Article
Immunology
Gongzhen Liu, Qing Liu, Wei Zhang, Xuewen Shen
Summary: This study reports the first case of Porrocaecum angusticolle infection in Griffon vultures in China. The researchers aimed to identify the nematode species and study the genetic evolution of these worms infecting Gyps fulvus. Through clinical examination and molecular analysis, they identified the worms as P. angusticolle (SD isolates) and found that they shared high genetic identity with a P. angusticolle isolate from Germany. The study provides important insights for the diagnosis and prevention of P. angusticolle infections in wild and domestic animals.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Gregory W. McGarr, Caroline M. Muia, Samah Saci, Naoto Fujii, Glen P. Kenny
Summary: In healthy older adults, K-Ca channels play a significant role in modulating ATP-induced cutaneous vasodilation, while the contribution of NOS to this response is minimal.
MICROVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biology
William D. Paterson, Laureline L. Chaise, Chris McKnight, John Currie, Dave Thompson, Andre Ancel, Caroline Gilbert, Dominic J. McCafferty
Summary: This study investigated the heat loss during the moult in southern elephant seals in different habitats, showing that the heat loss was greatest on the beach. Additionally, changes in body weight and skin surface temperature occurred as the moult progressed.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Agnes Lewden, Charles M. Bishop, Graham N. Askew
Summary: Animal flight consumes metabolic energy at a higher rate and dissipates most of it as heat. During flight, heat is dissipated through forced convection, while during rest, the head and trunk are the main areas involved in heat dissipation. The surface temperature of the legs increases with flight duration. The methodology developed in this study can be used to assess the impact of climate change on bird behavior.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Miguel Ferrer, Angele Alloing, Ryan Baumbush, Virginia Morandini
Summary: Avian mortality is a negative impact of wind energy, but the implementation of a turbine shutdown system can significantly reduce the death rate of soaring birds. The study found that after the selective stopping protocol was applied, there was a 61.7% reduction in mortality of soaring birds, particularly raptors and storks. The mortality of Griffon Vultures was reduced by over 92%.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Leandra Wiid, Vinny Naidoo
Summary: Cape Vultures are vulnerable to malicious and accidental poisonings, but little is known about the effects of toxins on egg survival. A literature review focused on veterinary pharmaceuticals revealed limited research on vultures, with most studies conducted on domestic chickens. The risk of vulture exposure to drugs in animal carcasses was characterized, and certain drugs were identified to have embryotoxic or teratogenic effects.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Slobodan Davidovic, Sasa Marinkovic, Irena Hribsek, Aleksandra Patenkovic, Marina Stamenkovic-Radak, Marija Tanaskovic
Summary: The Griffon vulture population in Serbia is the largest and most viable population in the Balkan Peninsula, serving as an important reservoir of genetic diversity. Despite a relatively high level of inbreeding, the population can be used for reintroduction programs in the region.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Pedro Jesus Rodriguez de Rivera, Miriam Rodriguez de Rivera, Fabiola Socorro, Manuel Rodriguez de Rivera
Summary: This paper discusses the advantages of using a calorimetric sensor with a programmable thermostat compared to using heat flux sensors without a thermostat. The aim of this new calorimetric sensor is to accurately measure the heat loss of the skin, and its measurement procedures and experimental validation are shown. The paper also discusses the characteristics of heat transfer when a contact sensor is applied to the skin, focusing on the challenges and opportunities of this type of measurement. The thermostated calorimetric sensor is capable of replicating different temperature conditions on a localized skin region, providing a potential alternative to climate chambers.
Article
Physiology
Gregory W. McGarr, Kelli E. King, Ashley P. Akerman, Naoto Fujii, Marcel Ruzicka, Glen P. Kenny
Summary: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of hypertension on nitric oxide dependent vasodilation during local heating across multiple skin regions and explore regional differences. The results showed that there were no significant differences in local heat-induced cutaneous vasodilation between individuals with uncomplicated, controlled hypertension and nonhypertensive age-matched adults when pooled across multiple skin sites. However, the comparisons between individual regions were too variable to draw definitive conclusions.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-REGULATORY INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jacopo Cerri, Ilaria Fozzi, Davide De Rosa, Mauro Aresu, Marco Apollonio, Fiammetta Berlinguer
Summary: The study found an increased collision between Griffon Vultures and wind turbines in the populations on Mediterranean islands. Supplementary feeding stations provide large amounts of food, restricting the movement of Griffon Vultures. Wind farms should be avoided in highly active areas for the vultures and measures should be implemented to reduce food availability and carrion.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Review
Biology
Monica Pirastru, Paolo Mereu, Laura Manca, Daniela Bebbere, Salvatore Naitana, Giovanni G. Leoni
Summary: This article discusses the impact of human activities on ecosystem health, with a particular focus on the adaptive responses of vultures to environmental changes. The importance of genetic information for improving species management and protecting genetic integrity is emphasized, highlighting the challenges in linking scientific research with management practices.
