1
|
Jiang S, Yu S, Feng Y, Zhang L, Santin M, Xiao L, Li W. Widespread distribution of human-infective Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes in small rodents in northeast China and phylogeny and zoonotic implications revisited. Acta Trop 2024; 253:107160. [PMID: 38408590 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi features high genetic diversity among host species and environmental sources and over 500 genotypes in 11 phylogenetic groups have been defined. Here we investigated 291 small rodents in Heilongjiang province, northeast China, for the presence of E. bieneusi by PCR of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Nine of 60 (15.0 %) gray squirrels from a park in Harbin, 120 of 201 (59.7 %) guinea pigs from a pet shop in Harbin, and two of 30 (6.7 %) peridomestic rats from a pasture in Qiqihar were positive for the parasite. Six known genotypes (EbpB, SCC-1, SCC-2, D, S7 and HLJ-CP1) and two novel genotypes (NESQ1 and NEGP1) were identified by sequence analysis of the ITS, with EbpB, SCC-1, SCC-2 and NESQ1 found in squirrels, D, S7 and NEGP1 in guinea pigs, and EbpB and HLJ-CP1 in rats. Widespread distribution of human-infective Group 10 genotype S7 and Group 1 genotype D in guinea pigs raised our concerns about the importance of pet animals as zoonotic reservoirs of microsporidiosis. Co-occurrence of Group 1 genotypes D and HLJ-CP1 in cancer patients and rodents in Heilongjiang indicated a possibility of zoonotic transmission. The host range of Group 1 genotype EbpB previously considered pig-adapted was extended. A potential variant of genotype S7, namely NESQ1, went into the existing Group 10 in phylogenetic analysis. The other new genotype, NEGP1, was clustered in an undefined clade we proposed as Group 15. With the emerging epidemiologic evidence, the host specificity of existing E. bieneusi genotypes is now being challenged.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuning Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Shui Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Monica Santin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, AR, USA
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Wei Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wilson LA, Marr M, Logie C, Beckmann K, Lurz P, Ogden R, Milne E, Everest DJ. Squirrelpox in a red squirrel in Fife. Vet Rec 2024; 194:312. [PMID: 38639234 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.4182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- L A Wilson
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG
| | - M Marr
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG
| | - C Logie
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG
| | - K Beckmann
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG
| | - Pww Lurz
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG
| | - R Ogden
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG
| | - E Milne
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG
| | - D J Everest
- APHA Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Aalsalem MY. An effective hotspot mitigation system for Wireless Sensor Networks using hybridized prairie dog with Genetic Algorithm. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298756. [PMID: 38630730 PMCID: PMC11023404 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) consist of small, multifunctional nodes distributed across various locations to monitor and record parameters. These nodes store data and transmit signals for further processing, forming a crucial topic of study. Monitoring the network's status in WSN applications using clustering systems is essential. Collaboration among sensors from various domains enhances the precision of localised information reporting. However, nodes closer to the data sink consume more energy, leading to hotspot challenges. To address these challenges, this research employs clustering and optimised routing techniques. The aggregation of information involves creating clusters, further divided into sub-clusters. Each cluster includes a Cluster Head (CH) or Sensor Nodes (SN) without a CH. Clustering inherently optimises CHs' capabilities, enhances network activity, and establishes a systematic network topology. This model accommodates both multi-hop and single-hop systems. This research focuses on selecting CHs using a Genetic Algorithm (GA), considering various factors. While GA possesses strong exploration capabilities, it requires effective management. This research uses Prairie Dog Optimization (PDO) to overcome this challenge. The proposed Hotspot Mitigated Prairie with Genetic Algorithm (HM-PGA) significantly improves WSN performance, particularly in hotspot avoidance. With HM-PGA, it achieves a network lifetime of 20913 milliseconds and 310 joules of remaining energy. Comparative analysis with existing techniques demonstrates the superiority of the proposed approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Y. Aalsalem
- Farasan Networking Research Laboratory, College of Computer Science & Information Technology, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Brown KR, Clarke LL, Lien M, Mans C. Cutaneous Histiocytosis in an Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). J Wildl Dis 2024; 60:550-553. [PMID: 38282159 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-23-00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
A free-ranging Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) was presented for ulcerated cutaneous masses at the base of both pinnae in July 2021. Diagnosis of cutaneous histiocytosis was achieved by histologic and immunohistochemical examination of one excised mass and supported by spontaneous resolution of the contralateral mass before the squirrel's release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey R Brown
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine, 2015 Linden Dr., Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | - Lorelei L Clarke
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine, 2015 Linden Dr., Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
- Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 445 Easterday Lane, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | - Molly Lien
- Wisconsin Humane Society, 4500 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53208, USA
| | - Christoph Mans
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine, 2015 Linden Dr., Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Qin T, Ortega-Perez P, Wibbelt G, Lakim MB, Ginting S, Khoprasert Y, Wells K, Hu J, Jäkel T. A cyst-forming coccidian with large geographical range infecting forest and commensal rodents: Sarcocystis muricoelognathis sp. nov. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:135. [PMID: 38491403 PMCID: PMC10943850 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06230-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The geographic distribution and host-parasite interaction networks of Sarcocystis spp. in small mammals in eastern Asia remain incompletely known. METHODS Experimental infections, morphological and molecular characterizations were used for discrimination of a new Sarcocystis species isolated from colubrid snakes and small mammals collected in Thailand, Borneo and China. RESULTS We identified a new species, Sarcocystis muricoelognathis sp. nov., that features a relatively wide geographic distribution and infects both commensal and forest-inhabiting intermediate hosts. Sarcocystis sporocysts collected from rat snakes (Coelognathus radiatus, C. flavolineatus) in Thailand induced development of sarcocysts in experimental SD rats showing a type 10a cyst wall ultrastructure that was identical with those found in Rattus norvegicus from China and the forest rat Maxomys whiteheadi in Borneo. Its cystozoites had equal sizes in all intermediate hosts and locations, while sporocysts and cystozoites were distinct from other Sarcocystis species. Partial 28S rRNA sequences of S. muricoelognathis from M. whiteheadi were largely identical to those from R. norvegicus in China but distinct from newly sequenced Sarcocystis zuoi. The phylogeny of the nuclear 18S rRNA gene placed S. muricoelognathis within the so-called S. zuoi complex, including Sarcocystis attenuati, S. kani, S. scandentiborneensis and S. zuoi, while the latter clustered with the new species. However, the phylogeny of the ITS1-region confirmed the distinction between S. muricoelognathis and S. zuoi. Moreover, all three gene trees suggested that an isolate previously addressed as S. zuoi from Thailand (KU341120) is conspecific with S. muricoelognathis. Partial mitochondrial cox1 sequences of S. muricoelognathis were almost identical with those from other members of the group suggesting a shared, recent ancestry. Additionally, we isolated two partial 28S rRNA Sarcocystis sequences from Low's squirrel Sundasciurus lowii that clustered with those of S. scandentiborneensis from treeshews. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide strong evidence of broad geographic distributions of rodent-associated Sarcocystis and host shifts between commensal and forest small mammal species, even if the known host associations remain likely only snapshots of the true associations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Qin
- School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences and Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunity, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Paula Ortega-Perez
- Department of Pathology, AnaPath Services GmbH, Liestal, Switzerland
- Department Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gudrun Wibbelt
- Department Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Yuvaluk Khoprasert
- Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection Research and Development Office, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Konstans Wells
- Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Junjie Hu
- School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences and Yunnan International Joint Laboratory of Virology & Immunity, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.
| | - Thomas Jäkel
- Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection Research and Development Office, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Institute of Biology, Department of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yu CT, Kandoi S, Periasamy R, Reddy LVK, Follett HM, Summerfelt P, Martinez C, Guillaume C, Bowie O, Connor TB, Lipinski DM, Allen KP, Merriman DK, Carroll J, Lamba DA. Human iPSC-derived photoreceptor transplantation in the cone dominant 13-lined ground squirrel. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:331-342. [PMID: 38335965 PMCID: PMC10937153 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Several retinal degenerations affect the human central retina, which is primarily comprised of cones and is essential for high acuity and color vision. Transplanting cone photoreceptors is a promising strategy to replace degenerated cones in this region. Although this approach has been investigated in a handful of animal models, commonly used rodent models lack a cone-rich region and larger models can be expensive and inaccessible, impeding the translation of therapies. Here, we transplanted dissociated GFP-expressing photoreceptors from retinal organoids differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells into the subretinal space of damaged and undamaged cone-dominant 13-lined ground squirrel eyes. Transplanted cell survival was documented via noninvasive high-resolution imaging and immunohistochemistry to confirm the presence of human donor photoreceptors for up to 4 months posttransplantation. These results demonstrate the utility of a cone-dominant rodent model for advancing the clinical translation of cell replacement therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ching Tzu Yu
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Sangeetha Kandoi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ramesh Periasamy
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - L Vinod K Reddy
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hannah M Follett
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Phyllis Summerfelt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Cassandra Martinez
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chloe Guillaume
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA; School of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Owen Bowie
- School of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Thomas B Connor
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Daniel M Lipinski
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Kenneth P Allen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Biomedical Resource Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Dana K Merriman
- Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI, USA
| | - Joseph Carroll
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Deepak A Lamba
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Steiner M, Huettmann F, Bryans N, Barker B. With super SDMs (machine learning, open access big data, and the cloud) towards more holistic global squirrel hotspots and coldspots. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5204. [PMID: 38433273 PMCID: PMC10909860 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55173-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Species-habitat associations are correlative, can be quantified, and used for powerful inference. Nowadays, Species Distribution Models (SDMs) play a big role, e.g. using Machine Learning and AI algorithms, but their best-available technical opportunities remain still not used for their potential e.g. in the policy sector. Here we present Super SDMs that invoke ML, OA Big Data, and the Cloud with a workflow for the best-possible inference for the 300 + global squirrel species. Such global Big Data models are especially important for the many marginalized squirrel species and the high number of endangered and data-deficient species in the world, specifically in tropical regions. While our work shows common issues with SDMs and the maxent algorithm ('Shallow Learning'), here we present a multi-species Big Data SDM template for subsequent ensemble models and generic progress to tackle global species hotspot and coldspot assessments for a more inclusive and holistic inference.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moriz Steiner
- IUCN Small Mammal Specialist Group (SMSG), IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196, Gland, Switzerland.
- IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC), IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, 1196, Gland, Switzerland.
