Article
Veterinary Sciences
Christoph Leineweber, Christine Gohl, Maike Luecht, Rachel E. Marschang
Summary: Electrophoresis was used to analyze plasma protein differences in flamingo species, revealing variations between species, sexes, and age groups. The study showed significant distinctions in certain protein fractions and levels based on sex and age, particularly in American flamingos.
JOURNAL OF AVIAN MEDICINE AND SURGERY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Maria Gemma Millan de la Blanca, Eva Martinez-Nevado, Cristina Castano, Juncal Garcia, Berenice Bernal, Adolfo Toledano-Diaz, Milagros Cristina Esteso, Paula Boveda, Lucia Martinez-Fresneda, Antonio Lopez-Sebastian, Julian Santiago-Moreno
Summary: The American flamingo is a useful model for developing successful semen cryopreservation procedures, applicable to threatened related species from the family Phoenicopteridae, to allow genetic material banking. The study aimed to develop effective sperm cryopreservation protocols by examining the influences of two permeating cryoprotectants and seminal plasma removal. The findings showed that there were no differences between Me2SO and DMA for successful freezing of flamingo sperm, and seminal plasma removal did not benefit sperm cryopreservation.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Christoph Leineweber, Maike Luecht, Lukas Reese, Rachel E. Marschang, Christine Gohl
Summary: Reference intervals for clinical chemistry analytes are crucial for interpreting blood results, but they are often limited to a small number of analytes or individuals. This study aimed to establish reference intervals for greater and American flamingos and evaluate differences between species, sexes, and age groups. The results showed significant differences between species and age groups.
JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Darren S. du Plessis, Deena Pillay
Summary: The study on time-dependent effects of foraging plasticity by Greater Flamingos in sedimentary assemblages of Langebaan Lagoon revealed that flamingo foraging behavior can impact basal trophic resource levels, community structure, and spatio-temporal heterogeneity.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sol Guerra-Ojeda, Patricia Marchio, Cristina Rueda, Andrea Suarez, Hermenegildo Garcia, Victor M. Victor, Marina Juez, Ivan Martin-Gonzalez, Jose M. Vila, Maria D. Mauricio
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of cerium dioxide nanoparticles on human blood vessels and found that they have antioxidant properties and could potentially be used as adjuvants for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Roberto Carlos Frias-Soler, Andreas Bauer, Markus A. Grohme, Georgina Espinosa Lopez, Maria Gutierrez Costa, Alexander Llanes-Queved, Frank Van Slobbe, Marcus Frohme, Michael Wink
Summary: By developing a library of microsatellite loci primers and using genetic markers, researchers conducted genetic and population genetics studies on flamingos. They found that the flamigos can be grouped into two major clades, and there is limited connectivity between Caribbean flamingo populations. The small Galapagos colony is threatened due to low genetic diversity.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ang Lu, Shi-meng Yuan, Huai Xiao, Da-song Yang, Zhi-qiong Ai, Qi-Yan Li, Yu Zhao, Zhuang-zhi Chen, Xiu-mei Wu
Summary: This study used QSAR to investigate the relationship between molecular descriptors, physicochemical properties, and antioxidant activity of polyphenol analogues, providing guidance for the design and discovery of highly-potent antioxidants.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hamzah Khawaja, Numan Fazal, Faiza Yaqub, Muhammad Rauf Ahmad, Muzaffar Hanif, Muhammad Amin Yousaf, Noreen Latief
Summary: Preconditioning with Aesculus indica extract was found to protect human adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hADMSCs) from oxidative stress, thus enhancing their therapeutic potential by reducing inflammation through regulation of NF-kappa B pathway. The extract improved cell proliferation, viability, migration, and antioxidant activity, while decreasing senescent and apoptotic cells induced by stress. Additionally, the expression of inflammatory genes and proteins associated with NF-kappa B pathway were downregulated in Aesculus indica primed hADMSCs compared to stressed hADMSCs.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vy Ngo, Martin L. L. Duennwald
Summary: Oxidative stress is associated with major human diseases, and the transcription factor Nrf2 plays a key role in the antioxidant defense system and has been extensively studied in disease contexts.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Beata Olas
Summary: English Summary: Graviola, a plant found in tropical regions, has various ethnomedicinal uses such as treating insomnia, diabetes, cystitis, and headaches. It contains active components called annonaceous acetogenins, with over 100 compounds isolated from it. Graviola is also a source of phenolic compounds, essential oils, alkaloids, flavonol triglycosides, and megastigmanes, as well as several minerals. This paper provides an overview of the antioxidant properties of graviola and its major constituents, based on a review of electronic databases, but more research is needed to determine its antioxidant potential and safety.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miroslav Pohanka
Summary: Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally by the human body, which regulates the circadian rhythm and has antioxidative and cell cycle regulating properties. It is currently used as a medication for sleep disorders and shows potential for preventing chemical exposure and treating other diseases.
