scholarly journals Neurophysiological Mechanisms of Mother–Young Bonding in Buffalo and Other Farm Animals

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1968
Author(s):  
Agustín Orihuela ◽  
Daniel Mota-Rojas ◽  
Ana Strappini ◽  
Francesco Serrapica ◽  
Ada Braghieri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Learning ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Postpartum Care ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Sensitive Period ◽  
Learning Mechanism ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Neurophysiological Mechanisms ◽  
Cow Calf ◽  
Communal Rearing

In buffaloes and other mammalian farm species, the mother provides food and protection to the young, but she is also the main source of behavioral and social learning for the offspring. It is important that mother and young establish a bond based on a learning mechanism defined as “imprinting” early after parturition during the sensitive period, on which the welfare and survival of the offspring will depend. This review aims to summarize and discuss current knowledge regarding the imprinting process, the neurobiological pathways that are triggered during this sensitive period, and the development of the cow–calf bond. Touch, hearing, vision, and smell seem to be the predominant senses involved during imprinting in buffaloes and other mammalian farm species. In buffalo, bonding is very particular due to the expression of specific behaviors, such as allo-suckling and communal rearing. In general, imprinting and the subsequent bond may be affected by the lack of experience of the mothers or dystocic parturitions, which occur most frequently with male calves and in primiparous dams. The main problems in the development of this process include lack of seeking a protected and isolated place to give birth; moving from the birth-site after parturition; insufficient postpartum care; aversion or aggressiveness towards the newborn, or abandonment of the newborn. The process can develop differently according to the species. However, the correct development of the cow–calf relationship represents, regardless of the species, a key factor for their fitness.

scholarly journals Bone morphogenetic proteins, breast cancer, and bone metastases: striking the right balance

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (10) ◽  
pp. R349-R366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Zabkiewicz ◽  
Jeyna Resaul ◽  
Rachel Hargest ◽  
Wen Guo Jiang ◽  
Lin Ye
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Breast Tumour ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Foetal Development ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
The Right

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) belong to the TGF-β super family, and are essential for the regulation of foetal development, tissue differentiation and homeostasis and a multitude of cellular functions. Naturally, this has led to the exploration of aberrance in this highly regulated system as a key factor in tumourigenesis. Originally identified for their role in osteogenesis and bone turnover, attention has been turned to the potential role of BMPs in tumour metastases to, and progression within, the bone niche. This is particularly pertinent to breast cancer, which commonly metastasises to bone, and in which studies have revealed aberrations of both BMP expression and signalling, which correlate clinically with breast cancer progression. Ultimately a BMP profile could provide new prognostic disease markers. As the evidence suggests a role for BMPs in regulating breast tumour cellular function, in particular interactions with tumour stroma and the bone metastatic microenvironment, there may be novel therapeutic potential in targeting BMP signalling in breast cancer. This review provides an update on the current knowledge of BMP abnormalities and their implication in the development and progression of breast cancer, particularly in the disease-specific bone metastasis.

scholarly journals Sperm Metabolomics through Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1669
Author(s):  
Marta Lombó ◽  
Sara Ruiz-Díaz ◽  
Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán ◽  
María-Jesús Sánchez-Calabuig
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ◽  
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Plasma Metabolites ◽  
Resonance Spectroscopy ◽  
Nuclear Magnetic

This report reviews current knowledge of sperm metabolomics analysis using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1 H-NMR) with particular emphasis on human and farm animals. First, we present the benefits of NMR over other techniques to identify sperm metabolites and then describe the specific methodology required for NMR sperm analysis, stressing the importance of analyzing metabolites extracted from both the hydrophilic and lipophilic phases. This is followed by a description of advances produced to date in the use of NMR to diagnose infertility in humans and to identify metabolic differences among the sperm of mammalian herbivore, carnivore, and omnivore species. This last application of NMR mainly seeks to explore the possible use of lipids to fuel sperm physiology, contrary to previous theories that glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) are the only sources of sperm energy. This review describes the use of NMR to identify sperm and seminal plasma metabolites as possible indicators of semen quality, and to examine the metabolites needed to maintain sperm motility, induce their capacitation, and consequently, to predict animal fertility.

scholarly journals DUX4 Role in Normal Physiology and in FSHD Muscular Dystrophy

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 3322
Author(s):  
Emanuele Mocciaro ◽  
Valeria Runfola ◽  
Paola Ghezzi ◽  
Maria Pannese ◽  
Davide Gabellini
Keyword(s):  
Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Embryonic Development ◽  
Transcriptional Activation ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Healthy Humans ◽  
Somatic Tissues ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Development Regulation

