Search Results (756)

This paper presents a detailed gross description of all anatomical elements of the humerus in the African green monkey and provides comparative and differential elements on monkey osteology. The osteometric investigation adds value to the gross morphological investigation, adjoining metric data to the gross descriptive data set. An in-depth investigation of the microstructural aspects of the humeral bone tissue is provided, with qualitative and quantitative details and potential for diagnostic applications. Of the gross morphological elements described, several unique features specific to this species include the humeral head shape that presents with distinctive low convexity and caudal placement, the shape of the intertubercular groove, the less developed greater tubercle, and the disposition of the rotator cuff muscle insertion. Furthermore, the overall cranio-lateral curvature of the bone shaft was found to have a distinctive 154–155 degree of angulation of the diaphysis, and the well-developed medial epicondyle was observed with its distinctive medio-caudal retroflexion. The histological investigation was more indicative of a typical non-primate organization of the bone tissue, with laminar vascular and avascular structures combined with the presence of the secondary Haversian system involving a mixture of scattered and dense unorganized secondary osteonal structures. The histomorphometric investigation yielded metrical data for the secondary osteonal structures in terms of area (20,331 ± 5105 µm²), perimeter, and vascular canal area (64,769 ± 257 µm²). Full article

Aims: To investigate the road safety concerns associated with pet dogs in New Zealand. Methods: An online survey was developed and offered to New Zealanders via SurveyMonkey© from 8 January 2019 to 31 March 2019) using New Zealand residents aged ≥ 18 years. Questions about the demographics of respondents and their number of pet dogs along with those about dog transportation and dog roaming were asked. Results: Of 2744 respondents who completed the online survey, 1494 (65%) owned a dog. Of the total respondents, 1511 completed the question about how their dog or dogs travel in vehicles. Of these, 2% (n = 29) let their dog sit on the driver’s knee, and 12% (n = 179) allowed their dog to sit on the passenger’s knee. Only 7% (n = 105) allowed the dog to roam free throughout the vehicle, while 44% (n = 663) allowed their dogs to roam free in the backseat area only and 19% (n = 280) put their dog in the boot/hatchback area. A minority of respondents (2%, n = 22) indicated they let their dog travel unrestrained on the deck of a ute or truck. Approximately half, 51% (n = 767), of the respondents indicated that they restrained or crated their dogs in or on the vehicle. Respondents also expressed concerns about roaming dogs being a road safety hazard with the themes of responsible ownership, physical and psychological harm, and the dangers of rescue altruism emerging. Conclusions: Increased awareness about proper pet restraints during transportation and preventing dogs from roaming, especially near and on roads, is crucial to ensure traffic safety for humans and dogs. Full article

Background: Ricin, a toxin extracted from the seeds of Ricinus communis, is classified as a ribosome-inactivating protein. The A-subunit of ricin shows RNA N-glycosidase activity that cleaves ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and exhibits toxicity by inhibiting protein synthesis and inducing vascular leak syndrome. Methods: In this study, we created a truncated version of the previously developed R51 ricin vaccine (RTA 1-194 D75C Y80C) through in silico analysis. Results: The resulting R51-3 vaccine showed a more-than-six-fold increase in soluble protein expression when compared to R51, with over 85% solubility. In a pilot toxicity test, no toxicity was observed in hematological and biochemical parameters in BALB/c mice and New Zealand white rabbits following five repeated administrations of R51-3. Furthermore, R51-3 successfully protected mice and rabbits from a 20 × LD₅₀ ricin challenge after three intramuscular injections spaced 2 weeks apart. Similarly, monkeys that received three injections of R51-3 survived a 60 µg/kg ricin challenge. Conclusions: These findings support R51-3 as a promising candidate antigen for ricin vaccine development. Full article

