Ontogeny of black-footed ferret predatory behavior towards prairie dogs

1998 ◽  
Vol 76 (9) ◽  
pp. 1696-1704 ◽  
Author(s):  
Astrid Vargas ◽  
Stanley H Anderson

To study the effects of environmental upbringing and predation experience on black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) predatory skills towards prairie dogs, we compared killing efficiency and behaviors of 32 black-footed ferret kits (from 24 different litters). Four treatment groups were established: group 1 (n = 8), kits raised in indoor cages and never exposed to live prey; group 2 (n = 8), kits raised in indoor cages and fed live hamsters twice a week beginning at 8 weeks of age; group 3 (n = 8), kits raised in indoor cages, fed live hamsters, and exposed to live prairie dogs in family trials once per week; and group 4, kits raised in outdoor enclosures with ad libitum access to live prairie dogs in natural burrows. Juvenile black-footed ferrets raised with exposure to live hamsters were more successful at killing prairie dogs than kits devoid of any predation experience. Previous experience with prairie dogs (in both indoor cages and outdoor pens) significantly increased predation efficiency. Witnessing a black-footed ferret mother performing a kill enhanced the kit's predatory skills. We conclude that the placement of the kill bite appears to be innate for black-footed ferrets, but the likelihood of killing and the efficiency at handling prey are substantially enhanced by experience.


2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Annisa Trissatharra ◽  
Sri Ratna Dwiningsih ◽  
Ratna Sofaria Munir

Objectives: To identify the effect of monoclonal antibody bZP3 at ovarian follicles that undergo atresia and diameter of various ovarian follicles.Materials and Methods: This is a true experimental research with post only control group design. Samples were 36 female mices (Mus musculus) which is divided into 6 groups, there are 3 control groups (group 1, 2, and 3) injected by Phospatase Buffer Saline (PBS) 50µl and 3 treatment groups (group 4, 5, and 6) injected by Mab bZP3 50µl. Group 1 and 4 terminated at 5th day, group 2 and 5 terminated at 10th day, and group 3 and 6 terminated at 20th day. Evaluation of atretic ovarian follicles and diameter of ovarian follicles performed by hematoxylin eosin (HE) and the data processed by parametric statistic.Results: There are no significant in different among groups in the aspect of atretic follicles and diameter of folicles (p>0.05), but descriptively, number of follicles undergo atresia of the follicle primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment group was higher than the control group, except on the 20th day of observation time.Conclusion: administration of Mab bZP3 had no effect to amount of atretic follicles and diameter of folicles during observation time.



1997 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 255 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Kaminski ◽  
S. H. Hayes ◽  
W. J. Silvia

Two experiments were conducted to determine if withdrawal of progesterone during the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle affected the ability of the ovine uterus to secrete prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α ) in response to oxytocin. In Experiment 1, 18 ewes were ovariectomized on Day 9 and Day 12 after oestrus. Ewes were subdivided into three treatment groups (n= 6 per group): Group-1 ewes underwent sham surgery; Group-2 ewes received oestradiol (OVX + O); and Group-3 ewes received oestradiol + progesterone (OVX + O,P). Oxytocin was administered to each ewe on Days 10, 13 and 15 after oestrus. Concentrations of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2α (PGFM) were determined in samples of jugular venous blood for 2 h after oxytocin challenge. The magnitude of the PGFM response 24 h after ovariectomy was greater (P < 0·1) in ewes from which progesterone had been withdrawn (OVX + O) than in ewes in which progesterone was maintained (intact controls and OVX + O,P). Therefore, progesterone appears to exert an inhibitory effect on uterine secretory responsiveness to oxytocin which is removed by progesterone withdrawal. In Experiment 2, ewes were ovariectomized on Day 11 and assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups (n = 6 per group): Group 1, no steroid replacement (OVX); Group 2, oestradiol replacement (OVX + O); Group 3, progesterone replacement (OVX + P); or Group 4, progesterone+oestradiol replacement (OVX + O,P). Ewes received oxytocin on Day 12 and Day 15. On Day 12, uterine secretory responsiveness to oxytocin was greatest in ewes in the OVX + O group (P < 0 · 1). Responsiveness was low in ewes in the OVX group, as it was in ewes in both groups that received progesterone replacement. Therefore, the increase in uterine secretory responsiveness to oxytocin following progesterone withdrawal is dependent on oestradiol replacement.



