The Mar, Sox, and Rob Systems.

This paper presents the results of a three-year collecting and research project on Melanterius weevils in Australia, aimed mainly at discovering new host associations and assessing their fit to the emerging reconstruction of phylogenetic relationships in the large genus Acacia. A revised and extended diagnosis of the genus Melanterius is provided, as well as characters differentiating the genus from related and/or similar Australian genera classified in the tribe Cleogonini. Given the size (79 species) and morphological variation of Melanterius, and to facilitate the assessment of co-evolutionary patterns between the weevils and their hosts, the genus is divided into six tentative species groups characterised by particular morphological traits. New host and locality data are recorded for 23 species, including five species described as new to science, M. abbreviatus sp. n., M. curvistriatus sp. n., M. psittacoides sp. n., M. pungalinae sp. n. and M. tesseymani sp. n. For each species, salient characters and a summary of known host plant species are provided. Melanterius tasmaniensis (Lea, 1909) comb. et stat. n. is raised from a subspecies of Melanteriosoma costatum to species level. All recorded host associations of Melanterius known to us are summarised, including those published, those recorded on label data associated with specimens in the Australian National Insect Collection and those recorded during this study. These host records are differentiated into true host associations (based on specimens reared from seeds), putative associations (based on long series of specimens collected from plants) and coincidental associations (based on single specimens collected from plants). Altogether, Melanterius weevils are recorded from 71 species of Acacia, still a small number in view of the ca. 1000 described species of Acacia, but it is likely that many or most of the other species are also hosts of Melanterius species or of the closely related genus Lybaeba. The pattern of host associations in evidence indicates that most species of Melanterius are not host-specific, developing in the seeds of a number of apparently related Acacia species. Nevertheless, several Melanterius species appear to have the potential to be employed as biocontrol agents if their main hosts become invasive weeds.

The potential that must be developed and formed in tertiary institutions is the ability to think critically and be independent. In addition, equalization of learning outcomes through education at the KKNI level (Indonesian National Qualifications Framework) which states that students graduating from diploma 4 or undergraduate programs are equivalent to level six, where graduates are expected to have logical, critical thinking and are expected to be able to demonstrate independent, quality, and measurable performance. This study aims to analyze the validity of the e-module, test the effectiveness of the e-module in increasing critical thinking skills and independence in learning animal physiology from the digestive system material, and examine student responses related to the e-module. This study uses the 4-D Thiagarajan model (Define, Design, Develop and Disseminate). Based on the results of the recapitulation of the e-module assessment by the material and media expert validator, it was stated that the e-module on the digestive systems of animals is very suitable for use in learning. The effectiveness of the digestive system e-module in animals related to the ability to think critically and independently before and after using the digestive system e-module experienced an increase in critical thinking skills and independence in the moderate category. The results of the observation data on student independence in learning are very good. Student responses to the use of e-modules as learning media can make it easier for students to understand learning material, especially material about the digestive system.

Microencapsulation techniques have been developed and refined for many years. However, in recent years, great strides have been made in controlling the microcapsule size down to the nanometer range when necessary. Progress has also been made in controlling the ratio of wall/capsule and the distribution of microcapsule diameter size in the batching of the capsules. One area of application for microencapsulation is the convenience of dosing large groups of animals once with a sustained-release dosage form rather than with repeated administration since this involves greater effort at animal management. For example, targeted dosages can be achieved by a specialized drug delivery system. Since animal systems are varied and ruminant animals have a digestive system that is different from and more complex than that of other animals, oral administration of a drug substance to be retained through the rumen to the abomasum for subsequent dissolution and/or excretion may be affected by a microencapsulation process. Miller and Gordon of USDA achieved this for control of fecal breeding flies by systemic retention of a microencapsulated pesticide drug into the manure. Perhaps one of the most challenging areas is that of pharmaceuticals. There is now considerable interest in the area of microparticulate drug delivery systems. Examples of how desirable nutritional properties and taste preference are achieved and how these provide improved animal products will be discussed. Additional areas of interest and some possible future systems that have advantages over conventional systems will be discussed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Microencapsulation techniques have been developed and refined for many years. However, in recent years, great strides have been made in controlling the microcapsule size down to the nanometer range when necessary. Progress has also been made in controlling the ratio of wall/capsule and the distribution of microcapsule diameter size in the batching of the capsules.One area of application for microencapsulation is the convenience of dosing large groups of animals once with a sustained-release dosage form rather than with repeated administration since this involves greater effort at animal management.For example, targeted dosages can be achieved by a specialized drug delivery system. Since animal systems are varied and ruminant animals have a digestive system that is different from and more complex than that of other animals, oral administration of a drug substance to be retained through the rumen to the abomasum for subsequent dissolution and/or excretion may be affected by a microencapsulation process. Miller and Gordon of USDA achieved this for control of fecal breeding flies by systemic retention of a microencapsulated pesticide drug into the manure.Perhaps one of the most challenging areas is that of pharmaceuticals. There is now considerable interest in the area of microparticulate drug delivery systems. Examples of how desirable nutritional properties and taste preference are achieved and how these provide improved animal products will be discussed. Additional areas of interest and some possible future systems that have advantages over conventional systems will be discussed.A brief description of some general requirements by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval of these drug delivery systems will be presented.