With the online wildlife trade and the demand for viral videos increasing, the trade in primates on TikTok is becoming more prevalent. Despite wildlife trading being banned on most social media platforms, the trade in primates persists. TikTok’s policies ban the sale of live animals, and specific terms related to wildlife trading are banned; however, these search-term bans are easy to get around, and sellers are still prolific on the site. This study documented primates for sale on TikTok using the search term “for sale monkey” over a four-month period (from mid-July to mid-November 2023) with the aim of determining how widespread primate trade is on TikTok, the legality of advertisements, and which countries advertise the most primates for sale. In total, 43 individual advertisements were identified, spanning six different genera of primates and five different countries. Spider monkeys, rhesus macaques, and common marmosets were found to be the most commonly advertised species on TikTok. All the spider monkeys were advertised from the USA, while the majority of the marmosets were advertised from the UK, and all of the rhesus macaques were advertised from Pakistan. The USA was the only country identified in this study that advertised a range of species, and the only species found in this study that was not advertised in the USA was the mona monkey. In total, 44% of all species recorded were classified as either Endangered or Critically Endangered, and it was found that Endangered species were more frequently sold illegally than non-Endangered species. The findings of this study underline a need for stricter primate legislation and wildlife law enforcement, especially if the UN’s sustainable development goals are to be achieved by 2030. They also show a need for TikTok to broaden their restrictions on wildlife trading on their app. Full article

Background. Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses are two highly variable pathogens. We have developed a candidate bivalent live vaccine based on the strain of licensed A/Leningrad/17-based cold-adapted live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) of H3N2 subtype, which expressed SARS-CoV-2 immunogenic T-cell epitopes. A cassette encoding fragments of S and N proteins of SARS-CoV-2 was inserted into the influenza NA gene using the P2A autocleavage site. In this study, we present the results of preclinical evaluation of the developed bivalent vaccine in a non-human primate model. Methods. Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) (n = 3 per group) were immunized intranasally with 7.5 lg EID₅₀ of the LAIV/CoV-2 bivalent vaccine, a control non-modified H3N2 LAIV or a placebo (chorioallantoic fluid) using a sprayer device, twice, with a 28-day interval. The blood samples were collected at days 0, 3, 28 and 35 for hematological and biochemical assessment. Safety was also assessed by monitoring body weight, body temperature and clinical signs of the disease. Immune responses to influenza virus were assessed both by determining serum antibody titers in hemagglutination inhibition assay, microneutralization assay and IgG ELISA. T-cell responses were measured both to influenza and SARS-CoV-2 antigens using ELISPOT and flow cytometry. Three weeks after the second immunization, animals were challenged with 10⁵ PFU of Delta SARS-CoV-2. The body temperature, weight and challenge virus shedding were monitored for 5 days post-challenge. In addition, virus titers in various organs and histopathology were evaluated on day 6 after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results. There was no toxic effect of the immunizations on the hematological and coagulation hemostasis of animals. No difference in the dynamics of the average weight and thermometry results were found between the groups of animals. Both LAIV and LAIV/CoV-2 variants poorly replicated in the upper respiratory tract of rhesus macaques. Nevertheless, despite this low level of virus shedding, influenza-specific serum IgG responses were detected in the group of monkeys immunized with the LAIV/CoV-2 bivalent but not in the LAIV group. Furthermore, T-cell responses to both influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses were detected in the LAIV/CoV-2 vaccine group only. The animals were generally resistant to SARS-CoV-2 challenge, with minimal virus shedding in the placebo and LAIV groups. Histopathological changes in vaccinated animals were decreased compared to the PBS group, suggesting a protective effect of the chimeric vaccine candidate. Conclusions. The candidate bivalent vaccine was safe and immunogenic for non-human primates and warrants its further evaluation in clinical trials. Full article

Background/Objectives: Managing caries lesions that affect the inner third of the dentin is crucial to ensuring pulp vitality; the clinician must make decisions that will affect the vitality of the tooth. Our purpose is to understand the behavior of Spanish dentists in treating deep cavities and to examine whether variations exist based on their academic training and/or years of professional experience. Methods: This study was approved by the ethics committee of the Balearic Islands CEI-IB. A survey was conducted using the SurveyMonkey platform with 11 questions, the first 4 of which focused on defining the characteristics of the respondents. The following six concerned a clinical case of deep caries in tooth number 4.7, and the last regarded the opinion of the actual treatment of the case. The survey was sent by email in April 2022. The results were analyzed with the SPSS 29.0 program using the chi-square test. Results: A total of 347 responses were obtained (93.95%), and those surveyed stated that they apply minimal intervention concepts in their treatments, with 90.49% performing conservative dentistry treatments daily. A total of 56.48% of the respondents had bachelor’s degrees, 12.39% had graduated, 33.14% had a postgraduate degree, 38.90% had a master’s degree, and 17% had a doctorate. Most (40.63%) had been in professional practice for 16–30 years. Conclusions: Significant differences were identified regarding years of professional experience in terms of decision-making in methods of treatment and the choice of materials used for pulp protection. Likewise, significant differences were found regarding the academic training of the respondents, the cavity cleaning method selected, and the use of chemical substances for removing carious dentin. We can conclude that academic training and years of professional practice influence decision-making at some points in treating deep caries lesions. Full article