- EWHALE Lab-Biology and Wildlife Department, Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), Fairbanks, AK, USA.
| | - F Huettmann
- EWHALE Lab-Biology and Wildlife Department, Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - N Bryans
- Oracle for Research, 2300 Oracle Wy, Austin, TX, 78741, USA
| | - B Barker
- Oracle for Research, 2300 Oracle Wy, Austin, TX, 78741, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
McAllister CT, Motriuk-Smith D, McCurdy H, Seville RS. CHARACTERIZATION OF EIMERIA LANCASTERENSIS AND EIMERIA ONTARIOENSIS (APICOMPLEXA: EIMERIIDAE) FOUND IN EASTERN GRAY SQUIRRELS, SCIURUS CAROLINENSIS (RODENTIA: SCIURIDAE), FROM ARKANSAS AND OKLAHOMA. J Parasitol 2024; 110:90-95. [PMID: 38466807 DOI: 10.1645/21-45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
We report the morphological characteristics of oocysts of Eimeria lancasterensisJoseph, 1969, collected from 6 of 6 (100%) eastern gray squirrels, Sciurus carolinensis, collected in Arkansas (n = 3) and Oklahoma (n = 3), and Eimeria ontarioensisLee and Dorney, 1971, recovered from an individual of S. carolinensis from Arkansas. Oocysts of E. lancasterensis were ovoidal to ellipsoidal, measuring (L × W) 24.0 × 14.6 (18-29 × 12-16) µm; shape index (L/W) was 1.6 (1.3-1.8). A micropyle and an oocyst residuum were absent, but up to 2 polar granules were present. Oocysts of E. ontarioensis were piriform and measured 40.6 × 26.0 (37-44 × 23-28); L/W was 1.6 (1.5-1.7). These oocysts possessed a distinct micropyle and rarely a polar granule but lacked an oocyst residuum. The DNA was isolated from both eimerians, and the 18S rDNA genetic markers were PCR-amplified, cloned, sequenced, and analyzed. To our knowledge, this study represents the first time 18S DNA sequence data have been generated from E. lancasterensis and E. ontarioensis found in North American sciurid hosts, as well as new geographic distribution records for these coccidians. In addition, we also include a tabular summary of these 2 species of Eimeria from Sciurus spp. worldwide, with information on their hosts, distribution, and taxonomically important morphological characteristics, including key measurements of oocysts and sporocysts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris T McAllister
- Division of Natural Sciences, Northeast Texas Community College, 2886 FM 1735, Chapel Hill Road, Mt. Pleasant, Texas 75455
| | | | - Hunter McCurdy
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
| | - R Scott Seville
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Casper, Wyoming 82601
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mazzamuto MV, Morandini M, Lampman W, Wauters LA, Preatoni D, Koprowski JL, Martinoli A. Use of infrared thermography to detect reactions to stressful events: does animal personality matter? Integr Zool 2024; 19:224-239. [PMID: 37248795 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The study of the relationship between animal stress and personality for free-ranging animals is limited and provides contrasting results. The perception of stressors by an individual may vary due to its personality, and certain personality traits may help individuals to better cope with them. Using non-invasive infrared thermography (IRT), we investigated the link between physiological and behavioral components expressed during an acute stress event by free-ranging Fremont's squirrels (Tamiasciurus fremonti). We expected that, during the acute stress event of being approached by the researcher, individuals that showed a fast pace-of-life syndrome (bolder, more active, and less social/more aggressive) based on an arena test would exhibit stronger sympathetic-adrenal-medullary system reactivity showing a more intense stress-induced hyperthermia (high core body temperature and low peripheral temperature) than individuals with a slow pace of life (shy, less active, and more social). We successfully employed IRT technology to images of Fremont's squirrels with identification of the individuals' body parts (eye, nose, ear, hind foot). However, we found no support for our hypothesis. Squirrels' body surface temperatures told us more about a squirrel's external environment and less about the thermal state of the body in that environment following a stressful event. Further studies need to assess how to make IRT effective and efficient in the field and improve its performance in studying the relationships between physiology and personality in wildlife.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vittoria Mazzamuto
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Science, University of Arizona, Arizona, USA
- Unità di Analisi e Gestione delle Risorse Ambientali, Dipartimento di Scienze Teoriche e Applicate, Guido Tosi Research Group, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Marina Morandini
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Science, University of Arizona, Arizona, USA
| | - William Lampman
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Science, University of Arizona, Arizona, USA
| | - Lucas Armand Wauters
- Unità di Analisi e Gestione delle Risorse Ambientali, Dipartimento di Scienze Teoriche e Applicate, Guido Tosi Research Group, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Damiano Preatoni
- Unità di Analisi e Gestione delle Risorse Ambientali, Dipartimento di Scienze Teoriche e Applicate, Guido Tosi Research Group, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - John Lad Koprowski
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Science, University of Arizona, Arizona, USA
- Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Wyoming, USA
| | - Adriano Martinoli
- Unità di Analisi e Gestione delle Risorse Ambientali, Dipartimento di Scienze Teoriche e Applicate, Guido Tosi Research Group, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Varese, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Burnett AD, Koprowski JL. Shrub avoidance by an open-adapted ground squirrel in a shrub-encroached environment. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297993. [PMID: 38346052 PMCID: PMC10861037 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Habitat loss and degradation are leading drivers of the widespread decline in wildlife populations, and understanding how wildlife perceive and navigate their environment is useful for predicting responses to future landscape changes. Small mammals play an important role in their environments, however, many species are threatened by rapid environmental change. The Harris' antelope squirrel (Ammospermophilus harrisii) is endemic to the Sonoran Desert but faces multiple landscape changes due to anthropogenic activity. We fitted A. harrisii with radio collars to quantify resource selection and better understand how further environmental change may affect squirrels. Squirrels exhibited differential selection depending on behavior and scale. When selecting for microsites suitable for burrows and alarm calling (i.e., fourth-order selection), squirrels selected for both cacti and shrub portions of the habitat. Overall habitat selection within home ranges (i.e., third-order selection) showed selection against shrub patches, however, suggesting that further shrub encroachment may have consequences for A. harrisii behavior and distribution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra D. Burnett
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States of America
| | - John L. Koprowski
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States of America
- Haub School of Environment & Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jeeves SP, Kotwa JD, Stevens B, Shirose L, Cai HY, Peregrine AS, Mubareka S, Jardine CM. Additional diagnoses of Echinococcus multilocularis in eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) from southern Ontario - results from ongoing surveillance for E. multilocularis in intermediate hosts in Ontario, Canada. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 48:100982. [PMID: 38316509 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.100982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Echinococcus multilocularis, a cestode with zoonotic potential, is now known to have a high prevalence in wild canid definitive hosts of southern Ontario. The distribution of E. multilocularis across this region in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and coyotes (Canis latrans) is widespread yet heterogenous. In contrast, confirmed diagnoses of E. multilocularis in wild free-ranging intermediate hosts within Ontario are currently limited to a single eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus). These findings prompted ongoing surveillance efforts in intermediate host species, primarily rodents. Our report describes the results of passive surveillance through wildlife carcass submissions to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) and targeted active sampling of small mammal species from 2018 to 2023; a second and third eastern chipmunk were found to be infected with E. multilocularis. However, these were the only occurrences from surveillance efforts which collectively totaled 510 rodents and other small mammals. Continued surveillance for E. multilocularis in intermediate hosts is of high importance in light of the recent emergence of this parasite in Ontario.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon P Jeeves
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | | | - Brian Stevens
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Ontario-Nunavut, Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Leonard Shirose
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Ontario-Nunavut, Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Hugh Y Cai
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Andrew S Peregrine
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Samira Mubareka
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Claire M Jardine
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada; Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Ontario-Nunavut, Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hall L, Nichols C, Martelli F, Leng J, Shuttleworth C, La Ragione R. Significant differences in the caecal bacterial microbiota of red and grey squirrels in Britain. J Med Microbiol 2024; 73. [PMID: 38354038 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Red squirrel populations have declined in the UK since the introduction of the grey squirrel, due to resource competition and grey squirrels carrying a squirrelpox virus that is fatal to red squirrels.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. It is not known if the gut microbiota of the two species is similar and if this could impact the survival of red squirrels.Aim. The aim of this study was to profile the caecal microbiota of red and grey squirrels obtained opportunistically from a conservation programme in North Wales.Methodology. Bacterial DNA was extracted from ten red and ten grey squirrels and sent for 16S rRNA sequencing. Three samples from red squirrels returned less than 5000 reads, and so were not carried forward for further analyses.Results. Samples taken from the caeca of red squirrels had significantly lower bacterial diversity and a higher percentage of Bacilli bacteria when compared to samples from grey squirrels. When the abundance of bacterial groups across all levels of phylogenetic classifications was compared between the two groups of squirrels, grey squirrels had a higher abundance of bacteria belonging to the families S24-7, RF39 and Rikenellaceae. Escherichia coli with resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was identified in all samples. Cefotaxime resistance was identified in two samples from grey squirrels along with sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim in one of these samples.Conclusion. Clear differences between the caecal microbiota of the two species of squirrel were identified, which could potentially impact their overall health and ability to compete for resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Hall
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7AL, UK
| | | | - Francesca Martelli
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA -Weybridge), Addlestone, UK
| | - Joy Leng
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7AL, UK
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Craig Shuttleworth
- School of Natural Science, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Roberto La Ragione
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7AL, UK
- School of Biosciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Halhed A, Petrullo L, Boutin S, Dantzer B, McAdam A, Wu M, Cottenie K. Consistent spatial patterns in microbial taxa of red squirrel gut microbiomes. Environ Microbiol Rep 2024; 16:e13209. [PMID: 37943285 PMCID: PMC10866585 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Gut microbiomes are diverse ecosystems whose drivers of variation remain largely unknown, especially in time and space. We analysed a dataset with over 900 red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) gut microbiome samples to identify the drivers of gut microbiome composition in this territorial rodent. The large-scale spatiotemporal replication in the data analysed was an essential component of understanding the assembly of these microbial communities. We identified that the spatial location of the sampled squirrels in their local environment is a key contributor to gut microbial community composition. The non-core gut microbiome (present in less than 75% of gut microbiome samples) had highly localised spatial patterns throughout different seasons and different study areas in the host squirrel population. The core gut microbiome, on the other hand, showed some spatial patterns, though fewer than in the non-core gut microbiome. Environmental transmission of microbiota is the likely contributor to the spatiotemporal distribution observed in the North American red squirrel gut microbiome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Halhed
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of GuelphGuelphCanada
- Department of BiologyCarleton UniversityOttawaCanada
| | - Lauren Petrullo
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Stan Boutin
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonCanada
| | - Ben Dantzer
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Andrew McAdam
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of ColoradoBoulderColoradoUSA
| | - Martin Wu
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Karl Cottenie
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of GuelphGuelphCanada
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Allison AZT, Conway CJ, Goldberg AR. Weather influences survival probability in two coexisting mammals directly and indirectly via competitive asymmetry. Ecology 2024; 105:e4229. [PMID: 38071700 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Ecologists have studied the role of interspecific competition in structuring ecological communities for decades. Differential weather effects on animal competitors may be a particularly important factor contributing to the outcome of competitive interactions, though few studies have tested this hypothesis in free-ranging animals. Specifically, weather might influence competitive dynamics by altering competitor densities and/or per-capita competitive effects on demographic vital rates. We used a 9-year data set of marked individuals to test for direct and interactive effects of weather and competitor density on survival probability in two coexisting mammalian congeners: Columbian ground squirrels (Urocitellus columbianus) and northern Idaho ground squirrels (Urocitellus brunneus). Ambient temperature and precipitation influenced survival probability in both species, but the effects of weather differed between the two species. Moreover, density of the larger Columbian ground squirrel negatively impacted survival probability in the smaller northern Idaho ground squirrel (but not vice versa), and the strength of the negative effect was exacerbated by precipitation. That is, cooler, wetter conditions benefited the larger competitor to the detriment of the smaller species. Our results suggest weather-driven environmental variation influences the competitive equilibrium between ecologically similar mammals of differential body size. Whether future climate change leads to the competitive exclusion of either species will likely depend on the mechanism(s) explaining the coexistence of these competing species. Divergent body size and, hence, differences in thermal tolerance and giving up densities offer potential explanations for the weather-dependent competitive asymmetry we documented, especially if the larger species competitively excludes the smaller species from habitat patches of shared preference via interference.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Austin Z T Allison
