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[Display omitted] • We reassess the phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic status within the Adeleorina, a cosmopolitan order of parasites. • Karyolysus Labbé 1894 is the main blood parasite found in reptiles in the western Mediterranean and Macaronesia. • We found a lack of co-speciation signal between these parasites and their lizard hosts. • Host genera with diverging histories approximately 18 million years ago shared some parasite haplotypes. • A higher sampling effort is still needed worldwide in other large clades of Adeleorina. The genus Karyolysus was originally proposed to accommodate blood parasites of lacertid lizards in Western Europe. However, recent phylogenetic analyses suggested an inconclusive taxonomic position of these parasites of the order Adeleorina based on the available genetic information. Inconsistencies between molecular phylogeny, morphology, and/or life cycles can reflect lack of enough genetic information of the target group. We therefore surveyed 28 localities and collected blood samples from 828 lizards of 23 species including lacertids, skinks, and geckoes in the western Mediterranean, North Africa, and Macaronesia, where species of Karyolysus and other adeleorine parasites have been described. We combined molecular and microscopic methods to analyze the samples, including those from the host type species and the type locality of Karyolysus bicapsulatus. The phylogenetic relationship of these parasites was analyzed based on the 18S rRNA gene and the co-phylogenetic relationship with their vertebrate hosts was reconstructed. We molecularly detected adeleorine parasites in 37.9% of the blood samples and found 22 new parasite haplotypes. A phylogenetic reconstruction with 132 sequences indicated that 20 of the newly detected haplotypes clustered in a well-supported clade with another 18 sequences that included Karyolysus galloti and Karyolysus lacazei. Morphological evidence also supported that K. bicapsulatus clustered in this monophyletic clade. These results supported the taxonomic validity of the genus. In addition, we found some parasite haplotypes that infected different lizard host genera with ancient diverging histories, which suggested that Karyolysus is less host-specific than other blood parasites of lizards in the region. A co-phylogenetic analysis supported this interpretation because no significant co-speciation signal was shown between Karyolysus and lizard hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine if the administration of atropine would reduce the measured minimum anaesthetic concentration of isoflurane (MAC isoflurane) in freshwater turtles - the yellow-bellied slider (Trachemys scripta scripta). Paired, blinded, randomized, prospective studies of 1) the effect of atropine in isoflurane anaesthetized freshwater turtles (T. scripta scripta) and 2) the effect of atropine in yellow-bellied sliders in which anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane. T. scripta scripta (n = 8), female, adult. Atropine (2 mg kg–1) or an isovolumetric control injection of saline was administered intraperitoneally 15 minutes prior to induction of anaesthesia with isoflurane. Individual MAC isoflurane was then determined by end-tidal gas analysis in a bracketing design by an experimenter blinded to the administered drug, with a 2 week washout period. The experiment was repeated, with atropine (2 mg kg–1) or saline administered intravascularly in combination with propofol for anaesthetic induction. Linear mixed modelling was used to determine the effects of atropine and propofol on the individual MAC isoflurane. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Premedication with atropine significantly reduced MAC isoflurane (p = 0.0039). In isoflurane-induced T. scripta scripta , MAC isoflurane decreased from 4.2 ± 0.4% to 3.3 ± 0.8% when atropine had been administered. Propofol as an induction agent had a MAC-sparing effect (p < 0.001) such that MAC isoflurane following propofol and a control injection of saline was 2.3 ± 1.0%, which decreased further to 1.5 ± 0.8% when propofol was combined with atropine. Atropine, presumably by inhibiting parasympathetically mediated pulmonary artery constriction, decreases right-to-left cardiac shunting and the MAC isoflurane in yellow-bellied sliders, and thereby may facilitate control of inhalant anaesthesia. Propofol can be used for induction of anaesthesia and reduces the required concentration of inhaled anaesthesia assessed 1.5 hours following induction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Host selection studies should consider vector developmental stage and host availability. • All triatomine vector developmental stages can be infected by Trypanosoma cruzi. • Blood feeding sources of vectors differ due to relative availability of vertebrates in the study site. • The wild triatomine Mepraia spinolai is a stage-dependent selective blood feeder. • Early nymph stages feed on rodents and reptiles, and late stages mostly on rabbits. The composition and contribution of different host species in the dynamics of vector-borne zoonotic parasites are particularly relevant for public health. Hence, the study of host selection by vectors is fundamental. Developmental stage and infection status are factors that may modulate vector feeding behavior. In the semi-arid Mediterranean ecosystem of South America, the transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi , the protozoan causing Chagas disease, includes the triatomine vector Mepraia spinolai and several vertebrate species. In this field study, we examined whether M. spinolai exhibits an opportunistic feeding behavior dependent upon developmental stage and/or infection status. We found that M. spinolai does not feed according to the relative availability of vertebrate species. In addition, early stage nymphs (first/second instars) fed on twice as many different species as middle (third/fourth instars) and late (fifth instars and adults) M. spinolai , with the former feeding on native rodents and lizards and the latter mostly on rabbits. Infected and uninfected M. spinolai showed similar feeding profiles. Wild triatomine species might be described as stage-dependent selective blood feeders, as a consequence of the temporal and spatial scale at which host-vector interactions occur, highlighting that all developmental stages might be infected and capable of transmitting T. cruzi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epoxiconazole (EPX) is a world widely used chiral triazole fungicide in the agriculture field. The excessive application of this triazole may cause damage to lizards. However, limited information is known about the toxicokinetics of EPX on lizards. Our study aimed to investigate the enantioselective absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME) of EPX in lizards following low and high dose exposure (10 and 100 mg kg−1 bodyweitht (bw)). The results demonstrated that (+)-EPX was easier absorbed than (−)-EPX in lizard plasma. Both (+)-EPX and (−)-EPX were detected in the liver, gonad, kidney, skin, brain, and intestine, with (+)-EPX preferentially distributed in these tissues. The elimination of (−)-EPX was faster than that of (+)-EPX in lizard liver and kidney in the high dose groups. Chiral conversion was found between EPX enantiomers in lizard skin. Simultaneously, five metabolites including M2, M4, M10, M18 and M19 were detected in lizard liver and kidney after EPX enantiomers exposure. The relative concentrations of M2, M4, and M10 were higher in the liver and kidney of (−)-EPX groups than those produced from (+)-EPX groups. The metabolic enzymes CYP3A4 and SULT1A1 primarily mediated enantioselective metabolism of EPX. The conclusions drawn from this study significantly enhance our understanding of the enantioselective behaviors of chiral triazole fungicides in reptiles, offering essential guidance for assessing the risks associated with different enantiomers of triazole fungicides. [Display omitted] • (+)-EPX was easier absorbed than (−)-EPX in lizard plasma. • (+)-EPX was preferentially distributed in the liver, intestine, skin, gonad, brain, and kidney. • (−)-EPX was eliminated faster than (+)-EPX in the liver and kidney. • Chiral conversion was found between EPX enantiomers in the skin. • Relative concentrations of M2, M4, M10 in (−)-EPX groups were higher than in (+)-EPX groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blastocystis inhabits the digestive tracts of a diverse range of hosts. Transmission patterns, including host specificity, and the clinical and public health significance of Blastocystis in humans remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the distribution and genetic diversity of Blastocystis in herbivorous and carnivorous reptiles in Eastern Thailand. A total of 501 faecal samples were collected from 363 iguanas, 79 bearded dragons, 50 tortoises, and nine snakes in an animal breeding farm in Chonburi Province, Eastern Thailand. Detection and differentiation of Blastocystis was based on amplification, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis of specific small subunit (SSU) ribosomal RNA genes from faecal DNA extracted from the samples. Altogether 101/501 samples (20 %) were polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing-positive for Blastocystis , 90 (89 %) of which were from iguanas; the remaining positive samples were from African spurred tortoise (n=6), Bearded dragon (n=3), Leopard tortoise (n=1), and Red-footed tortoise (n=1). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that most of the Blastocystis sequences from iguanas were largely similar, and they were distinct from those of the tortoises. Subtype 17 was found in the three bearded dragons and likely reflected Blastocystis from prey animals. This is the largest survey of Blastocystis in reptiles to date. Remarkable differences in Blastocystis colonization rates and genetic diversity were observed between iguanas and other reptile orders, and what was considered Blastocystis colonization was only observed in herbivorous reptiles. • Blastocystis was commonly found in herbivores. • ST17 as an incidental finding. • This study is possibly the largest survey of Blastocystis in reptiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sensitivity of structural health monitoring systems to environmental and operational conditions poses a significant challenge due to their inherent susceptibility to outliers. This paper proposes an effective model-updating-based optimization algorithm that can alleviate the impact of outliers associated with field and operational fluctuations. The proposed method addresses the influence of uncertainties from sources such as white noise, colored noise, and measurement errors, which can introduce outliers in datasets. The approach comprises a hybrid procedure in which a Gaussian smoothing technique is first employed to smooth out measured data to reduce the impact of irregularities. Next, Johansen cointegration is employed for raw data fusion to further enhance the signature of shared patterns. A novel optimization algorithm based on the Reptile Search Algorithm (RSA), named Improved RSA (IRSA), is proposed to solve the objective function based on the concept of mutual information. This algorithm provides a superior solution with much improved computational speed and accuracy compared to RSA. The new hybrid method was validated by several numerical and experimental damage detection studies. Furthermore, it was compared to other state-of-the-art methods described in the literature. The results clearly demonstrate the superior performance of the newly developed method. • Applying Gaussian smoothing to handle high-frequency noise while preserving more information and maintaining functionality. • Introducing novel application of Johansen cointegration as a data fusion technique, effectively