Mas receptor activation facilitates innate hematoma resolution and neurological recovery after hemorrhagic stroke in mice.

BACKGROUND: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating neurological disease causing severe sensorimotor dysfunction and cognitive decline, yet there is no effective treatment strategy to alleviate outcomes of these patients. The Mas axis-mediated neuroprotection is involved in the pathology of various neurological diseases, however, the role of the Mas receptor in the setting of ICH remains to be elucidated. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were used to establish the ICH model by injection of collagenase into mice striatum. The Mas receptor agonist AVE0991 was administered intranasally (0.9 mg/kg) after ICH. Using a combination of behavioral tests, Western blots, immunofluorescence staining, hematoma volume, brain edema, quantitative-PCR, TUNEL staining, Fluoro-Jade C staining, Nissl staining, and pharmacological methods, we examined the impact of intranasal application of AVE0991 on hematoma absorption and neurological outcomes following ICH and investigated the underlying mechanism. RESULTS: Mas receptor was found to be significantly expressed in activated microglia/macrophages, and the peak expression of Mas receptor in microglia/macrophages was observed at approximately 3-5 days, followed by a subsequent decline. Activation of Mas by AVE0991 post-treatment promoted hematoma absorption, reduced brain edema, and improved both short- and long-term neurological functions in ICH mice. Moreover, AVE0991 treatment effectively attenuated neuronal apoptosis, inhibited neutrophil infiltration, and reduced the release of inflammatory cytokines in perihematomal areas after ICH. Mechanistically, AVE0991 post-treatment significantly promoted the transformation of microglia/macrophages towards an anti-inflammatory, phagocytic, and reparative phenotype, and this functional phenotypic transition of microglia/macrophages by Mas activation was abolished by both Mas inhibitor A779 and Nrf2 inhibitor ML385. Furthermore, hematoma clearance and neuroprotective effects of AVE0991 treatment were reversed after microglia depletion in ICH. CONCLUSIONS: Mas activation can promote hematoma absorption, ameliorate neurological deficits, alleviate neuron apoptosis, reduced neuroinflammation, and regulate the function and phenotype of microglia/macrophages via Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway after ICH. Thus, intranasal application of Mas agonist ACE0991 may provide promising strategy for clinical treatment of ICH patients.

Quantitative evaluation of the global impacts of human land modification on raptors.

Raptors are threatened by anthropogenic land modifications, but targeted quantitative assessment of these impacts is lacking. We conducted the first global quantitative evaluation of the impacts of human-modified land on raptors. We used eBird data from 2001 to 2020 on 425 raptor species and occupancy models to assess the impacts of human-modified land on raptor distribution. The mean spatiotemporal correlations of human settlement, cropland, and pasture with raptor occupancy probability were -0.048 (SE 0.031), -0.134 (0.032), and -0.145 (0.032), respectively. The mean sensitivity of raptor occupancy probability to settlement, cropland, and pasture was -5.760 (2.266), -3.128 (1.540), and -2.402 (1.551), respectively. The occupancy probability of raptors with a large body mass was more negatively correlated with cropland (phylogenetic generalized least squares regressions: slope = -0.052 [SE 0.022], t = -2.335, df = 1, 407, p = 0.020, λ = 0.006) and more positively correlated with pasture (slope = 0.047 [0.022], t = 2.118, df = 1, 407, p = 0.035, λ = 0.013). The occupancy probability of raptors with a more extensive range size was more positively correlated with cropland (slope = 0.002 [0.004], t = 0.399, df = 1, 407, p < 0.001, λ = 0.000). Raptors that prefer open habitats were more positively correlated with cropland (analysis of variance: F = 3.424, df = 2, p = 0.034, λ = 0.000) and pasture (F = 6.577, df = 2, p = 0.002, λ = 0.000). In Africa and South America, where raptor species are most abundant, raptor occupancy probability decreased over 20 years, most likely due to habitat fragmentation associated with human land modification. Although raptors with different ecological characteristics had different responses to human land modification, the impacts of settlement, cropland, and pasture on mean raptor occupancy probability were negative, regardless of space and time.

