Search Results (1,357)

Communication in mammals constitutes a complex, multimodal system that integrates visual, acoustic, tactile, and chemical signals whose functions extend beyond simple information transfer to include the regulation of social relationships, coordination of behaviour, and expression of emotional states. This article examines the fundamental mechanisms of communication from biological, neuroethological, and behavioural perspectives, with particular emphasis on domesticated and farmed species. Analysis of sensory signals demonstrates that their perception and interpretation are closely linked to the physiology of sensory organs as well as to social experience and environmental context. In companion animals such as dogs and cats, domestication has significantly modified communicative repertoires ranging from the development of specialised facial musculature in dogs to adaptive diversification of vocalisations in cats. The neurobiological foundations of communication, including the activity of the amygdala, limbic structures, and mirror-neuron systems, provide evidence for homologous mechanisms of emotion recognition across species. The article also highlights the role of communication in shaping social structures and the influence of husbandry conditions on the behaviour of farm animals. In intensive production environments, acoustic, visual, and chemical signals are often shaped or distorted by crowding, noise, and chronic stress, with direct consequences for welfare. Furthermore, the growing importance of multimodal technologies such as Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) and Animal–Computer Interaction (ACI) is discussed, particularly their role in enabling objective monitoring of emotional states and behaviour and supporting individualised care. Overall, the analysis underscores that communication forms the foundation of social functioning in mammals, and that understanding this complexity is essential for ethology, animal welfare, training practices, and the design of modern technologies facilitating human–animal interaction. Full article

Background/Objectives: The vestibular labyrinth is classically viewed as a sensor of low-frequency head motion—linear acceleration for the otoliths and angular velocity/acceleration for the semicircular canals. However, there is now substantial evidence that air-conducted sound (ACS) can also activate vestibular receptors and afferents in mammals and other vertebrates. This sound sensitivity underlies sound-evoked vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), sound-induced eye movements, and several clinical phenomena in third-window pathologies. The cellular and biophysical mechanisms by which a pressure wave in the cochlear fluids is transformed into a vestibular neural signal remain incompletely integrated into a single framework. This study aimed to provide a narrative synthesis of how ACS activates the vestibular labyrinth, with emphasis on (1) the anatomical and biophysical specializations of the maculae and cristae, (2) the dual-channel organization of vestibular hair cells and afferents, and (3) the encoding of fast, jerk-rich acoustic transients by irregular, striolar/central afferents. Methods: We integrate experimental evidence from single-unit recordings in animals, in vitro hair cell and calyx physiology, anatomical studies of macular structure, and human clinical data on sound-evoked VEMPs and sound-induced eye movements. Key concepts from vestibular cellular neurophysiology and from the physics of sinusoidal motion (displacement, velocity, acceleration, jerk) are combined into a unified interpretative scheme. Results: ACS transmitted through the middle ear generates pressure waves in the perilymph and endolymph not only in the cochlea but also in vestibular compartments. These waves produce local fluid particle motions and pressure gradients that can deflect hair bundles in selected regions of the otolith maculae and canal cristae. Irregular afferents innervating type I hair cells in the striola (maculae) and central zones (cristae) exhibit phase locking to ACS up to at least 1–2 kHz, with much lower thresholds than regular afferents. Cellular and synaptic specializations—transducer adaptation, low-voltage-activated K⁺ conductances (K_LV), fast quantal and non-quantal transmission, and afferent spike-generator properties—implement effective high-pass filtering and phase lead, making these pathways particularly sensitive to rapid changes in acceleration, i.e., mechanical jerk, rather than to slowly varying displacement or acceleration. Clinically, short-rise-time ACS stimuli (clicks and brief tone bursts) elicit robust cervical and ocular VEMPs with clear thresholds and input–output relationships, reflecting the recruitment of these jerk-sensitive utricular and saccular pathways. Sound-induced eye movements and nystagmus in third-window syndromes similarly reflect abnormally enhanced access of ACS-generated pressure waves to canal and otolith receptors. Conclusions: The vestibular labyrinth does not merely “tolerate” air-conducted sound as a spill-over from cochlear mechanics; it contains a dedicated high-frequency, transient-sensitive channel—dominated by type I hair cells and irregular afferents—that is well suited to encoding jerk-rich acoustic events. We propose that ACS-evoked vestibular responses, including VEMPs, are best interpreted within a dual-channel framework in which (1) regular, extrastriolar/peripheral pathways encode sustained head motion and low-frequency acceleration, while (2) irregular, striolar/central pathways encode fast, sound-driven transients distinguished by high jerk, steep onset, and precise spike timing. Full article