handling outliers in FRF signals. • Proposing a new objective function based on Mutual Information, Johansen cointegration, and Gaussian smoothing. • Proposing a new and robust optimization algorithm based on the concept of the Reptile Search Algorithm (RSA), named Improved RSA (IRSA). • Demonstrating the robustness of the proposed method with numerical and experimental evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) mainly pollute the aquatic environment. • PFASs are endocrine disruptors having a harmful impact on various internal organs. • Amphibians and reptiles are very sensitive to environmental pollution and often used as bioindicators for ecosystem monitoring • To date, there is no review articles summarizing the current knowledge about PFASs in amphibians and reptiles Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are commonly used in various industries and everyday products, including clothing, electronics, furniture, paints, and many others. PFASs are primarily found in aquatic environments, but also present in soil, air and plants, making them one of the most important and dangerous pollutants of the natural environment. PFASs bioaccumulate in living organisms and are especially dangerous to aquatic and semi-aquatic animals. As endocrine disruptors, PFASs affect many internal organs and systems, including reproductive, endocrine, nervous, cardiovascular, and immune systems. This manuscript represents the first comprehensive review exclusively focusing on PFASs in amphibians and reptiles. Both groups of animals are highly vulnerable to PFASs in the natural habitats. Amphibians and reptiles, renowned for their sensitivity to environmental changes, are often used as crucial bioindicators to monitor ecosystem health and environmental pollution levels. Furthermore, the decline in amphibian and reptile populations worldwide may be related to increasing environmental pollution. Therefore, studies investigating the exposure of amphibians and reptiles to PFASs, as well as their impacts on these organisms are essential in modern toxicology. Summarizing the current knowledge on PFASs in amphibians and reptiles in a single manuscript will facilitate the exploration of new research topics in this field. Such a comprehensive review will aid researchers in understanding the implications of PFASs exposure on amphibians and reptiles, guiding future investigations to mitigate their adverse effects of these vital components of ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Model compression is a promising approach for reducing the model size of pretrained-language-models (PLMs) on low resource edge devices and applications. Unfortunately, the compression process always accompanies a cost of performance degradation, especially for the low resource downstream tasks, i.e., multiple-choice question answering. To address the degradation issue of model compression on PLMs, we proposed an end-to-end reptile (ETER) meta-learning approach to improving the performance of PLMs on the low resource multiple-choice question answering task. Specifically, our ETER improves the traditional two-stage meta-learning to an end-to-end manner, integrating the target finetuning stage into the meta training stage. To strengthen the generic meta-learning, ETER employs two-level meta-task construction from instance-level and domain-level to enrich its task generalization. What is more, ETER optimizes meta-learning by parameter constraints to reduce its parameter learning space. Experiments demonstrate that ETER significantly improved the performance of compressed PLMs and achieved large superiority over the baselines on different datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

G-quadruplexes have important regulatory roles in the nuclear genome but their distribution and potential roles in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are poorly understood. We analysed 11883 mtDNA sequences from 18 taxonomic sub-groups and identified their frequency and location within mtDNA. Large differences in both the frequency and number of putative quadruplex-forming sequences (PQS) were observed amongst all the organisms and PQS frequency was negatively correlated with an increase in evolutionary age. PQS were over-represented in the 3′UTRs, D-loops, replication origins, and stem loops, indicating regulatory roles for quadruplexes in mtDNA. Variations of the G-quadruplex-forming sequence in the conserved sequence block II (CSBII) region of the human D-loop were conserved amongst other mammals, amphibians, birds, reptiles, and fishes. This D-loop PQS was conserved in the duplicated control regions of some birds and reptiles, indicating its importance to mitochondrial function. The guanine tracts in these PQS also displayed significant length heterogeneity and the length of these guanine tracts were generally longest in bird mtDNA. This information provides further insights into how G4s may contribute to the regulation and function of mtDNA and acts as a database of information for future studies investigating mitochondrial G4s in organisms other than humans. • PQS frequency decreases with an increase in evolutionary distance. • PQS are over-represented in the 3′UTR, D-loops, replication origins, and stem loops. • Variation of G4 sequence in the D-loop is conserved across taxonomic sub-groups. • D-loop sequence is conserved in duplicated control regions of birds and reptiles. • Significant length heterogeneity in guanine tracts of the conserved D-loop sequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pristine environmental conditions and wide biodiversity are the best evidence of pre-colonial times, before anthropic interference in the Anthropocene. The Galeão shell mound represents the main example of an insular archaeological site located in the context of the Guanabara Bay in the Middle Holocene. The faunal remains from this shell mound were identified through comparative anatomy, to access the ichthyofauna and also amphibian, reptile and mammal paleodiversity. The diagnostic elements revealed the presence of predominantly demersal teleost fish, typical inhabitants of estuarine and marine systems, along with the usual species inhabiting rocky shores and rocky bottoms. Additionally, it revealed an exceptional diversity of sharks, including the presence of pelagic taxa, as well as stingrays. The local wildlife consists of species commonly found in swampy, mangrove, Brazilian restinga and Atlantic forest biomes. This study shows widely practiced fishery and hunting by the Amerindian using the resources of the Guanabara Bay and indicates specific targets during the Middle Holocene. Degradation of coastal environments and/or overfishing threaten the local biodiversity, with species now absent and some with statuses which go from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pirro Nord quarry (Apricena, Foggia, southern Italy, 41°48′6″N, 15°23′5″ E) is a well-known palaeontological and archaeological locality comprising an abundant and diverse Early Pleistocene vertebrate assemblage of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles related to the Late Villafranchian and Early Biharian mammal ages. In this study, we describe the small mammal assemblages (insectivores, rodents, and bats) excavated between 2010 and 2022 to reconstruct the palaeoenvironment surrounding the site using Habitat Weighting and the Bioclimatic model methods. The rodent assemblage comprises mostly Allophaiomys cf. ruffoi , Apodemus sp., and Hystrix refossa , whereas Eliomys cf. intermedius was reported for the first time. Insectivores includes Talpa gr. minor-caeca ; Asoriculus sp.; Erinaceus praeglacialis ; and Sorex sp. Bats are represented by Rhinolophus ferrumequinum , Rhinolophus gr. euryale-mehelyi , Myotis gr. myotis-blythii , Myotis sp., and Miniopterus schreibersii. Landscape reconstruction attested to the presence of a rich and diverse environment with open areas and forest patches surrounding the Pirro Nord 13 site. The climate was slightly colder than that of current times in the same area, with higher precipitation. The presence of different ecosystems near the sites constituted suitable conditions for the first human dispersion in Europe, as already revealed by evidence from Barranco León D, Atapuerca TE7–14, and Fuente Nueva 3 elsewhere on the Iberian Peninsula. The study of small mammal assemblages improves our understanding of the chronological boundaries of the human occupation of Pirro Nord 13, adding important information in the context of the first peopling of the Mediterranean region between 1.6 and 1.3 million years ago. • New data on climate and landscape of early human arrival in Europe. • Allophaiomys cf. ruffoi dominates Pirro Nord 13 assemblage. • Biochronological position of Pirro Nord 13 is confirmed by the small mammals. • Pirro Nord 13 had open and forested habitats with Mediterranean climate. • Human arrival at Pirro Nord could match milder climatic phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proposal of the wind farm layout optimization (WFLO) problem aims to better utilize wind energy. A multi-objective reptile search algorithm (MORSA) based on elite non-dominated sorting and grid indexing mechanism was proposed to solve the multi-objective optimization problem of wind farm layout under the Jansen wake model to maximize power generation while minimizing costs. Firstly, the elite non-dominated sorting method was used to sort the population, and then the crowding distance method was used to maintain the diversity between the optimal sets. By calculating the crowding distance, the same level of non-dominated populations are sorted. Then, the grid index mechanism is added to the archive for selection and deletion. Leaders can use the roulette wheel to select and delete some solutions in high-density grids. By obtaining the optimal Pareto solution set while maintaining the diversity of the population, the effectiveness of solving multi-objective optimization problems is improved. The improved algorithm solves the WFLO problem based on the Jansen wake model by using two different initial self-flow winds for performance testing while considering the effects of single wake and multiple wake with or without partial wake occlusion. The performance of the WFLO (output power and cost) was compared without considering wake obstruction, MORSA can obtain the minimum turbine cost of 26.3601 and the maximum power generation of 2.3078E-08 with a single wake flow of 16 m/s. The experimental results show that the proposed MORSA has better convergence and applicability, and has shown good results in multi-objective layout optimization of wind farms. • Set up the multi-objective wind farm layout optimization problem under the Jansen wake model. • Firstly propose MORSA with elite non-dominated sorting and grid indexing mechanism. • Adopt MORSA to solve multi-objective wind farm layout optimization problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional traits of vertebrates can be used to infer paleoenvironmental conditions, allowing research into past climate changes and biotic responses. Birds are generally considered poor palaeoclimatic proxies due to their high vagility. Here, we analyze biogeographical and climatic niche information from multiple vertebrate groups including small mammals, reptiles, and birds to infer the paleoclimatic conditions present during the Late Pleistocene (∼14,500–17,000 years BP) at Talara, an asphaltic paleontological locality on the northern Peruvian coast. We created Ecological Niche Models for the nearest living relative of each fossil species identified at Talara. We then used the Mutual Ecogeographic Range method, obtaining the overlapping area between distributions for each vertebrate group (birds, reptiles, and small mammals) as well as for combinations of groups, to infer the paleoclimate at Talara and to determinate what taxonomic groups are