Evaluación cuantitativa del impacto global de la modificación humana del uso de suelo sobre las rapaces Resumen Las rapaces se encuentran amenazadas por las modificaciones de suelo antropogénicas, pero la evaluación cuantitativa focalizada de estos impactos es muy escasa. Realizamos la primera evaluación cuantitativa mundial del impacto del suelo modificado por humanos sobre las rapaces. Usamos datos de eBird desde 2001 hasta 2020 sobre 425 especies rapaces y modelos de ocupación para evaluar el impacto del suelo modificado por humanos sobre la distribución de estas especies. La correlación espaciotemporal media de los asentamientos humanos, las tierras de cultivo y las pasturas con probabilidad de ocupación por rapaces fueron -0,048 (SE 0,031), -0,134 (0,032) y -0,145 (0,032), respectivamente. La sensibilidad media de la probabilidad de ocupación de las rapaces a los asentamientos, las tierras de cultivo y las pasturas fue de -5,760 (2,266), -3,128 (1,540) y -2,402 (1,551), respectivamente. La probabilidad de ocupación de las rapaces con gran masa corporal tuvo una correlación más negativa con las tierras de cultivo (regresiones filogenéticas por mínimos cuadrados generalizados: pendiente =-0. 052 [SE 0,022], t = -2,335, gl = 1, 407, p = 0,020, λ = 0,006) y una correlación más positiva con los pastos (pendiente = 0,047 [0,022], t = 2,118, gl = 1, 407, p = 0,035, λ = 0,013). La probabilidad de ocupación de las rapaces con un área de distribución más extensa tuvo una correlación más positiva con las tierras de cultivo (pendiente = 0,002 [0,004], t = 0,399, gl = 1, 407, p < 0,001, λ = 0,000). Las rapaces que prefieren hábitats abiertos tuvieron una correlación más positiva con las tierras de cultivo (análisis de la varianza: F = 3,424, gl = 2, p = 0,034, λ = 0,000) y los pastos (F = 6,577, df = 2, p = 0,002, λ = 0,000). En África y América del Sur, en donde son más abundantes las especies rapaces, la probabilidad de ocupación de las rapaces disminuyó a lo largo de 20 años, probablemente debido a la fragmentación de hábitat asociada con la modificación del suelo por humanos. Aunque las rapaces con características ecológicas diferentes tienen diferentes respuestas a estas modificaciones, el impacto de los asentamientos, las tierras de cultivo y las pasturas fue negativo para la probabilidad de ocupación media de las rapaces, sin importar el espacio ni el tiempo.

Advancement in Beneficial Effects of AVE 0991: A Brief Review.

AVE 0991, a non-peptide analogue of Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)], is orally active and physiologically well tolerated. Several studies have demonstrated that AVE 0991 improves glucose and lipid metabolism, and contains anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-fibrosis, and anti-oxidant effects. Numerous preclinical studies have also reported that AVE 0991 appears to have beneficial effects on a variety of systemic diseases, including cardiovascular, liver, kidney, cancer, diabetes, and nervous system diseases. This study searched multiple literature databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and the ClinicalTrials.gov website from the establishment to October 2022, using AVE 0991 as a keyword. This literature search revealed that AVE 0991 could play different roles via various signaling pathways. However, the potential mechanisms of these effects need further elucidation. This review summarizes the benefits of AVE 0991 in several medical problems, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper also describes the underlying mechanisms of AVE 0991, giving in-depth insights and perspectives on the pharmaceutical value of AVE 0991 in drug discovery and development.

Importance of habitat heterogeneity in tidal flats to the conservation of migratory shorebirds.

Understanding species distribution patterns and what determines them is critical for effective conservation planning and management. In the case of shorebirds migrating along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF), the loss of stopover habitat in the Yellow Sea region is thought to be the primary reason for the precipitous population declines. However, the rates of decline vary considerably among species, and it remains unclear how such differences could arise within a group of closely related species using apparently similar habitats at the same locales. We mapped the spatial distributions of foraging shorebirds, as well as biotic (benthic invertebrates consumed by migrating shorebirds) and abiotic (sediment characteristics) environmental factors, at a key stopover site in eastern China. Five of the six sediment characteristics showed significant spatial variation with respect to distance along the shoreline or distance from the seawall in the same tidal flat. The biomasses of four of the six most abundant benthic invertebrates were concentrated in the upper or middle zones of the tidal flat. The distribution patterns of all three focal shorebird species on the tidal flat were best explained jointly by this heterogeneity of sediment characteristics and invertebrate prey. These results suggest that the loss of tidal flats along the Yellow Sea, which is typically concentrated at the upper and middle zones, may not only reduce the overall amount of staging habitat, but also disproportionately affect the most resource-rich portions for the birds. Effective conservation of shorebird staging areas along the EAAF and likely elsewhere must consider the subtle habitat heterogeneity that characterizes these tidal flats, prioritizing the protection of those portions richest in food resources, most frequently used by focal bird species, and most vulnerable to anthropogenic threats. Article impact statement: Heterogeneity of tidal flats with respect to biotic and abiotic factors must be considered in shorebird conservation planning.