Various microbial agents have been found in the feces of both humans and animals, especially in newborns. While some of these agents are recognized as causing diarrhea, the role of others, specifically bopiviruses of the family Picornaviridae, in diarrhea remains uncertain. In this study, we conducted an analysis of 214 fecal samples from cattle (n = 114), sheep (n = 82), and goats (n = 18) with diarrhea, collected from farms across 17 different provinces in Türkiye. All samples were tested using RT-PCR targeting the 3D^(RdRp) region of bopiviruses, and two samples from sheep (2.4%) tested positive. The 7303 nt-long complete coding sequence of Bopivirus/Sheep/KS-1M/2024/TUR and partial 3D^(RdRp), VP3, and 2A-2C sequences of Bopivirus/Sheep/ANK-K30/2017/TUR were determined by additional RT-PCR, 3′RACE-PCR reactions and Sanger sequencing. Both strains show close sequence and phylogenetic relationship to members of species “Bopivirus B” of genus Bopivirus. Bopivirus/Sheep/KS-1M/2024/TUR is most closely related to a sheep Bopivirus B strain (sheep/14-73/2018/ITA) from Italy, but the phylogenetic separation, the low sequence identities and high p-distance values in VP1 to existing genotypes of “B1” and “B2” suggest that both strains could belong to novel genotypes (“B3” and “B4”) in species “Bopivirus B”, although additional closely related sequences are necessary for proper typing. Full article

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) arises from complex genetic and environmental influences. Despite its prevalence and being the focus of study for several decades, its causes and their underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. However, one consistent causal mechanism of interest is epigenetic modification. While some risk factors, such as maternal stress, nutrition, and environmental toxins, have a more established epigenetic connection, early-life stress (ELS) in the postnatal years is less studied but may be just as impactful in terms of phenotypic outcomes. A major intermediary between ELS and ASD is likely the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA axis), which has been shown to be epigenetically modified by ELS and whose genes and dysfunction overlap with ASD genes and symptoms. In this narrative review, we synthesize human and animal evidence to examine the relationships between ELS and ASD through epigenetic regulation of a non-exhaustive list of autism candidate genes involved in the HPA axis, including NR3C1, FKBP5, MECP2, GAD1, RELN, SHANK3, OXTR, and BDNF. We discuss how ELS-induced epigenetics may modulate HPA axis negative feedback, and how epigenetic alterations in this pathway and associated genes could affect ASD phenotypes. Full article

The ethical and legal governance of Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAIs) remains conceptually and normatively fragmented. Although animals engaged in therapeutic, educational, and assistive activities make valuable contributions to human well-being, they continue to be defined by law as property or welfare objects, despite their meaningful yet limited forms of relational participation within structured human-controlled environments. This perspective obscures their context-dependent responsiveness and their institutional embeddedness. The present paper addresses this gap by adopting a normative and interdisciplinary approach grounded in relational legal theory and vulnerability scholarship. The concept is developed by drawing on Jennifer Nedelsky’s notion of relational autonomy and Martha Fineman’s theory of universal vulnerability. This results in the conceptualisation of AAI animals as correlated subjects: beings whose ethical and legal significance derives from the relationships and institutional contexts that shape their participation. The analysis identifies weaknesses in current medico-legal practices that frame veterinary certification and welfare assessment as static technical acts, ignoring their relational and systemic dimensions. The paper puts forward a relational ethical–legal framework for Animal-Assisted Interventions, centred on relational vulnerability, context-sensitive oversight and continuous institutional accountability. A number of practical recommendations are put forward, including the introduction of renewable ethical licences, inter-institutional monitoring and the establishment of multidisciplinary oversight mechanisms. By redefining animals’ normative status through relational ethics, in alignment with the interconnected human, animal, and environmental dimensions emphasized by the One Welfare principles, the study advances a shift from welfare-based protection toward a model of justice grounded in interspecies interdependence and institutional responsiveness. Full article

Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) ligands possess a series of immunomodulatory effects such as anti-infection, anti-tumor, and autoimmune-disease-alleviating effects. In this study, porcine TLR7 (pTLR7) and porcine STING (pSTING) were selected as targets, and molecular docking and virtual screening methods were used for screening of dual-target livestock immunomodulators. Finally, two compounds were screened with molecular docking scores higher than the positive control compounds. They have good binding ability with pTLR7 and pSTING proteins, as well as satisfactory predictive safety and pharmacokinetic properties. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation results also indicated that the above ligands can form stable complexes with two target proteins. The average binding free energies of compound 2 with pTLR7 and pSTING were −28.65 kcal/mol and −30.12 kcal/mol, respectively, and of compound 7 with pTLR7 and pSTING were −35.93 kcal/mol and −31.70 kcal/mol, respectively, which were comparable to that of positive control ligands. The similarity of target proteins between pigs, humans, and mice, as well as the interactions between ligands and TLR7 and STING in different species, were analyzed. And analysis of predicted structure–activity relationship (SAR) was conducted. Briefly, compound 2 and compound 7 were predicted to form stable complexes with pTLR7 and pSTING, with satisfactory predicted physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetic characteristics, and represented candidates for experimental validation. This study supplies a research basis for the development, design, and structural modification of immune enhancers for animals. Full article

Transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (tFUS), an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technique, has garnered growing attention owing to its high spatial resolution and precise targeting capability for deep brain structures. A body of evidence demonstrates that tFUS can effectively modulate neural activity in specific brain regions, inducing excitatory or inhibitory effects, and it is an important means to reshape neural functions. Ultrasound parameters are crucial in determining the transcranial ultrasound modulation effects. However, there is still controversy over which parameters can regulate neural excitability or inhibition, and there are significant differences in the parameters used in previous studies, which have limited the clinical application of transcranial ultrasound to some extent. Therefore, a systematic clarification of parameter–effect relationships is urgently needed to enable qualitative and quantitative understanding of ultrasound-induced neuromodulation, which is essential for achieving reliable and reproducible outcomes. This paper intends to review the effects of different tFUS parameters and their combinations on the excitability and inhibition of brain neural activities as well as the possible mechanisms. By integrating recent findings from both animal models and human clinical studies, we also discuss critical safety issues related to tFUS, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for future transcranial focused ultrasound modulation treatments for various neurological diseases such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, epilepsy, pain disorders, and disorders of consciousness while providing reference value for selecting tFUS treatment regimens. Full article

Existing jealousy scales often conceptualize jealousy as an undesirable or maladaptive emotion. However, jealousy is a biologically rooted emotion inherent in humans and observable in certain animal species as well. The key lies not in the elimination of this emotion, but in its appropriate regulation. In contemporary society, where exposure to social media is pervasive, the experience and expression of jealousy can become more destructive. This study was designed in response to the growing need to understand and assess jealousy. The aim of the present research was to develop a multidimensional current jealousy scale and to present preliminary findings regarding the influence of social media. Employing a quantitative research design, data were collected online from a sample of 1053 adult volunteers (aged 18 and above) in Türkiye. The resulting instrument, named the Üsküdar Jealousy Scale, comprises 25 items and 4 dimensions: Relationship-Damaging Jealousy, Destructive Jealousy, Hostile Jealousy, and Controlled Jealousy. The total scale demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.93), with subscale reliabilities ranging from 0.75 to 0.89. The scale accounted for 57.20% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the model fit indices fell within acceptable limits, supporting the structural validity of the scale. Additionally, criterion validity was supported by moderate correlations (r > 0.30 and <0.70) with the Scale of Social Media Jealousy in Romantic Relationships (SSMJRR). Initial findings revealed generally low levels of jealousy among participants. The dimension concerning relationship-damaging jealousy showed moderate levels, while destructive and controlled jealousy dimensions indicated lower levels. Notably, patterns of social media usage significantly influenced jealousy scores. Individuals exhibiting continuous engagement in social media platforms reported higher levels of jealousy. In conclusion, the Üsküdar Jealousy Scale was found to be a psychometrically sound instrument, suitable for both research and self-assessment purposes in the multidimensional evaluation of jealousy. This validated and reliable tool has the potential to distinguish between adaptive and maladaptive expressions of jealousy, offering practical utility for clinicians and individuals seeking deeper self-understanding. Full article