2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (9) ◽  
pp. 1193-1200
Author(s):  
Orhan Fındık ◽  
Melda Yardımoglu Yılmaz ◽  
Yusufhan Yazır ◽  
Selenay Furat Rençber ◽  
Kübra Kavram Sarıhan ◽  
...  

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to reveal the possible protective effects of ticagrelor and enoxaparin pretreatment against ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced injury on the lung tissue of a rat model. METHODS Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups as follows: group-1 (control-sham), group-2 (control-saline+IR), group-3 (ticagrelor+IR), group-4 (enoxaparin+IR). Before the ischemic period, saline, ticagrelor, and enoxaparin were administered to the 2nd-4th groups, respectively. In these groups, IR injury was induced by clamping the aorta infrarenally for 2 h, followed by 4 h of reperfusion except group-1. After the rats were euthanized, the lungs were processed for histological examinations. Paraffin sections were stained with Haematoxylin&Eosin (H&E) for light microscopic observation. Apoptosis was evaluated by caspase-3 immunoreactivity. Data were statistically analyzed using the SPSS software. RESULTS In the lung sections stained with H&E, a normal histological structure was observed in group-1, whereas disorganized epithelial cells, hemorrhage, and inflammatory cell infiltration were seen in the alveolar wall in group-2. The histologic structure of the treatment groups was better than that of group-2. Caspase-3(+) apoptotic cells were noticeable in sections of group-2 and were lower in the treatment groups. In group-4, caspase-3 immunostaining was lower than in group-3. In group-2, apoptotic cells were significantly higher than in the other groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Based on the histological results, we suggested that both therapies ameliorated the detrimental effects of IR. Caspase-3 immunohistochemistry results also revealed that pre-treatment with enoxaparin gave better results in an IR-induced rat injury model. In further studies, other parameters such as ROS and inflammatory gene expressions should be evaluated for accurate results.



VASA ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 281-284
Author(s):  
Atıf Yolgosteren ◽  
Gencehan Kumtepe ◽  
Melda Payaslioglu ◽  
Cuneyt Ozakin

Summary. Background: Prosthetic vascular graft infection (PVGI) is a complication with high mortality. Cyanoacrylate (CA) is an adhesive which has been used in a number of surgical procedures. In this in-vivo study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between PVGI and CA. Materials and methods: Thirty-two rats were equally divided into four groups. Pouch was formed on back of rats until deep fascia. In group 1, vascular graft with polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) was placed into pouch. In group 2, MRSA strain with a density of 1 ml 0.5 MacFarland was injected into pouch. In group 3, 1 cm 2 vascular graft with PET piece was placed into pouch and MRSA strain with a density of 1 ml 0.5 MacFarland was injected. In group 4, 1 cm 2 vascular graft with PET piece impregnated with N-butyl cyanoacrylate-based adhesive was placed and MRSA strain with a density of 1 ml 0.5 MacFarland was injected. All rats were scarified in 96th hour, culture samples were taken where intervention was performed and were evaluated microbiologically. Bacteria reproducing in each group were numerically evaluated based on colony-forming unit (CFU/ml) and compared by taking their average. Results: MRSA reproduction of 0 CFU/ml in group 1, of 1410 CFU/ml in group 2, of 180 200 CFU/ml in group 3 and of 625 300 CFU/ml in group 4 was present. A statistically significant difference was present between group 1 and group 4 (p < 0.01), between group 2 and group 4 (p < 0.01), between group 3 and group 4 (p < 0.05). In terms of reproduction, no statistically significant difference was found in group 1, group 2, group 3 in themselves. Conclusions: We observed that the rate of infection increased in the cyanoacyrylate group where cyanoacrylate was used. We think that surgeon should be more careful in using CA in vascular surgery.



2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 354-364
Author(s):  
Hassan Al-Thani ◽  
Moamena El-Matbouly ◽  
Maryam Al-Sulaiti ◽  
Noora Al-Thani ◽  
Mohammad Asim ◽  
...  