Animal nutrition plays a pivotal role in the global livestock industry, influencing production efficiency, animal health, and overall economic sustainability. As a growing awareness of the importance of natural and sustainable practices emerges, essential oils have garnered attention as potential feed additives with multifaceted benefits. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the integration of essential oils into animal nutrition, elucidating their mechanisms of action, effects on animal health, and contributions to enhanced production outcomes. The paper outlies the historical context of essential oil usage in animal nutrition and the objectives of this review. It delves into the chemical composition of essential oils, paving the way for a comprehensive understanding of their role. Mechanisms of action are elucidated, highlighting how essential oils interact with the digestive system and metabolism of animals, ultimately improving nutrient utilization and gut health. These mechanisms are the cornerstone of their potential to enhance production. Beyond their physiological effects, essential oils' impact on animal health is thoroughly examined. A review of relevant studies showcases their effectiveness in preventing and managing common diseases, underscoring their holistic benefits. The article then delves into their tangible effects on production parameters, such as growth rate, feed efficiency, and reproductive performance, drawing insights from case studies and experimental data. However, challenges and considerations are not overlooked. The review highlights potential limitations and the need for judicious and evidence-based use of essential oils in animal nutrition. It emphasizes the importance of responsible practices and sustainability in the livestock industry. In conclusion, this review synthesizes the current knowledge surrounding the integration of essential oils into animal nutrition and their profound potential to enhance production outcomes. It underscores the critical role of essential oils as a natural and sustainable approach to optimizing animal nutrition and, by extension, advancing the global livestock industry. The exploration of this synergy paves the way for future research and innovation in this evolving field.

An experimental model of chronic oral candidiasis, which adequately reproduces the recurrence of the disease and can be used to study the major pathogenic mechanisms of the disease and determine the effectiveness of antifungal drugs. Under the experimental conditions studied pathological changes that occur at different stages of infection in the mouth, the digestive system, liver, and spleen of experimental animals. The dynamics of the immune response during relapse of experimental oral candidiasis and stages of secondary imunodefficiency postinfection.

Cellulosomes are sophisticated multi-enzyme complexes synthesized and secreted by anaerobic microorganisms, characterized by intricate structural components and highly organized modular assembly mechanisms. These complexes play a pivotal role in the efficient degradation of lignocellulosic biomass, significantly enhancing its bioconversion efficiency, and are thus regarded as invaluable enzymatic molecular machines. Cellulosomes are not only prevalent in anaerobic bacteria from soil and compost environments but are also integral to the digestive systems of herbivorous animals, primates and termites. The cellulosomes produced by digestive tract microbiota exhibit unique properties, providing novel enzymes and protein modules that are instrumental in biomass conversion and synthetic biology, thereby showcasing substantial application potential. Despite their promise, the isolation and cultivation of digestive tract microorganisms that produce cellulosomes present significant challenges. Additionally, the lack of comprehensive genetic and biochemical studies has impeded a thorough understanding of these cellulosomes, leaving them largely underexplored. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the digestive tract cellulosome system, with a particular focus on the structural and functional attributes of cellulosomes in various animal digestive tracts. It also discusses the application prospects of digestive tract cellulosomes, highlighting their potential as a treasure in diverse fields.

