Involvement of non-LTR retrotransposons in the cancer incidence and lifespan of mammals

The natural occurrence of closely related species that show drastic differences in lifespan and cancer incidence raised the interest in finding the particular adaptations and genomic characteristics underlying the evolution of long lifespans. Studies on transposable elements (TEs) have more and more linked them to ageing and cancer development. In this study, we compared the TE content and dynamics in the genomes of four Rodent and six Chiroptera species that show very different lifespans and cancer susceptibility including the long-lived and refractory to cancer naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber), the long-lived fruit bats (Pteropus vampyrus, Rousettus aegypticaus) and the short-lived velvety free-tailed bat (Molossus molossus). By analysing the patterns of recent TE accumulation (TEs that are potentially currently active) in high-quality genome assemblies, we found that the shared genomic characteristics between long-lived species that are refractory to cancer, is the strong suppression, or negative selection against the accumulation, of non-LTR retrotransposons. All the short-lived species did show a recent accumulation of these TEs. Non-LTR retrotransposons have been often found to take part in the immune response of the host against viral infections, but their dysregulation can lead to phenomena of "sterile inflammation" and "inflammageing". Therefore, we hypothesise that the uncontrolled non-LTR retrotransposon activity is an important factor explaining the evolution of shorter lifespans in both Rodents and Chiroptera species and potentially in all mammals. Finally, these results suggest that non-LTR retrotransposons can be agents promoting cancer and ageing in mammals thus they may be targets of future oncological therapies.

Understanding human-flying fox interactions in the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary as basis for conservation policy interventions

There is no documented flying fox hunting study done in the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS) which is known to harbor many threatened wildlife species. The Large Flying Fox Pteropus vampyrus is known to be threatened by hunting in the AMWS despite existing laws, such as the Wildlife Act. We conducted semi-structured interviews from September 2017 to January 2018 with 240 hunters in 10 villages through purposive sampling to determine the socio-demographic and economic profile of the hunters, their conservation awareness, perceptions on the monitoring scheme and enforcement, possible hunting patterns, and hunting drivers. Results showed that farming and fishing are the most common livelihoods of hunters. Most hunters achieved an education at the elementary level (42.9%), and belong to a household with 4–6 members (55.5%), often with only one member having a meager daily income (80.7%). Annual flooding was the main economic constraint to the hunters. Largely comprised of indigenous Manobos (62.9%), the majority of hunters did not believe in avoiding taboo species (85.4%). Most of the hunters were unaware of laws protecting Wildlife (62.9%) and unable to differentiate between threatened and non-threatened species (86.3%). Poor implementation of the monitoring scheme and insufficient enforcement were also observed in AMWS. Kites with hooks (55%) and guns (31.7%) were used to hunt P. vampyrus mostly for local consumption (83.3%). Multivariate analysis revealed that daily income and engagement in conservation negatively affected hunting intensity. With many constraints in totally banning hunting in poor and wildlife-dependent indigenous communities in AMWS, flexible policies must be considered. It is more reasonable and realistic to consider science-based hunting quotas in policy interventions to balance conservation and human welfare. Positive behavioral change towards sustainable hunting and trading bans requires a combination of effective education campaigns, engagement of indigenous communities in conservation, improved enforcement, and sustainable livelihood programs.

Detection of Tioman Virus in Pteropus vampyrus Near Flores, Indonesia

Diverse paramyxoviruses have coevolved with their bat hosts, including fruit bats such as flying foxes (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae). Several of these viruses are zoonotic, but the diversity and distribution of Paramyxoviridae are poorly understood. We screened pooled feces samples from three Pteropus vampyrus colonies and assayed tissues, rectal swabs, and oral swabs from 95 individuals of 23 pteropodid species sampled at 17 sites across the Indonesian archipelago with a conventional paramyxovirus PCR; all tested negative. Samples from 43 individuals were screened with next generation sequencing (NGS), and a single Pteropus vampyrus collected near Flores had Tioman virus sequencing reads. Tioman virus is a bat-borne virus in the genus Pararubulavirus with prior evidence of spillover to humans. This work expands the known range of Tioman virus, and it is likely that this isolated colony likely has sustained intergenerational transmission over a long period.