Importancia de la heterogeneidad de hábitat en las llanuras intermareales para la conservación de aves playeras migratorias Resumen Entender las pautas de distribución de las especies y los factores que las determinan es fundamental para planificar y gestionar eficazmente su conservación. En el caso de las aves playeras que migran a lo largo de la ruta migratoria Asia Oriental-Australasia (EAAF, en inglés), se cree que la pérdida de puntos de parada en la región del Mar Amarillo es la razón principal de la declinación poblacional precipitada. Sin embargo, las tasas de declinación varían considerablemente entre especies, y sigue sin estar claro cómo pueden surgir tales diferencias dentro de un grupo de especies emparentadas que utilizan hábitats aparentemente similares en los mismos lugares. Mapeamos las distribuciones espaciales de las aves playeras forrajeras, así como los factores ambientales bióticos (invertebrados bénticos consumidos por las aves playeras migratorias) y abióticos (características de los sedimentos), en un punto de parada clave en el este de China. Cinco de las seis características de los sedimentos mostraron una variación espacial significativa con respecto a los cambios lineales en la distancia a lo largo de la costa o la distancia desde el malecón en la misma llanura mareal. La biomasa de cuatro de los seis invertebrados bénticos más abundantes se concentró en las zonas superior o media de la llanura mareal. Esta heterogeneidad de las características de los sedimentos y de las presas invertebradas es la que mejor explica los patrones de distribución de las tres especies de aves playeras en la llanura mareal. Estos resultados sugieren que la pérdida de llanuras mareales a lo largo del Mar Amarillo, que suele concentrarse en las zonas superior y media, puede no sólo reducir la cantidad total de hábitat de parada, sino también afectar de manera desproporcionada a las partes más ricas en recursos para las aves. La conservación eficaz de los puntos de parada de las aves playeras a lo largo del EAAF, y probablemente en otros lugares, debe tener en cuenta la sutil heterogeneidad del hábitat que caracteriza a estas llanuras mareales, priorizando la protección de las partes más ricas en recursos alimenticios, más frecuentemente utilizadas por las especies de aves focales y más vulnerables a las amenazas antropogénicas.

Electrospun PVB/AVE NMs as mask filter layer for win-win effects of filtration and antibacterial activity.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused serious social and public health problems. In the field of personal protection, the facial masks can prevent infectious respiratory diseases, safeguard human health, and promote public safety. Herein, we focused on preparing a core filter layer for masks using electrospun polyvinyl butyral/apocynum venetum extract nanofibrous membranes (PVB/AVE NMs), with durable interception efficiency and antibacterial properties. In the spinning solution, AVE acted as a salt to improve electrical conductivity, and achieve long-lasting interception efficiency with adjustable pore size. It also played the role of an antibacterial agent in PVB/AVE NMs to achieve win-win effects. The hydrophobicity of PVB-AVE-6% was 120.9° whereas its filterability reached 98.3% when the pressure drop resistance was 142 Pa. PVB-AVE-6% exhibited intriguing properties with great antibacterial rates of 99.38% and 98.96% against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. After a prolonged usability test of 8 h, the filtration efficiency of the PVB/AVE masks remained stable at over 97.7%. Furthermore, the antibacterial rates of the PVB/AVE masks on S. aureus and E. coli were 96.87% and 96.20% respectively, after using for 2 d. These results indicate that PVB/AVE NMs improve the protective performance of ordinary disposable masks, which has certain application in air filtration.

AVE 0991 Suppresses Astrocyte-Mediated Neuroinflammation of Alzheimer's Disease by Enhancing Autophagy.

Purpose: Our previous study has shown that AVE 0991, a nonpeptide analogue of Ang-(1-7), ameliorates cognitive decline and inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome of astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease model mice. Additionally, several studies have suggested that activation of autophagy appears to effectively inhibit the progression of neuroinflammation. However, it is unclear whether AVE 0991 can modulate astrocyte autophagy to suppress neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease. Materials and Methods: APP/PS1 mice and Aß-treated primary astrocytes were used as the research objects in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Water maze test was used to evaluate cognitive function of mice, Nissl staining and immunofluorescence staining was used to assess neuronal damage. ELISA kits were used to detect the levels of Ang-(1-7) and Aß in the cortex, and qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of cortical inflammation-related mediators. The expression of autophagy-related proteins in cortex were detected by Western blot. The upstream molecular responses involved in inflammation inhibition by AVE 0991 were validated by means of using the Mas1 antagonist and autophagy inhibitor. Results: We found that 30 days of intraperitoneal administration of AVE 0991 improved. Aß deposition, neuronal death, and cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 Alzheimer's disease model mice. Moreover, AVE 0991 treatment greatly suppressed astrocyte-mediated inflammation and up-regulated the expression of autophagy. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of AVE 0991 on the expression of inflammatory factors was reversed by 3-MA, an autophagy inhibitor. Conclusion: These findings suggest that regulation of autophagy is critical for inhibiting astrocyte neuroinflammatory responses and demonstrate a potential neuroprotective mechanism by which AVE 0991 could suppress neuroinflammatory responses by enhancing autophagy.

Validation of the Chinese version of the COVID-19 Phobia Scale among Chinese college students.