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
| | - Courtney J Conway
- U.S. Geological Survey, Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
| | - Amanda R Goldberg
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wijburg SR, Montizaan MGE, Kik MJL, Joeres M, Cardron G, Luttermann C, Maas M, Maksimov P, Opsteegh M, Schares G. Drivers of infection with Toxoplasma gondii genotype type II in Eurasian red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris). Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:30. [PMID: 38263195 PMCID: PMC10804655 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06068-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In September 2014, there was sudden upsurge in the number of Eurasian red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) found dead in the Netherlands. High infection levels with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii were demonstrated, but it was unclear what had caused this increase in cases of fatal toxoplasmosis. In the present study, we aimed to gain more knowledge on the pathology and prevalence of T. gondii infections in Eurasian red squirrels in the Netherlands, on the T. gondii genotypes present, and on the determinants of the spatiotemporal variability in these T. gondii infections. The presence of the closely related parasite Hammondia hammondi was also determined. METHODS Eurasian red squirrels that were found dead in the wild or that had died in wildlife rescue centres in the Netherlands over a period of seven years (2014-2020) were examined. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was conducted to analyse tissue samples for the presence of T. gondii and H. hammondi DNA. Toxoplasma gondii-positive samples were subjected to microsatellite typing and cluster analysis. A mixed logistic regression was used to identify climatic and other environmental predictors of T. gondii infection in the squirrels. RESULTS A total of 178 squirrels were examined (49/178 T. gondii positive, 5/178 H. hammondi positive). Inflammation of multiple organs was the cause of death in 29 squirrels, of which 24 were also T. gondii polymerase chain reaction positive. Toxoplasma gondii infection was positively associated with pneumonia and hepatitis. Microsatellite typing revealed only T. gondii type II alleles. Toxoplasma gondii infection rates showed a positive correlation with the number of days of heavy rainfall in the previous 12 months. Conversely, they showed a negative association with the number of hot days within the 2-week period preceding the sampling date, as well as with the percentage of deciduous forest cover at the sampling site. CONCLUSIONS Toxoplasma gondii infection in the squirrels appeared to pose a significant risk of acute mortality. The T. gondii genotype detected in this study is commonly found across Europe. The reasons for the unusually high infection rates and severe symptoms of these squirrels from the Netherlands remain unclear. The prevalence of T. gondii in the deceased squirrels was linked to specific environmental factors. However, whether the increase in the number of dead squirrels indicated a higher environmental contamination with T. gondii oocysts has yet to be established.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Wijburg
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, Centre for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie Van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Margriet G E Montizaan
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marja J L Kik
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Pathology, Veterinair Pathologisch Diagnostisch Centrum, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maike Joeres
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Garance Cardron
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christine Luttermann
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Miriam Maas
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, Centre for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie Van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Pavlo Maksimov
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Marieke Opsteegh
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, Centre for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie Van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Gereon Schares
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Amgothu S, Koppu S. COVID-19 prediction using Caviar Squirrel Jellyfish Search Optimization technique in fog-cloud based architecture. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295599. [PMID: 38127990 PMCID: PMC10735048 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In the pandemic of COVID-19 patients approach to the hospital for prescription, yet due to extreme line up the patient gets treatment after waiting for more than one hour. Generally, wearable devices directly measure the preliminary data of the patient stored in capturing mode. In order to store the data, the hospitals require large storage devices that make the progression of data more complex. To bridge this gap, a potent scheme is established for COVID-19 prediction based fog-cloud named Caviar Squirrel Jellyfish Search Optimization (CSJSO). Here, CSJSO is the amalgamation of CAViar Squirrel Search Algorithm (CSSA) and Jellyfish Search Optimization (JSO), where CSSA is blended by the Conditional Autoregressive Value-at-Risk (CAViar) and Squirrel Search Algorithm (SSA). This architecture comprises the healthcare IoT sensor layer, fog layer and cloud layer. In the healthcare IoT sensor layer, the routing process with the collection of patient health condition data is carried out. On the other hand, in the fog layer COVID-19 detection is performed by employing a Deep Neuro Fuzzy Network (DNFN) trained by the proposed Remora Namib Beetle JSO (RNBJSO). Here, RNBJSO is the combination of Namib Beetle Optimization (NBO), Remora Optimization Algorithm (ROA) and Jellyfish Search optimization (JSO). Finally, in the cloud layer, the detection of COVID-19 employing Deep Long Short Term Memory (Deep LSTM) trained utilizing proposed CSJSO is performed. The evaluation measures utilized for CSJSO_Deep LSTM in database-1, such as Mean Squared Error (MSE) and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) observed 0.062 and 0.252 in confirmed cases. The measures employed in database-2 are accuracy, sensitivity and specificity achieved 0.925, 0.928 and 0.925 in K-set.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanthi Amgothu
- School of Computer Science Engineering and Information Systems, Vellore, India
| | - Srinivas Koppu
- School of Computer Science Engineering and Information Systems, Vellore, India
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Shuttleworth CM, Everest DJ, McQueen A. Adenovirus remains widespread in squirrels on Anglesey. Vet Rec 2023; 193:490-491. [PMID: 38100702 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.3786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - D J Everest
- APHA Weybridge, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB
| | - A McQueen
- Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 3XT
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang Z, Xie X, Liu S, Ji Z. scFseCluster: a feature selection-enhanced clustering for single-cell RNA-seq data. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302103. [PMID: 37788907 PMCID: PMC10547911 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) enables researchers to reveal previously unknown cell heterogeneity and functional diversity, which is impossible with bulk RNA sequencing. Clustering approaches are widely used for analyzing scRNA-seq data and identifying cell types and states. In the past few years, various advanced computational strategies emerged. However, the low generalization and high computational cost are the main bottlenecks of existing methods. In this study, we established a novel computational framework, scFseCluster, for scRNA-seq clustering analysis. scFseCluster incorporates a metaheuristic algorithm (Feature Selection based on Quantum Squirrel Search Algorithm) to extract the optimal gene set, which largely guarantees the performance of cell clustering. We conducted simulation experiments in several aspects to verify the performance of the proposed approach. scFseCluster performed very well on eight benchmark scRNA-seq datasets because of the optimal gene sets obtained using the Feature Selection based on Quantum Squirrel Search Algorithm. The comparative study demonstrated the significant advantages of scFseCluster over seven State-of-the-Art algorithms. In addition, our analysis shows that feature selection on high-variable genes can significantly improve clustering performance. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that scFseCluster is a highly versatile tool for enhancing scRNA-seq data clustering analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zongqin Wang
- https://ror.org/05td3s095 College of Artificial Intelligence, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaojun Xie
- https://ror.org/05td3s095 College of Artificial Intelligence, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- https://ror.org/05td3s095 Center for Data Science and Intelligent Computing, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shouyang Liu
- https://ror.org/05td3s095 Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiwei Ji
- https://ror.org/05td3s095 College of Artificial Intelligence, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- https://ror.org/05td3s095 Center for Data Science and Intelligent Computing, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Walker ED, Yuill TM. Snowshoe hare virus: discovery, distribution, vector and host associations, and medical significance. J Med Entomol 2023; 60:1252-1261. [PMID: 37862052 PMCID: PMC10645420 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Snowshoe hare virus (SSHV), within the California serogroup of the genus Orthobunyavirus, family Peribunyaviridae, was first isolated from a snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) in Montana, United States, in 1959. The virus, closely related to LaCrosse virus (LACV) and Chatanga virus (CHATV), occurs across Canada and the northern latitudes of the United States, primarily in the northern tier of states bordering Canada. Reports of SSHV in northern Europe and Asia are probably the closely related to CHATV, or the less closely related Tahyna virus. Vertebrate associations include snowshoe hares and ground squirrels, demonstrated by field isolation of virus from wild-caught animals, seroconversion of snowshoe hares, seroconversion of sentinel rabbits, isolation of virus from sentinel rabbits, and experimental infections demonstrating viremia. Isolations of virus from field populations of mosquitoes include primarily univoltine and boreal mosquitoes of the genus Aedes, Culiseta impatiens and Culiseta inornata; and, rarely, certain multivoltine floodwater Aedes species. Experimental transmission studies in mosquitoes show infection in and transmission by boreal Aedes and Culiseta inornata. Isolation of SSHV from larval Aedes on three occasions, and experimentation in Culiseta inornata, reveal transovarial transmission of the virus in mosquitoes. Serosurveys reveal exposure to SSHV in human and domestic animals, with rates of seropositivity commonly high in some settings in Alaska and Canada, but disease in humans or horses has rarely been reported, only in Canada.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward D Walker
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Thomas M Yuill
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WIUSA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Butler T. Plague Gives Surprises in the Second Decade of the Twenty-First Century. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 109:985-988. [PMID: 37748767 PMCID: PMC10622459 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
From 2010 through 2019, the six leading countries by numbers of human plague cases reported to the WHO were, in order from highest to lowest, Madagascar, Congo, Uganda, Peru, Tanzania, and the United States. From these countries, there was a total of 4,547 cases, of whom 786 (17%) died. Top plague events were four outbreaks of primary pneumonic plague in Madagascar that affected 1,936 persons, including index cases, of whom 137 died. One of the outbreaks was caused by a streptomycin-resistant strain of Yersinia pestis. Person-to-person transmission occurred in a taxi, in households with family caregivers, at burial ceremonies and wakes for victims, and at a hospital where cases were treated. Unique clinical presentations in the United States included a dog owner who acquired pneumonic plague from his sick dog, a boy with septicemic plague who developed complications of osteomyelitis and arthritis that required surgery for bone removal and bone grafting, and a prairie dog handler who acquired bubonic plague from a bite by a sick prairie dog. Efficacy of antibiotics in a model of pneumonic plague in African green monkeys for use in bioterrorism revealed the most effective drugs to be gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin. A recombinant vaccine containing Fraction 1 antigen and V antigen of Y. pestis designed for first responders during a bioterrorism attack and military personnel was tested for safety and immunogenicity but was not licensed for use by the end of the decade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Butler
- Ross University School of Medicine, Bridgetown, Barbados, West Indies, Retired
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gordon DL, Peters-Kennedy J, Childs-Sanford SE. Widespread, symmetric, noninflammatory alopecia associated with follicular dysplasia in the American red squirrel ( Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). Vet Pathol 2023; 60:905-909. [PMID: 37313839 DOI: 10.1177/03009858231176556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This report describes a unique pattern of alopecia in 8 American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) from 2013 to 2021. All animals were juveniles; 6 were female and 2 were male. Seven presented between September and November, and one presented in April. All squirrels had widespread, bilaterally symmetric, noninflammatory, well-demarcated alopecia involving the entire trunk and legs and normal hair on their muzzle and dorsal surfaces of their paws. Six months later, a normal hair coat had grown on 2 of the animals, which were littermates. Hair fully grew 2 months later in another animal. Histopathology of the alopecic skin was performed in 7 of 8 animals. The following changes were noted: bent and coiled hairs, perforating folliculitis, melanin clumping, and distortion of hair shafts. Based on features of follicular dysplasia and apparent seasonality, this condition has some similarities to canine seasonal flank alopecia. A genetic etiology is suspected.