In the last decade, the sequence-specific transcription factor double homeobox 4 (DUX4) has gone from being an obscure entity to being a key factor in important physiological and pathological processes. We now know that expression of DUX4 is highly regulated and restricted to the early steps of embryonic development, where DUX4 is involved in transcriptional activation of the zygotic genome. While DUX4 is epigenetically silenced in most somatic tissues of healthy humans, its aberrant reactivation is associated with several diseases, including cancer, viral infection and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). DUX4 is also translocated, giving rise to chimeric oncogenic proteins at the basis of sarcoma and leukemia forms. Hence, understanding how DUX4 is regulated and performs its activity could provide relevant information, not only to further our knowledge of human embryonic development regulation, but also to develop therapeutic approaches for the diseases associated with DUX4. Here, we summarize current knowledge on the cellular and molecular processes regulated by DUX4 with a special emphasis on FSHD muscular dystrophy.

Sense of Acceptance: Key Factor of Social Learning

2013 ◽  
pp. 217-220
Author(s):  
Hiroaki Kawamichi ◽  
Kazufumi Yoshihara ◽  
Ryo Kitada ◽  
Masahiro Matsunaga ◽  
Akihiro Sasaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Learning ◽  
Key Factor

scholarly journals GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM: STEM AND PROGENITOR CELLS IN ANIMAL GROWTH: Long noncoding RNAs in adipogenesis and adipose development of meat animals12

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (6) ◽  
pp. 2644-2657
Author(s):  
Shengjuan Wei ◽  
Anning Li ◽  
Lifan Zhang ◽  
Min Du
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Noncoding Rnas ◽  
Growth Efficiency ◽  
Long Noncoding Rnas ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Sequencing Technology ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Stem And Progenitor Cells ◽  
Adipose Tissue Development ◽  
Animal Growth

Abstract Sequencing technology, especially next-generation RNA sequencing, has greatly facilitated the identification and annotation of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). In mammals, a large number of lncRNAs have been identified, which regulate various biological processes. An increasing number of lncRNAs have been identified which could function as key regulators of adipogenesis (adipocyte formation), a key step of the development of adipose tissue. Because proper adipose tissue development is a key factor affecting animal growth efficiency, lean/fat ratio, and meat quality, summarizing the roles and recent advances of lncRNAs in adipogenesis is needed in order to develop strategies to effectively manage fat deposition. In this review, we updated lncRNAs contributed to the regulation of adipogenesis, focusing on their roles in fat development of farm animals.

scholarly journals Mechanismen der Bewältigung von Stress

2000 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 441-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. von Borell
Keyword(s):  
Stress Response ◽  
Stress Responses ◽  
Physical Nature ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Neural Pathways ◽  
Neural Signals ◽  
Psychological Stressors ◽  
Central Nervous Systems ◽  
Neurophysiological Mechanisms

Abstract. Title of the paper: Coping strategies during stress The response to Stressors requires a progression of events beginning with sensing and signalling the animal's various biological mechanisms that a threat exists. These events are followed by activation of neurophysiological mechanisms to mount a biological effort to resist and prevent major damage. The various sensory detectors not only receive the information but transform that information into neural signals that are transmitted to either or botn cognitive and non-cognitive centres of the nervous system to generate a co-ordinated response to the challenge. The hypothalamic-adrenal medullary system involves the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, the sympathetic neural pathways to the adrenal medulla, and the release of epinephrine by the adrenal gland. This short acting stressresponse was originally proposed by W. Cannon and is referred to as the Fight-Flight Syndrome (FFS). The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) stress-response System represents a longer-term, sustained response to Stressors and was conceptualised by Hans Selye (General Adaptation Syndrome, GAS). The major adrenal cortical hormones are corticosteroids and aldosterone. These two classical stress response Systems have been linked to different coping pattern in that FFS is primarily activated in situations of threat of control, whereas the pituitary-adrenocortical System is activated in situations of loss of control. Besides these classical physiological Systems other Systems are activated during stress, including the immune system. Recent research suggests that the endocrine, immune and central nervous Systems interact and respond to stressful Stimuli in a co-ordinated manner. The presence of hormones, neurotransmitters and receptors common to all three Systems Supports the view that communication exists between these Systems. Psychological Stressors perceived as threats may be equally important as those of a physical nature in challenging coping mechanisms. Situations of uncertainty, social pressure and fear are potent Stressors with relevance for the well-being of animals, leading to severe damage to specific target organs and tissues or even to death in some species. Studies on stress responses in farm animals are often conducted on the basis of single physiological alterations or irregular behavioural phenomena that might be difficult to interpret. Non-invasive methods for measuring stress-indicating parameters have been developed in addition to classical descriptive behavioural observations, allowing an evaluation of stress by multiple criteria under different housing conditions and handling procedures.