Background: We hypothesized that perioperative HbA1c influenced the pattern and outcomes of Lower Extremity Amputation (LEA). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted for all patients who underwent LEA between 2000 and 2013. Patients were categorized into 5 groups according to their perioperative HbA1c values [Group 1 (<6.5%), Group 2 (6.5-7.4%), Group 3 (7.5-8.4%), Group 4 (8.5-9.4%) and Group 5 (≥9.5%)]. We identified 848 patients with LEA; perioperative HbA1c levels were available in 547 cases (Group 1: 18.8%, Group 2: 17.7%, Group 3: 15.0%, Group 4: 13.5% and Group 5: 34.9%). Major amputation was performed in 35%, 32%, 22%, 10.8% and 13.6%, respectively. Results: The overall mortality was 36.5%; of that one quarter occurred during the index hospitalization. Mortality was higher in Group 1 (57.4%) compared with Groups 2-5 (46.9%, 38.3%, 36.1% and 31.2%, respectively, p=0.001). Cox regression analysis showed that poor glycemic control (Group 4 and 5) had lower risk of mortality post-LEA [hazard ratio 0.57 (95% CI 0.35-0.93) and hazard ratio 0.46 (95% CI 0.31-0.69)]; this mortality risk persisted even after adjustment for age and sex but was statistically insignificant. The rate of LEA was greater among poor glycemic control patients; however, the mortality was higher among patients with tight control. Conclusion: The effects of HbA1c on the immediate and long-term LEA outcomes and its therapeutic implications need further investigation.



2021 ◽  
pp. 197140092098356
Author(s):  
Marwan Alkrenawi ◽  
Michael Osherov ◽  
Azaria Simonovich ◽  
Jonathan Droujin ◽  
Ron Milo ◽  
...  

Background Cervical discopathy and demyelinating lesions often co-exist in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Our study examines the possible association between these two pathologies. Methods Medical records and cervical magnetic resonance imaging scans of MS patients with cervical discopathy who were seen at our MS clinic during 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The severity of the disc disease was classified as grade I (no compression), grade II (compression of the dural sac) and grade III (cord compression). The spinal cord in each scan was divided into six segments corresponding to the intervertebral space of the spine (C1–C6). Each segment was defined as containing demyelinating lesion and disc pathology (group 1), demyelinating lesion without disc pathology (group 2), disc pathology without demyelinating lesion (group 3) and no demyelinating lesion or disc pathology (group 4). Fisher’s exact test was used to test the association between demyelinating lesions and disc pathology. Results Thirty-four MS patients with cervical discopathy were included in the study (26 females; average age 42.9 ± 13.7 years; average disease duration 8.4 ± 5.4 years). A total of 204 spinal cord segments were evaluated. Twenty-four segments were classified as group 1, 27 segments as group 2, 52 segments as group 3 and 101 segments as group 4. There was no association between demyelinating lesions and the grade of disc disease ( p = 0.1 for grade I, p = 0.3 for grade II and p = 1 for grade III disc disease). Conclusion Our study did not find any association between cervical disc disease and demyelinating spinal cord lesion.



2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Liu ◽  
Jing Li ◽  
Wanyu Zhang ◽  
Yihong Guo

