Letteratura scientifica selezionata sul tema "Spotted skink"
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Articoli di riviste sul tema "Spotted skink"
1
Wapstra, E., e R. Swain. "Feeding Ecology of the Tasmanian Spotted Skink, Niveoscincus Ocellatus (Squamata: Scincidae)". Australian Journal of Zoology 44, n. 2 (1996): 205. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo9960205.
Testo completoAbstract (sommario):
The feeding ecology of the spotted skink, Niveoscincus ocellatus, was examined over a 6-month period, from October to March, with additional data from one sample in midwinter. The investigation considered feeding activity, dietary composition and foraging strategy. Feeding activity,measured by stomach fullness, was unrelated to age, sex or reproductive status and showed little variation during the warmer months; in winter feeding was greatly reduced. N. ocellatus exhibits flexible foraging behaviour; a wide variety of terrestrial arthropods is taken opportunistically in accordance with a wide ranging foraging strategy. However, the consistent occurrence of cryptic and hidden prey indicates that active search foraging is also utilised. No evidence for ambush predation was found and, unlike many other small skinks, few arboreal or aerial prey are included in the diet, even though the habitat is rock scree and woodland where such prey abound. No evidence for any in a specific partitioning of diet based on kind or size of prey was obtained although a slight, but significant, correlation exists between maximum prey size and lizard size.
2
MELZER, SABINE, TRENT BELL e GEOFF B. PATTERSON. "Hidden conservation vulnerability within a cryptic species complex: taxonomic revision of the spotted skink (Oligosoma lineoocellatum; Reptilia: Scincidae) from New Zealand". Zootaxa 4300, n. 3 (3 agosto 2017): 355. http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4300.3.2.
Testo completoAbstract (sommario):
The diverse skink fauna of New Zealand comprises 40 described species within the single genus Oligosoma Girard, 1857. Cryptic species are common among New Zealand skinks, leaving numerous species undescribed. We used molecular phylogeny together with morphological analyses to distinguish four species in the spotted skink, Oligosoma lineoocellatum (Duméril & Duméril 1851), species complex. These are O. lineoocellatum sensu stricto, which is confined to the centre of the South Island, O. prasinum sp. nov. from the Lake Tekapo region, O. elium sp. nov. from the northern half of the South Island, and O. kokowai sp. nov. from the northern South Island, Cook Strait, and the North Island. Despite significant genetic differences, the morphological similarity of these species made it challenging to resolve their taxonomic identity. Three of the four species previously recognised as a single, widespread taxon are now recognised as threatened with extinction by a combination of invasive predatory mammals and land use change.
3
Yuni, Luh P. E. K., Susan M. Jones e Erik Wapstra. "Thermal biology of the spotted snow skink, Niveoscincus ocellatus, along an altitudinal gradient". Australian Journal of Zoology 66, n. 4 (2018): 235. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo18014.
Testo completoAbstract (sommario):
Body temperatures in ectotherms are strongly affected by their thermal environment. Ectotherms respond to variation in the thermal environment either by modification of behavioural thermoregulation to maintain their optimal body temperature or by shifting their optimal body temperature. In this study, the body temperatures of males of three populations of spotted snow skinks, Niveoscincus ocellatus, living along an altitudinal gradient (low, mid, and high altitude) were studied in the field and laboratory in spring, summer, and autumn, representing the full activity period of this species. The environmental variation across both sites and seasons affected their field active body temperatures. At the low and mid altitude, N. ocellatus had a higher mean body temperature than at the high altitude. Animals achieved their thermal preference at the low and mid altitude sites in all seasons. At the high altitude, however, N. ocellatus struggled to reach its preferred body temperatures, especially in autumn. The lower body temperature at the high-altitude site is likely due to limited thermal opportunity and/or an effect of avoiding the costs associated with increased intensity of basking.
