Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Illke B. Malungo, Reabetswe Mokale, Mads F. Bertelsen, Paul R. Manger
Summary: This study provides an analysis of the cholinergic, catecholaminergic, serotonergic, and orexinergic neuronal populations in the brain of the lesser hedgehog tenrec. The cholinergic system shows the most variation, while the other systems are broadly similar to those observed in other mammals. The lesser hedgehog tenrec has a significant mesencephalic flexure in its brain, which is not present in the greater otter shrew. This suggests either complex parallel evolution or a need to re-examine the classification of the Potomogalidae lineage.
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Noriko Kimura, Kiyoto Shiga, Ken-ichi Kaneko, Yutaka Oki, Chiho Sugisawa, Jun Saito, Seiich Tawara, Hiroshi Akahori, Susumu Sogabe, Takafumi Yamashita, Kazuhiro Takekoshi, Mitsuhide Naruse, Takayuki Katabami
Summary: Paragangliomas (PGLs) can be classified into two types: head-and-neck PGLs which are parasympathetic tumors producing acetylcholine, and thoracoabdominal PGLs which are sympathetic tumors producing catecholamines. Immunohistochemistry of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) is useful for pathological diagnosis of HNPGLs. Further investigation is needed to determine if acetylcholine levels in the blood or urine could be a tumor marker for HNPGLs.
ENDOCRINE PATHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Marcello Trucas, Marta Anna Kowalik, Marianna Boi, Maria Pina Serra, Andrea Perra, Marina Quartu
Summary: To contribute to the understanding of autonomic innervation in liver regeneration, this study investigated the distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)- and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-like immunoreactive nerve fibers in rats under different conditions of liver damage and repair. The results showed that TH-LI nerve fibers were mostly found around blood vessels in the portal spaces, while ChAT-LI nerve fibers were associated with secretory ducts. The density of TH-like immunoreactivity decreased after certain treatments, while the density of ChAT-LI nerve fibers increased in rats with specific liver damage. These findings suggest a finely tuned autonomic modulation of hepatic blood flow and a selective parasympathetic role in regulating the regenerative potential of the rat liver.
JOURNAL OF THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alexa Sadier, Neal Anthwal, Andrew L. Krause, Renaud Dessalles, Michael Lake, Laurent A. Bentolila, Robert Haase, Natalie A. Nieves, Sharlene E. Santana, Karen E. Sears
Summary: Tooth classes are an important factor in the evolutionary success of mammals, but the mechanisms behind their diversification are not well understood. Through the study of noctilionoid bats, researchers have shown how the tooth developmental program evolved during adaptation to different diets. They found that tooth classes develop through independent developmental cascades that deviate from classical models, and that the diversification of tooth number and size is driven by jaw growth rate modulation. Mathematical models also supported the hypothesis that growth plays a key role in the evolution of tooth number and size. This study sheds light on the diversification of tooth classes and other repeated structures during adaptive radiations.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Ming-Fung Wu, Thomas C. Thannickal, Songlin Li, Ronald McGregor, Yuan-Yang Lai, Jerome M. Siegel
Summary: Long-term use of sodium oxybate (SXB) can alleviate cataplexy and sleepiness in narcolepsy. However, unlike opioids, SXB increases the size of Hcrt neurons, decreases Hcrt levels in the hypothalamus, and reduces tyrosine hydroxylase levels in the locus coeruleus. Although there are some similar effects on narcoleptic symptoms, SXB does not produce anatomical changes similar to opioids.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Shelley R. Winn, Sandra Dudley, Tanja Scherer, Nicole Rimann, Beat Thoeny, Sydney Boutros, Destine Krenik, Jacob Raber, Cary O. Harding
Summary: The study found that lifelong weekly pegvaliase treatment can prevent cognitive deficits associated with hyperphenylalaninemia in mice, particularly with significant improvements in overall growth of the mice with early treatment. However, cognitive deficits may reappear after discontinuation of treatment, especially when treatment is stopped in adulthood.
MOLECULAR GENETICS AND METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Leah Lucy Joscelyne Fitzpatrick, Vincent Nijman, Rodrigo Ligabue-Braun, K. Anne-Isola Nekaris
Summary: The evolution of venom and the selection pressures acting on toxins have been extensively studied in recent decades. However, research on mammalian toxins has been limited due to the scarcity of venomous mammal species. With advances in genomics and transcriptomics, the availability of toxin sequences from venomous mammals has increased. This study presents the rates of selection acting upon venomous mammal toxins using branch- and site-specific selection models, revealing both episodic and pervasive selection acting on the toxins.