Morphology and ectoparasite spectrum of Pteropus vampyrus (the flying fox) in different parts of Malakand Division, Pakistan

Three districts viz. Lower Dir, Swat and Shangla in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, were surveyed for the collection of Pteropus vampyrus (the Indian flying fox) in Malakand division, the north western region of Pakistan from February to November 2018. A total of 35 specimens were captured. Out of the examined specimens 22 were found to be infected with ectoparasites. Three types of ectoparasites were observed including flies 20% (n=7/35), mites 28.5% (n=10/35) and bugs 14.2% (n=5/35). Male bats were more infected 57.1% (n=20/35) as compared to females 42.8% (n=15/35), however, no significant difference (p>0.05) was noted. Flies were recovered from wings membrane and head region, mites were found on wings, ears and around eyes while bugs were found attached on body surface and neck region. Body weight, circumference and wing span of male bats were greater as compared to female bats and were considered a key factor in clear cut identification of male and female Pteropus vampyrus (the Indian flyingfox). It was concluded that Pteropus vampyrus from north western part of Pakistan were parasitized by a varied parasite fauna with high infestation rates. We assume that in male bats the number of parasites is generally higher than in females. Our results revealed new insights into parasite fauna of Pteropus vampyrus.

Anatomical Structure of Large Flying-Fox Bat’s (Pteropus vampyrus) Forelimb Skeleton

Large Flying-fox (Pteropus vampyrus) is a fruit-eating bat that belongs to the Chiroptera order. Anatomical variations in various animals affected by different feed and behavior. The Large Flying-fox Bat is a flying mammal that undergoes morphological adaptation regarding its environment and behavior. The forelimb of bat adapt to flying properties. The aim of this research is to determine the anatomical structure of Pteropus vampyrus forelimb. To find out the anatomical structure, Pteropus vampyrus skinned with a knife and sandpaper until it appears the parts of muscles and bones. This species has forearm length of 145-220 mm and has a very high flying habit.

KARAKTERISTIK MORFOLOGI DAN DISTRIBUSI KARBOHIDRAT NETRAL PADA UTERUS KELELAWAR BUAH (Pteropus vampyrus) ASAL PULAU TIMOR

Timorese fruit bat(Pteropusvampyrus)is the only fly mammalian with its unique behavior which hanging upside down inspite of its pregnancy. This research is aimed to reveal the morphology of the Timorese fruit bats and the distribution of neutral carbohydrate within this organ. Three uterus samples derived from three different Timorese fruit bats were used in the research.Both macroscopical and microscopical examinations using H&E and PAS methods were applied. Macroscopically, Timorese fruit bats showedsoft reddish white duplex uterus. Meanwhile microscopically, endometrium consisted of epithelial layer and lamina propria and was the place where simple tubular glands located. The epithelial layer comprised of simple cylindric secretory cells and ciliated cells. Neutral carbohydrate distribution was seen within this epithelial layer. Myometrium was a thick circular smooth muscle layer which consisted of smooth muscle separated by collagen and elastic fibre. Perimetrium was a visceral layer and consisted of mesothelial cells.

Comparative Anatomy and Histology of Digestive Organs of Fruit-Eating Bats (Pteropus Vampyrus Linnaeus, 1758) and Insect-Eating Bats (Rhinolopus pusillus Temminck, 1834)

Animal Bat consists of Megachiroptera and Microchiroptera. The difference between the two bats lies in the type and behavior of eating. Megachiroptera is a fruit-eating bat, while Microchiroptera is an insect-eating bat. This study aims to compare the digestive organ of fruit-eating bats (Pteropus vampyrus) and insect-eating bats (Rhinolopus pusillus). This research was conducted by observing macroanatomy and microanatomy in the digestive organ of both bats. Macroanatomy observation is done by looking at the shape and curvature of the analysis through organ photo media. Microanatomy observation was done by making organ preparations with hematoxylin-eosin staining and observed using a microscope. The digestive organ of fruit-eating bats and insectivores consists of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum and rectum. Macroanatomically, fruit-eating bats and insectivores differ in size, where the fruit-eating bat's digestive organs are larger than insectivorous bats. Microanatomically, fruit-eating bats and insectivores have relatively similar histological structures, which differ only in the size of the cell.