4
Ganesh, S. R. "On the poorly-known White-spotted Skink Lygosoma albopunctatum (Gray, 1846) (Reptilia: Scincidae) with further topotypical records and notes on the type locality". Journal of Threatened Taxa 9, n. 9 (26 settembre 2017): 10662. http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/jott.3376.9.9.10662-10668.
Testo completoAbstract (sommario):
The White-spotted Skink Lygosoma albopunctatum, a rarely recorded lizard, has been re-sighted from its type locality: Madras in the Coromandel Coastal Plains. Morphological details and field notes on the findings are elaborated. Since many past surveys in and around Madras, and in southern India generally, did not record this species, lack of consensus about its existence in southern India had developed, leading to published misconceptions about its distribution. These are highlighted and corrected herein. The species is also illustrated in life based on topotypical examples.
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Goldberg, Stephen R., Charles R. Bursey e L. Lee Grismer. "Gastrointestinal Helminths of the Spotted Forest Skink,Sphenomorphus scotophilus(Squamata: Scincidae), from Peninsular Malaysia". Comparative Parasitology 85, n. 1 (gennaio 2018): 83–88. http://dx.doi.org/10.1654/1525-2647-85.1.83.
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Worth, JRP, CP Burridge, GM While e E. Wapstra. "Development of 13 microsatellite loci in the spotted snow skink Niveoscincus ocellatus (Squamata: Scincidae)". Conservation Genetics Resources 3, n. 2 (11 novembre 2010): 287–90. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12686-010-9343-x.
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Greaves, Stephanie N. J., David G. Chapple, Dianne M. Gleeson, Charles H. Daugherty e Peter A. Ritchie. "Phylogeography of the spotted skink (Oligosoma lineoocellatum) and green skink (O. chloronoton) species complex (Lacertilia: Scincidae) in New Zealand reveals pre-Pleistocene divergence". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 45, n. 2 (novembre 2007): 729–39. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2007.06.008.
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Galoyan, Eduard A. "Unstable social structure indicates low diversity of relationships in the spotted forest skink Sphenomorphus maculatus". Amphibia-Reptilia 38, n. 3 (2017): 381–93. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/15685381-00003118.
Testo completoAbstract (sommario):
To the date, we hardly understand what and how affects the social structure in animals. Longevity and social stability must be the key factors influencing the relations among individuals. To test this suggestion, I described the spatial and social structures of the spotted forest skinks (Sphenomorphus maculatus) from southern Vietnam in the breeding seasons of 2008 and 2009. This species is known to have short lifespan and low social stability among seasons. No difference between male and female space use was revealed. Home ranges were 107.7 ± 23.68 m2 in males and 78.9 ± 27.27 m2 in females, and these contained core areas and activity centres within them. Home ranges and their parts overlapped among individuals of all sexes and were used by several residents, although not at the same time. Intrasexual and intersexual relationships were agonistic, more aggressive among males, and characterized by hierarchy with males as dominants and females as subordinates. Dominance status in males was supported by aggression in males and by submission in females. Females avoided sexual encounters, and no affiliation between sexes or mate guarding behaviour were revealed. A poor social behavioural repertoire was limited by aggressive and submissive behaviour, and it was difficult to distinguish sexual courtship from agonistic interactions. Hence, social and spatial structures were relatively simple in comparison with other saurian species and low stability of social composition is the most probable reason of such a social simplicity.
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Yuni, Luh P. E. K., Susan M. Jones e Erik Wapstra. "Energy expenditure of the spotted snow skink, Niveoscincus ocellatus, at two climatic extremes of its distribution range". Journal of Thermal Biology 52 (agosto 2015): 208–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2015.07.003.
Testo completo
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Wapstra, Erik, Roy Swain, Susan M. Jones e Julianne O'Reilly. "Geographic and annual variation in reproductive cycles in the Tasmanian spotted snow skink, Niveoscincus ocellatus (Squamata : Scincidae)". Australian Journal of Zoology 47, n. 6 (1999): 539. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo99038.