best for reconstructing climate in this system. Our analyses indicate that conditions at Talara were slightly cooler and significantly wetter than those of the present day. Individually, different vertebrate groups provide different paleoclimatic information. Birds were found to be a poor paleoclimatic proxy. Mammals were good for inferring paleoprecipitation but not paleotemperature. Reptiles were good group for inferring paleotemperature but not paleoprecipitation. While analyzing all vertebrate groups together yields the most robust conclusions, reptiles and small mammals combined are a good proxy for inferring both paleoprecipitation and paleotemperature. Our results suggest an interstadial period that agrees with paleotemperatures inferred from isotopic and sedimentary information. Our research indicates that today, the southern portion of the Cauca biogeographic province (230 km NE from Talara) has comparable climatic conditions to Late Pleistocene Talara. Understanding how the Talara region transitioned from this biodiverse ecosystem to the hyperarid coastal desert of today could have important implications for predicting biotic response and tipping points in the context of modern climate change. • The Pleistocene of Talara was slightly cooler and significantly wetter than today. • Past climatic conditions are similar to the present-day Cauca biogeographic province. • Individually, different vertebrate groups provide different paleoclimatic information. • Reptiles and mammals together are an effective proxy for paleoclimate. • Birds alone were found to be a poor paleoclimatic proxy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to often insufficient information, reptiles suffer welfare issues and increased mortality in captivity. In particular, the impact of the social environment remains poorly understood, despite evidence suggesting its' importance for welfare in a wide range of social animals. The current study investigated how pair housing changes enclosure use, basking and hiding behaviour in tokay geckos (Gekko gecko). While the captive conditions and husbandry procedures employed in this study align with existing literature recommendations, they have not been previously evaluated for their suitability for this particular species. The results show that, when socially deprived, lizards were more likely to move and hide before feeding. Furthermore, males were more likely to be found at the front than females during pair housing but not during single housing. Finally, contrary to single housing, enclosure temperature had no effect on the probability to move and hide behind a shelter during pair housing. Consistently, lizards were more likely to bask after feeding across housing conditions, and females were more likely to bask before their first clutch. Together, pair housing decreases movement and hiding in relation to human presence (feeding), which might indicate that pair housing improves tokay gecko welfare and suggest that the presence of a conspecific should be considered to improve welfare policies in social reptiles. This study serves as a baseline for future research into how enclosure furnishings, husbandry techniques, and enrichment practices impact the welfare of tokay geckos which will be crucial for refining our understanding of and improving on the welfare of reptiles in captivity. • Reptiles suffer welfare issues and increased mortality in captivity. • I investigated how pair housing changes behaviour in tokay geckos (Gekko gecko). • When socially deprived, lizards were more likely to move and hide before feeding. • Males were more likely to be at the front than females during pair housing. • These results indicate that pair housing improves tokay gecko welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ongoing warming-induced permafrost thawing and human pressures in alpine regions have a profound impact on biodiversity and are expected to further aggravate by the end of the century. However, their future impacts on the alpine species remain largely unexplored. Here, we present an assessment of terrestrial vertebrates (mammals, amphibians, birds, and reptiles) exposures to future permafrost degradation and human modification on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) by 2090. The projections showed that the threat of permafrost degradation and human modification is mostly concentrated in the northwestern and southeastern QTP, respectively. Under a high-emissions scenario (Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 5–8.5), about 10 % of terrestrial vertebrates' geographical range are exposed to highly risk regions of permafrost degradation. More importantly, 49.7 % of terrestrial vertebrates (54.5 % of mammals, 61.2 % of amphibians, 39.8 % of birds, and 43.3 % of reptiles) are predicted to become imperiled due to human modification in >50 % of their habitat. Our study highlights national stewardship for species that are in particular need of reimagining proactive biodiversity conservation planning to avoid detrimental impacts of future permafrost degradation and human modification. • Permafrost degradation threatens alpine species and protection planning is neglected. • 10 % of land vertebrates' range is exposed to a high risk of permafrost degradation. • Half of land vertebrates are predicted to become imperiled due to human modification. • Critical areas for future threats occur in the southeast and northwest of the QTP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Test correlations in species richness between 10 taxa from 361 nature reserves in China. • Assessed the relative importance of competing mechanisms hypothesized to promote indicator taxa correlations. • No single taxon is useful for indicating all other taxa; ferns have the potential to predict reptile and amphibian richness. • Temperature and water availability are the most important factor for predicting species richness in most of the studied taxa. Indicator taxa have been widely used in biological conservation when data on the taxa of conservation interest are lacking. However, most studies have focused on common taxa (e.g., vascular plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals) and found little consistent correlation between taxa. In this study, we extended the investigation to cover 10 taxonomic groups from 361 nature reserves in China. We assessed the strength of competing mechanisms hypothesized to promote indicator taxa correlations. We detected significant positive correlations in species richness among most of the 10 taxonomic groups except for macrofungi-insect and bryophyte-bird pairs. Yet, we found no single taxon satisfying the criteria to be used as an indicator for other taxa, although angiosperms had the potential to predict species richness of several other groups (e.g., ferns, gymnosperms, mammals, reptiles, amphibians), and ferns were useful for indicating reptiles and amphibians. Macrofungi and insects are the two groups that cannot be effectively indicated by any other groups. We also found that energy and climatic stability played the most significant role in regulating species richness of most study taxa, and possibly their between-taxon correlations. Our study provides new evidence for understanding cross-taxon congruence and the underlying mechanisms in the nature reserves of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Late Pliocene fossil locality of Las Higueruelas (central Spain) has been known for many decades; however, in this paper, we describe the fauna of small-sized vertebrates (fish, amphibians, squamate reptiles, and rodents) for the first time based on pre-existing collections in the Museo Provincial de Ciudad Real. In addition to updating the taxonomical nomenclature of previously-published faunal lists, we also report the new occurrences of four fish taxa, a lizard (Lacertidae indet.), and several snakes (Malpolon gr. monspessulanus-mlynarskii , cf. Zamenis scalaris , and a large-sized indetermined viperid, probably from the Oriental vipers group or genus Daboia). The only rodent is identified as Stephanomys minor. Overall this assemblage indicates the predominance of open, dry environments and shrubby vegetation close to more grassy and riparian woodland under warm (15.1 ± 1.8 °C) and semi-arid (556 ± 40 mm) conditions. There was 4-month period of summer aridity similar to a modern Mediterranean climate. Most of the aquatic taxa (Pleurodeles , Pelophylax , and Natrix) were able to tolerate brackish environments, and the amphibians suggest the presence of deep and stable water bodies, with a long hydroperiod and aquatic vegetation, necessary for reproduction. Las Higueruelas is confirmed as being assigned to subchron 2An.1r (3.116–3.032 Ma) like the Camp dels Ninots Konservat-Lagerstätten (Girona, Spain). Palaeoclimate reconstruction for both localities is consistent with the later stages of the mid-Piacenzian Warm Period. Palaeontological comparison between the two sites may support either a small difference in age, or most probably, varied climate zonations within the Iberian Peninsula, with a north-eastern area allowing a local survival of Early Pliocene taxa that are absent from Las Higueruelas. [Display omitted] • The small vertebrates from Las Higueruelas (Spain) are described for the first time. • Fish, herpetofauna, and rodent represent up to 18 different taxa. • Stephanomys minor and palaeomagnetism constrain to the cron 2An.1r (3.03–3.11 Ma). • Predominance of open environments under temperate and dry climate conditions. • Central Spain does not seem to allow local survival of early Pliocene taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Follicular atresia (FA) has been assumed to serve different functions in reptiles, e.g. helping to develop hierarchies, limiting clutch size, and regression of ovarian structures. Reproductive output is dependent on a balance between ovulations and FA. Excessive rates of FA may not only be detrimental for the survival of a population, but have also been associated with pathological conditions. In order to gain insights into the physiological and potentially pathological processes of FA, we performed a decriptive study on the morphological features of the ovaries in sexually mature female veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus , VC). Of 60 clinically healthy female VC with continuous ovarian cycling and at least one confirmed cycle with FA over at least 1.5 years, 30 were selected for macroscopic evaluation of ovarian appearance and 7 were subjected to histology and immunohistology. While FA of previtellogenic follicles happened at a low rate, expected for a species with two germinal beds per ovary and polyautochronic reproductive pattern, atresia in the late vitellogenic stage affected entire generations of follicles, consequential to ovulatory failure. Histologically, no pathological processes were identified in any of the animals. Rather, three stages of FA (early, middle, late) were defined and vitellogenic follicles showed two distinct morphological types of FA: yolky and cystic. Yolky FA was found in 21/30 (70%) animals, while cystic FA co-occurred in 9/30 (30%) of the animals. • Follicular atresia occurs in previtellogenic and vitellogenic follicles. • Vitellogenic follicles show two distinct forms of atresia; yolky and cystic. • Cystic atresia is less frequent and shows a longer duration of resorption. • Veiled chameleons have two germinal beds per ovary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nucleotide composition analysis of mitochondrial CO genes across three reptilian orders showed strong AT bias. • GC1 content was the highest in three CO genes across reptilian orders. • SCUO values indicated lower CUB for three CO genes in reptiles. • Relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) values revealed mostly A-ending codons were preferred. • Neutrality plot showed the dominance of natural selection. The phenomenon