Drones are increasingly used for monitoring wildlife, and it is therefore necessary to evaluate their impact on animal behavior. According to the landscape of fear framework, animals assess and respond to perceived risks in their environment by adjusting their behavior and space use to avoid potential threats. Understanding how drones influence risk perception is thus crucial to avoid generating stress and altering the animal’s natural behavior. Geoffroy’s spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) are endangered arboreal primates, but information on their distribution and abundance is scarce throughout their geographical distribution. Drones can aid to rapidly obtain such information, but data of their impact on the monkeys are needed to design surveys that minimize disturbance (i.e., any interference or modification of the natural behavior of the monkeys caused by the presence and operation of drones). Here, we evaluated whether drone flights influenced the following spider monkey behaviors: agonistic displays, self-scratching, whinny vocalizations, feeding, resting, social interactions, and moving. We also evaluated the effect of three flight parameters, flight height (35, 50 m above ground level), speed (2, 4 m/s), and distance to the drone (“close”, “medium”, and “far”) on spider monkey behavior and examined whether repeated exposure to drones resulted in tolerance (i.e., lack of a behavioral response). We found that drone flights influenced only agonistic displays and resting and that the only flight parameter affecting behaviors was the distance between the monkeys and the drone. We found that spider monkeys developed a tolerance to drone flights only for agonistic displays. Based on our results, we suggest that spider monkeys do not perceive drone flights as major sources of disturbance (such as predators) in the short term, and that drone monitoring can be a viable option to study this species if adequate flight protocols are implemented. Full article

Plant extracts of fifteen plants of ethnomedicinal use in Mexico were analyzed to provide scientific knowledge of their medicinal properties through the evaluation of different biological activities such as anti-hemolytic, antioxidant, and cytotoxic effects in normal cells. Therefore, methanolic extracts were obtained from each of the plants by the Soxhlet extraction. The hemolytic activity in human erythrocytes was evaluated, as was their potential to protect the erythrocyte membrane against the 2,2′-azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) and 1,1–diphenyl–2–picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. Finally, the toxicity of the extracts in normal cell cultures of African green monkey kidney cells (Vero) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction method. Most of the extracts showed low hemolytic activity and high anti-hemolytic activity as well as high selectivity indices (SI) and antioxidant effects. Extracts of H. inuloides, J. dioica, and J. spicigera induced cell proliferation of the Vero cells. K. daigremontiana, A. adstringens, S. mexicanum, J. spicigera, L. tridentata, and M. tenuiflora extracts showed PBMC cell proliferation. In the present study, it was observed that the evaluated extracts did not present hemolytic activity, and some presented low toxicity when Vero and PBMC cell cultures were exposed. In conclusion, traditionally used plants possess beneficial health properties, and it is hoped that this study will serve as a basis for understanding the biological effects of traditionally used plants and may complement future studies. Full article