Background and objective: Different languages and versions of the COVID-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S) have been developed and tested in several countries. Chinese college students are a large vulnerable group and are susceptible to psychological problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, no studies had yet examined the reliability and validity of the C19P-S in China among college students group. This study aims to evaluate the COVID-19-related phobia of Chinese college students and examine the reliability and validity of this scale. Methods: A total of 1689 Chinese college students participated in this study from April 27 to May 7, 2022. They finished the online questionnaire including demographic information and C19P-S. Cronbach's alpha and split-half reliability were used to examine the internal consistency of the scale. Confirmatory factor analysis was further used to examine the scale's construct validity. Convergence validity was also confirmed. Results: This scale in Chinese had high reliability and validity. The Cronbach's alpha and split-half reliability of the total scale were 0.960 and 0.935, respectively. The construct validity-related indicators of the total scale met the standards (RMSEA = 0.064, IFI = 0.907, TLI = 0.906, and CFI = 0.907). Regarding the subscales, the composite reliability (CR) and average variance extracted (AVE) also met the cutoff values (CR > 0.7 and AVE >0.5). Comparison between gender groups showed that total and subscale scores between male and female students differed significantly. Conclusion: The Chinese version of the C19P-S was appropriate for evaluating phobic symptoms among Chinese college students. Therefore, this tool could be used to evaluate the mental health of college students in the future.

Activation of the Mas receptors by AVE0991 and MrgD receptor using alamandine to limit the deleterious effects of Ang II-induced hypertension.

The MrgD receptor agonist, alamandine (ALA) and Mas receptor agonist, AVE0991 have recently been identified as protective components of the renin-angiotensin system. We evaluated the effects of ALA and AVE0991 on cardiovascular function and remodeling in angiotensin (Ang) II-induced hypertension in rats. Sprague Dawley rats were subject to 4-week subcutaneous infusions of Ang II (80 ng/kg/min) or saline after which they were treated with ALA (50 µg/kg), AVE0991 (576 µg/kg), or ALA+AVE0991 during the last 2 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) values were recorded with tail-cuff plethysmography at 1, 15, and 29 days post-treatment. After euthanization, the heart and thoracic aorta were removed for further analysis and vascular responses. SBP significantly increased in the Ang II group when compared to the control group. Furthermore, Ang II also caused an increase in cardiac and aortic cyclophilin-A (CYP-A), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and cardiomyocyte degeneration but produced a decrease in vascular relaxation. HR, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9, NADPH oxidase-4, and lysyl oxidase levels were comparable among groups. ALA, AVE0991, and the drug combination produced antihypertensive effects and alleviated vascular responses. The inflammatory and oxidative stress related to cardiac MCP-1 and CYP-A levels decreased in the Ang II+ALA+AVE0991 group. Vascular but not cardiac angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 levels decreased with Ang II administration but were similar to the Ang II+ALA+AVE0991 group. Our experimental data showed the combination of ALA and AVE0991 was found beneficial in Ang II-induced hypertension in rats by reducing SBP, oxidative stress, inflammation, and improving vascular responses.

A new ß-class milbemycin derivative from a mutant of genetically engineered strain Streptomyces avermitilis AVE-H39.

A new ß-class milbemycin, 13α-hydroxy milbemycin ß6 (1), was isolated from the fermentation broth of a mutant of genetically engineered strain Streptomyces avermitilis AVE-H39. Its structure and absolute configuration were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods and confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction.

Association of S(+) ketamine, dexmedetomidine and butorphanol for chemical restraint in scarlet macaws (Ara macao) / Associação cetamina S(+), dexmedetomidina e butorfanol na contenção química de araracangas (Ara macao)

The present study aimed at assessing the effects of combining 20 mg/kg S(+) ketamine with 25 µg/kg dexmedetomidine and 0.4 mg/kg butorphanol on the physiological parameters and anesthetic recovery time and score of eight captive scarlet macaw (Ara macao) specimens. These specimens were captured at the Marabá Zoobotanic Foundation (Fundação Zoobotânica de Marabá), Pará, using butterfly and mist nets, and subsequently subjected to the proposed protocol. The following physiological parameters were evaluated: heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2), body temperature (BT), and non-invasive blood pressure 5 min after drug administration (M0) and every 10 min thereafter (M1‒M5), with a total of 55 min of analysis of anesthetic effects. Glycemia was measured 5 min after drug administration and every 30 min thereafter. Anesthetic induction and recovery times were also determined. Among the parameters evaluated in this study, both HR and BT significantly decreased throughout the anesthetic period, with the lowest levels at 55 min after drug administration (M5). In contrast, RR did not significantly differ, and all animals remained stable, maintaining an RR close to a mean of 20 ± 8 cpm. Throughout the anesthetic period, SpO2was 92 ± 5%, with no significant difference. The birds remained under spontaneous ventilation and without oxygen supplementation. Systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures remained stable, with no significant differences in any of these measurements. At M0 and M3, the glycemia decreased slightly, albeit with no significant difference justifying an adverse effect or even hypoglycemia. The anesthetic induction time, from M0 to decubitus, was 2.4 ± 0.7 min. The anesthetic recovery time, from M0 to effortless bipedal position and adequate phalangeal flexion, was 99.3 ± 32.4 min. The sedation was assessed as intense, and the anesthetic recovery was rated excellent in 62.5% and good in 37.5% of the animals.(AU)