of non-random occurrence of synonymous nucleotide triplets (codons) in the coding sequences of genes is the codon usage bias (CUB). In this study, we used bioinformatic tool kit to analyze the compositional pattern and CUB of mitogenes namely COI, COII and COIII across different orders of reptiles. Estimation of overall base composition in the protein-coding sequences of COI, COII and COIII genes of the reptilian orders revealed an uneven usage of nucleotides. The overall count of A nucleotide was found to be the highest while the overall count of G nucleotide was the least. The CO genes across the three reptilian orders were prominently AT biased. Comparison of the GC proportion at each codon position displayed that GC1 percentage ranked the highest in all the three CO genes of the reptilian orders. SCUO values indicated weaker CUB, while considerable variation of SCUO values existed in the three CO genes across the studied reptiles. Relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) values indicated that mostly the A ending codons were preferred. Based on the parameters namely neutrality plot, mutational responsive index and translational selection, we could conclude that natural selection was the major evolutionary force in COI, COII and COIII genes in the studied reptilian orders. However, correspondence analysis, parity plot and correlation studies indicated the existence of mutation pressure as well on the CO genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snakes are reptiles of great biomedical significance. The accurate identification of snakes is particularly important for healthcare workers to diagnose and treat victims of snakebite envenoming. Further, snake identification is vital for the general population, especially to those who live in areas of high snakebite incidence. Owing to the great diversity of snakes and the superficial similarities between some species, the correct identification of these reptiles is often difficult. Therefore, identification of snake species is challenging for healthcare workers, biologists, naturalists, and the general population. To overcome this challenge, we developed a web-based snake identification service (www.snakesidentification.org) in Sri Lanka, which provides rapid and accurate identification by experienced herpetologists. This service received 486 identification requests over a period of 40 months. The majority of requests were from Colombo District [140 (28.8%)], though only 63 (13.0%) of these were identified as medically important snakes. The majority [389 (80.0%)] of the requests related either to feebly venomous colubrid snakes or non-venomous species. The sample included 30 (of 107) snake species in the island, including 8 endemic species. There were 315 (64.8%) requests relating to live snakes. In the majority of cases (285, 90.4%), the snake was released to the closest available habitat after being identified. The median time taken to respond to requests was 70 min (interquartile range 23–299 min). The majority of persons making requests (283, 58.2%) were unable to identify the snakes. For those who attempted identification the snakes, correct identification was made by only 59 (12.1%), whereas 144 (29.6%) identified the snake incorrectly. This web-based snake identification service provides an example of a successful and useful model of rapid snake identification. Similar models could be implemented in other regions and countries to provide accurate information on snake identification both to the healthcare workers and the general public. [Display omitted] • A Web-based snake identification service has been established in Sri Lanka. • Most of the identification requests were associated with non-venomous snakes. • There were 30 out of a total of 107 snake species in Sri Lanka identified. • The majority of requests were based on live snakes, which were released after identification. • The Web-based snake identification service is a successful method of snake identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial–temporal prediction is a fundamental problem for intelligent transportation system (ITS), which is important for traffic management such as vehicle controls and travel plans. Deep learning has achieved success in spatial–temporal prediction with adequate data. However, many cities still suffer from data scarcity due to lack of essential infrastructure and services for data collection. Therefore, spatial–temporal prediction of cities with scarce data can be regarded as a few-shot learning problem. In this paper, we propose a novel transfer learning method to tackle spatial–temporal prediction tasks with only a small collection of data. Our proposed model aims to transfer the knowledge from multiple source cities to the target city by considering the different spatial–temporal distribution similarities between cities. Specifically, our model is designed as a spatial–temporal network based on a first-order meta-learning algorithm Reptile with an attention mechanism. Different from meta-learning algorithms that aim to learn a well-generalized initialization which can be adapted to any new task, our model achieves better performance on the specific target city by considering the different distribution similarities between multiple source cities and the target city. In addition, as it is difficult to learn the long-term spatial–temporal dependency with limited data in the target city, we propose a generation mechanism to learn and transfer long-term temporal features from source cities which have abundant long-period data to the target city. In the experiments, we compare our model with other state-of-the-art methods in real-world traffic prediction task. The experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past years there has been a notable lack of success with regard to breeding alligator in commercial facilities. Farm-raised alligator eggs exhibit lower hatch rate in comparison with wild alligator eggs. Additionally, the hatch rates of the alligator eggs decrease in captivity until zero production is reached. This decline in production has been documented in over a twenty year study at the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge. The lack of reproductive performance is attributed to the maternal diet and transfer of nutrients to the egg. Previous investigation on the eggshell and eggshell membrane of these reptiles lack comparisons between diet groups. The elemental compositions of the eggshell and eggshell membrane of wild and farm-raised A. mississippiensis were investigated using micro-PIXE. Eggs analyzed for this study were viable and the analysis showed that the major elements of the eggshell included calcium and aluminum, and that of membrane included sulfur and chlorine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pit vipers, also known as crotalids, are a group of snakes including rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths (water moccasins). Crotalids have a broad geographic distribution across the United States, and bites from these snakes can carry significant morbidity. Their envenomations are characterized by local tissue effects, hematologic effects, and systemic effects. Envenomations are generally treated with 1 of 2 antivenoms available in the United States.Objective: We developed a series of clinical questions to assist and guide the emergency physician in the acute management of a patient envenomated by a crotalid.Methods: We conducted a PubMed literature review from January 1970 to May 2020 in English for articles with the keywords "bite" and "crotalidae."Results: Our literature search resulted in 177 articles. A total of 33 articles met criteria for rigorous review and citation in the development of these consensus guidelines.Conclusions: Patients should be initially evaluated, stabilized, and assessed for local effects, hematologic effects, and systemic toxicity suggestive of envenomation. Antivenom should be given if toxic effects are present. Surgical intervention including debridement and fasciotomy should be avoided. Prophylactic antibiotics are not necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Vestibular changes in altered gravity and their morphological basis are discussed. • Behavioural correlations of vestibular abnormalities are provided. • Gecko and mice vestibular cerebellum in the Bion-M and Foton-M experiments are widely reviewed. • Bion-M1experiments provided evidence for the sensory compensation hypothesis. In humans and other vertebrates, the range of disturbances and behavioural changes induced by spaceflight conditions are well known. Sensory organs and the central nervous system (CNS) are forced to adapt to new environmental conditions of weightlessness. In comparison with peripheral vestibular organs and behavioural disturbances in weightlessness conditions, the CNS vestibular centres of vertebrates, including the cerebellum, have been poorly examined in orbital experiments, as well as in experimental micro- and hypergravity. However, the cerebellum serves as a critical control centre for learning and sensory system integration during space-flight. Thus, it is referred to as a principal brain structure for adaptation to gravity and the entire sensorimotor adaptation and learning during weightlessness. This paper is focused on the prolonged spaceflight effects on the vestibular cerebellum evidenced from animal models used in the Bion-M1 project. The changes in the peripheral vestibular apparatus and brainstem primary vestibular centres with appropriate behavioural disorders after altered gravity exposure are briefly reviewed. The cerebellum studies in space missions and altered gravity are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Records of Pleistocene reptiles are relatively well known in different countries. However, reptile fossil records of Pleistocene from Latin America are scarce and limited to presence data associated with records of megafauna remains. Taphonomic studies in Pleistocene reptiles are focused on finding out the origin of the paleontological remains; that is, if the remains found at a particular place correspond to organisms that lived and died there or if they were carried out and deposited there by water currents or predators. Pleistocene reptiles have been used as a proxy for qualitative paleoclimatic reconstructions of localities. In this study, we describe the fossil record of squamate reptiles from the Pleistocene of San José Buenavista (Puebla, Mexico), and the taphonomic relationship between them and the associated megafauna, as well as reconstruct the paleoclimate of the paleontological site in Central Mexico where the remains were found. We present the first Mexican Pleistocene record of Anolis and Storeria , the third fossil record of the alligator lizard Barisia sp. in Mexico, and the first North American Pleistocene record for the rattlesnake Crotalus triseriatus. The rattlesnake (C. triseriatus) was found inside the mandible of the American mastodon (Mammut americanum). This finding suggests that the mastodon remains were used as burrow by the rattlesnake during the Pleistocene. Paleoclimate was reconstructed using the Mutual Ecogeographic Range method, which uses the distribution and climate niche of the nearest extant representatives of the identified fossil taxa. A mean annual temperature of 13.91 ± 1.54 °C and an annual precipitation of 964.04 ± 316.82 mm were inferred for the locality. This suggests that the assemblage of fossil species found inhabited the locality during a glacial period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sylvatic triatomines use terrestrial bromeliads as microhabitats. • Bromeliads are visited and used as refuge by several vertebrate species. • Bromeliads act as buffer of abiotic conditions reducing daily thermal amplitude. • Bromeliads from north-central Chile provide feeding opportunities to triatomines. • Native rodents associated to