Dog ownership may be an effective nonpharmacological, rehabilitative approach to improve veterans’ mental health and well-being. For three functional types of dogs—service, emotional support, and companion—little is known about the demographic and health characteristics of veterans and the dog types they own. This study examined veteran demographics and health characteristics stratified by functional dog type and intensity of the relationship. A cross-sectional online survey with several reliable/valid health and well-being instruments was administered to veterans with a service, emotional support, or companion dog. A convenience sample of veterans (N = 242) with a mean age of 46.9 (SD = 13.4) participated in this study. There were 143 males, 95 females, and 2 participants with another identity. The majority were white (71%). The Army (48.3%) was the most represented branch. Significant differences were found between veteran health characteristics [suicidal ideation, PTSD, anxiety, and physical well-being based on the functional dog type owned]. Service dog owners had a significantly more intense relationship with their dog. This study provides insight into the role dogs may play in improving mental health and well-being in veterans. To prevent further disability in veterans, clinicians should consider incorporating the right functional dog type in personalized care plans. Full article

Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (SDSE) has historically been recognized as a human pathogen, yet β-hemolytic streptococci consistent with SDSE have been documented in pigs for nearly a century. To investigate the population structure of porcine SDSE and the phylogenetic relationships between swine and human strains, we characterized 41 isolates recovered from diseased pigs in Quebec, Canada (2019–2022). Infected animals spanned all major production stages and frequently presented with invasive disease, including arthritis, endocarditis, and sudden death. Core-genome phylogenetics resolved two heterogeneous porcine clades separated by long internal branches and clearly distinct from dominant human SDSE lineages. Most porcine isolates were emm-negative or contained structurally altered emm regions compared with human strains. Analysis of Lancefield antigen loci identified a predominant group C lineage and a minority group L lineage, recapitulating historical serogroup distributions described since the early-20th century. Phenotypic testing showed susceptibility to β-lactams and florfenicol but high levels of resistance to tetracycline, macrolides and lincosamides. Detected antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes correlated well with phenotypes, and multidrug resistance was frequent. Hybrid genome assemblies revealed integrative and mobilizable elements carrying AMR determinants. Collectively, our data indicate that porcine SDSE represents a long-standing, genetically structured, host-adapted population with notable AMR potential, underscoring the need for continued swine SDSE genomic surveillance. Full article

Low-dose psychedelics have shown potential in modulating chronic pain in humans, yet their application in veterinary medicine remains unexplored. This study protocol proposes to investigate the therapeutic potential of low-dose oral administration of 1-cyclopropionyl-D-lysergic acid diethylamide (1cp-LSD), a legal LSD analogue in certain countries, for the management of chronic pain in privately owned dogs with osteoarthritis. The study will employ a randomized, placebo-controlled design with caregivers blinded to treatment allocation. A cohort of about 24 dogs previously diagnosed with osteoarthritis, will orally receive sub-perceptual, intermittent doses of 1cp-LSD over a 30-day period, while maintaining their standard analgesic regimens to safeguard animal welfare. Outcome measures will include the Canine Brief Pain Inventory and caregiver-reported assessments, including the Treatment Expectation Questionnaire (TEX-Q), to evaluate both pharmacological efficacy and the influence of caregiver expectations as an indirect indicator of placebo effects as a secondary aim. The study anticipates a reduction in pain scores among treated dogs, potentially modulated by caregiver expectations. However, the sustained effect of 1cp-LSD in osteoarthritis remains uncertain due to interactions with inflammatory mediators. Limitations include the lack of established dose–response relationships, small cohort size, and variability in caregiver perceptions, which will be analyzed descriptively. The protocol establishes a comprehensive and methodologically framework to evaluate both the pharmacological therapeutic effects of low-dose psychedelics in managing chronic osteoarthritic pain and the psychological factors that may influence perceived outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: The further application of high-coverage whole genome sequencing in fields such as paleogenomics, forensic investigations, and conservation genomics is impeded by two major barriers: extremely high costs and stringent sample requirements. Utilizing low-coverage sequencing offers a practical solution to these constraints; however, this approach introduces a primary challenge—the necessity to reconstruct distorted genomic information for downstream analysis. Methods: Analytical experiments conducted on low- to medium-coverage sequencing data confirmed the accuracy of several existing methods for inferring relationships up to the third degree and distinguishing unrelated individuals. Subsequently, efforts were made to evaluate allele-frequency-independent methods within animal genomics, where analyses are likely to encounter challenges such as uncertain allele frequencies, diverse sample types, and suboptimal sample quality. Kinship inference was performed on a total of 33 pairs of animal samples across three species, comprising nine parent–offspring pairs and four full-sibling pairs. Results: The analysis revealed that two efficient algorithm implementations (READ and KIN) successfully identified all unrelated pairs. Notably, among the various algorithms utilized, only KIN exhibited confusion between first- and second-degree relationships when subjected to. Conclusions: This study has filled a critical gap in the existing literature by conducting a comprehensive evaluation of various algorithms on low-coverage sequencing data derived from authentic human and animal samples, accompanied by detailed ground truth—a vital task that has been overlooked. Full article