Collapse
|
22
|
From the archive: air for prairie dogs, and popular fallacies explained. Nature 2023; 623:489. [PMID: 37964058 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-03433-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
|
23
|
Berghäuser T, Nyakatura JA, Wölfer J. Evolution of gliding in squirrel-related rodents (Mammalia: Sciuromorpha) did not induce a new optimum on the cortical thickness of the scapular glenoid fossa. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2023; 306:2716-2728. [PMID: 36583480 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Many of the squirrel-related rodents (i.e., Sciuromorpha) are tree-dwelling species known to be very agile climbers. This taxon also includes the most diverse clade of gliding (aerial) mammals that likely descended from a non-gliding arboreal ancestor and evolved a patagium (i.e., a gliding membrane) to increase gliding performance. Glides can cover distances of up to 150 m and landing is typically accomplished by stalling the patagium to reduce impact velocity. It remains unclear if this behavior suffices to keep stresses on the locomotor apparatus similar to those experienced by their arboreal relatives or whether gliding behavior increases landing forces and stresses. The sparsely available support reaction force data are ambiguous, but bone microstructure is highly adaptable to changes in loading regime and likely provides insights into this question. Using μCT scans, we compared the cortical thickness of the glenoid fossa of the shoulder joint between arboreal and aerial Sciuromorpha using evolutionary model comparison, while also accounting for regional differences of the glenoid fossa. We did not find any differences between these locomotor behaviors, irrespective of the glenoid region. These findings agree with previous analyses of the microstructure of the femur in Sciuromorpha. We discuss different aspects that could explain the similarity in cortical thickness. According to our analysis of glenoid cortical thickness the loading regime appears not to have changed after the evolution of gliding locomotion, likely due to adjustments in landing performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timo Berghäuser
- AG Vergleichende Zoologie, Institut für Biologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - John A Nyakatura
- AG Vergleichende Zoologie, Institut für Biologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Wölfer
- AG Vergleichende Zoologie, Institut für Biologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Gao Q, Lu W, Fan S, Xie W, Zhang H, Han Y, Weng Q. Seasonal changes in endoplasmic reticulum stress and steroidogenesis in the ovary of the wild ground squirrels (Citellus dauricus Brandt). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 343:114368. [PMID: 37604348 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
The development of the follicle is accompanied by steroidogenesis and secretion, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) requires significant synthesis of relevant proteins to support changes in the follicular microenvironment. The aim of this study was to investigate whether seasonal changes in gonadotropins and ovarian steroid hormones in the wild ground squirrels induce endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and changes in ERS-mediated unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling. There were significant seasonal differences in ovarian mass, with values higher in the breeding season and relatively low in the non-breeding season. Histological observations revealed that ovaries in the breeding season had germ cells including primordial follicles, primary follicles, secondary follicles, tertiary follicles, and the corpus luteal, whereas ovaries consisted mainly of primary and secondary follicles in the non-breeding season. Analysis of ovarian transcriptome data showed that 1298 genes were up-regulated in expression and 1432 genes were down-regulated in expression during both periods. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis indicated that these genes were mainly enriched in estrogen signaling pathways, ovarian steroidogenesis and endoplasmic reticulum protein processing pathways. The expression levels of steroidogenic enzymes (P450scc, P450c17, 3β-HSD, and P450arom) and gonadotropin receptor (FSHR and LHR) were significantly increased during the breeding season compared to the non-breeding season. GRP78 and UPR signaling factors (ATF4, ATF6, XBP1s) associated with ERS were expressed in both seasons. The mRNA expressions of Atf6 and Xbp1s were higher in the breeding season than those of the non-breeding season. Conversely, Atf4 and its downstream homologous protein (Chop) exhibited higher expression during the non-breeding season. In addition, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol-17β, and progesterone of serum were significantly higher in the breeding season than those of the non-breeding season. These results suggested that UPR signaling, associated with seasonal changes in ovarian steroidogenesis, was activated during the breeding season and that ERS might be involved in regulating seasonal changes in ovarian steroidogenesis in the wild ground squirrels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingjing Gao
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjing Lu
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Sijie Fan
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenqiang Xie
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Haolin Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Han
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Weng
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Smith JE, Carminito C, Hamilton S, Newcomb KL, Randt C, Travenick S. Sensory integration of danger and safety cues may explain the fear of a quiet coyote. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231812. [PMID: 37876200 PMCID: PMC10598434 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory integration theory predicts natural selection should favour adaptive responses of animals to multiple forms of information, yet empirical tests of this prediction are rare, particularly in free-living mammals. Studying indirect predator cues offers a salient opportunity to inquire about multimodal risk assessment and its potentially interactive effects on prey responses. Here we exposed California ground squirrels from two study sites (that differ in human and domestic dog activity) to acoustic and/or olfactory predator cues to reveal divergent patterns of signal dominance. Olfactory information most strongly predicted space use within the testing arena. That is, individuals, especially those at the human-impacted site, avoided coyote urine, a danger cue that may communicate the proximity of a coyote. By contrast, subjects allocated less time to risk-sensitive behaviours when exposed to acoustic cues. Specifically, although individuals were consistent in their behavioural responses across trials, 'quiet coyotes' (urine without calls) significantly increased the behavioural reactivity of prey, likely because coyotes rarely vocalize when hunting. More broadly, our findings highlight the need to consider the evolution of integrated fear responses and contribute to an emerging understanding of how animals integrate multiple forms of information to trade off between danger and safety cues in a changing world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E. Smith
- Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI, USA
- Department of Biology, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94631, USA
| | - Chelsea Carminito
- Department of Biology, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94631, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, 614 Rieveschl Hall, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Shea Hamilton
- Department of Biology, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94631, USA
| | - Kate Lee Newcomb
- Department of Biology, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94631, USA
| | - Clare Randt
- Department of Biology, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94631, USA
| | - Sarah Travenick
- Department of Biology, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94631, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Okawa R, Saitoh T, Noda T. Interactive effects of two rodent species on the seed dispersal of Japanese walnut. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18098. [PMID: 37872180 PMCID: PMC10593932 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44513-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of seed dispersers on plant fitness (seed dispersal effectiveness, SDE) have been evaluated based on the number (quantity) and recruitment probability (quality) of dispersed seeds. Although seeds of most zoochorous species are dispersed by two or more animal species, which may interact with each other, SDE has often been studied assuming a one-plant and one-animal species system. We compared the SDE of Japanese walnut (Juglans ailanthifolia) between squirrel-only and squirrel-mouse sites in natural forests of Hokkaido, Japan, and found that the SDE from the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), considered a primary seed disperser, was altered by an alternative seed disperser species, the Japanese wood mouse (Apodemus speciosus). Seed removal rates at the squirrel-mouse site were significantly higher than those at the squirrel-only site, and both dispersed seeds and seedlings were less aggregated, with a strongly repulsive relationship with adult conspecific trees at the squirrel-mouse site. Seedlings established themselves at a location with fewer medium-sized trees (< 10 cm DBH) at the squirrel-mouse site. These results suggest that the interactive effect of the rodent species affects the SDE of Japanese walnut.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryunosuke Okawa
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, N10 W5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0810, Japan.