CURRENT MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Hui-Yi Lin, Qiufan Fu, Yu-Hsiang Kao, Tung-Sung Tseng, Krzysztof Reiss, Jennifer E. Cameron, Martin J. Ronis, Joseph Su, Navya Nair, Hsiao-Man Chang, Michael E. Hagensee
Summary: This study identified serum albumin and 4 dietary antioxidants (vitamin A, B2, E, and folate) inversely associated with high-risk HPV infection in women. Low serum albumin level and inadequate intake of antioxidants may increase the risk of HPV infection.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Shital Wakale, Xiaoxin Wu, Yogita Sonar, Antonia Sun, Xiwei Fan, Ross Crawford, Indira Prasadam
Summary: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that significantly impairs the physical function of the elderly population. This review focuses on the age-related changes in chondrocytes and their impact on OA development, including senescence, mitochondrial dysfunction, epigenetic modifications, and decreased growth factor response. These changes also extend to the matrix, subchondral bone, and synovium. Understanding these alterations provides potential therapeutic approaches for OA treatment.
Article
Physiology
N. Schvezov, R. W. Wilson, M. A. Urbina
Summary: This study investigated the potential effects of feeding on the oxidative-antioxidant balance in rainbow trout. The results showed that feeding led to oxidative damage in various tissues, with the highest enzymatic activities observed in the gills, stomach, and intestine. These findings suggest a coordinated and tissue-specific antioxidant defense mechanism during digestion in fish.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Elham Azadvari, Ziba Ghasimi Hagh, Amin Ebrahimi, Hojatollah Bodaghi
Summary: This study aimed to improve the production of secondary metabolites in Catharanthus roseus and investigate the effects of PEG-induced drought stress on physiological and biochemical characteristics. The results showed that increasing PEG concentration led to higher levels of malondialdehyde and proline in the Alba cultivar compared to the Rosea cultivar. The Alba cultivar also exhibited higher activity of antioxidant enzymes. The relative expression of vinblastine biosynthesis genes was significantly increased in both cultivars, especially in the medium with 5% PEG. Similarly, the relative expression of CrMPK3 and catalase genes increased significantly in all PEG-containing media. These findings suggest that PEG can induce the accumulation of vinblastine through a signaling pathway involving MAPK and antioxidant enzymes.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Marco Salvatori, Simone Tenan, Valentina Oberosler, Claudio Augugliaro, Philippe Christe, Claudio Groff, Miha Krofel, Fridolin Zimmermann, Francesco Rovero
Summary: The study found that the presence of livestock in protected areas in the Mongolian Altai Mountains caused snow leopards and ibex to avoid those areas, while wolves tended to coexist with livestock. There is a close predator-prey relationship between snow leopards and ibex. Therefore, it is recommended to enforce grazing limitations, incorporate wildlife conservation into government subsidies for pastoralists, and use prevention techniques to mitigate livestock depredation.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Ornithology
Jeremy Gremion, Gabriel Marcacci, Julien Mazenauer, Tolera Sori, Fanuel Kebede, Mihret Ewnetu, Philippe Christe, Raphael Arlettaz, Alain Jacot
Summary: Agricultural intensification and land-use changes are impacting farmland biodiversity, with the Ortolan Bunting facing a dramatic decline. Traditional agroecosystems in the Ethiopian Highlands play a vital role in preserving the species' wintering grounds and the majority of its global population. Maintaining traditional agriculture will be crucial in preventing further decline in the Ortolan Bunting population.
