Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Cara Stull, Allison Heagerty, Kristine Coleman
Summary: Pair housing improves welfare for macaques, but the socialization process can be stressful. This study found that allowing macaques to interact via video conferencing technology (Zoom) can help determine compatibility before relocation. Pairs where one animal showed more attention were more likely to be successful.
Article
Neurosciences
Mark J. Prescott, Colline Poirier
Summary: MRI plays a significant role in enhancing the selection and assignment of non-human primates, guiding the manufacture of custom devices, assisting with health issue diagnosis, and improving the welfare of NHPs. Sharing of MRI data sets, as well as advancements in MRI contrast and resolution, are expected to further advance the principles of the 3Rs in the future.
Article
Neurosciences
Anna S. Mitchell, Renee Hartig, Michele A. Basso, Wendy Jarrett, Sabine Kastner, Colline Poirier
Summary: Scientific excellence is essential for progress in biomedical research; international collaborations are key for advancing scientific knowledge; cultural differences and societal values contribute to the similarities and differences between countries in animal research standards.
Article
Biology
Dian G. M. Zijlmans, Lisette Meijer, Marit K. Vernes, Jacqueline A. M. Wubben, Linda Hofman, Annet L. Louwerse, Elisabeth H. M. Sterck, Jan A. M. Langermans, Marieke A. Stammes
Summary: Macaques, commonly used in biomedical research, showed higher cortisol levels when transitioned from group- to pair-housing, while body fat levels did not significantly differ. Individual differences in stress response and adaptation to environmental changes were observed, suggesting potential for future refinement studies.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Allison R. Lau, Brianna R. Pinto, Lynea R. Witczak, Karen L. Bales
Summary: Research has found that primates, including coppery titi monkeys, vary their species-typical behaviors depending on social conditions. An experiment investigating the behavior differences of titi monkeys in small and large rooms revealed that monkeys in small rooms demonstrated higher rates of affiliation. This suggests that environmental factors have an impact on the social behavior of titi monkeys.
APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tomos Proffitt, Jonathan S. Reeves, Alfonso Benito-Calvo, Laura Sanchez-Romero, Adrian Arroyo, Suchinda Malaijivitnond, Lydia V. Luncz
Summary: Studies have shown that macaque percussive behaviors create specific diagnostic signatures, and a novel workflow combining visual identification and 3D surface quantification can quantifiably record these behavioral signatures.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andreas Liu, Elliott S. Milner, Yi-Rong Peng, Hannah A. Blume, Michael C. Brown, Gregory S. Bryman, Alan J. Emanuel, Philippe Morquette, Nguyen -Minh Viet, Joshua R. Sanes, Paul D. Gamlin, Michael Tri H. Do
Summary: Primate ipRGCs regulate physiology, mood, and behavior by sending signals to the brain. It has been discovered that macaque ipRGCs encode irradiance by blurring spatial, temporal, and chromatic features, and this encoding mechanism is conserved across millions of years of evolution.
Article
Biology
Mingchao Yan, Wenwen Yu, Qian Lv, Qiming Lv, Tingting Bo, Xiaoyu Chen, Yilin Liu, Yafeng Zhan, Shengyao Yan, Xiangyu Shen, Baofeng Yang, Qiming Hu, Jiangli Yu, Zilong Qiu, Yuanjing Feng, Xiao-Yong Zhang, He Wang, Fuqiang Xu, Zheng Wang
Summary: In this study, the researchers used viral-based genetic axonal tracing in combination with high-throughput serial two-photon tomography to map the axonal projections from the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) to the rest of the macaque brain. The results showed the connections between different brain areas, and validated the consistency between diffusion tractography and axonal tracing methods, while also pointing out some differences between the two methods.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Francesca Bandoli, Jenny Mace, Andrew Knight
Summary: This study assessed the integrated impact of environmental conditions and human presence on the behaviour of zoo-housed Asian small-clawed otters. The otters displayed species-specific behaviours and generally had positive welfare states. However, they engaged less in locomotion, food-related and affiliative behaviours, and more in vigilance compared to previous captive studies. Visitor presence and background noise did not affect behaviour, but time of day and animal identity did. The results provide meaningful information for improving husbandry practices and highlight the importance of multivariate analysis to assess animal welfare.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Andrea Polanco, Brenda McCowan, Lee Niel, David L. Pearl, Georgia Mason
Summary: Monkeys in captivity often display abnormal behaviors, which are poorly categorized by current subcategories. Therefore, researchers have investigated and identified new valid subcategories to accurately assess animal welfare.