| | - Takashi Saitoh
- Field Science Center, Hokkaido University, N11W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0811, Japan
| | - Takashi Noda
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, N10 W5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0810, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Eads DA, Castle KT, Wild MA, Borchert JN, Livieri TM, Matchett MR, Dobesh P, Hughes JP, Childers E. EVALUATING BAITS WITH LUFENURON AND NITENPYRAM FOR FLEA CONTROL ON PRAIRIE DOGS (CYNOMYS SPP.) TO MITIGATE PLAGUE. J Wildl Dis 2023; 59:662-672. [PMID: 37486875 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-22-00168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, is a widespread threat to endangered black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) and their primary prey, prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.). Wildlife biologists most commonly manage plague using insecticides to control fleas, the primary vectors of Y. pestis. We tested edible baits containing the insecticides lufenuron and/or nitenpyram in prairie dogs. During a laboratory study, we treated 26 white-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys leucurus) with lufenuron at 300 mg/kg body mass. All animals remained clinically healthy over the 9 wk monitoring period. Although serum lufenuron concentrations were >130 ppb in two treatment groups at week 1, concentrations declined to ≤60 ppb after 3 wk in non-torpid prairie dogs and after 7 wk in torpid prairie dogs. In a field experiment, we tested baits containing a combination of 75 mg lufenuron and 6 mg nitenpyram, respectively, in black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus). We uniformly distributed baits at 125 baits/ha on two plots (treated once) and 250 baits/ha on two plots (each treated twice 4.4 wk apart). Following treatments, flea abundance increased on prairie dogs and remained stable in burrows. Our findings indicate that baits containing lufenuron and nitenpyram, at the reported treatment rates, are ineffective tools for flea control on prairie dogs. Future experiments might evaluate efficacy of higher doses of lufenuron and nitenpyram, and repetitive treatments at differing intervals over time to evaluate potentially therapeutic treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A Eads
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building C, Fort Collins, Colorado 80526, USA
| | - Kevin T Castle
- Wildlife Veterinary Consulting LLC, 840 Sundance Drive, Livermore, Colorado 80536, USA
| | - Margaret A Wild
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, P.O. Box 647040, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA
| | - Jeff N Borchert
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521, USA
| | - Travis M Livieri
- Prairie Wildlife Research, 1574 Timber Shores Drive, Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481, USA
| | - Marc R Matchett
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 110, 333 Airport Road Lewistown, Montana 59457, USA
| | - Phillip Dobesh
- U.S. Forest Service, Wall Ranger District, 710 Main Street, Wall, South Dakota 57790, USA
| | - John P Hughes
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center, P.O. Box 190, Carr, Colorado 80549, USA
| | - Eddie Childers
- National Park Service, Badlands National Park, 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, South Dakota 57750, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Yang R, Yu X, Nie P, Cao R, Feng J, Hu X. Climatic niche and range shifts of grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis Gmelin) in Europe: An invasive pest displacing native squirrels. Pest Manag Sci 2023; 79:3731-3739. [PMID: 37194192 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As an invasive pest from North America, grey squirrels (GSs; Sciurus carolinensis Gmelin) are displacing native squirrels in Europe. However, the climatic niche and range dynamics of GSs in Europe remain largely unknown. Through niche and range dynamic models, we investigated climatic niche and range shifts between introduced GSs in Europe and native GSs in North America. RESULTS GSs in North America can survive in more variable climatic conditions and have much wider climatic niche breadth than do GSs in Europe. Based on climate, the potential range of GSs in Europe included primarily Britain, Ireland, and Italy, whereas the potential range of GSs in North America included vast regions of western and southern Europe. If GSs in Europe could occupy the same climatic niche space and potential range as GSs in North America, they would occupy an area ca. 2.45 times the size of their current range. The unfilling ranges of GSs in Europe relative to those of GSs in North America were primarily in France, Italy, Spain, Croatia, and Portugal. CONCLUSION Our observations implied that GSs in Europe have significant invasion potential, and that range projections based on their occurrence records in Europe may underestimate their invasion risk. Given that small niche shifts between GSs in Europe and in North America could lead to large range shifts, niche shifts could be a sensitive indicator in invasion risk assessment. The identified unfilling ranges of the GS in Europe should be prioritized in combating GS invasions in the future. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rujing Yang
- College of Agriculture and Biological Science, Dali University, Dali, China
- Research Center for Agroecology in Erhai Lake Watershed of Dali University, Dali, China
- Cangshan Forest Ecosystem Observation and Research Station of Yunnan Province, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Xiaoli Yu
- College of Agriculture and Biological Science, Dali University, Dali, China
- Research Center for Agroecology in Erhai Lake Watershed of Dali University, Dali, China
- Cangshan Forest Ecosystem Observation and Research Station of Yunnan Province, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Peixiao Nie
- College of Agriculture and Biological Science, Dali University, Dali, China
- Research Center for Agroecology in Erhai Lake Watershed of Dali University, Dali, China
- Cangshan Forest Ecosystem Observation and Research Station of Yunnan Province, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Runyao Cao
- College of Agriculture and Biological Science, Dali University, Dali, China
- Research Center for Agroecology in Erhai Lake Watershed of Dali University, Dali, China
- Cangshan Forest Ecosystem Observation and Research Station of Yunnan Province, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Jianmeng Feng
- College of Agriculture and Biological Science, Dali University, Dali, China
- Research Center for Agroecology in Erhai Lake Watershed of Dali University, Dali, China
- Cangshan Forest Ecosystem Observation and Research Station of Yunnan Province, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Xiaokang Hu
- College of Agriculture and Biological Science, Dali University, Dali, China
- Research Center for Agroecology in Erhai Lake Watershed of Dali University, Dali, China
- Cangshan Forest Ecosystem Observation and Research Station of Yunnan Province, Dali University, Dali, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Iwaide S, Ito N, Ogino S, Kobayashi N, Koyama S, Hisamoto S, Kondo H, Itoh Y, Hisada M, Hoshino Y, Nakagawa D, Matsubara Y, Nakamura SI, Satoh H, Shibuya H, Murakami T. Fibrinogen Aα-chain amyloidosis outbreaks in Japanese squirrels (Sciurus lis): a potential disease model. J Pathol 2023; 261:96-104. [PMID: 37550796 DOI: 10.1002/path.6150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Fibrinogen Aα-chain amyloidosis is a hereditary systemic amyloidosis characterized by glomerular amyloid depositions, which are derived from the fibrinogen Aα-chain variant in humans. Despite its unique pathology, the pathogenic mechanisms of this disease are only partially understood. This is in part because comparative pathological studies on fibrinogen Aα-chain amyloidosis are currently unavailable as there is a lack of reported cases in animals other than humans. In this study, mass spectrometry-based proteomic analyses of Japanese squirrels (Sciurus lis) that died in five Japanese zoos showed that they developed glomerular-associated fibrinogen Aα-chain amyloidosis with an extremely high incidence rate (29/38 cases, 76.3%). The condition was found to be age-dependent in the Japanese squirrels, with 89% of individuals over 4 years of age affected. Mass spectrometry revealed that the C-terminal region of the fibrinogen Aα-chain was involved in amyloidogenesis in Japanese squirrels as well as humans. No gene variations were identified between amyloid-positive and amyloid-negative squirrels, which contrasted with the available data for humans. The results indicate that fibrinogen Aα-chain amyloidosis is a senile amyloidosis in Japanese squirrels. The results have also provided comparative pathological support that the amyloidogenic C-terminal region of the fibrinogen Aα-chain is involved in the characteristic glomerular pathology, regardless of the animal species. This study elucidates the potential causes of death in Japanese squirrels and will contribute to future comparative pathological studies of fibrinogen Aα-chain amyloidosis. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susumu Iwaide
- Laboratory of Veterinary Toxicology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nanami Ito
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Nihon University, Fujisawa-shi, Japan
| | - Shiori Ogino
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Iwate University, Morioka-shi, Japan
| | - Natsumi Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Toxicology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Koyama
- Laboratory of Ethology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shumpei Hisamoto
- Meiji Institute for Advanced Study of Mathematical Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Kondo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Nihon University, Fujisawa-shi, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Itoh
- Smart-Core-Facility Promotion Organization, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miki Hisada
- Smart-Core-Facility Promotion Organization, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Hoshino
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Iwate University, Morioka-shi, Japan
| | | | | | - Shin-Ichi Nakamura
- Okayama University of Science, Imabari-shi, Japan
- Kyoto Institute of Nutrition & Pathology Inc., Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Satoh
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Iwate University, Morioka-shi, Japan
| | - Hisashi Shibuya
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Nihon University, Fujisawa-shi, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Murakami
- Laboratory of Veterinary Toxicology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cassens J, Jarnefeld J, Berman JD, Oliver JD. Environmental Drivers of Immature Ixodes scapularis in Minnesota's Metro Area. Ecohealth 2023; 20:273-285. [PMID: 37987876 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-023-01656-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Research on the public health significance of Ixodes scapularis ticks in the Midwest seldom focuses on extreme weather conditions that can modulate their population dynamics and ability to transmit pathogenic organisms. In this study, we assessed whether the distributional abundance of I. scapularis immatures is associated with current and time-lagged climatic determinants either directly or indirectly. We analyzed a 20-year longitudinal small mammal live-trapping dataset within a seven-county metropolitan area in Minnesota (1998-2016) using yearly tick counts at each site to assess whether inter- and intra-annual variation in immature I. scapularis counts is associated with climate and land-use conditions. We found that (1) immature I. scapularis ticks infesting mammals expanded southwesterly over the study period, (2) eastern chipmunks, Tamias striatus, supplied a substantial proportion of nymphal blood meals, (3) a suite of climatological variables are demonstrably associated with I. scapularis presence, and abundance across sites, most notably summer vapor pressure deficit, and (4) immature I. scapularis display an affinity for deciduous forests in metro areas. Our results suggest that climatic and land-type conditions may impact host-seeking I. scapularis ticks through numerous mechanistic avenues. These findings extend our understanding of the abiotic factors supporting I. scapularis populations in metro areas of the upper Midwest with strong implications for discerning future tick-borne pathogen risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Cassens
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| | | | - Jesse D Berman
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Jonathan D Oliver
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Helman SK, Tokuyama AFN, Mummah RO, Stone NE, Gamble MW, Snedden CE, Borremans B, Gomez ACR, Cox C, Nussbaum J, Tweedt I, Haake DA, Galloway RL, Monzón J, Riley SPD, Sikich JA, Brown J, Friscia A, Sahl JW, Wagner DM, Lynch JW, Prager KC, Lloyd-Smith JO. Pathogenic Leptospira are widespread in the urban wildlife of southern California. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14368. [PMID: 37658075 PMCID: PMC10474285 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40322-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis, the most widespread zoonotic disease in the world, is broadly understudied in multi-host wildlife systems. Knowledge gaps regarding Leptospira circulation in wildlife, particularly in densely populated areas, contribute to frequent misdiagnoses in humans and domestic animals. We assessed Leptospira prevalence levels and risk factors in five target wildlife species across the greater Los Angeles region: striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), raccoons (Procyon lotor), coyotes (Canis latrans), Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana), and fox squirrels (Sciurus niger). We sampled more than 960 individual animals, including over 700 from target species in the greater Los Angeles region, and an additional 266 sampled opportunistically from other California regions and species. In the five target species seroprevalences ranged from 5 to 60%, and infection prevalences ranged from 0.8 to 15.2% in all except fox squirrels (0%). Leptospira phylogenomics and patterns of serologic reactivity suggest that mainland terrestrial wildlife, particularly mesocarnivores, could be the source of repeated observed introductions of Leptospira into local marine and island ecosystems. Overall, we found evidence of widespread Leptospira exposure in wildlife across Los Angeles and surrounding regions. This indicates exposure risk for humans and domestic animals and highlights that this pathogen can circulate endemically in many wildlife species even in densely populated urban areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Helman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Amanda F N Tokuyama
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Riley O Mummah
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nathan E Stone
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Mason W Gamble
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Celine E Snedden
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Benny Borremans