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a toxin produced by the metabolism of Fusarium oxysporum, which can cause serious effects on the nervous, respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems of humans or animals; it is known as one of the highly toxic epidemic contaminants. Herein, we report the visual inspection of FB1 using bipolar electrodes (BPEs) with an array-based electrochemiluminescence (ECL) platform. The sensor consists of a PDMS cover and a glass substrate containing an array of 10 ITO electrodes. A specific sensing interface was constructed on the cathode of the BPE, which could modulate the ECL reactions that occurred at the anode of BPEs. To amplify the ECL signal, methylene blue (MB)-encapsulated Zr-MOFs (MB@Zr-MOFs) were synthesized and immobilized on the cathode of the BPE, which could amplify the ECL signal at the anode. By coupling the cyclic amplification effect of the DNA walker and nicking endonuclease (Nb.BbvCI), the biosensor can realize the visual measurement of FB1 in the range of 5 × 10−5~0.5 ng/mL. In addition, the developed biosensor was used to monitor the concentration of FB1 in maize and peanut samples. The recoveries were in the range of 99.2%~110.6%, which demonstrated the good accuracy of the designed BPE-ECL biosensor for FB1 assay in food samples.

The digestive mucosal system of laboratory animals has been well studied, particularly in mice and rats where Peyer’s patches are found in clusters clearly visible along the ileum. Most of our knowledge on digestive mucosal immunity has thus been derived from functional immunological studies or from immunohistochemistry in these species (1–3). To apply this information to human physiology is tempting, but remains disputable. Peyer’s patches are macroscopically undetectable in human ileum and this area of the gut can only be obtained post-mortem or during hemicolectomy for a tumor of the right colon, usually in elderly patients (4–6). Although most of its physiological roles remain unknown, the appendix might be an organ useful in assessing the structure and function of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue in young humans. We report here an immunohistological study of the vermiform appendix from 20 patients, obtained at surgery for appendicitis.KeywordsLamina PropriaVermiform AppendixInterdigitating CellDome AreaHuman AppendixThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

Nagata T. Aging Changes of Macromolecular Synthesis in the Avian and Mammalian Eyes as Revealed by Microscopic Radioautography. ARBS Annu Rev Biomed Sci 2006;8:33-67. In order to elucidate the aging changes of macromolecular synthesis such as DNA, RNA, proteins and glucides in various organ systems of experimental animals and men, we have studied various organs such as the skeletal, muscular, digestive, respiratory, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, circulatory, nervous and sensory systems after incorporations with radiolabeled macromolecular precursors by light and electron microscopic radioautography. This review deals with the results obtained from the avian and mammalian eyeballs. The experimental animals mainly used were chicken embryos during incubation for 1-7 days and strain mice at various aging groups from embryo to postnatal juvenile 1 and 3 days, 1 and 2 weeks, mature 1, 2 and 6 months up to 1 and 2 years at senescent stages. The animals were injected with such macromolecular precursors as 3 H-thymidine for DNA, 3 H-uridine for RNA, 3 H-amino acids for proteins, 3 H-glucose, 3 H-glucosamine and 35 S-sulfate for glucides. The results demonstrated that these precursors were incorporated into various ocular cells and tissues at various aging groups from perinatal to juvenile, mature and senescent stages showing specific patterns of macromolecular synthesis. It is concluded that the difference of macromolecular syntheses during development and aging changes were demonstrated. © by Sao Paulo State University - ISSN 1806-8774

Covid-19 is a genus of enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses with a high degree of genetic diversity. They induce a variety of disorders affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, hepatic, and nervous systems in humans and animals, with different manifestation and severity. Several risk variables, including older age, male gender, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and obesity (a higher body mass index (BMI)), are known to predict a worse course of covd-19 infection. Obesity is the result of the accumulation of an excessive amount of fat in the body and the condition arises from an imbalance between the amount of energy stored by increased food intake and the amount of energy expended as physical activity. The aims of study evaluate the effect of covid-19 on cytokines levels in obese patients. As well as, study the association of adiponectin gene polymorphism to the risk of infection with covid-19 in obese patients.