Article
Parasitology
Sandor Hornok, Tamara Szentivanyi, Nora Takacs, Aron Botond Kovacs, Olivier Glaizot, Philippe Christe, Nicolas Fasel, Miklos Gyuranecz, Jeno Kontschan
Summary: The study reveals the close phylogenetic relationship between Latrocimicinae and Haematosiphoninae, which share important morphologic characters but not hosts. By analyzing Latrocimicinae with molecular and phylogenetic methods, the resolution of the phylogeny of Cimicidae was significantly improved. However, the phylogenetic relationships within different subfamilies infesting bats show complexity and inconsistency with the hosts' phylogeny.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Gabriel Marcacci, Jeremy Gremion, Julien Mazenauer, Tolera Sori, Fanuel Kebede, Mihret Ewnetu, Philippe Christe, Raphael Arlettaz, Alain Jacot
Summary: Intensification of farming practices has detrimental effects on biodiversity, with a focus on declines in species richness at local scales. Biotic homogenization exacerbates species loss at larger scales, yet this is poorly studied in tropical areas. This study in the Ethiopian Highlands found that landscape complexity has a stronger influence on avian communities than farming intensity, emphasizing the importance of semi-natural vegetation and landscape heterogeneity for maintaining diverse bird communities and promoting biodiversity.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Camille-Sophie Cozzarolo, Romain Pigeault, Julie Isaia, Jerome Wassef, Molly Baur, Olivier Glaizot, Philippe Christe
Summary: The study finds contradictory results regarding the potential manipulation of attractiveness by malaria parasites in birds compared to mammals, highlighting the importance of ecological testing under natural conditions.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Romain Pigeault, Mathieu Chevalier, Camille -Sophie Cozzarolo, Molly Baur, Mathilde Arlettaz, Alice Cibois, Andre Keiser, Antoine Guisan, Philippe Christe, Olivier Glaizot
Summary: Understanding the drivers of infection risk is crucial for predicting the emergence and evolution of infectious diseases. Co-infections are important in understanding host-parasite interactions. Bird ecology and phylogeny impact infection risk, and co-infections may exert stronger selective pressure than single infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Antoine Perrin, Olivier Glaizot, Philippe Christe
Summary: The presence/abundance and diversity of mosquitoes, the most important arthropods affecting human health, have shown an overall decline in response to urbanization, deforestation, and agricultural development. However, a few mosquito species have been able to exploit these landscape changes well, posing a greater risk of emergence and transmission of vector-borne diseases in human-modified landscapes.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Amael Hinojo, Philippe Christe, Ines Moreno, Robin J. Hofmeister, Gottlieb Dandliker, Fridolin Zimmermann
Summary: Accurate methods for population survey and monitoring are crucial for wildlife conservation and management. This study applied spatially explicit photographic capture-recapture models (SCR) to estimate roe deer densities in the Lake Geneva basin, Switzerland. The results suggest that setting 20 motion-sensitive cameras over 20 nights provides reliable estimates of male roe deer density. Additionally, studies estimating overall roe deer density should be conducted after the rutting season.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Tamara Szentivanyi, Sandor Hornok, Aron B. Kovacs, Nora Takacs, Miklos Gyuranecz, Wanda Markotter, Philippe Christe, Olivier Glaizot
Summary: Polyctenidae bugs are rarely studied ectoparasites of bats, with only 32 described species worldwide; 6 of which are found in the Afrotropical region. Limited knowledge on these parasites has mostly focused on New World species. Additional records from Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda were reported. The first molecular phylogeny of Polyctenidae was demonstrated, showing their relationship with the closely related family Cimicidae.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Tamara Szentivanyi, Anne-Caroline Heintz, Wanda Markotter, Jerome Wassef, Philippe Christe, Olivier Glaizot
