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Topic Review
Elovl4 genes in Sparus aurata
Very long-chain (˃C24) fatty acids (VLC-FA) play critical roles during early development of vertebrates, since these compounds are accumulated in the rapidly forming neural tissues, ensuring their normal function. However, despite their putative importance, the study of VLC-FA in fish is scarce. Biosynthesis of VLC-FA is carried out by the so-called elongation of very long-chain fatty acid 4 (Elovl4) proteins and, consequently, the complement and function of these enzymes determine the capacity that a given species has for satisfying the physiological demands for VLC-FA, especially during its early development. The present study aimed to characterize elovl4 genes from the marine teleosts Sparus aurata and Solea senegalensis, and determine the function of the corresponding encoded proteins. Moreover, the tissue expression pattern of elovl4 genes was determined. The results confirmed that both fish species possess two distinct Elovl4 proteins termed as Elovl4a and Elovl4b based on their homology to the zebrafish orthologs. Functional assays in yeast denoted that both Elovl4a and Elovl4b from both species had the capability to elongate C20-24 fatty acid precursors to VLC-FA products. However, Elovl4b appeared to have a higher activity than Elovl4a elongating all the polyunsaturated fatty acid substrates assayed to longer chain polyunsaturated products, especially on the n-3 series. Gene expression results indicated that, although elovl4 transcripts were detected in most tissues analyzed, elovl4 genes were more strongly expressed in both species neural tissues such as brain and eyes, which showed the highest expression levels of elovl4a and elovl4b, respectively. These results are consistent with the functions of Elovl4 from other vertebrates. Importantly, these findings contribute to a better understanding of the VLC-FA biosynthetic pathway in marine teleosts, highlighting the crucial role that Elovl4 products carry out for the correct development and maintenance of neurophysiologic functions during early stages of the fish development.
  • 1.5K
  • 28 Oct 2020
Topic Review
High-resolution melt method
HRM (High-resolution melt) analysis is a powerful molecular biology detection method used for the identification of genetic mutations, DNA methylation analysis or species identification. 
  • 1.4K
  • 27 Oct 2020
Topic Review
The Chicken MHC
The chicken immune system has provided an immense contribution to basic immunology knowledge by establishing major landmarks and discoveries that defined concepts widely used today. One of many special features on chickens is the presence of a compact and simple major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Despite its simplicity, the chicken MHC maintains the essential counterpart genes of the mammalian MHC, allowing for a strong association to be detected between the MHC and resistance or susceptibility to infectious diseases. This association has been widely studied for several poultry infectious diseases, including infectious bronchitis. In addition to the MHC and its linked genes, other non-MHC loci may play a role in the mechanisms underlying such resistance. It has been reported that innate immune responses, such as macrophage function and inflammation, might be some of the factors driving resistance or susceptibility, consequently influencing the disease outcome in an individual or a population. Information about innate immunity and genetic resistance can be helpful in developing effective preventative measures for diseases such as infectious bronchitis, to which a systemic antibody response is often not associated with disease protection.
  • 1.4K
  • 19 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Parasites, Bacteria and Viruses of Glis glis
Rodents (Rodentia), due to their number and species diversity, are important elements of natural ecosystems. Some species of rodents are widely distributed. Glis glis (Linnaeus, 1766) (Rodentia, Gliridae) is one such species. An overview of the parasites, bacteria and viruses of G. glis inhabiting the Western Palearctic is given.
  • 1.4K
  • 08 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Farm Animal Emotions
Emotion is a state and not a trait.
  • 1.4K
  • 07 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
This entry presents B-mode and color Doppler imaging of the prostate and testes in dogs suffering from benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), and receiving Deslorelin Acetate (SuprelorinTM) or Osaterone Acetate (YpozaneTM). The study was planned as a controlled clinical trial, dogs were divided into negative control (healthy dogs, n = 10), positive control (dogs with BPH, n = 10), and study groups, III (n = 15), receiving deslorelin acetate (DA), and IV (n = 10), receiving osaterone acetate (OA). The B-mode appearance of the prostate parenchyma improved in all investigated dogs from the DA group, and in 60% of OA dogs.