bromeliads are highly represented in the diet of triatomines. Puya alpestris, P. berteroniana and P. chilensis (Bromeliaceae) are terrestrial plants present in north-central Chile, considered important part of the shrub flora due to their abundance and close interaction with animals. A previous study showed that bromeliad cover positively correlates with the abundance of the sylvatic triatomine vector Mepraia spinolai , only when infected by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi , the etiological agent of Chagas disease. Here, we assessed the biological interactions and abiotic conditions provided by these Puya species to M. spinolai. During the austral summers of 2015 and 2016, we sampled 17 sites with presence of M. spinolai colonies. In each site, we estimated the presence of bromeliad and its cover proportion, and placed a camera trap for three months near a M. spinolai colony to record the vertebrates potentially interacting with this triatomine. Three of the camera traps were placed right in front of M. spinolai -colonized bromeliads. At the same time, triatomines present under these bromeliads were collected to assess their blood meal by Next Generation Sequencing. Between July 2017 and January 2018, we examined the abiotic conditions (temperature and humidity) under bromeliad, under rocks and at ground level. We detected 40 vertebrate species associated to Puya spp. (18 birds, 16 mammals, and 6 reptiles). Puya spp. are a resource for keystone species in T. cruzi sylvatic transmission, including small mammals (Octodon degus, Phyllotis darwini) and lizard species (Liolaemus spp.), detecting a positive association between bromeliad presence and availability of reptiles and non-domestic mammals. Native rodents and humans were the most represented vertebrates in the diet of M. spinolai collected under bromeliads. Temperatures were more stable under bromeliad, showing lower amplitude (up to 14.3 °C) compared to under rocks (23.7 °C) or at ground level (49.6 °C). Bromeliads present in the semiarid-Mediterranean ecosystem provide feeding opportunities for triatomines, and act as buffer of abiotic conditions reducing daily thermal amplitude. The presence of bromeliads near human settlements should be carefully monitored, especially because their leaves are consumed by people and browsed by livestock present in endemic areas of Chagas disease. Bromeliads from the semiarid-Mediterranean ecosystem provide feeding opportunities to triatomines and suitable abiotic conditions; therefore, its presence near human settlements should be monitored to avoid triatomine-human contact. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The La Venta fauna of Colombia (∼13.5–11.5 Ma) represents the most diverse Tertiary locality in the neotropics, with 75 mammal species and a highly non-analogue reptile assemblage containing at least seven testudines and six crocodyliforms. It has been widely hypothesized that the carnivore guilds of South American mammals throughout the Cenozoic were depauperate, potentially due to the continent's isolated history, and that, as a result, non-mammals acted as its dominant predators. Here we test this hypothesis using novel community composition analysis and a model of prey meat availability and competition between carnivorous taxa for prey in different size classes. We find that the carnivorous reptiles account for a very large proportion of demanded biomass, but that, even including reptiles, there was minimal competition for resources among the carnivore guild, relative to competition within modern communities. Further, we evaluate one possible impact of low predation pressure on the herbivores of La Venta through a population analysis of enamel hypoplasia in the notoungulate Pericotoxodon platignathus. At La Venta, mammalian carnivores alone exerted very little predation pressure on the terrestrial community, and our community composition analysis supports the filling of macropredatory niches by crocodyliforms, including both the terrestrial sebecid Langstonia huilensis and semi-aquatic giant crocodylians. • Competition between predator species for available prey at La Venta was minimal. • Reptiles account for a high proportion of predation on the mammals of La Venta. • Enamel hypoplasia in prey could be associated with this or other factors. • GLLVMs compare diet and body size structure in fossil and modern communities. • GLLVMs have utility for paleoenvironmental reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community-based monitoring (CBM)– programs that integrate community members and their values into biodiversity and/or natural resource monitoring– is an effective tool for conservation. Wide inequities exist in CBM collaboration, and monitoring abilities may vary between collaborators of different backgrounds. Therefore exploring the demographic composition of CBM collaborators, and how demographics shape individual monitoring efficacy, can help improve both diversity in CBM representation and program outcomes. Yet, few studies have focused on CBM collaborator demographics, especially in low-income countries. We implemented a CBM project co-designed by protected area managers and local community members in the geographically, biologically, and culturally diverse Southern Madagascar. The project involved 27 scientists and 83 community members who collectively generated 69,429 observations of birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles across two years (2917 surveys). Using linear regressions and mixed-effects models, we examined how collaborators' demographics (gender, age, and level of formal education) and their prior amount of biological monitoring experience impacted their efficacy, measured as the number of observed species. For both scientists and community members, monitoring teams with women, despite being underrepresented, on average observed more species than male-only teams. Among community members, age and level of formal education had smaller positive effects on efficacy. Our results suggest that CBM projects should actively engage a broad array of community members, including those with marginalized identities, to provide diverse perspectives. Inclusive initiatives offer both tangible (lower project costs) and intangible (community engagement, education, and enhanced collaboration) benefits for local communities and conservation managers alike. • Community-based monitoring (CBM) can be an effective tool for monitoring biodiversity in Madagascar. • Women were more effective at biodiversity monitoring than men. • Age and amount of formal education had slight positive impacts on monitoring efficacy. • Enhanced collaboration between park management and local communities provides benefits to all stakeholders. • CBM programs should embrace a diverse array of demographics and perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increase in reptile-ownership has resulted in a parallel rise in welfare-related problems. Reptiles have been considered suitable pets for beginners due to the misconception that they are low-maintenance and behaviourally simple animals. However, there is increasing recognition that reptiles are cognitively complex, and due to their ectothermic nature, have diverse species-specific requirements that must be met in captivity. Therefore, it is possible that the welfare problems experienced by many reptiles are associated with how their cognitive abilities and welfare needs are perceived by their owners. Equally, the experience of pet ownership can itself alter perception of a species. This study therefore investigated what the general public understands about reptile cognitive abilities (e.g. learning, memory retention) and their welfare needs (e.g. environmental requirements), and to identify any differences between the opinions of reptile owners and non-owners. Data were collected using an online questionnaire; we obtained the opinion of 734 participants, of these 334 were reptile owners and 400 non-owners. Results showed that, compared to non-owners, reptile owners assigned higher scores to reptile cognitive abilities and were also more informed about the welfare needs of captive reptiles. Our findings suggest that pet reptiles are considered to be cognitively complex and sentient creatures, particularly by reptile owners; therefore, the poor conditions experienced by some pet reptiles in captivity may be due to a lack of knowledge of the correct management practices necessary in order to meet their needs, rather than a low perception of their capabilities. • Compared to non-owners, reptile owners scored reptile cognitive abilities more highly. • In contrast, reptile owners and non-owners rated reptile emotional capabilities similarly. • Reptile owners were less likely to believe their pets can emotionally bond with them. • Reptile owners were more informed about the welfare needs of captive reptiles but were not always sure how to meet them. • Educating pet owners is likely to be a key step in maximizing captive reptile welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater treatment systems, such as Constructed Wetlands (CWs) and Waste Stabilization Ponds (WSPs), have untapped biodiversity enhancement and development potential. Birds, insects, and reptiles, which are displaced by human development, might find refuge in these ecosystems. However, the lack of a detailed characterization of the biodiversity status of these wastewater treatment systems hinders their widespread adoption. Point counts, direct observations, and camera traps were used to assess bird diversity across five CWs and three WSPs in Tanzania in 2021. For insects and reptiles, pitfall and pan traps were laid along established transects, in addition, direct observations and fishnets were also used to assess the reptiles dwelling within the WSPs. Abundance, Shannon index, Simpson index, Margalef index, and evenness index were the diversity parameters used to analyze the diversity of birds, insects, and reptiles. Our results show that among the studied groups and between WSPs and CWs, birds had high species abundance (n = 1132), richness, Margalef index (D = 4.266), evenness (E = 0.815), Shannon diversity (H = 2.881) and Simpson index (λ =0.903). The abundance and diversity of studied groups differed significantly (P < 0.05) between WSPs and CWs. Our study also recorded four reptile species belonging to three orders. Molecular analyses confirmed that insect species belong to nine orders and 13 families, with the order Diptera dominating both CWs and WSPs, followed by Orthoptera, Hymenoptera, and Araneae. We conclude that CW and WSP wastewater treatment systems are important for hosting various populations of birds, reptiles, and insect species. [Display omitted] • We compared bird, insect, and reptile communities across constructed wetlands and waste stabilization ponds. • Waste stabilization ponds had a greater abundance and diversity of birds and reptiles than constructed wetlands. • The surface flow CWs showed higher bird and insect species diversity than subsurface flow CWs. • Since CWs and WSPs provide significant landscape elements for biodiversity, should be included in conservation portfolios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult mammalian astrocytes are sensitive to inflammatory stimuli in the context of neuropathology or mechanical injury, thereby affecting functional outcomes of the central nervous system (CNS). In contrast, glial cells residing in the spinal cord of regenerative vertebrates exhibit a weak astroglial reaction similar to those of mammals in embryonic stages. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) participates in multiple neurological disorders by activation of glial and immune cells. However, the mechanism of astrocytes from regenerative species, such as gecko astrocytes (gAS), in resistance to MIFmediated inflammation in the severed cords remains unclear. Here, we compared neural stem cell markers among gAS, as well as adult (rAS) and embryonic (eAS) rat astrocytes. We observed that gAS retained an immature phenotype resembling rat eAS. Proinflammatory activation of gAS with gecko (gMIF) or rat (rMIF) recombinant protein was unable to induce the production of inflammatory cytokines, despite its interaction with membrane CD74 receptor. Using cross-species screening of inflammation-related mediators from models of gMIF- and rMIF-induced gAS and rAS, we identified Vav1 as a key regulator in suppressing the inflammatory activation of gAS. The gAS with Vav1 deficiency displayed significantly restored sensitivity to inflammatory stimuli. Meanwhile, gMIF acts to promote the migration of gAS through regulation of CXCL8 following cord lesion. Taken together, our results suggest that Vav1 contributes to the regulation of astrocyte-mediated inflammation, which might be beneficial for the therapeutic development of neurological diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological relevance may influence the neural response towards images which depict attack intent. In the present study, images featuring reptiles and firearms were employed as target and flanking stimuli in a modified version of the affective Flanker task. Forty-two participants (21 male) completed the modified Flanker task as EEG was recorded. Congruency effects in reaction times were more consistently observed for arrays with firearm targets than for arrays with reptile targets. Arrays with neutral targets (i.e., water pistols, turtles) evoked more negative mean N2 (250–400 ms) amplitudes than those with attack targets (i.e., attacking snakes, aimed handguns), while arrays with aimed handgun targets elicited more positive mean activity for the late positive component (LPC; 450-650 ms) compared to arrays with water pistol or reptile targets. Congruency effects were also found in N2 activity for arrays with firearm targets and reptile Flankers. In addition, LPC amplitude for incongruent arrays with attack targets and neutral Flankers was reduced compared to congruent attack arrays. These findings suggest that biological relevance influences interference processing (the N2) and intersects with attack intent during the later stages of picture processing (the LPC). • Flanker paradigm used to investigate processing of static and dynamic threat cues • Influence of biological relevance on interference processing indexed by N2 activity • Biological relevance and attack intent interacted in LPC modulation. • Aimed handgun targets evoked more positive LPC than attacking snake targets. • Suggests dynamic and static threat cues differentiated during picture processing [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Together with the rest of the Balkan Peninsula, Greece acted as a refuge for thermophilic amphibians and reptiles during the Quaternary Glaciations. In this work we provide new herpetological data on the latest Early Pleistocene locality of Kaiafas, in western Peloponnese. The site yielded one indeterminate salamandrid urodelan (Salamandridae indet.), one tree frog (Hyla gr. H. arborea), one indeterminate testudinid (Testudinidae indet.), at least two lacertid lizards (Lacertidae indet. A and B), one scincid lizard (Ophiomorus sp.), one anguid lizard (Pseudopus sp.), and one indeterminate "colubrine" snake ("Colubrinae" indet.). This assemblage is indicative of a surrounding environment with water bodies, wooded areas, and possibly loose soils with rocks and stones. In spite of being based on few remains, the study of the amphibians and reptiles from Kaiafas resulted in the identification of the first fossil of Ophiomorus known worldwide. Moreover, the two lacertid taxa displayed very peculiar morphological features which are either previously unknown or rare in that clade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reptiles are reservoirs of a wide range of pathogens, including many protozoa, helminths, pentastomids, and arthropod parasitic species, some of which may be of public health concern. In this review we discuss the zoonotic risks associated with human–reptile interactions. Increased urbanization and introduction of exotic species of reptile may act as drivers for the transmission of zoonotic parasites through the environment. In addition, being a part of human diet, reptiles can be a source of life-threatening parasitoses, such as pentastomiasis or sparganosis. Finally, reptiles kept as pets may represent a risk to owners given the possibility of parasites transmitted by direct contact or fecal contamination. Awareness of reptile-borne zoonotic parasitoses is important to advocate control, prevention, and surveillance of these neglected diseases. Species of protozoa, helminths, pentastomids, and arthropod vectors exploit reptiles as definitive or paratenic hosts, which may represent a public health concern. The zoonotic risk is associated with human–reptile interactions and includes environmental contamination, reptile consumption, or keeping reptiles as pets. Exotic reptile species may introduce new zoonotic parasites in a previously nonendemic region. Pentastomiasis and sparganosis are life-threatening food-borne parasitoses. In our households, if precautions are not taken, reptiles may transmit zoonotic parasites by direct contact or fecal contamination. Trained veterinarians, physicians, and public health officials are important to advocate for proper diagnostics, parasite identification and treatment, as well as for surveillance strategies and food inspection in areas where reptiles are consumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article deals with the initial data coming from the Ivolga Fortress archaeological site located in the Trans-Baikal area. Multidisciplinary investigations were performed, including palynological and archaeozoological studies. Palynological data reflects the palaeovegetation of the region and shows the abundance of forested landscapes in the past. The fauna was made of molluscs (7 taxa), fishes (14 taxa), amphibians (3 taxa), reptiles (1 taxon), and wild mammals (18 taxa). The species composition and environmental data show the mosaic character of landscapes surrounding the ancient settlement: taiga and forest, steppe and forest-steppe biotopes, as well as meadows in the Selenga valley with the prevalence of open steppe spaces. In the era of the Xiongnu Empire 209 BC – 48 AD (Kradin, 2001) the climate was less arid than it is now. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two sites in the Villány Hills, Hungary, have yielded rich fish assemblages from Middle to Late Triassic shallow marine deposits. The collected material comes from the Ladinian Templomhegy Dolomite Member and from the Carnian Mészhegy Sandstone Formation. The ichthyofauna is composed of both chondrichthyans (Hybodontidae indet., Palaeobates angustissimus , ' Polyacrodus ' sp., ? Lissodus sp.) and osteichthyans (Gyrolepis sp., Birgeria sp., and further indeterminate actinopterygians). Despite the large sample size, no remains of neoselachians have been found. The Ladinian Templomhegy Dolomite is dominated by durophagous hybodontiforms (Palaeobates angustissimus , ? Lissodus sp.), but the piscivorous hybodontid and the generalist ' Polyacrodus ' sp. are missing, while in the fish fauna collected from the Carnian Mészhegy Formation indeterminate piscivorous hybodontids are the most common elements and durophagous forms are much less abundant. The dominance of piscivorous hybodontids in the Carnian Mészhegy Sandstone could be related to the global decrease of diversity of marine fish-eating reptiles (e.g., nothosaurs) or to a change of paleoenvironmental conditions. The present study improves our knowledge on the poorly known Triassic vertebrate faunas of the Tisza Mega-unit, which formed a segment of the passive Neotethys margin of the European Plate and shows an important example of a potential vertebrate faunal shift during the Middle to Late Triassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how human activities affect animal biodiversity is essential to investigations about the biological effects of several pollutants and contaminants dispersed in the environment. This is the case of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), which are emerging pollutants whose effect on reptiles' health is completely unknown. Thus, the objective of the present study is to evaluate the possible damages induced by these NPs in Podocnemis expansa juveniles (Amazon turtle) by using morphological changes of circulating erythrocytes as nuclear toxicity biomarker. The animals were exposed to the intramuscular administration of 440 μg/kg and 440,000 μg/kg of ZnO NPs, for 10 consecutive days. The micronuclei assay and other nuclear abnormalities were performed at the end of the experiment, as well as different morphometric measurements applied to the erythrocytes. Based on the current data, ZnO NPs induced nuclear abnormalities such as micronuclei and binucleation, which are associated with carcinogenic processes and with flaws in the mitotic machinery. The low "nuclear area: erythrocyte area" ratio and larger cytoplasmic area observed for animals exposed to NPs evidenced erythrocytic change induction likely related to negative energy balance/metabolism interferences and/or to oxygen transportation efficiency by erythrocytes. This is the first report on the mutagenic and cytotoxic effect induced by NPs on representatives of a group of reptiles. This outcome suggests that further investigations must focus on better understanding the (eco)toxicological potential of ZnO NPs. Image 1 • ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) induced nuclear abnormalities in Podocnemis expansa. • Nuclear area: erythrocyte area ratio and cytoplasmic area are affected by the NPs. • Exposure to ZnO NPs as a risk factor to the health of Podocnemis expansa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the effects of three binary mixtures of pesticide formulations commonly used in soybean crop: Cypermethrin Atanor® (25% -CYP), Chlorpyrifos Lorsban 48E® (48% -CPF) and Glyphosate Roundup® Full II (66.2% -GLY) on broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) hatchlings exposed by voluntary immersion under controlled condition. Genotoxicity was evaluated in peripheral blood erythrocytes through the micronucleus (MN) test and other nuclear abnormalities (NAs) and besides, growth of caiman was analyzed in each experimental group. The results showed that pesticide formulations tested, at concentrations similar to those recommended for application in the field, induced an increase in the frequency of micronucleus (FMN; p = 0.001) and Notched nuclei (NN; p = 0.010) in the mixture CYP + CPF, while an increase in the frequency of buds and NN was observed in the mixture of GLY + CYP (p buds = 0.016 and p NN = 0.021), compared to the vehicle control (VC). On the contrary, a possible antagonistic action was observed between the components in the mixture GLY + CPF. Growth was not affected in any exposed groups (p > 0.05). There was a clutch effect in the frequency of binucleated erythrocytes (BiN; p = 0.011), total length (TL; p = 0.001) and snout - vent length (SVL; p = 0.031). Biomarkers used in this study are considered important predictive tools for the evaluation of xenobiotics. In this study, we demonstrated genotoxicity of pesticide mixtures under conditions that simulate the real situation of exposure suffered by caiman and other wild species in Argentina. Image 1023446 • Binary mixtures of pesticide formulations caused genotoxicity on Caiman latirostris. • Possible antagonistic effect between Glyphosate and Chlorpyrifos formulations. • Growth of exposed hatchling was not altered, probably due to duration of exposure. • The Clutch effect must be always considered in experimental designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cathelicidins are a family of