O presente estudo objetivou avaliar os efeitos do uso da cetamina S(+) 20 mg/kg associada à dexmedetomidina 25 µg/kg e butorfanol 0,4 mg/kg sobre os parâmetros fisiológicos, tempo e qualidade da recuperação anestésica de araracangas (Ara macao). Foram utilizados oito espécimes de Ara macao cativas da Fundação Zoobotânica de Marabá, Pará. A captura foi realizada com o uso de puçá e rede de contenção e em seguida as aves foram submetidas ao protocolo proposto. Foram avaliados: frequência cardíaca, frequência respiratória, saturação parcial da oxihemoglobina (SpO2), temperatura corporal e pressão arterial não-invasiva a partir de 5 minutos após a aplicação dos fármacos (M0) e a cada 10 minutos seguintes (M1, M2, M3, M4 e M5), totalizando 55 minutos de contemplação dos efeitos anestésicos. A glicemia foi avaliada aos 5 minutos da aplicação dos fármacos e repetida após 30 minutos. Também foi determinado o tempo de indução e de recuperação. Dentre os parâmetros avaliados, a frequência cardíaca e a temperatura demonstraram queda estatisticamente significativa ao longo do período anestésico, ambas com os menores valores registrados aos 55 minutos após a aplicação dos fármacos (M5). A frequência respiratória não apresentou diferença estatística e todos os animais se mantiveram estáveis e com a frequência próxima a média de 20±8mpm. A saturação da oxihemoblobina (SpO2) ao longo do período anestésico foi de 92±5%, não houve diferença estatisticamente relevante, as aves permaneceram sob ventilação espontânea e sem suplementação de oxigênio. As pressões arteriais sistólica, diastólica e média, mantiveram-se estáveis e não houve diferença estatística para nenhuma dessas medidas. A glicemia, mensurada em M0 e M3 demonstrou queda discreta, sem diferença significativa capaz de justificar um efeito adverso ou mesmo hipoglicemia. O tempo de indução, desde aplicação dos anestésicos até o decúbito, foi de 2,4±0,7 minutos. O tempo de recuperação, compreendido desde a aplicação dos fármacos (M0) até a constatação da posição bipedal sem esforço e adequada flexão das falanges, foi de 99,3±32,4 minutos. A qualidade de sedação foi considerada intensa e a recuperação anestésica foi classificada como ótima para 62,5% e boa para 37,5% dos animais.(AU)

Automutilação em abutre real (Sarcoramphus papa) mantido em cativeiro / Automutilation in real vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) maintained in captivity / Automutilación en un buitre dorado (Sarcoramphus papa) mantenido en cautividad

O abutre real (Sarcoramphus papa) é um pássaro compacto de cor extraordinária, cabeça nua, possui carúnculas e papilas carnudas vermelhas e alaranjadas em torno do bico, a íris é branca com um anel orbital vermelho. Em cativeiro, o estresse é uma condição bastante observada, o que pode levar a automutilação, podendo evoluir para lesões graves na pele e músculos. O objetivo do presente relato é descrever os procedimentos adotados em um caso de automutilação em Sarcoramphus papa, mantido em cativeiro, e a importância do manejo adequado para essa espécie em cativeiro. Foi atendido em um Hospital Veterinário Universitário, um urubu-rei apresentando ferimento contaminado, com exposição óssea na asa direita. Após tratamento o animal foi encaminhado para uma reserva conservacionista para que fosse condicionada a voltar para seu habitat natural.(AU)

The real vulture is a compact bird of extraordinary color (in adult plumage). Its bare head, as the scientific name suggests, has caricatures and fleshy red papillae applied around the beak, and an iris of the eye is white with a red orbital ring. In captivity, stress is a widely observed condition, which can lead to self-mutilation, which can progress to severe skin and muscle injuries. The purpose of this report is to describe the procedures adopted in the case of automation in Sarcoramphus papa, kept in captivity and with an importance of the appropriate manual for this species in captivity. He was seen at a University Veterinary Hospital, a king vulture showed a contaminated wound, with bone exposure on the right. After treatment or animal was sent to a conservation reserve to be conditioned and return to its natural habitat.(AU)

buitre real (Sarcoramphus papa) es un ave compacta de extraordinario color, cabeza desnuda, tiene carúnculas y papilas rojas y anaranjadas alrededor del pico, el iris es blanco con un anillo orbital rojo. En cautiverio, el estrés es una condición ampliamente observada, que puede llevar a la automutilación, posiblemente evolucionando en lesiones graves de la piel y los músculos. El objetivo del presente informe es describir los procedimientos adoptados en un caso de automutilación en Sarcoramphus papa, mantenido en cautividad, y la importancia del manejo adecuado para esta especie en cautividad. Un buitre real que presentaba una lesión contaminada con exposición ósea en el ala derecha fue tratado en un Hospital Universitario Veterinario. Tras el tratamiento, el animal fue enviado a una reserva de conservación para que pudiera ser acondicionado para volver a su hábitat natural.(AU)