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Wildlife Health Ecology Research Organization, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ana C R Gomez
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Caitlin Cox
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Julianne Nussbaum
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Isobel Tweedt
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David A Haake
- Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- The David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Javier Monzón
- Natural Science Division, Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA, USA
| | - Seth P D Riley
- Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, National Park Service, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
| | - Jeff A Sikich
- Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, National Park Service, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
| | - Justin Brown
- Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, National Park Service, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
| | - Anthony Friscia
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jason W Sahl
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - David M Wagner
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Jessica W Lynch
- Institute for Society and Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Katherine C Prager
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - James O Lloyd-Smith
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Feketa VV, Bagriantsev SN, Gracheva EO. Ground squirrels - experts in thermoregulatory adaptation. Trends Neurosci 2023; 46:505-507. [PMID: 37188617 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Ground squirrels exemplify one of the most extreme forms of mammalian hibernation and a convenient model for studying its mechanisms. Their thermoregulatory system demonstrates remarkable adaptive capabilities by maintaining optimal levels of body temperature both in active and hibernation states. Here, we review recent findings and unresolved issues regarding the neural mechanisms of body temperature control in ground squirrels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viktor V Feketa
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Sviatoslav N Bagriantsev
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| | - Elena O Gracheva
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Torres-Blas I, Horsler H, Paredes UM, Perkins M, Priestnall SL, Brekke P. Impact of exposure to urban air pollution on grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) lung health. Environ Pollut 2023; 326:121312. [PMID: 36893972 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The increased rate of global urbanisation has recently exacerbated the significant public health problem of traffic related air pollution. Despite the known significant impact on human health, little is known about the effects of air pollution on wildlife health. The lung is the primary target organ for the effects of exposure to air pollution, leading to lung inflammation, altering the lung epigenome, culminating in respiratory disease. In this study, we aimed to assess lung health and DNA methylation profiles in Eastern grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) populations living across an urban-rural air pollution gradient. Squirrel lung health was assessed in four populations situated across the most polluted inner-city boroughs to the less polluted edges of Greater London. We also assessed lung DNA methylation across three London sites and a further two rural sites in Sussex and North Wales. Lung and tracheal diseases were present in 28% and 13% of the squirrels respectively. Specifically, focal inflammation (13%), focal macrophages with vacuolated cytoplasm (3%) and endogenous lipid pneumonia (3%). There was no significant difference in prevalence of lung, tracheal diseases, anthracosis (carbon presence) or lung DNA methylation levels between urban sites and urban and rural sites respectively or NO2 levels. BALT (Bronchus-Associated Lymphoid Tissue) was significantly smaller in the site with highest NO2 and contained the highest carbon loading compared to sites with lower NO2, however differences in carbon loading in between sites were not significant. High pollution site individuals also had significantly higher numbers of alveolar macrophages which suggests that grey squirrels are exposed to and respond to traffic-related air pollution and further research is needed to understand the impact of traffic-related air pollutants on wildlife health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Torres-Blas
- Dept Pathobiology & Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, N Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, UK; Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Helen Horsler
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Ursula M Paredes
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Matthew Perkins
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Simon L Priestnall
- Dept Pathobiology & Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, N Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Patricia Brekke
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Morandini M, Koprowski JL. Using a substitute species to inform translocation of an endangered territorial mammal. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0271083. [PMID: 36795641 PMCID: PMC9934355 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Substitute species can inform management strategies without exposing endangered species to unacceptable risk. Furthermore, experimental approaches may help to identify the causes of translocation failures, improving the chances of success. We used a surrogate subspecies, Tamiasciurus fremonti fremonti to test different translocation techniques to inform on potential management actions with regards to the endangered Mt. Graham red squirrel (Tamiasciurus fremonti grahamensis). Individuals of both subspecies defend year-round territories in similar mixed conifer forests at elevations between 2650-2750 m, where they store cones to survive over winter. We fitted VHF radio collars to 54 animals, and we monitored their survival and movements until individuals settled on a new territory. We considered the effect of season, translocation technique (soft or hard release), and body mass on survival, distance moved after release, and time to settlement of translocated animals. Survival probability averaged 0.48 after 60 days from the translocation event and was not affected by season or translocation technique. 54% of the mortality was caused by predation. Distance moved and number of days to settlement varied with season, where winter was characterized by shorter distances (average of 364 m in winter versus 1752 m in fall) and a smaller number of days (6 in winter versus 23 in fall). The data emphasized on the potential of substitute species to provide valuable information for possible outcomes of management strategies to closely related endangered species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Morandini
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States of America
| | - John L. Koprowski
- Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Walmsley SF, Boutin S, Dantzer B, Lane JE, Coltman DW, McAdam AG. Benefits of living closer to kin vary by genealogical relationship in a territorial mammal. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20221569. [PMID: 36629099 PMCID: PMC9832554 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.1569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
While cooperative interactions among kin are a key building block in the societies of group-living species, their importance for species with more variable social environments is unclear. North American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) defend individual territories in dynamic neighbourhoods and are known to benefit from living among familiar conspecifics, but not relatives. However, kin-directed behaviours may be restricted to specific genealogical relationships or strongly mediated by geographical distance, masking their influence at broader scales. Using distance between territories as a proxy for the ability of individuals to interact, we estimated the influence of primary kin (parents, offspring, siblings) on the annual survival and reproductive success of red squirrels. This approach revealed associations between fitness and access to kin, but only for certain genealogical relationships and fitness components. For example, females had enhanced annual survival when living closer to their daughters, though the reverse was not true. Most surprising was the finding that males had higher annual reproductive success when living closer to their father, suggesting possible recognition and cooperation among fathers and sons. Together, these findings point to unexpected nuance in the fitness consequences of kinship dynamics for a species that is territorial and largely solitary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sam F. Walmsley
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, 1900 Pleasant Street, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Stan Boutin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E9
| | - Ben Dantzer
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 500 South State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 500 South State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jeffrey E. Lane
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, Canada S7N 5E2
| | - David W. Coltman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E9
- Biology Department, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B7
| | - Andrew G. McAdam
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, 1900 Pleasant Street, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Hernandez SE, Avila-Flores R, De Villa-Meza A, Romano MC. Evaluation of stress response in black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) in arid regions from colonies in Chihuahua Mexico. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 330:114150. [PMID: 36349607 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Among all the regulatory homeostatic networks in vertebrates, the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal axis during the stress response, has gained considerable attention, and the measurement of fecal glucocorticoids (FGC) has become an invaluable tool to assess adrenocortical activity related to stressful events in wild and captive animals. However, the use of FGC requires the validation of measurement techniques and the proper selection of the specific hormone according to the study species. The main objective of this study was to identify the dominant glucocorticoid (GC) hormone in the stress response of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) in an arid grassland of Chihuahua, Mexico. A capture stress challenge in the field was developed to determine if the levels of glucocorticoids (cortisol and corticosterone) both in serum and fecal samples could be attributed to stress in Cynomys ludovicianus. The samples were analysed with the technique of liquid phase radioimmunoassay , and this study showed that both cortisol and corticosterone are present at measurable levels in serum and fecal samples of black-tailed prairie dogs. We found that both GCs were present in similar concentrations in serum, however, corticosterone concentration in fecal samples was higher than cortisol. Likewise, biochemical validations performed in this study to test the assay reached acceptable levels of reliability. Therefore, we confirm that fecal analysis can be implemented as a method to measure stress responses in wild prairie dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S E Hernandez
- Cuerpo Académico en Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, CP 87274, Mexico.
| | - R Avila-Flores
- División Académica de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, CP 86150, Mexico
| | - A De Villa-Meza
- Independent consultant, Benito Juárez, Ciudad de México, CP 03610, Mexico
| | - M C Romano
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV-IPN, Ciudad de México, CP 07360, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Oates R, Tarbert DK. Treatment of Pain in Rats, Mice, and Prairie Dogs. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2023; 26:151-174. [PMID: 36402479 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Recent myomorph and scuiromorph rodent analgesia studies are reviewed and evaluated for potential clinical application. Differences between laboratory animal studies and clinical use in diseased animals are discussed. Analgesia classes reviewed include local anesthetics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, acetaminophen, opioids, and adjuvants such as anticonvulsants. Routes of administration including sustained-release mechanisms are discussed, as are reversal agents. Drug interactions are reviewed in the context of beneficial multimodal analgesia as well as potential adverse effects. Dosage recommendations for clinical patients are explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rhonda Oates
- Research and Teaching Animal Care Program, University of California - Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Danielle K Tarbert
- Companion Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery Service, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California - Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Dausmann KH, Körtner G, Aharon-Rotman Y, Currie SE, Geiser F. Flexible Employment of Torpor in Squirrel Gliders ( Petaurus norfolcensis): An Adaptation to Unpredictable Climate? Physiol Biochem Zool 2023; 96:62-74. [PMID: 36626839 DOI: 10.1086/722131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AbstractTorpor is a highly effective response to counter various ecological and physiological bottlenecks in endotherms. In this study, we examined interrelations between thermoregulatory responses and key environmental variables in free-living squirrel gliders (Petaurus norfolcensis) in a habitat with drastic climatic and ecological changes across seasons. To this end, we measured body temperature (Tb) and heart rate (fH) simultaneously throughout the year using implanted data loggers. Squirrel gliders in our study experienced fluctuations in ambient temperature (Ta) between -4.0°C and 44.1°C and expressed torpor at different times during the year. In contrast to our expectations, torpor seemed to be employed flexibly, on demand, and most frequently in spring rather than during the coldest and/or hottest periods. Torpor bouts lasted, on average, about 5 h, and Tb during torpor dropped as low as 17.9°C. The fH during torpor decreased below 50 bpm, which is about one-third of the basal level. The ability to record fH alongside Tb enabled us to also report periods of low fH during thermoconforming hyperthermia at Ta's above 35°C that likely occurred to conserve energy and water. Our findings double the body size of Australian gliders for which data on torpor are available and advance our ecological understanding of the dynamics of torpor expression in wild mammals and of how animals cope with varying conditions. Moreover, they highlight that the flexibility of physiology and thermoregulatory responses are clearly more complex than previously thought.