gene-encoded immune effectors in vertebrate innate immunity. Here, we reported the diversity and biological activity of cathelicidins in green sea turtle, a marine reptile species known for long lifespan and disease resistance. Four novel cathelicidins (Cm-CATH1-4) were identified from green sea turtle. All of them, especially Cm-CATH2, exhibited potent, broad-spectrum and rapid bactericidal and anti-biofilm activities by inducing the disruption of cell membrane integrity. Additionally, Cm-CATH2 effectively induced the macrophages/monocytes and neutrophils trafficking to the infection site, and inhibited the LPS-induced production of inflammatory cytokines, by blocking TLR4/MD2 complex and the downstream signaling pathway activation. In mouse peritonitis and pneumonia models, Cm-CATH2 exhibited evident protection against drug-resistant bacterial infections. Taken together, the diverse structures and functions of Cm-CATHs indicated their pleiotropic role in innate immunity of green sea turtle, and the potent antimicrobial, anti-biofilm and immunomodulatory properties make them ideal candidates for the development of novel anti-infective drugs. Image 1 • Four cathelicidins were identified from Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas). • Expression of Cm-CATHs is constitutional, and inducible in response to bacterial challenge in vivo. • Cm-CATH2 directly kill pathogens via inducing the permeabilization in membrane. • Acting through MAPKs and NF-κB, Cm-CATH2 can boost infection-resolving innate immunity. • Cm-CATHs exhibit evident in vivo protections by significantly reducing the bacterial loads in turtles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of enzymatic biomarkers constitutes a widely used approach in ecotoxicology. However, standard sampling procedures are invasive, requiring tissue, organ or blood extraction. This leads to concerns regarding conservation practice, animal welfare and restrictions in study design. New techniques are needed to avoid these problems, but still generate reliable data. Here, we aimed at validating the use of buccal swabs as a reliable method to detect pesticide exposure in reptiles. Common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis) were divided into control, dermal and oral treatment groups and exposed to different pesticide formulations. Subsequently, buccal swabs were taken and enzymatic activity was analyzed. We were able to confirm the suitability of the method to detect effects of pesticide exposure on the enzymatic level. While exposure to the formulation Roundup Ultramax® didn't match when compared to effects previously observed in situ when compared to other glyphosate based formulations, effects could still be detected. This can be seen as a strong indicator that the active ingredient of a formulation may not always be the mian driver for ecotoxicological effectsat the enzymatic level. At the same time, exposure towards the single formulation Vivando® didn't result in any effects. However, individuals residing in agricultural landscapes will mostly be exposed to pesticide mixes containing different formulations. Our results strongly advocate that buccal swabbing is a reliable minimal invasive method to generate samples for detecting effects of pesticide exposure in reptiles. Due to its easy handling, we believe it will provide new opportunities concerning study designs. • Buccal swabs are a reliable method to detect effects of pesticide exposure. • Dermal and oral exposure pathways can be detected separately. • The Method works well for pesticide mixes and herbicides. • No effects could be detected with very small amounts of pesticide. • Neurotoxic effects could not be observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study the nitric oxide (NO)-soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) and phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) pathway was characterized in tortoise Chelonoidis carbonaria aorta. Concentration response curves (CCR) to ATP, ADP, AMP, adenosine and histamine were performed in the presence and absence of L-NAME in aorta pre-contracted with ACh (3 μM). CCR to SNP, BAY 41-2272 (sGC stimulator), BAY 60-2770 (sGC activator) and tadalafil (PDE-5 inhibitor) were constructed in the presence and absence of ODQ (10 μM). ATP (pEC 50 6.1 ± 0.1), ADP (pEC 50 6.0 ± 0.2), AMP (pEC 50 6.8 ± 0.1) and histamine (pEC 50 6.8 ± 0.12) relaxed Chelonoidis aorta and the addition of L-NAME reduced their efficacy (p <.05). Adenosine effects (pEC 50 6.6 ± 0.1) were not changed in the presence of L-NAME. SNP (pEC 50 7.5 ± 0.7; Emax 102.2 ± 2.5%), BAY 41-2272 (pEC 50 7.3 ± 0.2; Emax 130.3 ± 10.2%), BAY 60-2770 (pEC 50 11.4 ± 0.1; Emax 130.3 ± 6.5%) and tadalafil (pEC 50 6.7 ± 0.3; Emax 121.3 ± 15.3%) relaxed Chelonoidis aorta. The addition of ODQ reduced the SNP and tadalafil maximum response (p <.05) and promoted 63 fold right shift on BAY 41-2272 curve. In contrast, no alteration was observed on BAY 60-2770 response. Transcriptomic analysis for eNOS and sGC were found in aorta and brain libraries with high homology when compared with human transcripts. The NO-sGC-PDE-5 is functionally present in Chelonoidis aorta with a functional and genomic similarity to mammalian vessels. Unlike most of mammalian vessels, ACh did not cause endothelium-dependent relaxation in Chelonoidis carbonaria aortic rings. Unlabelled Image • The NO-sGC-PDE5 pathway is present in Chelonoidis carbonaria aorta. • The NO-sGC-PDE5 pathway has functional and genomic similarity to mammalian vessels. • Unlike most of mammalian vessels, ACh did not cause endothelium-dependent relaxation in Chelonoidis carbonaria aortic rings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe environmental stressors such as low temperatures can affect gene expression by changing epigenetic states. American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) can overwinter as tadpoles, which can be active even in winter. However, the molecular mechanisms of epigenetic controls by which the tadpoles acclimate to low temperature are still unclear. In this study, we aimed to clarify the molecular mechanisms of global and gene-specific epigenetic regulations of low-temperature acclimation. We found that the global acetylation was decreased in the liver of bullfrog tadpoles acclimated to low temperature. The amounts of transcripts for two histone acetyltransferases were higher in the liver of tadpoles acclimated to low temperature than in those acclimated to warm temperature, while we observed no significant differences in the amounts of transcripts for histone deacetylases. We also found that the amounts of transcripts and acetylated histones on the specific temperature-responsive genes scd and cyp7a1 whose transcripts were increased and decreased, respectively, in response to low temperature were positively correlated. Cellular acetyl-CoA levels were higher in the liver of tadpoles acclimated to low temperature than in those acclimated to warm temperature. These results contradicted the states of histone acetylation, suggesting that bullfrog tadpoles have different epigenetic mechanisms to modify the histones when compared with those of other organisms such as reptiles and mammals, even though the relationship between the transcript amount and the states of histone acetylation on temperature-responsive genes was similar to that of mammals. Image 1 • Global acetylation was reduced in the liver of cold-acclimated tadpoles. • Amounts of transcripts and acetylated histone on specific gene were correlated. • Amounts of acetyl-CoA were higher in the liver of cold-acclimated tadpoles. • Expression of genes tested might be regulated by other than that of HATs or HDACs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of phenotypic traits in reptiles are affected by conditions during embryonic development, a phenomenon known as developmental plasticity. In particular, many traits in which expression changes with temperature, such as locomotor performance or growth rates, are also developmentally plastic. However, much less is known about the extent to which traits associated with thermal ecology, such as thermal tolerance and behavioral thermoregulation, are developmentally plastic. Here, we review the literature on developmental plasticity in physiological and behavioral traits associated with thermal ecology in reptiles. Most studies on developmental plasticity of thermal traits have assessed plasticity in behavioral traits, such as selected temperature or time spent basking, and these studies have found mixed support for the presence of developmental plasticity in behavioral thermal traits. In contrast, very few studies have assessed developmental plasticity in physiological traits, yet these studies generally support a developmentally plastic basis for thermal tolerance. Most studies have only tested for developmental plasticity in thermal ecology traits at the hatchling stage, which limits our understanding of the benefits of developmental plasticity to individuals, or the adaptive significance of developmental plasticity in populations. We recommend that research on developmental plasticity in reptile thermal ecology be expanded to include incubation conditions other than mean temperature, consider traits associated with cold-tolerance, and endeavor to understand how developmental plasticity in thermal ecology traits is beneficial. In particular, determining how long differences persist over ontogeny, and testing for benefits of developmental plasticity across multiple life stages, are crucial first steps towards understanding the adaptive significance of developmental plasticity in thermal ecology traits. • Phenotypic plasticity can match an individual's phenotype to its environment. • Developmental plasticity in thermal ecology traits is poorly understood in reptiles. • Developmental plasticity is more common in physiological than behavioral traits. • Some developmentally plastic differences persist beyond the neonate stage. • Research is needed on the adaptive significance of developmental plasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article surveys 21 studies of how ethologists characterize the environment for arthropods, reptiles, mammals, and birds traversing above ground, below ground, and burrowing in order to provide insights in selecting or designing a robot for a complex work envelope, for example, the 2018 Thailand Cave rescue. Roboticists are currently forced to rely on empirical expertise to select or design robots and to construct ad hoc testbeds for expected environments due to the lack of comprehensive quantitative metrics. Fortunately, ethologists have been grappling with how to quantify environmental factors that impact the traversability of different animals. That community has collectively identified 21 characteristics which this article discusses and groups into a novel taxonomy of three broad categories: local navigational constraints, surface properties, and global layout properties. One conclusion is that the set of appropriate characteristics for a specific environment depends on the scale of the environment to the agent. The article also makes four recommendations to aid roboticists in a) selecting a particular robot suitable for the environmental characteristics, b) building testbeds that are more representative of the target environment or to objectively compare different robotics, and c) collecting data about an environment for use cases or work analyses. It also discusses the limitations of the ethological studies for robotics and the remaining gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reptilian embryos often face challenging environmental gas compositions during incubation, which may inflict long-lasting effects in the individuals' physiological responses. These conditions can have a lasting effect on the animal into juvenile life as chronic prenatal exposure to hypercarbia results in enlarged