Article
Anthropology
Margaret Corley, Juan Pablo Perea-Rodriguez, Claudia Valeggia, Eduardo Fernandez-Duque
Summary: The study found that male Azara monkeys had the lowest fecal cortisol levels when caring for young infants, while female cortisol levels were higher during gestation. Overall, fecal cortisol levels were lower in both sexes when an infant was present.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ken-ichi Okada, Ryuji Takeya, Masaki Tanaka
Summary: This study investigated the response properties of cerebellar cells in macaques performing synchronized saccades and identified three groups of cerebellar neurons with distinct response profiles. One-third of the neurons were active regardless of saccade direction and showed greater activity for synchronized saccades. The activity of these neurons corresponded to the internal rhythmic structure rather than specific motor commands.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Danielle Beckman, Adele M. H. Seelke, Jeffrey Bennett, Paige Dougherty, Koen K. A. Van Rompay, Rebekah Keesler, Patricia A. Pesavento, Lark L. A. Coffey, John H. Morrison, Eliza Bliss-Moreau
Summary: In this study, we evaluated the neuropathological consequences of fetal exposure to ZIKV in rhesus monkeys, and found that the virus can cause structural abnormalities and cell death in the developing brain. These findings may help explain why some infants born with normal sized heads during ZIKV infection experience developmental challenges as they age.
Article
Development Studies
Saehim Kim, Saebae Ryu, Yang-Sin Kim, Myeong-Hun Lee
Summary: Excessive housing costs cause housing and social problems. To tackle this issue, South Korea has implemented housing welfare policies that focus on both supply and demand. These policies have been proven to effectively reduce housing cost burdens.
HABITAT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Linda Kjellberg, Hanna Sassner, Jenny Yngvesson
Summary: Factors such as bedding, housing, and available lying area affect lying behavior in horses. Group-housed horses require a larger lying area to meet their resting needs compared to horses in individual boxes.
APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Maria Azparren-Angulo, Felix Royo, Esperanza Gonzalez, Marc Liebana, Bruno Brotons, Jesus Berganza, Felipe Goni-de-Cerio, Nicolo Manicardi, Laia Abad-Jorda, Jordi Gracia-Sancho, Juan M. Falcon-Perez
Summary: The number of publications on Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) released by liver cells has exponentially increased since the first descriptions in 2008, indicating the growing interest in the importance of cell-to-cell communication and the potential of these vesicles in diagnostics and therapeutics. This systematic review summarizes the works from the past decade and discusses the best opportunities for utilizing EVs in liver disease therapeutics.
PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Guillermo Bordanaba-Florit, Iratxe Madarieta, Beatriz Olalde, Juan M. Falcon-Perez, Felix Royo
Summary: 3D cell cultures have improved cancer research by preserving cancer physiological characteristics and facilitating the study of interactions. Extracellular vesicles play key roles in oncology, serving as interactors with the extracellular matrix, cell-to-cell messengers, carriers of biomarkers, and treatment-delivery agents. They are utilized to evaluate tumor progression and potential therapeutic applications, showing promise in drug delivery and antitumoral activity.
Article
Zoology
Huda S. Darusman, Uus Saepuloh, Sela S. Mariya, Dondin Sajuthi, Steven J. Schapiro, Jann Hau
Summary: A study on aging cynomolgus monkeys found significantly increased expression of the GAPDH gene in monkeys with cognitive decline, suggesting a potential link to neurodegenerative diseases like AD. This supports the use of cynomolgus macaques as valid models for investigating the relationship between aging, cognitive decline, and AD neuropathy.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Huda Shalahudin Darusman, Tan Li Wern, Dondin Sajuthi, Steven J. Schapiro, Jann Hau
Summary: The study showed that aged memory-impaired cynomolgus monkeys had significantly lower levels of cerebrospinal amyloid (Aβ(42)) and serum testosterone compared to young animals and non-memory-impaired controls, confirming their potential as a model for aging-associated senile dementia of the Alzheimer type.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL PRIMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Ruth K. Nyakundi, Jann Hau, Paul Ogongo, Onkoba Nyamongo, Maamum Jeneby, Mercy Akinyi, Isaac Mulei, Fred Nyundo, Idle Farah, Indu Malhotra, Hastings Ozwara, Christopher L. King, Thomas Kariuki
Summary: This study explores the impact of chronic schistosomiasis on clinical outcome and immunity to repeated malaria infection, finding that chronic infection does not compromise clinical immunity but may affect the development of robust antibodies and memory T cells, potentially impacting long-term acquired immunity.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Diana Sousa, Raquel T. Lima, Vanessa Lopes-Rodrigues, Esperanza Gonzalez, Felix Royo, Cristina P. R. Xavier, Juan M. Falcon-Perez, M. Helena Vasconcelos
Summary: There are differences in the release and capture of EVs between drug-sensitive and MDR cells, possibly due to distinct endocytic pathways. Manipulation of the endocytic pathway can influence the response of drug-sensitive cells to doxorubicin treatment.