Collapse
|
39
|
Duchardt CJ, Augustine DJ, Porensky LM, Beck JL, Hennig JD, Pellatz DW, Scasta JD, Connell LC, Davidson AD. Disease and weather induce rapid shifts in a rangeland ecosystem mediated by a keystone species (Cynomys ludovicianus). Ecol Appl 2023; 33:e2712. [PMID: 36404372 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Habitat loss and changing climate have direct impacts on native species but can also interact with disease pathogens to influence wildlife communities. In the North American Great Plains, black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) are a keystone species that create important grassland habitat for numerous species and serve as prey for predators, but lethal control driven by agricultural conflict has severely reduced their abundance. Novel disease dynamics caused by epizootic plague (Yersinia pestis) within prairie dog colonies have further reduced prairie dog abundances, in turn destabilizing associated wildlife communities. We capitalized on a natural experiment, collecting data on prairie dog distributions, vegetation structure, avian abundance, and mesocarnivore and ungulate occupancy before (2015-2017) and after (2018-2019) a plague event in northeastern Wyoming, USA. Plague decimated black-tailed prairie dog populations in what was then the largest extant colony complex, reducing colony cover in the focal area from more than 10,000 ha to less than 50 ha. We documented dramatic declines in mesocarnivore occupancy and raptor abundance post-plague, with probability of occupancy or abundance approaching zero in species that rely on prairie dogs for a high proportion of their diet (e.g., ferruginous hawk [Buteo regalis], American badger [Taxidea taxus], and swift fox [Vulpes velox]). Following the plague outbreak, abnormally high precipitation in 2018 hastened vegetation recovery from prairie dog disturbance on colonies in which constant herbivory had formerly maintained shortgrass structure necessary for certain colony-associates. As a result, we observed large shifts in avian communities on former prairie dog colonies, including near-disappearance of mountain plovers (Charadrius montanus) and increases in mid-grass associated songbirds (e.g., lark bunting [Calamospiza melanocorys]). Our research highlights how precipitation can interact with disease-induced loss of a keystone species to induce drastic and rapid shifts in wildlife communities. Although grassland taxa have co-evolved with high spatiotemporal variation, fragmentation of the remaining North American rangelands paired with higher-than-historical variability in climate and disease dynamics are likely to destabilize these systems in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney J Duchardt
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | | | | | - Jeffrey L Beck
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | - Jacob D Hennig
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | - David W Pellatz
- Thunder Basin Grassland Prairie Ecosystem Association, Bill, Wyoming, USA
| | - J Derek Scasta
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | | | - Ana D Davidson
- Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Bossard RL. Thermal niche partitioning and phenology of Nearctic and Palearctic flea (Siphonaptera) communities on rodents (Mammalia: Rodentia) from five ecoregions. J Vector Ecol 2022; 47:217-226. [PMID: 36314677 DOI: 10.52707/1081-1710-47.2.217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Seasonality of fleas (Siphonaptera) may be due to species competition, prompting the idea that flea species partition temperature, along with correlated variables such as moisture (thermal-niche partitioning hypothesis). I compared the fleas of five rodent-flea communities described from the literature for thermal-niche optima by fitting non-linear LRF (Lobry-Rosso-Flandrois) curves to examine whether flea species in a community show distinct, partitioned thermal niches. LRF curves estimate physiological parameters of temperature minimum, optimum, maximum, and maximum abundance, and facilitate comparison between species by summarizing seasonal data. Flea-communities were on Nearctic Southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans volans), Richardson's ground-squirrel (Urocitellus richardsonii), North American deer-mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), and Palearctic Midday jird (Meriones meridianus), and Wagner's gerbil (Dipodillus dasyurus). Flea communities appeared to show seasonality consistent with thermal-niche partitioning. Several flea families and genera had characteristic thermal niches: Ceratophyllidae had broad tolerance to extreme temperature, Leptopsyllidae (one species in this study) to cold, and Pulicidae to hot. In contrast, at the local, species level, climatic speciation could be significant in flea diversification. Non-competition hypotheses (environmental filtering, neutrality) require testing, too. Thermal-niche partitioning may increase flea species richness on hosts and could occur in other insect and plant communities. Implications for biodiversity conservation and disease ecology under global warming are wide-ranging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Bossard
- Biology Department, Westminster College, Salt Lake City, Utah 84105 U.S.A.,
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Vyas NB, Rattner BA, Lockhart JM, Hulse CS, Rice CP, Kuncir F, Kritz K. Toxicological responses to sublethal anticoagulant rodenticide exposure in free-flying hawks. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2022; 29:74024-74037. [PMID: 35633457 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20881-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
An important component of assessing the hazards of anticoagulant rodenticides to non-target wildlife is observations in exposed free-ranging individuals. The objective of this study was to determine whether environmentally realistic, sublethal first-generation anticoagulant rodenticide (FGAR) exposures via prey can result in direct or indirect adverse effects to free-flying raptors. We offered black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) that had fed on Rozol® Prairie Dog Bait (Rozol, 0.005% active ingredient chlorophacinone, CPN) to six wild-caught red-tailed hawks (RTHA, Buteo jamaicensis), and also offered black-tailed prairie dogs that were not exposed to Rozol to another two wild-caught RTHAs for 7 days. On day 6, blood was collected to determine CPN's effects on blood clotting time. On day 7, seven of the eight RTHAs were fitted with VHF radio telemetry transmitters and the RTHAs were released the following day and were monitored for 33 days. Prothrombin time (PT) and Russell's viper venom time confirmed that the CPN-exposed RTHAs were exposed to and were adversely affected by CPN. Four of the six CPN-exposed RTHAs exhibited ptiloerection, an indication of thermoregulatory dysfunction due to CPN toxicity, but no signs of intoxication were observed in the reference hawk or the remaining two CPN-exposed RTHAs. Of note is that PT values were associated with ptiloerection duration and frequency; therefore, sublethal CPN exposure can directly or indirectly evoke adverse effects in wild birds. Although our sample sizes were small, this study is a first to relate coagulation times to adverse clinical signs in free-ranging birds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nimish B Vyas
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD, 20708, USA.
| | - Barnett A Rattner
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center, c/o BARC-East, Building 308, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - J Michael Lockhart
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD, 20708, USA
| | - Craig S Hulse
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center, c/o BARC-East, Building 308, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Clifford P Rice
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center-West, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Frank Kuncir
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD, 20708, USA
| | - Kevin Kritz
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mountain Prairie Region, Migratory Bird Management Office, DFC, CO 80225-0486, Lakewood, P.O. Box 25486, Denver, CO, 80228, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Santicchia F, Wauters LA, Dantzer B, Palme R, Tranquillo C, Preatoni D, Martinoli A. Native species exhibit physiological habituation to invaders: a reason for hope. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20221022. [PMID: 36168765 PMCID: PMC9515632 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.1022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals cope with environmental perturbations through the stress response, a set of behavioural and physiological responses aimed to maintain and/or return to homeostasis and enhance fitness. Vertebrate neuroendocrine axis activation in response to environmental stressors can result in the secretion of glucocorticoids (GCs), whose acute increases may be adaptive, while chronic elevation may be detrimental. Invasive grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) act as a stressor eliciting elevation of GCs in native red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris). Here we used 6-year data of variation in faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations following invasion by grey squirrels in three red squirrel populations, to identify if red squirrels showed physiological habituation to this stressor. The decrease in FGMs over time was more pronounced shortly after invasion and at high densities of grey squirrels while it decreased less strongly and was no longer influenced by the invader density as time since invasion elapsed. At the individual level, FGMs also decreased more markedly as each red squirrel experienced prolonged contact with the invader. Our study provides compelling new data suggesting that native species in the wild can habituate to prolonged contact with invasive species, showing that they may avoid the potentially harmful effects of chronic elevations in GCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Santicchia
- Environment Analysis and Management Unit - Guido Tosi Research Group - Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, via J. H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Lucas Armand Wauters
- Environment Analysis and Management Unit - Guido Tosi Research Group - Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, via J. H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Ben Dantzer
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 530 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 830 North University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Rupert Palme
- Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Tranquillo
- Environment Analysis and Management Unit - Guido Tosi Research Group - Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, via J. H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Damiano Preatoni
- Environment Analysis and Management Unit - Guido Tosi Research Group - Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, via J. H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Adriano Martinoli
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Samuel MD, Poje JE, Rocke TE, Metzger ME. Potential Effects of Environmental Conditions on Prairie Dog Flea Development and Implications for Sylvatic Plague Epizootics. Ecohealth 2022; 19:365-377. [PMID: 36125583 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-022-01615-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fleas are common ectoparasites of vertebrates worldwide and vectors of many pathogens causing disease, such as sylvatic plague in prairie dog colonies. Development of fleas is regulated by environmental conditions, especially temperature and relative humidity. Development rates are typically slower at low temperatures and faster at high temperatures, which are bounded by lower and upper thresholds where development is reduced. Prairie dogs and their associated fleas (mostly Oropsylla spp) live in burrows that moderate outside environmental conditions, remaining cooler in summer and warmer in winter. We found burrow microclimates were characterized by stable daily temperatures and high relative humidity, with temperatures increasing from spring through summer. We previously showed temperature increases corresponded with increasing off-host flea abundance. To evaluate how changes in temperature could affect future prairie dog flea development and abundance, we used development rates of O. montana (a species related to prairie dog fleas), determined how prairie dog burrow microclimates are affected by ambient weather, and combined these results to develop a predictive model. Our model predicts burrow temperatures and flea development rates will increase during the twenty-first century, potentially leading to higher flea abundance and an increased probability of plague epizootics if Y. pestis is present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Samuel
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
| | - Julia E Poje
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Tonie E Rocke
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, 53711, USA
| | - Marco E Metzger
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
- Vector-Borne Disease Section, Division of Communicable Disease Control, Center for Infectious Diseases, California Department of Public Health, Ontario, CA, 91764, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Twining JP, Lawton C, White A, Sheehy E, Hobson K, Montgomery WI, Lambin X. Restoring vertebrate predator populations can provide landscape-scale biological control of established invasive vertebrates: Insights from pine marten recovery in Europe. Glob Chang Biol 2022; 28:5368-5384. [PMID: 35706099 PMCID: PMC9542606 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Invasive species pose one of the greatest global threats to biodiversity. There has been a long history of importing coevolved natural enemies to act as biological control agents to try to suppress densities of invasive species, with historically limited success and frequent adverse impacts on native biodiversity. Our understanding of the processes and drivers of successful biological control has been focussed on invertebrates and is evidently limited and potentially ill-suited with respect to biological control of vertebrate populations. The restoration of native vertebrate predator populations provides a promising nature-based solution for slowing, halting, or even reversing the spread of some invasive vertebrates over spatial scales relevant to the management of wildlife populations. Here, we first review the growing literature and data from the pine marten-red and grey squirrel system in Europe. We synthesise a multi-decadal dataset to show that the recovery of a native predator has resulted in rapid, landscape-scale declines of an established invasive species. We then use the model system, predator-prey interaction theory, and examples from the literature to develop ecological theory relating to natural biological control in vertebrates and evolutionary processes in native-invasive predator-prey interactions. We find support for the hypotheses that evolutionary naivety of invasive species to native predators and lack of local refuges results in higher predation of naive compared to coevolved prey. We apply lessons learnt from the marten-squirrel model system to examine the plausibility of specific native predator solutions to some of the Earth's most devastating invasive vertebrates. Given the evidence, we conclude that depletion of vertebrate predator populations has increased ecosystem vulnerability to invasions and thus facilitated the spread of invasive species. Therefore, restoration of vertebrate predator populations is an underappreciated, fundamental, nature-based solution to the crisis of invasive species and should be a priority for vertebrate invasive species management globally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P. Twining
