro by deformation of phospholipids, Epicatechin and other polyphenols decreases the susceptibility of low density lipoprotein to oxidation which prevents the initiation of artherosclerosis, HIV protein (Tat) and gp120.In conclusion. SARS-CoV-2(COVID-19) pandemic infection should not be a death sentence, it should be an advancement into the scientific world especially the naturally occurring product that can be used in the formulation of new antimicrobial agents.

Molecular evidence for the assignment of the Cameroonian freshwater crab genus Louisea Cumberlidge, 1994, to the Afrotropical subfamily Potamonautinae Bott, 1970 (Crustacea: Potamoidea: Potamonautidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 4286 (3) ◽  
pp. 439 ◽  
Author(s):  
PIERRE A. MVOGO NDONGO ◽  
NEIL CUMBERLIDGE ◽  
THEODOR S. POETTINGER ◽  
THOMAS VON RINTELEN ◽  
JOSEPH L. TAMESSE ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
East Africa ◽  
Arabian Peninsula ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Freshwater Crab ◽  
Continental Islands ◽  
The Family ◽  
Molecular Studies ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Zoogeographical Region

The family Potamonautidae Bott, 1970, currently comprises 19 genera assigned to two subfamilies (Potamonautinae Bott, 1970, and Deckeniinae Hilgendorf, 1869) based on morphological and molecular studies (Cumberlidge 1999; Daniels et al. 2006a, 2015; Cumberlidge et al. 2008; Cumberlidge & Ng 2009). All members of this family are endemic to the Afrotropical zoogeographical region that includes most of continental Africa plus the continental islands of Madagascar, the granitic Seychelles, Socotra, and the southern Arabian Peninsula. Seven genera from sub-Saharan Africa are presently assigned to Potamonautinae (see Cumberlidge et al. 2008; Daniels et al. 2015): Erimetopus Rathbun, 1894, Liberonautes Bott, 1955, Louisea Cumberlidge, 1994, Potamonautes Bott, 1970, Potamonemus Cumberlidge & Clark, 1992, Sudanonautes Bott, 1955, and Platythelphusa A. Milne-Edwards, 1887. Twelve genera from West and East Africa, Seychelles, and Madagascar are assigned to Deckeniinae (see Cumberlidge et al. 2008; Meyer et al. 2014; Daniels et al. 2015): Deckenia Hilgendorf, 1869, Seychellum Ng, Števčić & Pretzmann, 1995, Globonautes Bott, 1959, Afrithelphusa Bott, 1969, Boreas Cumberlidge & Sternberg, 2002, Foza Reed & Cumberlidge, 2006a, Hydrothelphusa A. Milne-Edwards, 1872, Madagapotamon Bott, 1965, Malagasya Cumberlidge & Sternberg, 2002, Marojejy Cumberlidge, Boyko & Harvey, 2000, Skelosophusa Ng & Takeda, 1994, and Glabrithelphusa Meyer, Cumberlidge & Koppin, 2014. 

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document