Testo completoAbstract (sommario):
We studied the reproductive cycle of two populations of the spotted snow skink, Niveoscincus ocellatus, over a three-year period. This species is widespread in Tasmania and its distribution overlaps those of other species in the genus that show two distinct reproductive strategies: annual reproduction that is completed within one season, and biennial reproduction in which females carry advanced embryos throughout winter hibernation. We chose populations representative of the climatic extremes of the species’ distribution, within these areas of overlap. Niveoscincus ocellatus maintains the same basic reproductive strategy in both populations: summer gestation, primary autumn mating with obligate sperm storage by females, secondary mating in spring, and predominantly spring vitellogenesis and ovulation. In both populations all females reproduce annually, suggesting that reproductive frequency is not constrained by availability of energy. However, we found distinct differences in the timing of ovulation and parturition. Females from our subalpine site ovulated approximately one month later than those from our warmer, lowland site; parturition was delayed by the same period so gestation length was unchanged. The delay in ovulation results in gestation proceeding over the warmest months at the cold site. The annual reproductive cycle of this species appears to constrain its distribution to the lower altitudinal/climatic range of alpine Niveoscincus species. There were minor annual differences in the timing of reproductive events at each site, which we attribute to variation in thermal conditions and the amount of precipitation.
Tesi sul tema "Spotted skink"
1
Bannock, Carol A. "Implications of past and future vegetation change for the lizard fauna of Motunau Island". Master's thesis, Lincoln University. Bio-Protection and Ecology Division, 1998. http://theses.lincoln.ac.nz/public/adt-NZLIU20080430.163408/.
Testo completoAbstract (sommario):
Abundance, distribution and habitat preferences of the lizard species present on Motunau Island, off the Canterbury coast of New Zealand, were investigated. The aim of the study was to investigate the extent to which recent vegetation change on Motunau Island has effected the lizard community and what implications this has for the future management of the Island. Three species of lizard occur on Motunau Island; the common gecko (Hoplodactylus maculatus), common skink (Oligosoma nigriplantare polychroma) and spotted skink (O. lineoocellatum). Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were present on the island from 1862 until their eradication in 1962. Since then, vegetation on the island has changed from being tussock-dominated to being dominated by exotic weeds. Data from lizard pitfall trap surveys carried out in 1967-75 by Tony Whitaker of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) were compared with new pitfall trapping data to determine if changes in the lizard population had occurred in response to these vegetation changes. The abundance of O. n. polychroma and H. maculatus does not appear to change significantly. The distribution of these two species were significantly correlated but neither showed any preference for a particular type. The abundance of O. lineoocellatum was significantly greater in 1996/97 than in the earlier DSlR surveys. This could be a result of the vegetation becoming more open and more structurally complex since the early surveys. This would offer greater opportunities for O. lineoocellatum (which is strongly heliothermic) to thermoregulate and forage. O. lineoocellatum showed no consistent significant preference towards any habitat type, although they tended to be found more in 'margin' habitat. Research into pitfall trapping and the way lizard behaviour may influence pitfall trapping data needs to be undertaken as there is a possible trap bias in this study. Management of Motunau Island needs to ensure that a structurally complex environment is maintained to ensure high numbers of all three lizard species can continue to coexist.
2
Lesmeister, Damon Brock. "Space use and resource selection by Eastern spotted skunks in the Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas". Diss., Columbia, Mo. : University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10355/4960.
Testo completoAbstract (sommario):
Thesis (M.S.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007.The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on March 31, 2008) Includes bibliographical references.
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Bannock, C. A. "Implications of past and future vegetation change for the lizard fauna of Motunau Island". Lincoln University, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/10182/442.