Article
Biology
Slobodan Davidovic, Sasa Marinkovic, Mila Kukobat, Milica Mihajlovic, Vanja Tanasic, Irena Hribsek, Marija Tanaskovic, Marina Stamenkovic-Radak
Summary: The Griffon vulture, once widespread in southeast Europe, now only exists in small isolated populations in the Balkan Peninsula. The largest and most viable population in Serbia can serve as an important genetic diversity reservoir for reintroduction programs in the region. Genetic analysis shows that each population possesses unique haplotypes, suggesting using local populations for restocking instead of introducing birds from remote populations.
Article
Zoology
Guillermo Gomez-Lopez, Felix Martinez, Ana Sanz-Aguilar, Martina Carrete, Guillermo Blanco
Summary: The variation in offspring sex ratios is an important topic in animal demography and population dynamics, but it has been less investigated in monomorphic and single-egg laying species. This study analyzed the effects of individual and environmental factors on the sex ratio of griffon vultures in central Spain over a 30-year period. The results showed no significant biases in offspring sex ratios, even under changing environmental conditions.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Pedro Jesus Rodriguez de Rivera, Miriam Rodriguez de Rivera, Fabiola Socorro, Manuel Rodriguez de Rivera
Summary: This study improves the calibration process of a calorimetric sensor for medical application through the use of localized constants models and suitable experiments. A new method of operation is proposed that allows measurement to be performed with the sensor applied on the skin. The operation and calculation methods were validated by simulations, leading to successful measurement of heat capacity and equivalent thermal resistance in the human body.
Article
Physiology
Gregory W. McGarr, Kelli E. King, Samah Saci, Daphnee Leduc, Ashley P. Akerman, Naoto Fujii, Glen P. Kenny
Summary: Regional differences in NO-dependent cutaneous vasodilatation during local skin heating were found in young adults, with the abdomen showing larger NO contributions and the chest showing smaller NO contributions. This study helps to advance understanding of the mechanisms influencing regional variations in the cutaneous vasodilator response in young adults.
EXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Laureline L. Chaise, Dominic J. McCafferty, Adelie Krellenstein, Susan L. Gallon, William D. Paterson, Marc Thery, Andre Ancel, Caroline Gilbert
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2019)
Article
Environmental Sciences
William D. Paterson, Debbie J. F. Russell, Gi-Mick Wu, Bernie McConnell, John I. Currie, Dominic J. McCafferty, Dave Thompson
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2019)
Article
Biology
Lucy A. Winder, Stewart A. White, Andreas Nord, Barbara Helm, Dominic J. McCafferty
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2020)
Editorial Material
Biodiversity Conservation
William J. Sutherland, Sergio Ticul Alvarez-Castaneda, Tatsuya Amano, Roberto Ambrosini, Philip Atkinson, John M. Baxter, Alexander L. Bond, Philip J. Boon, Katherine L. Buchanan, Jos Barlow, Giuseppe Bogliani, Olivia M. Bragg, Mark Burgman, Marc W. Cadotte, Michael Calver, Steven J. Cooke, Richard T. Corlett, Vincent Devictor, John G. Ewen, Martin Fisher, Guy Freeman, Edward Game, Brendan J. Godley, Christian Gortazar, Ian R. Hartley, David L. Hawksworth, Keith A. Hobson, Ming-Lun Lu, Berta Martin-Lopez, Keping Ma, Antonio Machado, Dirk Maes, Marco Mangiacotti, Dominic J. McCafferty, Victoria Melfi, Sanjay Molur, Allen J. Moore, Stephen D. Murphy, Darren Norris, Alexander P. E. van Oudenhoven, Jennifer Powers, Eileen C. Rees, Mark W. Schwartz, Ilse Storch, Claire Wordley
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Physiology
Agnes Lewden, Andreas Nord, Batsheva Bonnet, Florent Chauvet, Andre Ancel, Dominic J. McCafferty
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Ecology
Jessica A. Leivesley, Robyn A. Stewart, Victoria Paterson, Dominic J. McCafferty
Summary: Recent research suggests that water voles are commonly found in many cities in the UK, indicating that urban populations of water voles may be more common than previously recognized. The study found that rivers and streams within city parks, sports grounds, and urban reserves are the most important habitat types for water voles.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andreas Nord, Neil B. Metcalfe, Jennifer L. Page, Anna Huxtable, Dominic J. McCafferty, Neal J. Dawson
Summary: This study examined the changes in mitochondrial function in endotherms in cold regions preparing for winter, with findings showing that Coal and Great tits increased their mitochondrial respiration rate and volume in winter to enhance heat production capacity.