Distribución geográfica y abundancia poblacional de Plegadis ridgwayi, el ibis de la Puna (Threskiornithidae) con énfasis en las poblaciones del Perú / Geographical distribution and population abundance of Plegadis ridgwayi, Puna ibis (Threskiornithidae) with emphasis on the populations of Peru

Resumen El ibis de la puna Plegadis ridgwayi, es una especie de Threskiornithidae que habita humedales andinos y realiza migraciones altitudinales hacia la costa. Datos propios, de GBIF, información bibliográfica y del Censo Neotropical de Aves Acuáticas (1992 a 2015) muestran que el ibis de la puna Plegadis ridgwayi se distribuye en Ecuador, Perú, Bolivia, Argentina y Chile, con las mayores densidades poblacionales en Perú y Bolivia en siete y tres localidades respectivamente, que acumulan más del 1% de la población biogeográfica. Se encuentran de 0 a 5000 m de altitud, con las mayores densidades entre 3000 a 4500 m y 0 a 500 m. La mayor incidencia de registros ocurre al sur y centro del Perú, así como costa del centro y norte del Perú. La ampliación de la distribución hacia el norte y costa peruana puede deberse a la disponibilidad ambiental y al deterioro de su hábitat andino. En cuatro humedales costeros del centro del Perú se registraron hasta 818 ibis en 2006, la gran mayoría en Pantanos de Villa y Paraíso. El número de migrantes costeros parece relacionado a la intensidad de sequías en la sierra del Perú central. La abundancia de ibis en el lago altoandino de Junín muestra una disminución histórica, con énfasis después de la sequía de 2004-2005. La expansión distribucional requiere investigar la posible hibridación con las otras especies del género antes alopátridas.

Abstract The Puna ibis Plegadis ridgwayi, is a species of Threskiornithidae that inhabits Andean wetlands and makes altitudinal migrations to the coast. Data from us, GBIF, bibliographic information and the Neotropical Waterbird Census (1992 to 2015) show that this species occurs in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile, with a core area in Peru and Bolivia. It is most abundant in the latter two countries, with seven and three localities with more than 1% of the biogeographic population, respectively. They are found from 0 to 5000 m altitude (with peaks at 3000 to 4500 m and 0 to 500 m). The highest incidence of records is in southern and central Peru. There are high values of environmental availability in part of the high Andean zone from Ecuador to northern Chile and northwestern Argentina, as well as the coast of central and northern Peru. The expansion of the distribution towards the Peruvian north and coast may be due to environmental availability and the deterioration of its Andean habitat. In four coastal wetlands in central Peru, up to 818 ibises were recorded in 2006, the vast majority in Pantanos de Villa and Paraíso. The number of coastal migrants seems to be related to the intensity of droughts in the highlands of central Peru. The abundance of ibis in the high Andean Lake of Junín shows a historical decline, with emphasis after the 2004-2005 drought. This distributional expansion requires investigation of possible hybridisation with the other formerly allopatric species of the genus.

Roles of IK,ACh for perpetuating atrial fibrillation: Effects of atrial-selective K+ channel inhibitor AVE0118 and class I drugs on the persistent atrial fibrillation canine model.

Since information is still limited whether atrial IK,ACh may become a potential therapeutic target to terminate persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), we assessed it by using the persistent AF canine model with representative IK,ACh inhibitor AVE0118 and class I drugs. AVE0118 (6 mg/kg, n = 7), disopyramide (3 mg/kg, n = 7) and cibenzoline (3 mg/kg, n = 6) terminated the AF in 3/7, 1/7 and 2/6 animals, respectively, whereas aprindine (3 mg/kg, n = 6) did not suppress it. These findings suggest that IK,ACh inhibition in addition to open-state INa suppression with slow dissociation kinetics can synergistically exert potent antiarrhythmic action against persistent AF.

Operating, financial and investment impacts of Covid-19 in SMEs: Public policy demands to sustainable recovery considering the economic sector moderating effect.

Currently, many institutions and academics are working to establish strategies of economic recovery with the aim of mitigating the short- and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. The main aim of this study is to analyze how this crisis has impacted Spanish SMEs, considering their operating, financial, and investment activities. We also analyze the initiatives or public policies that SME managers consider necessary in order to face the effects of COVID-19. To do this, an empirical study has been carried out based on information from 612 Spanish SMEs, estimating a PLS research model and multigroup analysis that considers the activity sector as a moderating variable. The results are useful to companies and different economic and social agents, providing information to facilitate decision-making to overcome pandemic crisis mainly in the economic and strategic spheres.