Listeria monocytogenes at the interface between ruminants and humans: A comparative pathology and pathogenesis review

2021 ◽  
pp. 030098582110526
Author(s):  
Stefano Bagatella ◽  
Leticia Tavares-Gomes ◽  
Anna Oevermann
Keyword(s):  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Intracellular Pathogen ◽  
Comparative Pathology ◽  
Natural Hosts ◽  
Invasive Infections ◽  
Key Features ◽  
Intracellular Infections

The bacterium Listeria monocytogenes ( Lm) is widely distributed in the environment as a saprophyte, but may turn into a lethal intracellular pathogen upon ingestion. Invasive infections occur in numerous species worldwide, but most commonly in humans and farmed ruminants, and manifest as distinct forms. Of those, neuroinfection is remarkably threatening due to its high mortality. Lm is widely studied not only as a pathogen but also as an essential model for intracellular infections and host-pathogen interactions. Many aspects of its ecology and pathogenesis, however, remain unclear and are rarely addressed in its natural hosts. This review highlights the heterogeneity and adaptability of Lm by summarizing its association with the environment, farm animals, and disease. It also provides current knowledge on key features of the pathology and (molecular) pathogenesis of various listeriosis forms in naturally susceptible species with a special focus on ruminants and on the neuroinvasive form of the disease. Moreover, knowledge gaps on pathomechanisms of listerial infections and relevant unexplored topics in Lm pathogenesis research are highlighted.

When Conventionality isn’t Enough: Three-year-olds Overimitation of Action Sequences

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Merwin
Keyword(s):  
Social Learning ◽  
Alternative Explanation ◽  
Goal Achievement ◽  
Learning Mechanism ◽  
Intentional Actions ◽  
Action Sequences

Imitation is a universal social learning mechanism. Children are so prone to imitation that they occasionally exhibit “overimitation” – imitation of actions that are superfluous to achieving a goal. One explanation for overimitation is that children believe that there is something causal about these actions. An alternative explanation is that children believe the superfluous actions reflect conventions. The first study addresses these possibilities by investigating whether the conventionality of actions affects children’s overimitation. We reasoned that if children believe that the actor’s superfluous actions are causal, they might overimitate anytime those intentional actions precede the achievement of a goal. However, if children are more concerned about conventional ways of doing things, they might only overimitate superfluous actions when they are being presented as conventions. Participants were allowed to use a novel toy machine after a model performed causally relevant and superfluous actions on the toy. Results suggested that children overimitated more when the model was knowledgeable about the toy machine. This suggests that children do not simply overimitate any intentional actions that precede a goal. Instead, they selectively overimitate when there is evidence that those actions are conventional. The second study examined whether children would overimitate superfluous actions performed after the achievement of a goal. If children view all actions of a knowledgeable model as conventions and view the superfluous actions of an ignorant model as exploratory, they will overmitate more in the knowledgeable condition. Results suggest that children do not significantly overimitate the superfluous actions performed subsequent to goal achievement. 

The applicability of motor learning to neurorehabilitation

2015 ◽  
pp. 55-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
John W. Krakauer
Keyword(s):  
Motor Learning ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Sensitive Period ◽  
Biological Recovery ◽  
Learning Mechanism ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Non Invasive

Rehabilitation is a form of directed training and is therefore predicated on the idea that patients respond to such training by learning. Current concepts in motor learning are reviewed. Recovery is not synonymous with re-learning and that it is important to be specific about what learning mechanism is being targeted by any given therapy. There is a unique milieu of heightened plasticity post-stroke that is responsible for reduction in impairment both through spontaneous biological recovery and increased responsiveness to training. In the chronic phase of stroke, plasticity returns to normal levels and learning for the most part only leads to task-specific compensation. Thus, new forms of intervention may have quite distinct effects depending on whether they are initiated in the sensitive period after stroke or in the chronic phase. It is to be hoped that new pharmacological and non-invasive brain stimulation approaches will allow the post-stroke sensitive period to be augmented, extended, and re-opened.

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