Article
Cell Biology
Paolo Tollis, Erika Vitiello, Francesco Migliaccio, Eleonora D'Ambra, Anna Rocchegiani, Maria Giovanna Garone, Irene Bozzoni, Alessandro Rosa, Annamaria Carissimo, Pietro Laneve, Elisa Caffarelli
Summary: This study uncovers a novel function for the lncRNA nHOTAIRM1, specifically expressed in the spinal cord, in promoting the differentiation of motor neurons (MNs) and regulating their morphology and synaptic activity. The absence of nHOTAIRM1 results in altered neurite outgrowth, impaired gene expression related to synaptic connectivity, and neurotransmission.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Biology
Georg Brenneis
Summary: Through neuroanatomical analysis, the study investigates the visual system of sea spiders and other taxa, finding that the visual system of sea spiders is similar to that of horseshoe crabs, supporting the hypothesis that horseshoe crabs are nested within arachnids, and revealing ancestral traits of this group.
Article
Neurosciences
Taketoshi Sugimura, Yasuhiko Saito
Summary: Cholinergic inputs modulate cerebellar functions, with varying proportions of cholinergic neurons projecting from the prepositus hypoglossi nucleus (PHN) to different cerebellar regions. The study found that cholinergic PHN neurons project not only to the vestibulocerebellum but also to other areas, with differing proportions depending on the target cerebellar areas and the rostro-caudal regions of the PHN. This provides insights into the involvement of cerebellar cholinergic networks in gaze holding.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Kristen N. Hirter, Elaine N. Miller, Cheryl D. Stimpson, Kimberley A. Phillips, William D. Hopkins, Patrick R. Hof, Chet C. Sherwood, C. Owen Lovejoy, Mary Ann Raghanti
Summary: Recent evidence suggests that increased dopaminergic signaling within the dorsal striatum plays a central role in the evolution of the human brain, affecting human prosociality and language. Increase in striatal dopamine is associated with externally driven behaviors, such as cooperation and social conformity. Conversely, decreased striatal dopamine is linked to internally driven and goal-oriented behaviors.
BRAIN STRUCTURE & FUNCTION
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ozgur Mete, Sylvia L. Asa, Anthony J. Gill, Noriko Kimura, Ronald R. de Krijger, Arthur Tischler
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the classification, pathogenesis, biomarkers, and diagnostic criteria of tumors of the adrenal medulla and extra-adrenal paraganglia. It also introduces new genetic predisposition syndromes and changes in tumor nomenclature.
ENDOCRINE PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Elena Kotsyuba, Vyacheslav Dyachuk
Summary: This study identified several neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine, in the eyestalks of Paralithodes camtschaticus. It also found that these neurotransmitters play a crucial role in modulating the secretion of neurohormones in the X-organ sinus gland complex.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROANATOMY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Anna Gugula, Aleksandra Trenk, Aleksandra Celary, Katarzyna Cizio, Grzegorz Tylko, Anna Blasiak, Grzegorz Hess
Summary: Early-life stress has long-term consequences, including an increased risk for drug abuse and psychiatric disorders later in life, higher in women than in men. This study reveals the changes in stress sensitivity of specific neuronal populations in the ventral tegmental area and lateral hypothalamus caused by early-life stress.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Victoria M. Williams, Adhil Bhagwandin, Jordan Swiegers, Mads F. Bertelsen, Therese Hard, Chet C. Sherwood, Paul R. Manger
Summary: Using choline acetyltransferase immunohistochemistry, the study describes the nuclear parcellation of the cholinergic system in the brains of a lar gibbon and a chimpanzee, showing similarities and differences compared to humans. Notable variations of cholinergic neuronal distribution in apes compared to other primates may relate to the differing modes of locomotion. Additionally, soma volume differences in specific nuclei suggest a relationship with the adult derivatives of the alar and basal plate across mammalian species.
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Victoria M. Williams, Adhil Bhagwandin, Jordan Swiegers, Mads F. Bertelsen, Therese Hard, Thomas C. Thannickal, Jerome M. Siegel, Chet C. Sherwood, Paul R. Manger
Summary: Using orexin-A immunohistochemical staining, the nuclear parcellation of orexinergic neurons in the hypothalami of a lar gibbon and a chimpanzee was described, revealing similarities to patterns observed in other mammals. The distribution of orexinergic neurons in the ape hypothalamus appears broader than in other primate species, with some differences observed in specific clusters. High density terminal networks were found within certain regions of the brain, typical for mammals, indicating a potentially significant role for orexinergic neurons in these areas.