  • 1.4K
  • 30 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Welfare of Italian Heavy Pigs
Italian heavy pigs are characterized by much higher body weights and age at slaughter (approximately 160–170 kg, and over 9 months of age) than the majority of pigs reared in Europe. This results in peculiar behavioral and rearing-related needs compared to smaller pigs. However, there is a limited body of research dealing with the welfare of this productive category, and several aspects have not been investigated yet. In particular, the lack of knowledge on space requirements, injuries, and positive welfare (included human–animal relationships) are crucial aspects that should be explored in order to define a baseline to set up measures for the improvement of the production system. It is hoped that this content will help to promote knowledge and specific policies aimed at enhancing the ethical attributes of this renowned production, thus improving animal welfare, meeting consumers’ expectations, and increasing the value of its marketing chain.
  • 1.4K
  • 05 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Global Research Trends in Odonata during 2012-2021
Among the aquatic insect orders, Odonata have stood out because of their high habitat specificity and well-resolved taxonomy. The increase in ecological studies on Odonata may reflect the dynamic characteristics of this order, and its relatively well-defined systematics, especially in the case of adults. Despite the increased number of publications in the the Web of Science (WoS) database, there are still many spatial gaps (e.g., poorly studied regions/countries), and gaps in study focus, such as basic biology (e.g., life cycle, anatomy, physiology, habitat), biogeography, parasitism, competition within and between species, evolutionary and phylogenetic relationships, and Odonata eggs. This demonstrates that some areas are seriously neglected.
  • 1.4K
  • 16 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Sperm Cryopreservation Protocol
The storage of frozen sperm samples from birds in Germoplasm Banks could be a way out for the conservation of thousands of threatened species. The cryopreserved samples could be later used in reintroduction projects. This technology also allows for the selection of individuals of genetic interest and the exchange of samples between distant locations. Although the sperm cryopreservation is greatly developed in domestic species, in birds it is still in its infancy. The objective of this study was optimize the cryopreservation protocol in a bird of prey, peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) which could be used as a model for other threats. Thus, the freezing/thawing protocol and the type and concentration of cryoprotectant were evaluated.
  • 1.4K
  • 30 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Avian Influenza Virus in Bangladesh
Highly pathogenic H5N1 and low pathogenic H9N2 avian influenza viruses are circulating in Bangladesh since 2007 causing serious economic losses to the country. Multiple virus introductions of different clades of HPAIV H5N1, reassorted genotypes, and on-going diversification of LPAIV H9N2 create a highly volatile virological environment which potentially implicates increased virulence, adaptation to new host species, and subsequent zoonotic transmission.
  • 1.4K
  • 22 Jul 2020
Topic Review
Alzheimer’s Disease, Breast, Prostate Cancer
Noncommunicable diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, breast and prostate cancer, are becoming increasingly prevalent in Western countries. To better elucidate the onset and evolution of these pathologies and ultimately design new preventive and therapeutic strategies, research activities focused on these biomedical areas have been supported by the European Union in the last two decades. While research has globally contributed increasing our understanding of the pathological mechanisms underlying these diseases, the failure rate in drug development still remains very high. Nowadays, it is important to monitor contribution to innovation and impact of funded research by means of defined indicators.
  • 1.3K
  • 28 Jul 2020
Topic Review
Maedi-Visna in Dairy Sheep
Maedi-visna in sheep is a chronic viral disease with worldwide distribution causing significant monetary losses in the sheep sector. Lack of effective treatment or vaccines, knowledge gaps regarding the epizootiology of the disease (e.g. significance of vertical and horizontal transmission) and the scarcity of protocols for the early and efficient diagnosis of maedi-visna infections are the major obstacles in the implementation of universally accepted control programs. The diagnostic methods currently used are based on the detection of either antibodies or the viral genome. In general, accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the available serological and molecular assays vary and therefore, modifications on the diagnostic protocols on an evidential basis are necessary. Therefore, the combination of diagnostic assays and the development of effective strategies for mass implementation thereof are critical targets to achieve and constitute major challenges in maedi-visna research field.