AbstractOestradiol, an important hormone in follicular development and endometrial receptivity, is closely related to clinical outcomes of fresh in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles. A supraphysiologic E2 level is inevitable during controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation (COH), and its effect on the outcome of IVF-ET is controversial. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the association between elevated serum oestradiol (E2) levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) administration and neonatal birthweight after IVF-ET cycles. The data of 3659 infertile patients with fresh IVF-ET cycles were analysed retrospectively between August 2009 and February 2017 in First Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Patients were categorized by serum E2 levels on the day of hCG administration into six groups: group 1 (serum E2 levels ≤ 1000 pg/mL, n = 230), group 2 (serum E2 levels between 1001 and 2000 pg/mL, n = 524), group 3 (serum E2 levels between 2001 and 3000 pg/mL, n = 783), group 4 (serum E2 levels between 3001 and 4000 pg/mL, n = 721), group 5 (serum E2 levels between 4001 and 5000 pg/mL, n = 548 ), and group 6 (serum E2 levels > 5000 pg/mL, n = 852). Univariate linear regression was used to evaluate the independent correlation between each factor and outcome index. Multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for confounding factors. The LBW rates were as follows: 3.0% (group 1), 2.9% (group 2), 1.9% (group 3), 2.9% (group 4), 2.9% (group 5), and 2.0% (group 6) (P = 0.629), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidences of neonatal LBW among the six groups. We did not detect an association between peak serum E2 level during ovarian stimulation and neonatal birthweight after IVF-ET. The results of this retrospective cohort study showed that serum E2 peak levels during ovarian stimulation were not associated with birth weight during IVF cycles. In addition, no association was found between higher E2 levels and increased LBW risk. Our observations suggest that the hyper-oestrogenic milieu during COS does not seem to have adverse effects on the birthweight of offspring after IVF. Although this study provides some reference, the obstetric-related factors were not included due to historical reasons. The impact of the high estrogen environment during COS on the birth weight of IVF offspring still needs future research.



Genetics ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 163 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Louvet-Vallée ◽  
Irina Kolotuev ◽  
Benjamin Podbilewicz ◽  
Marie-Anne Félix

Abstract To compare vulva development mechanisms in the nematode Oscheius sp. 1 to those known in Caenorhabditis elegans, we performed a genetic screen for vulva mutants in Oscheius sp. 1 CEW1. Here we present one large category of mutations that we call cov, which affect the specification of the Pn.p ventral epidermal cells along the antero-posterior axis. The Pn.p cells are numbered from 1 to 12 from anterior to posterior. In wild-type Oscheius sp. 1 CEW1, the P(4-8).p cells are competent to form the vulva and the progeny of P(5-7).p actually form the vulva, with the descendants of P6.p adopting a central vulval fate. Among the 17 mutations (defining 13 genes) that we characterize here, group 1 mutations completely or partially abolish P(4-8).p competence, and this correlates with early fusion of the Pn.p cells to the epidermal syncytium. In this group, we found a putative null mutation in the lin-39 HOM-C homolog, the associated phenotype of which could be weakly mimicked by injection of a morpholino against Osp1-lin-39 in the mother’s germ line. Using cell ablation in a partially penetrant competence mutant, we show that vulval competence is partially controlled by a gonadal signal. Most other mutants found in the screen display phenotypes unknown in C. elegans. Group 2 mutants show a partial penetrance of Pn.p competence loss and an abnormal centering of the vulva on P5.p, suggesting that these two processes are coregulated by the same pathway in Oscheius sp. 1. Group 3 mutants display an enlarged competence group that includes P3.p, thus demonstrating the existence of a specific mechanism inhibiting P3.p competence. Group 4 mutants display an abnormal centering of the vulval pattern on P7.p and suggest that a specific mechanism centers the vulval pattern on a single Pn.p cell.



2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Chimenti ◽  
Romina Verardo ◽  
Andrea Frustaci

Abstract Aim To investigate the contribution of unaffected cardiomyocytes in Fabry disease cardiomyopathy. Findings Left ventricular (LV) endomyocardial biopsies from twenty-four females (mean age 53 ± 11 ys) with Fabry disease cardiomyopathy were studied. Diagnosis of FD was based on the presence of pathogenic GLA mutation, Patients were divided in four groups according with LV maximal wall thickness (MWT): group 1 MWT ≤ 10.5 mm, group 2 MWT 10.5–15 mm, group 3 MWT 16–20 mm, group 4 MWT > 20 mm. At histology mosaic of affected and unaffected cardiomyocytes was documented. Unaffected myocytes’ size ranged from normal to severe hypertrophy. Hypertrophy of unaffected cardiomyocytes correlated with severity of MWT (p < 0.0001, Sperman r 0,95). Hypertrophy of unaffected myocytes appear to concur to progression and severity of FDCM. It is likely a paracrine role from neighboring affected myocytes.



2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 340.2-341
Author(s):  
V. Orefice ◽  
F. Ceccarelli ◽  
C. Barbati ◽  
R. Lucchetti ◽  
G. Olivieri ◽  
...  