Angiotensin-(1-7) Analogue AVE0991 Modulates Astrocyte-Mediated Neuroinflammation via lncRNA SNHG14/miR-223-3p/NLRP3 Pathway and Offers Neuroprotection in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

OBJECTIVE: Emerging evidence suggests that brain angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) deficiency contributes to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Meanwhile, our previous studies revealed that restoration of brain Ang-(1-7) levels provided neuroprotection by inhibition of inflammatory responses during AD progress. However, the potential molecular mechanisms by which Ang-(1-7) modulates neuroinflammation remain unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: APP/PS1 mice were injected intraperitoneally with AVE0991 (a nonpeptide analogue of Ang-(1-7)) once a day for 30 consecutive days. Cognitive functions, neuronal and synaptic integrity, and inflammation-related markers were assessed. Since astrocytes played a crucial role in AD-related neuroinflammation whilst long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were reported to participate in modulating inflammatory responses, astrocytes of APP/PS1 mice were isolated for high-throughput lncRNA sequencing to identify the most differentially expressed lncRNA following AVE0991 treatment. Afterward, the downstream pathways of this lncRNA in the anti-inflammatory action of AVE0991 were investigated using primary astrocytes. RESULTS: AVE0991 rescued spatial cognitive impairments and alleviated neuronal and synaptic damage in APP/PS1 mice. The levels of Aß1-42 in the brain of APP/PS1 mice were not affected by AVE0991. By employing high-throughput lncRNA sequencing, our in vitro study demonstrated for the first time that AVE0991 suppressed astrocytic NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated neuroinflammation via a lncRNA SNHG14-dependent manner. SNHG14 acted as a sponge of miR-223-3p while NLRP3 represented a direct target of miR-223-3p in astrocytes. In addition, miR-223-3p participated in the AVE0991-induced suppression of astrocytic NLRP3 inflammasome. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that Ang-(1-7) analogue AVE0991 inhibits astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammation via SNHG14/miR-223-3p/NLRP3 pathway and offers neuroprotection in APP/PS1 mice. These findings reveal the underlying mechanisms by which Ang-(1-7) inhibits neuroinflammation under AD condition and uncover the potential of its nonpeptide analogue AVE0991 in AD treatment.

Early Pleistocene White-toothed Shrew Crocidura kornfeldi (Lipotyphla, Soricidae) from Crimea.

The remains of the white-toothed shrew Crocidura kornfeldi Kormos, 1934 (one skull fragment with almost complete dentition, the fragmental rostral part of a skull with the left upper incisor, a maxillary fragment, five mandibular fragments and an isolated upper incisor) from the Lower Pleistocene deposits of the Taurida cave in the central Crimea (Belogorsk district, Zuya village) are described. This earliest European species of the genus Crocidura was quite common in the Early Pleistocene of Central Europe and the Mediterranean; for the first time, it is described from Crimea and the entire Eastern Europe.

A Non-Peptidic MAS1 Agonist AVE0991 Alleviates Hippocampal Synaptic Degeneration in Rats with Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion.

BACKGROUND: Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is a contributing factor for neurodegenerative diseases. As a recently identified heptapeptide of the brain renin-angiotensin system, angiotensin-(1-7) has been revealed to activate its receptor MAS1 and thus ameliorated cognitive impairments in rats with CCH. Since hippocampal synaptic degeneration represents an important pathological basis of cognitive deficits, we hypothesize that activating MAS1-mediated signaling may alleviate CCH-induced synaptic degeneration in the hippocampus. METHODS: In this study, we tested this hypothesis and uncovered the underlying mechanisms in a rat model of CCH induced by bilateral common carotid artery ligation surgery. At one week after the surgery, rats received a daily intraperitoneal vehicle injection or a non-peptidic MAS1 agonist AVE0991 for 8 weeks. During this procedure, Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF) was recorded. The levels of MAS1, amyloid-ß (Aß), neuroinflammatory cytokines, glial cell markers, and synaptophysin in the hippocampus were assessed at the end of the treatment period. RESULTS: We showed that AVE0991 significantly alleviated hippocampal synaptic degeneration in rats with CCH. This protection might be achieved by facilitating CBF recovery, reducing hippocampal Aß levels, and suppressing neuroinflammatory responses. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that MAS1-mediated signaling may represent a novel therapeutic target for CCH-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Resilience, Well-being, and Empathy Among Private Practice Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers in Texas: A Structural Equation Model Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate structural relationships of latent constructs such as occupational wellbeing, resilience, work meaningfulness, and psychological empowerment with affective and cognitive clinical empathy among a community of physicians and advanced practice providers. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study. We gathered data by an anonymous self-administered multidimensional questionnaire disseminated electronically between March and May 2016. Participants were physicians and advanced practice providers belonging to the Health Texas Provider Network, a group private practice affiliated with the Baylor Scott and White Health system. We excluded allied health care staff (eg, nurses) and trainees (eg, residents, medical students). We pursued a 3-step strategy: (1) confirmatory factor analysis of a theory-driven measurement model, (2) a modified structural equation model from which pathways with nonsignificant path coefficients were deleted, and (3) multigroup analyses of the modified model. RESULTS: Cognitive empathy was the strongest predictor of affective empathy. We observed modest positive associations of resilience with cognitive and affective empathy and of well-being and meaning with affective but not with cognitive empathy. Resilience, meaning, and psychological empowerment were surprisingly negatively associated with well-being, suggesting diminished self-care among practitioners. Effects of psychological empowerment on empathy and well-being were mediated by resilience and meaning. CONCLUSION: Cognitive empathy directly influenced affective empathy; well-being and meaningfulness exerted direct positive effects on affective but not on cognitive empathy, whereas resilience had direct positive associations with both empathy dimensions. Resilience and meaning manifested direct, negative associations with well-being, revealing clinicians' disproportionate focus on patient care at the expense of self-care.