Testo completoAbstract (sommario):
Abundance, distribution and habitat preferences of the lizard species present on Motunau Island, off the Canterbury coast of New Zealand, were investigated. The aim of the study was to investigate the extent to which recent vegetation change on Motunau Island has effected the lizard community and what implications this has for the future management of the Island. Three species of lizard occur on Motunau Island; the common gecko (Hoplodactylus maculatus), common skink (Oligosoma nigriplantare polychroma) and spotted skink (O. lineoocellatum). Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were present on the island from 1862 until their eradication in 1962. Since then, vegetation on the island has changed from being tussock-dominated to being dominated by exotic weeds. Data from lizard pitfall trap surveys carried out in 1967-75 by Tony Whitaker of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) were compared with new pitfall trapping data to determine if changes in the lizard population had occurred in response to these vegetation changes. The abundance of O. n. polychroma and H. maculatus does not appear to change significantly. The distribution of these two species were significantly correlated but neither showed any preference for a particular type. The abundance of O. lineoocellatum was significantly greater in 1996/97 than in the earlier DSlR surveys. This could be a result of the vegetation becoming more open and more structurally complex since the early surveys. This would offer greater opportunities for O. lineoocellatum (which is strongly heliothermic) to thermoregulate and forage. O. lineoocellatum showed no consistent significant preference towards any habitat type, although they tended to be found more in 'margin' habitat. Research into pitfall trapping and the way lizard behaviour may influence pitfall trapping data needs to be undertaken as there is a possible trap bias in this study. Management of Motunau Island needs to ensure that a structurally complex environment is maintained to ensure high numbers of all three lizard species can continue to coexist.
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Hackett, Harvey Mundy. "Occupancy modeling of forest carnivores in Missouri". Diss., Columbia, Mo. : University of Missouri-Columbia, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10355/5544.
Testo completoAbstract (sommario):
Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2008.The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on June 8, 2009) Vita. Includes bibliographical references.
Libri sul tema "Spotted skink"
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The spotted skin. Frenchs Forest, NSW: Allen & Unwin, 1998.
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Hendricks, P. Amphibian and reptile survey of the Bitterroot National Forest: 1995. Helena, Mont: Montana Natural Heritage Program, 1996.
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3
Gompper, Matthew E. Range decline and landscape ecology of the eastern spotted skunk. Oxford University Press, 2018. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198759805.003.0025.
Testo completoAbstract (sommario):
The eastern spotted skunk has declined in numbers across its eastern North American geographic range, and its range has also contracted. This chapter examines the possible causes of this decline (including landscape change, overharvest, novel pathogens, and the onset of modern pesticide use), reviews the state of knowledge of the eastern spotted skunk with a particular focus on the landscape ecology of the species, and identifies topics that represent knowledge gaps for the species. Most knowledge of the ecology of eastern spotted skunks derives from studies conducted at just a handful of sites, and it is unclear the extent to which findings gained from these studies are representative of the ecology of the taxon across its range.
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Fletcher, Tom, e Nick Beeching. Rickettsial infection. A cura di Patrick Davey e David Sprigings. Oxford University Press, 2018. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/med/9780199568741.003.0314.
Testo completoAbstract (sommario):
Rickettsial infections are caused by a variety of obligate intracellular, Gram-negative bacteria from the genera Rickettsia, Orientia, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma. Rickettsia is further subdivided into the spotted fever group and the typhus group. Bartonella and Coxiella burnetii bacteria are similar to rickettsiae and cause similar diseases. The range of recognized spotted fever group infections is rapidly expanding, complementing long-recognized examples such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever (Rickettsia rickettsii) in the US, and Australian tick typhus (Rickettsia australis), as well as those in southern Europe and Africa. Animals are the predominant reservoir of infection, and transmission to people is usually through ticks, mites, fleas, or lice, during blood-feeding or from scarification of faeces deposited on the skin. This chapter focuses on the two of the most relevant infections encountered in UK practice: African tick typhus, and Q fever.
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Cuttle, Lisa. Dermatologic Manifestations of Infectious Disease. Oxford University Press, 2016. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/med/9780199976805.003.0044.