Article
Biology
David W. Stone, Carrie Gunn, Andreas Nord, Richard A. Phillips, Dominic J. McCafferty
Summary: Based on research on wandering albatross chicks on Bird Island, South Georgia, it was found that surface temperature gradients across different body regions varied with age and environmental conditions. Insulated body regions showed stronger age effects, while environmental conditions such as wind speed and relative humidity had a greater impact on uninsulated areas. Total heat loss of chicks was found to increase linearly with age, with mass specific heat loss decreasing during early growth stages before increasing. These findings provide a basis for further understanding the effects of environmental stressors on developing chicks in polar regions.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Physiology
William D. Paterson, Simon E. Moss, Ryan Milne, John I. Currie, Dominic J. McCafferty, Dave Thompson
Summary: The study found that harbor seals have higher metabolic rates when hauled out during molting, especially in the early stages of haul-out. Oxygen consumption peaks in the first 40 minutes post-haul-out and then decreases but remains relatively high. Factors such as air temperature, feed heat increment, and body size all influence the metabolic rate of harbor seals.
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ZOOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Luca Nelli, Bianka Schehl, Robyn A. Stewart, Catherine Scott, Scott Ferguson, Shelagh MacMillan, Dominic J. McCafferty
Summary: Natural habitats in urban areas provide benefits for both humans and biodiversity. To protect biodiversity, new techniques are needed to determine suitable habitats and ecological connectivity, and interactive mapping tools can help guide conservation actions.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
William D. Paterson, Laureline L. Chaise, Chris McKnight, John Currie, Dave Thompson, Andre Ancel, Caroline Gilbert, Dominic J. McCafferty
Summary: This study investigated the heat loss during the moult in southern elephant seals in different habitats, showing that the heat loss was greatest on the beach. Additionally, changes in body weight and skin surface temperature occurred as the moult progressed.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biology
Dominic J. McCafferty, Robert Koprowski, Katherine Herborn, Glenn J. Tattersall, Paul Jerem, Andreas Nord
JOURNAL OF THERMAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Jennifer L. Page, Andreas Nord, Davide M. Dominoni, Dominic J. McCafferty
Summary: Climate change and increasing air temperature may affect the environmental conditions for developing birds. This study investigated the effects of heating the nest during incubation on the cold tolerance and body mass of Eurasian blue tit chicks. The results showed that heated chicks had a lower cooling rate and higher body mass compared to control chicks, suggesting that nest microclimate can impact thermoregulation and growth in offspring. These findings have implications for predicting the physiological responses of birds to climate change.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Neil M. Burns, Charlotte R. Hopkins, Maria Martina Quaggiotto, Dominic J. McCafferty, David M. Bailey
Summary: Decomposing organic matter is crucial for energy and nutrient recycling in ecosystems, but the role of animal carrion biomass in ecosystem functioning is poorly understood. This study examined a grey seal breeding colony on the Isle of May in Scotland and found that they contribute significantly to the carrion biomass available in the surrounding marine systems.
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Aurelia F. T. Strauss, Dominic J. McCafferty, Andreas Nord, Marina Lehmann, Barbara Helm
Summary: Chronotypes refer to consistent differences in biological time-keeping among individuals. This study investigates the use of skin temperature and activity recordings to derive chronotypes in wild songbirds. The results suggest that skin temperature and activity may have different underlying mechanisms and responsiveness to environmental cues.
ANIMAL BIOTELEMETRY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Aref Maddahi, Adel Saberivand, Hossein Hamali, Farnoosh Jafarpour, Maryam Saberivand
Summary: Heat stress affects the fertility of dairy cattle, but supplementing vitamins E and coenzyme Q10 can alleviate its adverse effects on oocyte maturation and embryo development. Vitamin E was found to be more effective than vitamin C and coenzyme Q10 in improving maturation and cleavage rates, as well as increasing the count of blastocyst cells.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL BIOLOGY
(2024)