Background:Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease mainly affecting women of childbearing age. The interplay between genetic and environmental factors may contribute to disease pathogenesis1. At today, no robust data are available about the possible contribute of diet in SLE. Caffeine, one of the most widely consumed products in the world, seems to interact with multiple components of the immune system by acting as a non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor2.In vitrodose-dependent treatment with caffeine seems to down-regulate mRNA levels of key inflammation-related genes and similarly reduce levels of different pro-inflammatory cytokines3.Objectives:We evaluated the impact of caffeine consumption on SLE-related disease phenotype and activity, in terms of clinimetric assessment and cytokines levels.Methods:We performed a cross-sectional study, enrolling consecutive patients and reporting their clinical and laboratory data. Disease activity was assessed by SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2k)4. Caffeine intake was evaluated by a 7-day food frequency questionnaire, including all the main sources of caffeine. As previously reported, patients were divided in four groups according to the daily caffeine intake: <29.1 mg/day (group 1), 29.2-153.7 mg/day (group 2), 153.8-376.5 mg/day (group 3) and >376.6 mg/day (group 4)5. At the end of questionnaire filling, blood samples were collected from each patient to assess cytokines levels. These were assessed by using a panel by Bio-Plex assays to measure the levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-27, IFN-γ, IFN-α and Blys.Results:We enrolled 89 SLE patients (F/M 87/2, median age 46 years, IQR 14; median disease duration 144 months, IQR 150). The median intake of caffeine was 195 mg/day (IQR 160.5). At the time of the enrollment, 8 patients (8.9%) referred a caffeine intake < 29.1 mg/day (group 1), 27 patients (30.3%) between 29.2 and 153.7 mg/day (group 2), 45 patients (51%) between 153.8 and 376.5 mg/day (group 3) and 9 patients (10.1%) >376.6 mg/day (group 4). A negative correlation between the levels of caffeine and disease activity, evaluated with SLEDAI-2K, was observed (p=0.01, r=-0.26). By comparing the four groups, a significant higher prevalence of lupus nephritis, neuropsychiatric involvement, haematological manifestations, hypocomplementemia and anti-dsDNA positivity was observed in patients with less intake of caffeine (figure 1 A-E). Furthermore, patients with less intake of caffeine showed a significant more frequent use of glucocorticoids [group 4: 22.2%,versusgroup 1 (50.0%, p=0.0001), group 2 (55.5%, p=0.0001), group 3 (40.0%, p=0.009)]. Moving on cytokines analysis, a negative correlation between daily caffeine consumption and serum level of IFNγ was found (p=0.03, r=-0.2) (figure 2A); furthermore, patients with more caffeine intake showed significant lower levels of IFNα (p=0.02, figure 2B), IL-17 (p=0.01, figure 2C) and IL-6 (p=0.003, figure 2D).Conclusion:This is the first report demonstrating the impact of caffeine on SLE disease activity status, as demonstrated by the inverse correlation between its intake and both SLEDAI-2k values and cytokines levels. Moreover, in our cohort, patients with less caffeine consumption seems to have a more severe disease phenotype, especially in terms of renal and neuropsychiatric involvement. Our results seem to suggest a possible immunoregulatory dose-dependent effect of caffeine, through the modulation of serum cytokine levels, as already suggested byin vitroanalysis.References:[1]Kaul et alNat. Rev. Dis. Prim.2016; 2. Aronsen et alEurop Joul of Pharm2014; 3. Iris et alClin Immun.2018; 4. Gladman et al J Rheumatol. 2002; 5. Mikuls et alArth Rheum2002Disclosure of Interests:Valeria Orefice: None declared, Fulvia Ceccarelli: None declared, cristiana barbati: None declared, Ramona Lucchetti: None declared, Giulio Olivieri: None declared, enrica cipriano: None declared, Francesco Natalucci: None declared, Carlo Perricone: None declared, Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Consultant of: Novartis, Gilead, Lilly, Sanofi, Celgene, Speakers bureau: Lilly, cristiano alessandri Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Guido Valesini: None declared, Fabrizio Conti Speakers bureau: BMS, Lilly, Abbvie, Pfizer, Sanofi



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