Testo completoAbstract (sommario):
Toxic infectious exfoliative conditions include staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (TSS), streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS). All three are mediated by bacterial toxin production and are considerations in the differential diagnosis of a febrile, hypotensive patient with a rash. Meningococcemia is potentially fatal and extremely contagious with a short incubation period. Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) presents with tenosynovitis, dermatitis, and polyarthralgias without purulent arthritis or with purulent arthritis but without skin lesions. Ecthyma gangrenosum (EG) is a cutaneous manifestation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, most commonly transmitted by the American dog tick. Patients present with nonspecific symptoms, such as fever, headache, myalgias, arthralgias, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Finally, vibrio vulnificus is a gram-negative bacterium that causes serious wound infections, sepsis, and diarrhea in patients exposed to shellfish or marine water.
Capitoli di libri sul tema "Spotted skink"
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Hanserd, Robert. "Wayward, haughty with spotted skin and disheveled hair". In Identity, Spirit and Freedom in the Atlantic World, 9–38. New York : Routledge, 2019. | Series: Routledge African studies; 31: Routledge, 2019. http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9781315102344-2.
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Stratakis, Constantine A. "Micronodular Adrenal Disease and the Syndrome of Myxomas, Spotty Skin Pigmentation, and Endocrine Overactivity". In Adrenal Disorders, 283–89. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press, 2001. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-101-5_21.
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Stratakis, C. A., L. Matyakhina, N. Courkoutsakis, N. Patronas, A. Voutetakis, S. Stergiopoulos, I. Bossis e J. A. Carney. "Pathology and Molecular Genetics of the Pituitary Gland in Patients with the 'Complex of Spotty Skin Pigmentation, Myxomas, Endocrine Overactivity and Schwannomas� (Carney Complex)". In Frontiers of Hormone Research, 253–64. Basel: KARGER, 2004. http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000079049.
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Kiemele, Erica, e Emily Rose. "Dermatologic Emergencies". In Pediatric Emergencies, 262–78. Oxford University Press, 2020. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/med/9780190073879.003.0023.
Testo completoAbstract (sommario):
Rashes are common in the pediatric population. Most are benign and self-limited. However, there are several rashes that require rapid recognition and intervention. This chapter discusses Kawasaki disease, omphalitis, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis, necrotizing fasciitis, meningococcemia, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Kawasaki disease is a self-limited vasculitis, with predisposition to medium-sized arteries, particularly the coronary arteries. Omphalitis is an infection of the umbilical stump that carries significant morbidity and potential mortality for neonates. Staphylococcal scaled skin syndrome is an exotoxin-mediated superficial skin blistering disease caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are severe mucocutaneous reactions characterized by extensive epidermal necrosis and detachment. Necrotizing fasciitis is a life-threatening progressive infection resulting in significant tissue destruction requiring surgical intervention. Neisseria meningiditis is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children and young adults. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is one of the most clinically important diseases spread by a tick bite. Key features of presentation as well as atypical presentations are highlighted in this chapter, with emphasis on diagnostic and management pearls.
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Stratakis, Constantine A. "Carney’s complex". In Oxford Textbook of Endocrinology and Diabetes, 964–69. Oxford University Press, 2011. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/med/9780199235292.003.0700.