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a solid tumor occurring in infancy and childhood. Its high-risk form has currently a survival rate <50%, despite aggressive treatments. This worrying scenario is worsened by drug-induced secondary tumorigenesis and the emergency of drug resistance, calling for the urgent development of new extra-genomic treatments. Triphenyl phosphonium salts (TPPs) are mitochondria-targeting compounds that exert anticancer effects, impair mitochondria functions, and damage DNA at the same time. Despite several biochemical applications, TPP-based bola-amphiphiles self-assembling nanoparticles (NPs) in water have never been tested as antitumor agents. Here, with the aim of developing new antitumor devices to also counteract resistant forms of HR-NB, the anticancer effects of a TPP-based bola-amphiphile molecule have been investigated in vitro for the first time. To this end, we considered the previously synthesized and characterized sterically hindered quaternary phosphonium salt (BPPB). It embodies both the characteristics of mitochondria-targeting compounds and those of bola-amphiphiles. The anticancer effects of BPPB were assessed against HTLA-230 human stage-IV NB cells and their counterpart, which is resistant to etoposide (ETO), doxorubicin (DOX), and many other therapeutics (HTLA-ER). Very low IC₅₀ values of 0.2 µM on HTLA-230 and 1.1 µM on HTLA-ER (538-fold lower than that of ETO) were already determined after 24 h of treatment. The very low cell viability observed after 24 h did not significantly differ from that observed for the longest exposure timing. The putative future inclusion of BPPB in a chemotherapeutic cocktail for HR-NB was assessed by investigating in vitro its cytotoxic effects against mammalian cell lines. These included monkey kidney cells (Cos-7, IC₅₀ = 4.9 µM), human hepatic cells (HepG2, IC₅₀ = 9.6 µM), a lung-derived fibroblast cell line (MRC-5, IC₅₀ = 2.8 µM), and red blood cells (RBCs, IC₅₀ = 14.9 µM). Appreciable to very high selectivity indexes (SIs) have been determined after 24 h treatments (SIs = 2.5–74.6), which provided evidence that both NB cell populations were already fully exterminated. These in vitro results pave the way for future investigations of BPPB on animal models and upon confirmation for the possible development of BPPB as a novel therapeutic to treat MDR HR-NB cells. Full article

Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) interact to form an immune checkpoint fostering viral infection and viral oncogene-induced tumorigenesis. We generated a novel anti-human PD-1, humanized monoclonal antibody P1801 and investigated its pharmacologic, pharmacokinetic (PK), and pharmacodynamic properties. In vitro binding assays revealed that P1801 uniquely binds to human PD-1 and inhibits its interaction with PD-L1/2. It showed a minor effect on the induction of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). P1801 significantly induced the release of IL-2 from activated T-cells but not from nonactivated T-cells. A dose-dependent linear PK profile was observed for the cynomolgus monkeys treated with repeated doses of P1801 at 5 mg/kg to 200 mg/kg once weekly. A four-week repeat-dose toxicity study revealed that P1801 given weekly was safe and well tolerated at doses ranging from 5 to 200 mg/kg/dose. No pathological abnormalities were noted. In humanized PD-1 mice harboring human PD-L1-expressing colon tumor cells, P1801 administered intraperitoneally twice per week at 12 mg/kg significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged mouse survival. P1801 displayed unique binding properties different from pembrolizumab and nivolumab. Therefore, it showed distinctive immunological reactions and significant antitumor activities. We are initiating a Phase 1 clinical study to test its combination use with ropeginterferon alfa-2b, which also has antiviral and antitumor activities, for the treatment of cancer. Full article

Geoffroy’s spider monkeys, an endangered, fast-moving arboreal primate species with a large home range and a high degree of fission–fusion dynamics, are challenging to survey in their natural habitats. Our objective was to evaluate how different flight parameters affect the detectability of spider monkeys in videos recorded by a drone equipped with a thermal infrared camera and examine the level of agreement between coders. We used generalized linear mixed models to evaluate the impact of flight speed (2, 4, 6 m/s), flight height (40, 50 m above ground level), and camera angle (−45°, −90°) on spider monkey counts in a closed-canopy forest in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Our results indicate that none of the three flight parameters affected the number of detected spider monkeys. Agreement between coders was “substantial” (Fleiss’ kappa coefficient = 0.61–0.80) in most cases for high thermal-contrast zones. Our study contributes to the development of standardized flight protocols, which are essential to obtain accurate data on the presence and abundance of wild populations. Based on our results, we recommend performing drone surveys for spider monkeys and other medium-sized arboreal mammals with a small commercial drone at a 4 m/s speed, 15 m above canopy height, and with a −90° camera angle. However, these recommendations may vary depending on the size and noise level produced by the drone model. Full article