Article
Cell Biology
Alex P. Shephard, Peter Giles, Mariama Mbengue, Amr Alraies, Lisa K. Spary, Howard Kynaston, Mark J. Gurney, Juan M. Falcon-Perez, Felix Royo, Zsuzsanna Tabi, Dimitris Parthimos, Rachel J. Errington, Aled Clayton, Jason P. Webber
Summary: The study explored the utility of prostate stromal cell-derived vesicles as indicators of an altered tumor environment in prostate cancer patients. By comparing transcripts in different disease states, a set of mRNAs was identified to successfully discriminate clinical courses of prostate cancer, potentially predicting disease outcomes. Machine learning combined with serum EV analysis and PSA showed improved sensitivity and specificity in detecting prostate cancer progression, showcasing the superiority of this liquid biopsy approach compared to needle biopsy.
JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Mie S. Berke, Pernille Colding-Jorgensen, Line G. Pedersen, Sara Hestehave, Otto Kalliokoski, Henrik E. Jensen, Dorte B. Sorensen, Jann Hau, Klas S. P. Abelson
Summary: This study aimed to refine a rat arthritis model by providing analgesia with a transdermal fentanyl solution. The results showed that treatment with transdermal fentanyl solution reduced pain and improved mobility and stance in rats. However, the analgesic effect was transient and accompanied by some side effects.
COMPARATIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
M. S. Berke, P. Colding-Jorgensen, S. Hestehave, O. Kalliokoski, H. E. Jensen, D. Bratbo Sorensen, J. Hau, K. S. P. Abelson
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of buprenorphine analgesia in an adjuvant-induced monoarthritic rat model. The results showed that buprenorphine effectively reduced pain and improved clinical scores, and voluntary ingestion of buprenorphine is an effective alternative to repeated injections.
Article
Cell Biology
Muireann Ni Bhaoighill, Juan M. Falcon-Perez, Felix Royo, Andrew R. Tee, Jason P. Webber, Elaine A. Dunlop
Summary: This study investigates the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in modulating the tumor microenvironment and their impact on the development of TSC tumors. It shows that EVs secreted from TSC2-deficient cells contain a specific protein cargo that promotes cell viability, proliferation, and growth factor secretion in the tumor microenvironment. The study also demonstrates that rapamycin can alter the cargo of EVs and reduce their ability to promote cell proliferation.
JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Felix Royo, Hector Tames, Guillermo Bordanaba-Florit, Diana Cabrera, Maria Azparren-Angulo, Clara Garcia-Vallicrosa, Abelardo Margolles, Lorena Ruiz, Patricia Ruas-Madiedo, Juan M. Falcon-Perez
Summary: This study used mice as a model and fed them with a bacterial strain of B. adolescentis that can degrade glutamate and convert it into GABA. The bacterium can survive in the gastric tract and the animals reduce their blood glutamate concentration over time. The results suggest that an oral diet with this probiotic-type bacteria could reduce the concentration of glutamate in the blood, providing a reference for clinical trial studies in patients with chronic diseases.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Clara Garcia-Vallicrosa, Juan M. Falcon-Perez, Felix Royo
Summary: The human CERS2 gene encodes a protein called CERS2, which has been found to have antitumor effects in various types of cancer, but promotes tumor growth in adenocarcinoma. This review focuses on the influence of CERS2 in bladder cancer, including its structure, activity, and the miRNAs that regulate its expression. Mechanistically, CERS2 may act as an antitumor protein through the production of long-chain ceramides, interaction with vacuolar ATPase, and inhibition of mitochondrial fission. Additionally, the expression of CERS2 in bladder cancer and its association with disease progression are discussed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Patricia Preisig, James D. Macy, Jann Hau
Summary: The Yale Animal Resource Cost and Benchmarking survey compares the financial situations of academic animal research/resource centers in the US and European Union. The survey found that both regions have similar compositions in per diem rates, but US programs generally have large deficits while European Union programs have small positive net-operating balances. Both regions are reluctant to raise per diem rates, resulting in under-recovering costs and financial challenges for the animal programs.
LABORATORY ANIMALS
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Patricia Preisig, James D. Macy, Jann Hau
Summary: This survey highlights the differences between European and American academic animal research centers in terms of organization structure, accreditation, rodent breeding responsibility, service offerings, animal species, vivarium housing and procedure space, as well as microbial monitoring.
LABORATORY ANIMALS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Dasa Seveljevic-Jaran, Otto Kalliokoski, Klas S. P. Abelson, Jann Hau
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the analgesic effects of fluoxetine on the adjuvant-induced arthritis rat model. The results did not provide support for the analgesic effects of fluoxetine in reducing the severity of arthritis.