Assessing species reintroduction sites based on future climate suitability for food resources.

The reintroduction of a species that is extinct in the wild demands caution because reintroduction locations may be associated with threats, such as hunting, poor-quality habitat, and climate change. This is the case for Cyanopsitta spixii (Spix's Macaw), which has been extinct in the wild since 2000. The few living individuals were created in captivity and will be used in a reintroduction project within the species' original distribution area, the Caatinga domain (Brazil). Because the occurrence records for this bird are old and inaccurate, we investigated the current and future environmental suitability of the 14 plant species used by C. spixii as resource. These plants are key elements for the long-term reestablishment of the species in the wild, so the use of models helps in the assessment of the effects of climate change on the availability of these resources for the species and informs selection of the best places for reintroduction. We based our models of environmental suitability on 19 bioclimatic variables and nine physical soil and topography variables. Climate projections were created for the present and for the year 2070 with an optimistic (SSP2-4.5) and a pessimistic (SSP5-8.5) climate scenario. Both future climate scenarios lead to a reduction in area of environmental suitability that overlapped for all the plant species: 33% reduction for SSP2-4.5 and 63% reduction for SSP5-8.5. If our projections materialize, climate change could thus affect the distribution of key resources, and the maintenance of C. spixii would depend on restoration of degraded areas, especially riparian forests, and the preservation of already existing natural areas. The Caatinga domain is very threatened by habitat loss and, for the success of this reintroduction project, the parties involved must act to protect the species and the resources it uses.

Evaluación de los Sitios de Reintroducción de Especies con base en la Futura Idoneidad Climática para los Recursos Alimenticios Resumen La reintroducción de una especie que se encuentra extinta en vida libre exige precaución pues las localidades de reintroducción pueden estar asociadas con amenazas como la cacería, hábitats de mala calidad y el cambio climático. Éste es el caso para Cyanopsitta spixii (Guacamaya de Spix), que ha estado extinta en vida libre desde el 2000. Los pocos individuos vivos nacieron en cautiverio y se usarán para un proyecto de reintroducción dentro del área original de distribución de la especie: el dominio Caatinga (Brasil). Ya que los registros de la presencia de esta ave son viejos e imprecisos, investigamos la idoneidad ambiental actual y a futuro de 14 especies de plantas que C. spixii usa como recurso. Estas plantas son elementos importantes para el restablecimiento a largo plazo de las especies en vida silvestre, así que el uso de modelos asiste en la evaluación de los efectos del cambio climático sobre la disponibilidad de recursos para la especie e informa la selección de los mejores lugares para la reintroducción. Basamos nuestros modelos de la idoneidad ambiental en 19 variables bioclimáticas y 9 variables físicas del suelo y la topografía. Las proyecciones climáticas fueron creadas para el presente y para el año 2070 con un escenario climático optimista (SSP2-4.5) y uno pesimista (SSP5-8.5) Ambos escenarios climáticos futuros llevan a una reducción en el área de idoneidad ambiental sobrepuesta para todas las especies de plantas: 33% de reducción para SSP2-4.5 y 63% de reducción para SSP5-8.5. Si nuestras proyecciones se materializan, el cambio climático podría entonces afectar la distribución de los recursos importantes, por lo que la conservación de C. spixii dependería de la restauración de las áreas degradadas, especialmente los bosques riparios y la preservación de las áreas naturales existentes. El dominio Caatinga se encuentra muy amenazado por la pérdida del hábitat y, para el éxito de este proyecto de reintroducción, las partes involucradas deben actuar para proteger a la especie y los recursos que utiliza.