Testo completoAbstract (sommario):
Carney’s complex (CNC) is an autosomal dominant disorder, which was described in 1985 as ‘the complex of myxomas, spotty pigmentation, and endocrine overactivity’ in 40 patients (1). Since then, more than 500 index cases have been reported, resulting in better definition of the disease and the establishment of diagnostic criteria (2, 3). As implied from the initial description, CNC is not only a multiple neoplasia syndrome, but also causes a variety of pigmented lesions of the skin and mucosae. (4) Several patients described in earlier years under the acronyms NAME (nevi, atrial myxomas, and ephelides) and LAMB (lentigines, atrial myxomas, and blue nevi) probably had CNC (5, 6). Thus, lentigines, blue nevi, café-au-lait spots, and cutaneous tumours, such as myxomas, fibromas, and others, are major features of the disease (4, 7–10). The clinical characteristics of CNC have been reviewed and are presented in Box 6.15.1 (2, 9). A definite diagnosis of CNC is given if two or more major manifestations are present (4, 9, 11, 12). A number of related manifestations may accompany or suggest the presence of CNC but are not considered diagnostic of the disease (Box 6.15.1). Cutaneous manifestations constitute three of the major disease manifestations: (1) spotty skin pigmentation with a typical distribution (lips, conjunctiva, and inner or outer canthi, genital mucosa); (2) cutaneous or mucosal myxoma; and (3) blue nevi (multiple) or epithelioid blue nevus. Suggestive or associated with CNC findings but not diagnostic are: (1) intense freckling (without darkly pigmented spots or typical distribution); (2) multiple blue nevi of common type; (3) café-au-lait spots or other ‘birthmarks’; and (4) multiple skin tags or other skin lesions, including lipomas and angiofibromas. The relationship between the cutaneous and noncutaneous manifestations of CNC appears to be an essential clue to the molecular aetiology of the disease. According to the latest reports, more than half of CNC patients present with both characteristic dermatological and endocrine signs; however, a significant number of patients present with skin lesions that are only ‘suggestive’ and not characteristic of CNC (9). A recent classification based on both dermatological and endocrine markers has subgrouped CNC patients as: multisymptomatic (with extensive endocrine and skin signs); intermediate (with few dermatological and endocrine manifestations); and, paucisymptomatic (with isolated primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) alone and no cutaneous signs) (9).
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Sanz, Marta Gonzalez, e Caoimhe Nic Fhogartaigh. "Zoonotic Infections". In Tutorial Topics in Infection for the Combined Infection Training Programme. Oxford University Press, 2019. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198801740.003.0046.
Testo completoAbstract (sommario):
The term zoonosis comes from the Greek: ζῷον (zoon) ‘animal’ and νόσος (nosos) ‘sickness’, and means an infection transmissible from animals to humans. Infected animals can be symptomatic or asymptomatic, and humans usually become accidental hosts through close contact with the reservoir animal. Six out of ten infections in humans globally are spread from animals, and 75% of emerging infections are zoonotic. Some occur worldwide e.g. E. coli O157:H7, whereas some are more restricted geographically, e.g. Ebola virus. The highest burden is in developing countries. There are various classifications of zoonoses. ● Causative pathogen: bacterial (anthrax, non-typhoidal Salmonelloses); viral (rabies, Yellow Fever, hantaviruses); parasitic (hookworm, Giardia, toxoplasmosis); fungal (dermatophytes, histoplasmosis); or prion (new-variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease). ● Mode of transmission (see Section 35.3 and Table 35.1 below) ● Distribution: endemic zoonoses are continually present in a population (e.g. leptospirosis, brucellosis); epidemic zoonoses occur intermittently (e.g. anthrax, Rift Valley Fever); emerging zoonoses are new infections, or existing infections that are increasing in incidence or geographical range (e.g. Nipah virus, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus). ● Direct contact: infectious particles are present on an infected animal, in its body fluids, and in its excreta. Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, and brucellosis may be acquired by direct contact with infected animals, particularly during parturition; cat-scratch disease caused by Bartonella henselae, and Pasteurella spp. may be acquired by bites or scratches from cats, and rabies from canine bites. Many zoonoses are also transmitted via indirect animal contact through exposure to soil or water contaminated by infectious material, e.g. leptospirosis may be acquired when water contaminated with infected rats’ urine comes into contact with broken skin or mucous membranes. ● Ingestion: infection occurs by ingesting contaminated food or water, e.g. unpasteurized milk, poorly processed or undercooked meat, or by eating/ drinking after handling animals without handwashing. Listeria, bovine tuberculosis, and brucellosis may be transmitted by unpasteurized milk and dairy produce; Hepatitis E through processed pork, and Ebola and Marburg through bushmeat. ● Vector-borne: infection is transmitted through a biting arthropod vector. Examples include West Nile Virus and Japanese encephalitis from mosquitoes, Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever from ticks, and Rickettsia typhi from rat fleas.