Summary: The aim of this study was to explore the diversity and distribution of vector-borne microorganisms in bat-associated ectoparasites. The study tested the presence of Bartonella spp., Polychromophilus spp., and Trypanosoma spp. in bat flies and bat fleas collected from Egyptian Rousette bats. The results showed a high prevalence of Bartonella spp. in bat flies, while a low prevalence was found in bat fleas. Polychromophilus and Trypanosoma DNA were not detected in either bat flies or bat fleas. Novel gltA Bartonella sequences were found, as well as genotypes similar to potentially zoonotic ones.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Christophe Dufresnes, Ludovic Dutoit, Alan Brelsford, Fardo Goldstein-Witsenburg, Laura Clement, Adria Lopez-Baucells, Jorge Palmeirim, Igor Pavlinic, Dino Scaravelli, Martin Sevcik, Philippe Christe, Jerome Goudet
Summary: Traditional genotyping methods are limited in quantifying genetic diversity and structure, while next-generation sequencing has not been properly tested in highly mobile species. This study compared microsatellite and RAD-sequencing analyses in investigating population structure in the declining bent-winged bat across Europe. The results show that microsatellites were not informative in individual-based analyses, but genomic SNPs provided resolution on regional substructures and confirmed suspicions of philopatry and spatial partitioning in the species.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Antoine Perrin, Francis Schaffner, Philippe Christe, Olivier Glaizot
Summary: This study investigates the effects of urbanization, deforestation, and agricultural development on mosquito abundance and diversity. The results show that urbanization and deforestation have a greater impact on mosquito diversity, while agricultural development has a smaller impact. The scale of effect also varies among mosquito species.
Article
Ecology
Antoine Perrin, Jerome Pellet, Ludovic Bergonzoli, Philippe Christe, Olivier Glaizot
Summary: This study conducted a survey on mosquitoes and amphibian larvae in 77 ponds in western Switzerland and found that landscape anthropization increases the presence probability of mosquito larvae and the proportion of Culex pipiens in mosquito communities. One possible ecological mechanism is the reduction in amphibian abundance, which limits competition and predation experienced by mosquitoes in human-modified landscapes. In addition, the study also showed that several local pond characteristics prevent the presence and abundance of mosquito larvae. Therefore, protecting amphibians is important for reducing mosquito-related nuisances and the risk of emergence of vector-borne diseases in humans and wildlife.
Article
Zoology
Pol Nadal-Jimenez, Crystal L. Frost, Ana Claudia Norte, Jorge Garrido-Bautista, Timothy E. Wilkes, Rowan Connell, Annabel Rice, Indrikis Krams, Tapio Eeva, Philippe Christe, Gregorio Moreno-Rueda, Gregory D. D. Hurst
Summary: This paper examines the distribution of a parasitic bacterium in the population of a wasp host in Europe. The study finds that this bacterium is widely present in bee populations in Germany, the UK, Finland, Switzerland, and Portugal, but with varying frequencies. A new screening method using ethanol-preserved fly pupae is effective in detecting both wasp and bacterium infection. Future research should investigate the causes of frequency variation.
JOURNAL OF INVERTEBRATE PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Romain Pigeault, Angela Ruiz De Paz, Molly Baur, Julie Isaia, Olivier Glaizot, Philippe Christe
Summary: Malaria is a widespread disease affecting many animal species. The factors triggering parasite recurrences and their impact on infection prevalence still remain poorly understood, even though the disease's origin was discovered long ago. A study on chronically infected birds showed that increased stress hormone levels can trigger malaria recurrences.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