- Department of Natural ResourcesCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
- School of Biological SciencesQueen's UniversityBelfastUK
| | - Colin Lawton
- School of Natural Sciences, Ryan InstituteNational University of Ireland GalwayGalwayIreland
| | - Andy White
- Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Department of MathematicsHeriot‐Watt UniversityEdinburghUK
| | - Emma Sheehy
- School of Natural Sciences, Ryan InstituteNational University of Ireland GalwayGalwayIreland
| | - Keziah Hobson
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
| | | | - Xavier Lambin
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Eads D, Livieri T, Tretten T, Hughes J, Kaczor N, Halsell E, Grassel S, Dobesh P, Childers E, Lucas D, Noble L, Vasquez M, Grady AC, Biggins D. Assembling a safe and effective toolbox for integrated flea control and plague mitigation: Fipronil experiments with prairie dogs. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272419. [PMID: 35939486 PMCID: PMC9359584 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plague, a widely distributed zoonotic disease of mammalian hosts and flea vectors, poses a significant risk to ecosystems throughout much of Earth. Conservation biologists use insecticides for flea control and plague mitigation. Here, we evaluate the use of an insecticide grain bait, laced with 0.005% fipronil (FIP) by weight, with black-tailed prairie dogs (BTPDs, Cynomys ludovicianus). We consider safety measures, flea control, BTPD body condition, BTPD survival, efficacy of plague mitigation, and the speed of FIP grain application vs. infusing BTPD burrows with insecticide dusts. We also explore conservation implications for endangered black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes), which are specialized predators of Cynomys. Principal findings During 5- and 10-day laboratory trials in Colorado, USA, 2016–2017, FIP grain had no detectable acute toxic effect on 20 BTPDs that readily consumed the grain. During field experiments in South Dakota, USA, 2016–2020, FIP grain suppressed fleas on BTPDs for at least 12 months and up to 24 months in many cases; short-term flea control on a few sites was poor for unknown reasons. In an area of South Dakota where plague circulation appeared low or absent, FIP grain had no detectable effect, positive or negative, on BTPD survival. Experimental results suggest FIP grain may have improved BTPD body condition (mass:foot) and reproduction (juveniles:adults). During a 2019 plague epizootic in Colorado, BTPDs on 238 ha habitat were protected by FIP grain, whereas BTPDs were nearly eliminated on non-treated habitat. Applications of FIP grain were 2–4 times faster than dusting BTPD burrows. Significance Deltamethrin dust is the most commonly used insecticide for plague mitigation on Cynomys colonies. Fleas on BTPD colonies exhibit the ability to evolve resistance to deltamethrin after repeated annual treatments. Thus, more tools are needed. Accumulating data show orally-delivered FIP is safe and usually effective for flea control with BTPDs, though potential acute toxic effects cannot be ruled out. With continued study and refinement, FIP might be used in rotation with, or even replace deltamethrin, and serve an important role in Cynomys and black-footed ferret conservation. More broadly, our stepwise approach to research on FIP may function as a template or guide for evaluations of insecticides in the context of wildlife conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Eads
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Travis Livieri
- Prairie Wildlife Research, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Tyler Tretten
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center, Carr, Colorado, United States of America
| | - John Hughes
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center, Carr, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Nick Kaczor
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Colorado Front Range National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Arvada, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Emily Halsell
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Colorado Front Range National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Arvada, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Shaun Grassel
- Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Phillip Dobesh
- U.S. Forest Service, Wall Ranger District, Wall, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Eddie Childers
- National Park Service, Badlands National Park, Rapid City, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - David Lucas
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Colorado Front Range National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Arvada, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Lauren Noble
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Michele Vasquez
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Anna Catherine Grady
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Dean Biggins
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
The Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvius genus, as does the specifically human smallpox virus. It is zoonotic and had never previously been considered as capable of human-to-human transmission over more than nine viral generation cycles. While relevant animal reservoirs have yet to be identified, non-human primates (NHP) are only accidental hosts. The potentially high number of current human shedders during the clinical phase (3 weeks maximum) raises the question of a risk in our countries of animals being contaminated by infected humans (reverse zoonosis). Cats as well as cows are susceptible to the Cowpox virus, another zoonotic Orthopoxvirus, which they transmit to humans. Dogs are much less susceptible to this virus and seem only receptive to Vaccinia virus (also belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus). On the other hand, one study has demonstrated the pronounced susceptibility of the adult albino rabbit and of young animals of several rodent species to Monkeypox virus (MPXV). Given the susceptibility to MPXV of prairie dogs, which are American Sciuridae, the potential for infection of European squirrels cannot be ruled out.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Haddad
- Anses, INRAe, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort 94700, France.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Grunert RKA, Kunkel MR, Radisic R, Nemeth NM, Burrell CE, Shender LA, Guzman-Vargas V, Cunningham MW, Yabsley MJ. Notoedric mange (Notoedres centrifera) in two species of free-ranging rabbits from Florida, USA. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 33:100748. [PMID: 35820720 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mange is a contagious skin disease caused by different mite species affecting numerous domestic and wild animals, worldwide. This report details notoedric mange in an eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) and in a marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris) from Florida, USA. Clinical examination revealed similar gross lesions including poor nutritional condition, multifocal alopecia and hyperkeratosis. Skin scrapings from both rabbits revealed numerous subcutaneous mites identified as Notoedres centrifera, a species previously only associated with rodents, primarily squirrels. Mites from both rabbits were identified based on morphology and confirmed by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer-2 (ITS-2) region. These cases emphasize the need for continued surveillance and accurate diagnostic evaluation to determine the cause and characterization of the skin disease, while distinguishing it from other potential pathogens that may manifest similarly in rabbits, such as Notoedres cati, Sarcoptes scabiei or Psoroptes cuniculi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan K A Grunert
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Melanie R Kunkel
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Rebecca Radisic
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Nicole M Nemeth
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Caitlin E Burrell
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Zoo and Exotic Animal Pathology Service, Infectious Diseases Laboratory, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Lisa A Shender
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
| | | | - Mark W Cunningham
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
| | - Michael J Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Zhou J, Wang M, Yi X. Alteration of Gut Microbiota of a Food-Storing Hibernator, Siberian Chipmunk Tamias sibiricus. Microb Ecol 2022; 84:603-612. [PMID: 34562129 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01877-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Hibernation represents a state of fasting because hibernators cease eating in the torpid periods. Therefore, food deprivation during hibernation is expected to modify the gut microbiota of host. However, there are few reports of gut microbiota in food-storing hibernators that feed during the interbout arousals. Here we collected fecal samples of Siberian chipmunk T. sibiricus to character and examine changes in the gut microbiota at various stages relative to hibernation: pre-hibernation, early-hibernation, mid-hibernation, late-hibernation, and post-hibernation. Compared to the pre-hibernation state, alpha-diversity of gut microbiota was significantly increased during the interbout arousal periods. In addition, beta-diversity of the fecal communities from pre-hibernation and interbout arousal periods grouped together, and post-hibernation gut microbiota resembled the counterpart at late-hibernation. Hibernation significantly decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes but increased Bacteroidetes, reflecting a shift of microbiota toward taxa in favor of host-derived substrates. The increased abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, Lactobacillus, and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group in gut microbiota may help the chipmunks reduce intestinal inflammation and then maintain healthy bowel during hibernation. KEGG pathway indicated that hibernation altered the metabolic function of gut microflora of T. sibiricus. Our study provides evidence that the gut microbiota of food-storing hibernators, despite feeding during the interbout arousals, shows similar response to hibernation that has well documented in fat-storing counterparts, suggesting the potential for a core gut microbiota during hibernation of mammals. Importantly, these results will broaden our understanding of the effects of hibernation on gut microbiota of mammal hibernators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Minghui Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Xianfeng Yi
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Mills G, Loeb J. Controlling grey squirrel numbers in the UK. Vet Rec 2022; 191:60-61. [PMID: 35866935 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.2044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Georgina Mills and Josh Loeb report on work to develop contraceptives for this invasive species.
Collapse
|
50
|
Matzke CC, Kusch JM, Janz DM, Lane JE. Perceived predation risk predicts glucocorticoid hormones, but not reproductive success in a colonial rodent. Horm Behav 2022; 143:105200. [PMID: 35617896 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The Cort-Adaptation hypothesis suggests that elevated glucocorticoids (GCs) can facilitate an adaptive response to environmental and physiological challenges. Most previous studies have focused on avian species, which may limit their generalizability to mammals, where lactation is known to be a major physiological challenge. Furthermore, the effect of predation risk on GC levels has not been tested in the Cort-Adaptation hypothesis. We sought to test this hypothesis in a colonial prey species, black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus). We predicted that individuals located near fewer neighboring conspecifics would perceive an increased risk of predation and, in turn, have increased GCs (measured through hair cortisol concentration (HCC)) and reduced annual reproductive success compared to more centrally located individuals. We also investigated other putative influences on HCC: age, lactation status, body condition, and season of hair growth. Levels of vigilance behavior were higher for those with fewer neighboring conspecifics, suggesting variation in perceived risk of predation. Further, the risk of predation appeared to represent a chronic, detrimental stressor as evidenced by a significant increase in HCC for prairie dogs with fewer neighbors. Lactation status and season also influenced HCC. We found support for the Cort-Adaptation hypothesis where increased HCC during the reproductive season correlated with whether a female produced a litter, but not litter size, suggesting a minimum threshold of GCs is required for successful reproduction in this species. Our work illustrates that HCC may operate as an indicator of perceived predation risk, but care should be taken to consider the variety of factors influencing GC homeostasis, in particular lactation, when drawing conclusions using HCC as a marker of long-term stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jillian M Kusch
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - David M Janz
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Jeffrey E Lane
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| |
Collapse
|