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Andersson, Leif. "The molecular basis for phenotypic changes during pig domestication". In Pigs and Humans. Oxford University Press, 2007. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780199207046.003.0011.
Testo completoAbstract (sommario):
Pig domestication was initiated some 10,000 years ago. Thus, within a fairly short period of time, from an evolutionary perspective, a remarkable change in phenotype has taken place. Until recently (the last few hundred years), the selection intensity was weak but selection on traits such as behaviour and disease resistance must have occurred early. Docile animals resistant to stress were likely to be kept by the early farmers. Less obviously, coat colour is a trait that also was altered early during domestication. New coat colour variants occur by spontaneous mutations, but in nature there is a strong purifying selection eliminating such mutations because they provide less efficient camouflage or fail to attract mates. In contrast, such mutations have accumulated in domestic animals—why? One reason is of course relaxed purifying selection, but this is not the only reason. A less efficient camouflage of the domestic stock could be advantageous for the farmer and maybe it was used to distinguish improved domestic forms from their wild counterparts. Today, coat colour is often used as a breed-specific marker. For instance, a Large White pig should be white and a Piétrain pig should be spotted. Furthermore, there is strong selection for white colour in some breeds because of consumer demand for pork meat without any pigmented spots in the remaining skin. Charles Darwin was the first to realize that the phenotypic change in domestic animals resulting from selective breeding is an excellent model for phenotypic evolution due to natural selection (Darwin 1859). In fact, he became a pigeon breeder himself and used domestic animals as a proof-of-principle for his revolutionary theory on natural selection as a driving force for evolution. The first chapter of The Origin of Species (Darwin 1859) concerns observations on domestic animals, and nine years later he published two volumes on The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication (Darwin 1868). In the latter book he describes the phenotypic changes that have occurred in the pig and other domestic animals as a consequence of domestication. As a result of the development of molecular tools in the form of well-developed genetic maps and large number of genetic markers we are now in position to start unravelling the molecular basis for phenotypic changes in the pig and other domestic animals.
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McFarling, Usha Lee. "Climate". In A Field Guide for Science Writers. Oxford University Press, 2005. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780195174991.003.0043.
Testo completoAbstract (sommario):
If you plan to cover climate change, thicken your skin. The topic is one of the most highly politicized areas in science journalism today. It's not surprising, given that so much is at stake. Environmentalists fear for the very future of the planet, while conservative politicians and energy industry leaders dread pollution controls that could threaten the nation's prosperity. As with all controversial issues, stakeholders on both sides are quick to attack reports—and reporters—that do not promote their point of view. I have been criticized by conservative think tanks for overplaying the potential dangers of climate change and scolded by environmentalists for downplaying those same dangers. It gives me solace to think that if I am aggravating both sides, then I am being fair. Critics of climate change coverage are right to some extent. The area, in my opinion, is among the most poorly covered in science journalism. This is because politically motivated campaigns of misinformation muddy the issue and because the science of climate—both highly complex and uncertain—is difficult to convey. Much climate change coverage exaggerates potential problems or greatly oversimplifies the issues. Reports are spotty at best, coming in droves when a particularly large piece of ice breaks off of Antarctica or there is a heat wave on the East Coast, but evaporating with the cool of autumn. Events from malaria outbreaks to species declines are attributed to climate change without adequate proof. Climate change coverage too often falls through the cracks between beats. Climate is not only a science story. It is a political story, a foreign story, and a business story as well. It would be best if climate were covered from all of these myriad angles; more commonly, no one takes ownership of it. Science writers, with their technical expertise, ability to translate jargon, and patience with details, are in prime position to be on the front lines of climate coverage—perhaps with occasional forays into political and economic terrain when necessary. The topic, with its interminable feedback loops and references to past epochs, can be intimidating.