  • 1.3K
  • 28 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Trichuriasis
Trichuriasis is the clinical disease of animals infected with the parasite of the genus Trichuris. This review attempts to present information on Trichuris spp. infestation in neo-tropical rodents that are utilized for meat consumption by humans
  • 1.3K
  • 22 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Oocyte
The efficiency of producing embryos using in vitro technologies in cattle species remains lower when compared to other mammalian species such as mice, indicating that the proportion of female gametes that fail to develop after in vitro manipulation is considerably large. Considering that the intrinsic quality of the oocyte is one of the main factors affecting embryo production, the precise identification of noninvasive markers that predict oocyte competence is of major interest. 
  • 1.3K
  • 07 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Environmental and Human-related Factors Affecting Zoo-Housed Otters
Zoos and aquaria have the ethical responsibility to provide animals under their care with conditions that promote good welfare. This research evaluated the combined influence of human presence and environmental factors on the behaviour of zoo-housed Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus).
  • 1.3K
  • 15 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Animal to Human Efficacy Data
Reports of a reproducibility crisis combined with a high attrition rate in the pharmaceutical industry have put animal research increasingly under scrutiny in the past decade. Many researchers and the general public now question whether there is still a justification for conducting animal studies. While criticism of the current modus operandi in preclinical research is certainly warranted, the data on which these discussions are based are often unreliable. Several initiatives to address the internal validity and reporting quality of animal studies (e.g., Animals in Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) and Planning Research and Experimental Procedures on Animals: Recommendations for Excellence (PREPARE) guidelines) have been introduced but seldom implemented. As for external validity, progress has been virtually absent. Nonetheless, the selection of optimal animal models of disease may prevent the conducting of clinical trials, based on unreliable preclinical data. Here, we discuss three contributions to tackle the evaluation of the predictive value of animal models of disease themselves. First, we developed the Framework to Identify Models of Disease (FIMD), the first step to standardise the assessment, validation and comparison of disease models. FIMD allows the identification of which aspects of the human disease are replicated in the animals, facilitating the selection of disease models more likely to predict human response. Second, we show an example of how systematic reviews and meta-analyses can provide another strategy to discriminate between disease models quantitatively. Third, we explore whether external validity is a factor in animal model selection in the Investigator’s Brochure (IB), and we use the IB-derisk tool to integrate preclinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data in early clinical development. Through these contributions, we show how we can address external validity to evaluate the translatability and scientific value of animal models in drug development. However, while these methods have potential, it is the extent of their adoption by the scientific community that will define their impact. By promoting and adopting high-quality study design and reporting, as well as a thorough assessment of the translatability of drug efficacy of animal models of disease, we will have robust data to challenge and improve the current animal research paradigm.
  • 1.3K
  • 31 Jul 2020
Topic Review
PCV-2: Genetics and Immunity
Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) is a member of the family Circoviridae, genus Circovirus, featured by a remarkable evolutionary capability and genetic heterogenicity. Although an overall cross-protection among strains seems to occur, some epidemiological evidence suggests that some differences might be in place among strains, with potential consequences on vaccine efficacy also.
  • 1.3K
  • 15 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Felid Cardiopulmonary Nematodes
Felid cardiopulmonary nematodes belong to the superfamily Metastrongyloidea and mainly to the species Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Troglostrongylus brevior, Oslerus rostratus (parasites of the airways), and Angiostrongylus chabaudi (parasite of the pulmonary artery and right chambers of the heart).
  • 1.3K
  • 26 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Selenium
Selenium is a microelement which intake is essential for correct function of the metabolism. In a dog’s body, it is important, for example, for its antioxidant function, its role in thyroid metabolism, synthesis of DNA, or reproduction. It seems that it also plays an important role in prevention and treatment of cancer.
  • 1.3K
  • 18 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Parent Origin and Wolves' Conflict
We researched whether the behavior of young migrating wolves (loners), after they leave the pack, resembles parent pack (PP) behavior. Fourteen loners entering the Netherlands could be identified and genetically linked to their PPs. Like their PPs, some young wolves killed sheep and were near humans, others killed sheep and did not approach humans, while two loners were unproblematic, they did not kill sheep nor were they in proximity to humans. Thus, the PP behavior did predict loner’s behavior and human-wildlife conflicts may be similar between young wolves and their PPs. However, conflicts need not arise. To achieve that, new prevention methods are proposed to teach wolves in the PP not to approach sheep and humans. As a result, new generations may not be problematic when leaving the PP.
  • 1.3K
  • 01 Jul 2021
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