Search

Summary: Extracellular vesicle (EV) exchange is emerging as a novel method of communication at the maternal–fetal interface. The presence of the EVs has been demonstrated in the preimplantation embryo culture medium from different species, such as bovines, porcines and humans. Preimplantation embryo‐derived EVs have been shown to carry molecules potentially able to modulate the local endometrial immune system. The non‐classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐G, the immunomodulatory molecule progesterone‐induced blocking factor and some regulatory miRNAs species are contained in embryo‐derived EV cargo. The implanted syncytiotrophoblasts are also well known to secrete EVs, with microvesicles exerting a mainly proinflammatory effect while exosomes in general mediate local immunotolerance. This review focuses on the current knowledge on the potential role of EVs released by the embryo in the first weeks of pregnancy on the maternal immune cells. Collectively, the data warrant further exploration of the dialogue between the mother and the embryo via EVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of farmed fish in the world has increased considerably. Aquaculture is a growing industry that will in the future provide a large portion of fishery products. Moreover, in recent years, the number of teleost fish used as animal models for scientific research in both biomedical and ecological fields has increased. Therefore, it is increasingly important to implement measures designed to enhance the welfare of these animals. Currently, a number of European rules exist as requirements for the establishment, care and accommodation of fish maintained for human purposes. As far as (teleost) fish are concerned, the fact that the number of extant species is much greater than that of all other vertebrates must be considered. Of further importance is that each species has its own specific physical and chemical requirements. These factors make it difficult to provide generalized recommendations or requirements for all fish species. An adequate knowledge is required of the physiology and ecology of each species bred. This paper integrates and discusses, in a single synthesis, the current issues related to fish welfare, considering that teleosts are target species for both aquaculture and experimental models in biological and biomedical research. We first focus on the practical aspects, which must be considered when assessing fish welfare in both research and aquaculture contexts. Next, we address husbandry and the care of fish housed in research laboratories and aquaculture facilities in relation to their physiological and behavioural requirements, as well as in reference to the suggestions provided by European regulations. Finally, to evaluate precisely which parameters described by Directive 2010/63/EU are reported in scientific papers, we analysed 82 articles published by European researchers in 2014 and 2015. This review found that there is a general lack of information related to the optimal environmental conditions that should be provided for the range of species covered by this directive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parrots housed in inadequate environments can show behavioural patterns that they do not show in their biologically natural context, such as repetitive and nonfunctional activities, potentially indicators of poor welfare. In intensive breeding facilities, birds such as budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) are often pair-housed in cages of limited size for the reproductive period. In this study, the effects of spatial and social restrictions on the behaviour of 18 budgerigars housed in different conditions (pair-housed condition vs social-housed condition) were investigated. Our aim was to compare the presence of species-specific stereotyped behaviours (Oral, Locomotor and Object-Directed) and the time-budget of normal activities between the two experimental conditions. Data were recorded by using video-cameras and, subsequently, a focal sampling technique to score the behavioural repertoire of experimental subjects was adopted. Frequency and duration of stereotyped patterns were significantly higher in pair- than in social-housed condition individuals. A sex-related profile was also found, with “pacing” and “spot pecking” shown more often by males, whereas “wire chewing” and “incessant screaming” were performed at higher levels by females. Moreover, with regard to the time-budget of normal activities, pair-housed conditions showed significantly higher frequencies of locomotion and allo-grooming than social-housed conditions. These findings suggest that limited social and spatial opportunities influence the presence of stereotyped behaviours, as well as the normal activity of Melopsittacus undulatus, and cause a potential decrease of their life quality. Refinement of housing seems to have a direct role in improving the well-being of this species in intensive breeding facilities. Therefore, the dissemination of guidelines and recommendations on accommodation of this species is recommended to make it easier for traders and breeders to provide appropriate housing conditions for birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]