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Lea Roumazeilles, Frederik J. Lange, R. Austin Benn, Jesper L. R. Andersson, Mads F. Bertelsen, Paul R. Manger, Edmund Flach, Alexandre A. Khrapitchev, Katherine L. Bryant, Jerome Sallet, Rogier B. Mars
Summary: Comparative neuroimaging of ring-tailed lemurs, black-capped squirrel monkeys, and rhesus macaques revealed differences in frontal projections and white matter architecture. The results suggest that squirrel monkeys and rhesus macaques have expanded frontal projections compared to ring-tailed lemurs, while ring-tailed lemurs have reduced connectivity in the parietal region. Furthermore, squirrel monkeys have a specific occipito-parietal anatomy.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Victoria M. Williams, Adhil Bhagwandin, Jordan Swiegers, Mads F. Bertelsen, Therese Hard, Chet C. Sherwood, Paul R. Manger
Summary: Using choline acetyltransferase immunohistochemistry, the study describes the nuclear parcellation of the cholinergic system in the brains of a lar gibbon and a chimpanzee, showing similarities and differences compared to humans. Notable variations of cholinergic neuronal distribution in apes compared to other primates may relate to the differing modes of locomotion. Additionally, soma volume differences in specific nuclei suggest a relationship with the adult derivatives of the alar and basal plate across mammalian species.
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Victoria M. Williams, Adhil Bhagwandin, Jordan Swiegers, Mads F. Bertelsen, Therese Hard, Chet C. Sherwood, Paul R. Manger
Summary: Using tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry, this study describes the nuclear parcellation of the catecholaminergic system in the brains of a lar gibbon and a chimpanzee. The parcellation in both apes is almost identical to that in humans and shows strong similarities to other mammals, particularly primates. Specific variations in the apes studied include an unusual high-density cluster of A10dc neurons, an enlarged A8 nucleus related to increased use of communicative facial expressions, and an expanded distribution of neurons forming the dorsolateral division of the locus coeruleus (A4).
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Victoria M. Williams, Adhil Bhagwandin, Jordan Swiegers, Mads F. Bertelsen, Therese Hard, Chet C. Sherwood, Paul R. Manger
Summary: Through the analysis of immunohistochemically stained sections, the study details the morphology and nuclear parcellation of serotonergic neurons in the brainstem of a lar gibbon and a chimpanzee. While the neuronal morphology and nuclear organization of the serotonergic system in these apes closely resemble that of other primates, a unique expansion in the lateral division of the dorsal raphe nucleus was observed in the chimpanzee.
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christina Lynggaard, Mads Frost Bertelsen, Casper Jensen, Matthew S. Johnson, Tobias Guldberg Froslev, Morten Tange Olsen, Kristine Bohmann
Summary: Biodiversity monitoring at the community scale is critical for understanding the impacts of environmental and human activities on natural ecosystems. This study demonstrates that airborne environmental DNA (eDNA) can be a powerful tool for studying and monitoring terrestrial vertebrate communities. The researchers collected air samples from different locations in a zoo and used eDNA analysis to detect diverse vertebrate species. They found that the distance to the sampling device and animal biomass influenced the detection probability.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Illke B. Malungo, Reabetswe Mokale, Mads F. Bertelsen, Paul R. Manger
Summary: This study provides an analysis of the cholinergic, catecholaminergic, serotonergic, and orexinergic neuronal populations in the brain of the lesser hedgehog tenrec. The cholinergic system shows the most variation, while the other systems are broadly similar to those observed in other mammals. The lesser hedgehog tenrec has a significant mesencephalic flexure in its brain, which is not present in the greater otter shrew. This suggests either complex parallel evolution or a need to re-examine the classification of the Potomogalidae lineage.
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Demi Oddes, Ayanda Ngwenya, Illke B. Malungo, Anita Burkevica, Therese Hard, Mads F. Bertelsen, Muhammad A. Spocter, D. Michael Scantlebury, Paul R. Manger
Summary: Using orexin-A immunohistochemistry, the distribution, morphology, and nuclear parcellation of orexinergic neurons in the hypothalami of Asiatic lions, African lions, and Southeast African cheetahs were studied. The clustering and distribution of orexinergic neurons in these felids appear to be more complex than in other mammals.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Line Kristensen, Juliana Q. Zardo, Sofie M. Hansen, Mads F. Bertelsen, Aage K. O. Alstrup, Tobias Wang, Catherine J. A. Williams
Summary: Giving turtles atropine reduces the minimum anaesthetic concentration of isoflurane, and propofol can also reduce the required concentration of inhaled anaesthesia. These findings are important for the control of inhalant anaesthesia.