Immunoglobulins Y (IgY) purified from egg yolks of hens represents an attractive, cost-effective alternative for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic platforms. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of rotavirus-specific IgY in a cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) model. Animals were experimentally infected with human rotavirus Group A (RVA), the most common cause of severe acute diarrhoea among young children worldwide. Animals were administered human RVA (3.1 × 10⁷ FFU/mL) by oral gavage, challenged with 2.5 mg of anti-RVA IgY orally, and monitored for five days according to clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters; serum electrolyte levels; viral shedding; and histopathological changes. Immunotherapy with anti-RVA IgY had a protective effect against severe rotavirus-induced enteritis in four of the ten treated monkeys, as evidenced by histopathological findings. Although only one animal had diarrhoea, all but one exhibited virus shedding regardless of the treatment. Full article

The extensive outbreak of Sargassum horneri in China has not merely imposed a severe threat to the ecological environment and human life in coastal waters but also impeded the development of waterway transportation and the local economy. Consequently, we isolated polysaccharides from S. horneri, designated as SHP, and evaluated the antioxidant activity of SHP both in vitro and in vivo by investigating the effect of SHP on H₂O₂-induced African green monkey kidney cells (Vero cells) and zebrafish. The results demonstrated that SHP can enhance the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in zebrafish. It also effectively inhibits micro malondialdehyde and ROS levels in Vero cells and zebrafish to mitigate the oxidative damage caused by H₂O₂, thereby achieving the protective effect of SHP on Vero cells and zebrafish. In conclusion, SHP holds the potential as a natural antioxidant. SHP can be contemplated for utilization as a natural antioxidant in the biomedical, cosmetic, and food industries, thereby alleviating the environmental stress caused by S. horneri and achieving resource utilization. Full article

Maternal vaccinations administered prior to conception or during pregnancy enhance the immune protection of newborn infants against many pathogens. A feasibility experiment was conducted to determine if monkeys can be used to model the placental transfer of maternal antibody against SARS-CoV-2. Six adult rhesus monkeys were immunized with adjuvanted recombinant-protein antigens comprised of receptor-binding domain human IgG1-Fc fusion proteins (RBD-Fc) containing protein sequences from the ancestral-Wuhan or Gamma variants. The female monkeys mounted robust and sustained anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses. Blood samples collected from their infants after delivery verified prenatal transfer of high levels of spike-specific IgG, which were positively correlated with maternal IgG titers at term. In addition, an in vitro test of ACE2 neutralization indicated that the infants’ IgG demonstrated antigen specificity, reflecting prior maternal immunization with either Wuhan or Gamma-variant antigens. All sera showed stronger ACE2-RBD binding inhibition when variants in the assay more closely resembled the vaccine RBD sequence than with more distantly related variants (i.e., Delta and Omicron). Monkeys are a valuable animal model for evaluating new vaccines that can promote maternal and infant health. Further, the findings highlight the enduring nature and safety of the immune protection elicited by an adjuvanted recombinant RBD-Fc vaccine. Full article

Owing to their similarities to humans in various aspects, non-human primates (NHPs) serve as valuable translational models that has greatly contributed to scientific advancements. However, working with untrained NHPs can cause stress and increase the risk of injuries to both animals and care staff, compromising both animal welfare and occupational safety. Behavioral training, that benefits from animals’ learning abilities to gain their cooperation during husbandry and veterinary procedures, is a well-established method to mitigate these risks. Cynomolgus monkeys, in particular, are known for being despotic, fearful, and challenging to train. Moreover, our first-generation breeders were wild-sourced from human–macaque conflict areas in Thailand. These macaque populations are accustomed with human contact; hence, their prior experience can either work for or against behavioral shaping plans. Establishing a training program with realistic expectations would benefit both the animals and trainers. In this study, six cynomolgus monkeys were selected based on temperament, then underwent a pilot training program that included basic husbandry and veterinary procedures. Over 256 training sessions with gradual shaping plans, all six monkeys went through all training steps, with progress varying considerably among individuals. Cortisol levels were measured to monitor stress responses, revealing a notable sex difference: female monkeys generally complied more easily with the trainer but exhibited a stronger cortisol increase compared to males. This study proposed a behavioral training program grounded in three essential components: temperament assessment, behavioral shaping plans, and the cortisol-based criteria for evaluating training success. Full article