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a key indicator of renal function. Traditional methods for GFR measurement have limitations including invasiveness, low spatial resolution, and lengthy protocols. Positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers have emerged as promising tools for non-invasive, accurate, and dynamic renal function assessment. Objectives: This systematic literature review evaluates the clinical utility, and current evidence surrounding PET radiotracers used for GFR measurement in humans, emphasizing advances over conventional renal imaging modalities. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, from database inception to November 2024. The search identified studies evaluating PET-based measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal perfusion. Inclusion criteria encompassed human studies using PET radiotracers (e.g., ⁶⁸Ga, ¹⁸F) with comparisons to reference standards (estimated GFR or serum creatinine). Two authors independently screened titles/abstracts, extracted data, and assessed bias using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool (QUADAS-2). Exclusions included animal studies, reviews, and non-English articles. Results: Eleven studies met inclusion criteria, with ⁶⁸Ga-EDTA showing the highest validation against reference standards such as ⁵¹Cr-EDTA plasma clearance, demonstrating strong correlation. PET imaging offered superior spatial–temporal resolution, enabling accurate split renal function assessment and quantitative analysis of both filtration and perfusion. ⁶⁸Ga-somatostatin analogues exhibited moderate correlations between renal SUV and estimated GFR, with post-PRRT uptake changes indicating early nephrotoxicity. Among novel tracers, ⁶⁸Ga-FAPI showed a strong inverse SUV–GFR relationship, reflecting renal fibrosis and suggesting potential as a chronic kidney disease (CKD) biomarker but requires further clinical validation. Limitations across studies include small sample sizes, retrospective designs, and variability in reference standards. Conclusions: PET radiotracers, particularly ⁶⁸Ga-EDTA, represent a significant advancement for non-invasive, quantitative GFR measurement with improved precision and renal anatomical detail compared to traditional methods. Future prospective, large-scale human studies with standardized protocols are needed to establish these PET tracers as routine clinical tools in nephrology. Integration of hybrid PET/MRI and novel tracer development may further enhance renal diagnostic capabilities. Full article

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are characterized by their ability to repel both grease and water, properties that led to their initial development as surfactants and surface protectors. As novel PFAS alternatives emerge and are detected in the environment, these substances present significant challenges related to environmental media, human exposure, and health risk assessments. This article reviews current knowledge on the origins of PFAS and their pathways from production facilities and PFAS-containing products to environmental organisms and humans and summarizes existing data on toxicity and toxicological mechanisms in laboratory animals and examines associated adverse health outcomes in humans through various epidemiological studies. Although risk assessments of PFAS alternatives are complicated by unclear chemical structures and complex effects, quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models and prioritization approaches offer potential strategies for PFAS management. A comprehensive understanding of the environmental behavior and toxicology of novel PFAS will enhance their management and improve human health risk assessments. Full article

Environmental contamination with heavy metals, resulting from industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural intensification, poses serious ecological and health risks. Horses, due to their grazing behavior and close association with human environments, serve as reliable sentinel species for assessing environmental pollution. This study aimed to evaluate the bioaccumulation of heavy metals and trace elements in different biological matrices of horses—blood, hair, hooves, and synovial fluid—and to investigate their relationship with hematological biomarkers as indicators of physiological stress. Samples were collected from horses raised in anthropogenically influenced areas and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS). Hematological parameters were determined with an automated analyzer to assess systemic effects. The results revealed significant variations in metal concentrations among matrices, with keratinized tissues reflecting long-term exposure, while blood and synovial fluid indicated recent contamination. Correlations between elevated metal levels and altered hematological values suggested oxidative stress and adaptive physiological responses. These findings demonstrate the value of multi-matrix biomonitoring in evaluating both environmental quality and animal health. Horses effectively reflect the cumulative impact of heavy metal exposure, supporting their role as bioindicators within a One Health framework that links environmental, animal, and human well-being. Full article