VETERINARY ANAESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lucie A. Bergeron, Soren Besenbacher, Jiao Zheng, Panyi Li, Mads Frost Bertelsen, Benoit Quintard, Joseph I. Hoffman, Zhipeng Li, Judy St Leger, Changwei Shao, Josefin Stiller, M. Thomas P. Gilbert, Mikkel H. Schierup, Guojie Zhang
Summary: We sequenced and compared high-coverage genomes of 151 parent-offspring trios from 68 species of vertebrates and found that the per-generation mutation rate varies greatly among species, with males having higher rates than females in mammals and birds. We identified generation time, age at maturity, and species-level fecundity as key factors influencing this variation. Species with larger long-term effective population sizes tend to have lower mutation rates, supporting the drift barrier hypothesis. Domesticated animals with shorter generation times display exceptionally high yearly mutation rates, emphasizing the importance of generation time in mutation rate evolution.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Anita Wittwer, Marco Roller, Dennis W. H. Mueller, Mads F. Bertelsen, Laurie Bingaman Lackey, Beatrice Steck, Rebecca Biddle, Lars Versteege, Marcus Clauss
Summary: Zoo animal husbandry is a skill that needs constant development to improve animal survivorship. Species at higher risk of extinction in the wild may face greater difficulties in zoo conditions. This study found that the survival rates of black, greater one-horned, and white rhinos in zoos were consistent with their extinction risk status. The survivorship of black and white rhinos has significantly improved over time, while the greater one-horned rhino's survivorship stagnated.
Review
Biology
Alexandra A. de Sousa, Amelie Beaudet, Tanya Calvey, Ameline Bardo, Julien Benoit, Christine J. Charvet, Colette Dehay, Aida Gomez-Robles, Philipp Gunz, Katja Heuer, Martijn P. van den Heuvel, Shawn Hurst, Pascaline Lauters, Denne Reed, Mathilde Salagnon, Chet C. Sherwood, Felix Stroeckens, Mirriam Tawane, Orlin S. Todorov, Roberto Toro, Yongbin Wei
Summary: This comprehensive review summarizes recent advancements in paleoneurology, highlighting the connection between neuroanatomy, genes, and behavior. Through interdisciplinary techniques, paleoneurology has led to major innovations in understanding fossil brain organization and behaviors. Collaboration and sharing digitized museum collections have accelerated knowledge acquisition in this field, providing ample opportunities for future research.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Elna Owembabazi, Pilani Nkomozepi, Tanya Calvey, Ejikeme Felix Mbajiorgu
Summary: This study investigated the combined effects of alcohol and cART on testicular morphology, biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. The results showed that concurrent consumption of alcohol and cART induced testicular toxicity, resulting in structural and functional impairments.
ANATOMY & CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Marc Palmada-Flores, Joseph D. Orkin, Bettina Haase, Jacquelyn Mountcastle, Mads F. Bertelsen, Olivier Fedrigo, Lukas F. K. Kuderna, Erich D. Jarvis, Tomas Marques-Bonet
Summary: Researchers have generated a new high-quality reference genome assembly for the ring-tailed lemur, which is of great significance for the study of this species and related species.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Richard M. Gunner, Rory P. Wilson, Mark D. Holton, Phil Hopkins, Stephen H. Bell, Nikki J. Marks, Nigel C. Bennett, Sam Ferreira, Danny Govender, Pauli Viljoen, Angela Bruns, O. Louis van Schalkwyk, Mads F. Bertelsen, Carlos M. Duarte, Martin C. van Rooyen, Craig J. Tambling, Aoife Goppert, Delmar Diesel, D. Michael Scantlebury
Summary: The combined use of GPS technology and motion sensors in movement ecology has increased in recent years. However, the precision and accuracy of GPS loggers depend on animal behavior. This study presents a movement-verified filtering protocol that compares GPS-derived speed data with dynamic body acceleration to accurately identify genuine traveling movement. The findings demonstrate the importance of this protocol in avoiding inaccurate and biased estimates of movement.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2022)