hatchling organ size, higher growth rate and resting metabolic rate, although relatively smaller increment in metabolic scope during digestion. Therefore, we wanted to verify whether prenatal hypercarbia exposure would cause persistent effects on morphology and physiological responses in C. serpentina. We measured organ masses and cardiovascular parameters in five years old turtles incubated either under 3.5% hypercarbia (H3.5) or normoxia (N21). We expected that: i) organ masses of H3.5 would be bigger than N21; ii) acute exposure to hypoxia should decrease blood flows in H3.5, since metabolic scope is presumably reduced in this group. As hypoxia exposure elicits catecholamine release, we also tested cardiovascular responses to adrenaline injection. Lungs and stomach exhibited higher growth rates in H3.5. Divergent cardiovascular responses between groups to adrenaline injection were observed for heart rate, pulmonary blood flow, pulmonary mean arterial pressure, blood shunt, systemic stroke volume, and stomach perfusion. Hypoxia caused decreased systemic blood flow and cardiac output, systemic and total stroke volume, and systemic vascular conductance in H3.5. These variables were unaffected in N21, but pulmonary flow and stroke volume, and stomach blood perfusion were reduced. These data support the hypothesis that exposure to hypercarbia during embryonic development has long term effects on organ morphology and cardiovascular responses of C. serpentina. Unlabelled Image • We tested if prenatal exposure to hypercarbia caused persistent alterations in turtles' organ mass and hemodynamics. • Lung and stomach zgrowth rates and cardiovascular responses to adrenaline and hypoxia diverged between groups. • We confirm that prenatal exposure to hypercarbia has persistent effects in morphology and function of snapping turtles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) play a crucial role in the host's innate immune system. Among the PPRs, the RIG-I-like (RLRs) and NOD-like receptors (NLRs) are two important subgroups. To understand the role of RLRs (RIG-I , MDA5 , LGP2) and NLRs (NOD1 , NLRC3 , NLRX1 , NOD2) in reptilian evolution, we identified six genes from reptilian genomes. A total of 168 putative genes were identified from 28 reptile species, including 141 intact genes, 25 partial genes and two pseudogenes. Interestingly, the NOD2 gene was absent in all reptile species. Phylogenetic results showed that all genes were divided into four major clades corresponding to their traditional taxonomic groups, indicating that these genes are conserved in reptiles. Evolutionary analyses detected positive selection in six genes. Most of the positively selected sites (50/76) were located in known functional domains, reflecting their critical and particular contributions to host defense during reptilian evolution. Branch model analysis showed that NLRs were under different evolutionary forces, while the RLRs were not, suggesting that semiaquatic species and terrestrial species faced different environmental pathogens, leading to different adaptations. Moreover, the positively selected sites identified in MDA5 using the branch-site model among semiaquatic reptiles, suggested their involvement in adaptation to semiaquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two major evolutionary events in the early history of Mesozoic marine reptiles have been recorded in the Triassic of China. The first event evidenced by the Early Triassic Chaohu Fauna was the emergence of new marine communities and their subsequent radiation in the Spathian Subage of the late Olenekian (Early Triassic). The earliest marine reptile fossil horizon was found to be 248.81 Ma in age, therefore about 3.35 myr after the end-Permian mass extinction. The emergence time for the clade Ichthyosauromorpha has been suggested to be between 251.5 and 248.8 Ma. Moreover, the first occurrence of this clade is not thought to have been prior to the end-Permian mass extinction and this is therefore indicative of an exceptionally high evolutionary rate. Globally, twenty eight marine reptile species (six from Chaohu) have been recorded in an interval of just 2 myr in the Early Triassic, and these marine reptiles diversified and became the predators in the Mesozoic marine ecosystems that formed soon after the end-Permian mass extinction. The first event was followed by a transition from coastal to oceanic communities followed by selective disappearance of coastal species and emergence of oceanic species in the Ladinian of the Middle Triassic, as evidenced by the Xingyi Fauna. Here a 5.1 m thick fossiliferous unit yields 17 or more taxa of marine reptiles and can be subdivided into two separate assemblages. The lower assemblage is mainly composed of nearshore sauropterygians, close to that of the Anisian Panxian Fauna and with a strong palaeobiogeographic affinity to western Tethys. In the upper assemblage, the coastal pachypleurosaurian and nothosaurian sauropterygians disappear, to be replaced by the large ichthyosaurs and pistosaurs with a closer palaeobiogeographic affinity to Panthalassa. In this assemblage, there is an example of an ichthyosaur unequivocally feeding on another marine reptile. This is the oldest definitive record of a marine reptile acting as an apex predator. The transition from the lower assemblage to the upper one also records a turnover of Mesozoic marine reptiles from coastal to oceanic forms, and from a strong west Tethyan affinity to an assemblage showing a greater affinity with east Panthalassa by the late Middle Triassic. • Two major evolutionary events in the early history of Mesozoic marine reptiles after the end-Permian mass extinction are recorded. • The first event was the emergence and subsequent radiation of marine reptiles during the late Olenekian. • A diversity of predatory marine reptiles appeared in the newly established Mesozoic marine ecosystem soon after the end-Permian mass extinction. • The second event was the ecological shift from coastal to oceanic environments in the Ladinian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research has shown the risk of environmental contamination by pesticides in Argentina. Salvator merianae is considered as "sentinel species" for monitoring their effects. We intended to investigate growth, immunological and endocrine functions, and oxidative stress in S. merianae exposed to two commercial brands of the herbicide glyphosate: Roundup and Panzer Gold, as well as, to two insecticides: chlorpyrifos, and cypermethrin. Our results showed a higher increase in growth in animals exposed to Roundup and chlorpyrifos and a lower increase in those exposed to Panzer Gold. Higher total leukocyte and lymphocyte count values were observed in lizards exposed to Panzer Gold. The heterophils/lymphocytes ratio decreased in all treated animals. Regarding lobularity index, natural antibodies titers, and complement system activity values, lizards exposed to cypermethrin had higher values. Low corticosterone levels were observed in animals exposed to Roundup. Our results reveal different toxic effects of pesticides contributing to the knowledge of the pesticides' potential deleterious impact in the habitat of S. merianae. [Display omitted] • S. merianae exposed to pesticides showed immune-endocrine alterations. • All tested pesticides showed toxic effects on the contamination biomarkers used. • Antagonist effects were found between different commercial GLY formulations. • The greater toxicity of cypermethrin showed by the more generalized effect on several variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertebrate ichnological associations recorded in Middle Miocene successions were unknown in South America. During that time, South America was isolated from other continents and had a unique endemic fauna and flora. The lower Vinchina succession occurred between 15.6 and 12.7 Ma and records the footprints of highly specialized mammals, reptiles, and birds for the first time. To identify all footprint producers, we focused on anatomical traits of the appendicular skeleton represented on the footprints together with body size estimations of the producers as body mass and the apparent trunk length (GAD). Carnivoripeda sudamericana nov. isp. reveals a weasel-like producer of ∼1 kg and a trunk length of 19–26 cm most likely attributed to metatherian carnivores (Sparassodonta). They represent the oldest carnivore footprints in South America. Small bipedal rodent-like mammals of ∼280 g using a jumping gait (Morphotype A) are interpreted as produced by highly specialized South American marsupials, argyrolagids, whose footprints were unknown until now. Other mammalian footprints recorded are Tacheria troyana most likely produced by dinomyid caviomorph rodents. They represent animals of ∼16 kg and a trunk length of 48–55 cm, like living dinomyids. Subcircular to oval structures (Morphotype B) seems to be produced by medium-sized ungulates, while stepping in cohesive and plastic soupy sediments. cf. Chelonipus torquatus suggests small freshwater turtles (Chelidae or Podocnemididae), of ∼400 g consistent with a trackmaker of carapace size of ∼9 cm. Aviadactyla vialovi was most likely produced by a small shorebird (Scopolacidae) of ∼40 g. All footprints are preserved on crevasse splay deposits of anastomosing fluvial systems together with meniscate feeding (Taenidium barretti) and simple dwelling trace fossils (Palaeophycus tubularis) produced by insects and are an example of the Scoyenia Ichnofacies. [Display omitted] • C. sudamericana nov. isp. may represent the first sparassodont footprints ever found. • C. sudamericana nov. isp. are the oldest carnivore footprints in South America. • First footprints found of highly specialized South American marsupials, argyrolagids • The lower Vinchina succession records South Americas's only well constrained Middle Miocene (15.6–12.7 Ma) ichnoassociation i • The ichnoassociation is dominated by small-sized mammals (sparassodonts and argyrolagids), reptiles (freshwater turtles), and birds (shorebirds), followed by medium-sized, dinomyid rodents and ungulates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study shows the EDTA-resistant, Ca2+ and Cu2+-dependent hydrolysis of O-hexyl 2,5-dichlorophenyl phosphoramidate (HDCP) compound in reptiles sera determined by spectrophotometry UV/Vis and chiral chromatography. Samples of ten reptile species were incubated with aliquot of 100 or 400 μM HDCP in presence of 100 or 300 μM Cu2+, or 2.5 mM Ca2+ or 5 mM EDTA at 37 °C for 30–60 min. The results shown an activator effect of Cu2+ on HDCP hydrolysis in freshwater turtles sera (Trachemys scripta , Chelydra serpentina and Macrochelys temminckii) because the levels of 2,5-dichlorophenol (DCP; product hydrolysis) were similar (∼37 μM DCP) to chicken serum (positive control group). The marine turtles (Chelonia mydas and Eretmochelys imbricata) and crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus and Crocodylus moreletii) showed ∼50% less HDCPase activity (13–17 μM DCP) compared to the HDCPase activity of the freshwater turtle species. Terrestrial reptile species (snakes and lizards) showed around 25% of activity (7–13 μM DCP) with both copper concentrations. These Cu2+-dependent hydrolysis were stereospecific to R(+)-HDCP (p˂0.05) in the three freshwater turtle species that showed similar hydrolysis to the chicken serum. However, the Ca2+ did not show a significant activating effect on the HDCPase activity (1–8 μM DCP) in any reptile serum. Their hydrolysis levels were very similar to those of EDTA-resistant activity. The present study demonstrates a Cu2+-dependent A-esterase (HDCPase) activity in turtles and points serum albumin as the cuproprotein responsible for this activity, reinforcing its N-terminal sequence (DAEH) as a catalytic center. • Pesticides. • Hydrolysis. • Copper. • Reptiles. • Stereoselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]