An approach to minimization of toxicity of a new compound is to elucidate the mechanisms of toxicity of analogous compounds and to clarify their structure-toxicity relationships. A problem with this approach, however, is that such elucidation remains difficult. For quinolones, some improvements in this mechanistic approach have been achieved in the central nervous system (CNS), particularly with regard to their interaction with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and in genotoxicity and phototoxicity studies, particularly in comparison with other toxicities, such as to the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, bone, reproductive, and developmental systems. This review concentrates on a description of the known effects of quinolones on various organ systems in experimental animals and humans. Given the logarithmic increase in the synthesis of new quinolones, it is questionable whether these drugs share similar safety and efficacy. Nevertheless, this mechanistic approach to the investigation and minimization of toxicity has produced satisfactory results to date and deserves to be continued.

Alkaline digestive systems are well described for some insect species and their larval stages. More recently, larvae of the members of ambulacraria superphylum consisting of echinoderms and hemichordates were also discovered to have highly alkaline midguts (pH 9.5-10.5) with the underlying acid-base regulatory mechanisms largely unknown. Using pharmacological inhibition of acid-base transporters in conjunction with ion-selective microelectrode measurements and pH-sensitive dyes, we investigated intracellular and extracellular pH regulatory mechanisms of midgut epithelial cells of a sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) larva. Our findings suggest that vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (inhibited by bafilomycin a1), carbonic anhydrase (inhibited by acetazolamide), anion-exchangers (inhibited by 4,4'-diisothiocyano-2,2'-disulfonic acid or DIDS), and soluble adenylyl cyclase (inhibited by KH7) play crucial roles in cellular acid-base regulation as well as midgut alkalization. Ammonia excretion rates were decreased in the presence of bafilomycin and colchicine, pointing toward vesicular [Formula: see text] trapping and exocytosis mechanism in eliminating nitrogenous proton equivalents from midgut cells. Finally, midgut perfusion studies revealed ouabain-sensitive luminal [Formula: see text] uptake, suggesting a role for Na+/K+-ATPase-mediated ammonia transport in midgut alkalization. This comprehensive pharmacological analysis provides a new working model relying on the CO2/[Formula: see text] and NH3/[Formula: see text] buffer systems for midgut alkalization in the sea urchin larva. These findings are discussed in the context of other alkalizing systems with strong implications for the conserved role of [Formula: see text] and NH3-driven mechanism of midgut alkalization across the animal kingdom.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Sea urchin larvae evolved highly alkaline conditions in their digestive tracts, and the underlying acid-base regulatory mechanisms are little understood. Here we present evidence that the process of luminal alkalization is cAMP-dependent. Furthermore, our data point toward the involvement of bicarbonate and ammonia in regulating midgut fluid pH. These results identified a novel mechanism for luminal alkalization in the digestive tract of a marine animal with strong implications for other alkalizing systems in animals.

Simple SummaryAnatomy is considered critical to understanding the size and shape of the different systems of animals belonging to the same group or individuals that are close in the phylogenetic scale. In the case of the Franciscana dolphin or Pontoporia blainvillei, the digestive apparatus shows some differential characteristics compared to other dolphins or other marine mammals. In the present work, the authors try to demonstrate whether these characteristics are conditioned by the animal’s own diet or if they have more to do with certain phylogenetic adaptations. Considering that the Franciscana dolphin is an endangered species, any work that could facilitate better knowledge of these individuals has a high social, ecological, and scientific value because it will help in their care and conservation, and this is of utmost importance to implement effective management strategies for this species.The Franciscana (also known as the La Plata River Dolphin) is a small dolphin that lives in the coastal waters of Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. This species is considered the most endangered marine mammal in the western South Atlantic Ocean. Anatomic dissection of the digestive system of 19 animals of different ages, including 2 neonates, 12 juveniles, and 5 adults, was performed. Parameters related to length, breadth, weight, and diameter of the digestive viscera were considered in each case. Our results show that the Franciscana dolphin presents differential characteristics in relation to several parts of the digestive system, including, specifically, the tongue, the teeth, the stomach, and the small intestine. Thus, this paper add precious information to the actual knowledge of this vulnerable marine mammal species in order to improve conservation efforts.

The microorganisms that dwell in the digestive systems of humans and other animals, including insects, are known as gut microbiota. They include bacteria, archaea, and microscopic eukaryotes.