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Aim: Mountains are geographic features that provide sharp elevational gradients which can accommodate a diversity of terrestrial flora and fauna. In the face of climate change, many of these species are being pushed higher to escape ever‐increasing temperatures. Despite this, we have little understanding of how species distribute themselves across mountains. African mountains in particular are less studied than mountains elsewhere and the small mammal groups that inhabit them are also poorly studied when compared to other groups. In this study, we examined the responses of three functionally distinct small mammal taxonomic groups to changes in elevation across Africa. Location: Africa. Methods: We calculated four functional diversity metrics for 166, 97 and 153 communities of rodents, bats and shrews comprising 225, 183 and 109 species, respectively. We employed RLQ and fourth‐corner analyses to identify any associations between the functional traits of the small mammals and elevation and other climatic variables. Results: We show that the species richness of the three taxa responded differently to increases in elevation, with only rodents showing a mid‐elevational hump. The composition of rodent and bat communities differed significantly in upland versus lowland sites, but bat communities showed far more overlap across the elevational gradient. Functional diversity metrics responded differently for each taxon highlighting the importance of using different taxonomic groups when studying elevational patterns of functional diversity. Main Conclusions: Our study shows that functional divergence increases with elevation in all three taxa, indicating a pervasive and broadly applicable strong environmental filtering at higher elevations. Our findings suggest that species at higher elevations may be at higher risk due to specialization. These species are losing habitat due to ongoing climate change that will force them up the elevational gradient. At the same time, the human population in Africa is predicted to triple in size by the year 2100, which will also likely contribute to further habitat loss and fragmentation. As small mammals often play essential roles in ecosystems, from seed dispersal to soil aeration and predation, understanding the susceptibility of the specialization of species at higher elevations is crucial for the effective conservation and management of mountain ecosystems, especially in light of climatic change and human expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorex maritimensis (Maritime Shrew) is endemic to Canada and found only in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The Maritime Shrew has been identified as one of the vertebrate species in Nova Scotia that is most susceptible to the effects of climate change and global warming, and it is listed by NatureServe as vulnerable (category G3). While generally regarded as a wetland specialist, relatively little is known about its specific habitat preferences. Non-invasive methods of sampling have proven valuable in identifying and monitoring such rare species. The objective of this study was to optimize a non-invasive method to document presence of Maritime Shrews using collected fecal DNA and to develop a PCR-based protocol to amplify a short, ∼120 base-pair section of the cox1 gene using shrew-specific primers. We used baited feeding tubes to collect shrew feces. We designed cox1 PCR primers to preferentially amplify this mini-DNA barcode for shrews in samples that may contain feces from rodents as well. We designed the primers to amplify a small amplicon to increase the likelihood of successful amplification from degraded DNA. This technique is likely to be effective for documenting the distribution and habitat preferences of this relatively rare shrew in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rate of hydropower dam construction on rivers is increasing in emerging economies in South Asia, to achieve economic development goals. These large infrastructure projects are likely to have many negative consequences on freshwater species but have not yet received much consideration. Among freshwater small mammalian species, water shrews are seriously impacted by these large structures. This paper aims to determine if water shrews have been considered during the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of these hydro dam project sites, as well as present the sightings of the water shrews from Nepalese rivers with hydropower potential. We reviewed 44 EIA reports of such projects in Nepal using a set of four criteria and 15 questions to analyze the methods of impact assessment for mammals and the reports on the presence of water shrews in each built area. The study found that the number of mammal species reported during the EIA varied from five to 55 species but no relationships between the hydropower structure's size and any water shrew species were considered in the studies. In almost all EIA reports, the term aquatic ecosystem was prioritized over the term aquatic small mammals, and the latter was not considered in the assessment. The major reason for not considering these species is probably due to the lack of robust methods to capture small mammals such as shrews, or due to survey methods focused only on terrestrial mammals. The Aquatic Animal Protection Act was fully reviewed and assured to be followed in a majority of the reports, yet the monitoring parameters and indicators were not available for aquatic small mammals. Ignoring the presence of these mammals while constructing hydropower plants is a serious threat to their persistence. We also reported the Himalayan water shrew in the Barun River and the elegant water shrew in the Upper Tamakoshi River of Nepal. Therefore, a better understanding of these species among hydropower developers, and all concerned agencies, is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri chinensis), a member of the mammalian order Scandentia, exhibits considerable similarities with primates, including humans, in aspects of its nervous, immune, and metabolic systems. These similarities have established the tree shrew as a promising experimental model for biomedical research on cancer, infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, and mental health conditions. Herein, we used metatranscriptomic sequencing to analyze plasma, as well as oral and anal swab samples, from 105 healthy asymptomatic tree shrews to identify the presence of potential zoonotic viruses. In total, eight mammalian viruses with complete genomes were identified, belonging to six viral families, including Flaviviridae, Hepeviridae, Parvovirinae, Picornaviridae, Sedoreoviridae, and Spinareoviridae. Notably, the presence of rotavirus was recorded in tree shrews for the first time. Three viruses — hepacivirus 1, parvovirus, and picornavirus — exhibited low genetic similarity (<70%) with previously reported viruses at the whole-genome scale, indicating novelty. Conversely, three other viruses — hepacivirus 2, hepatovirus A and hepevirus — exhibited high similarity (>94%) to known viral strains. Phylogenetic analyses also revealed that the rotavirus and mammalian orthoreovirus identified in this study may be novel reassortants. These findings provide insights into the diverse viral spectrum present in captive Chinese tree shrews, highlighting the necessity for further research into their potential for crossspecies transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronaviruses (family Coronaviridae, genera Alphacoronavirus, Betacoronavirus) are dangerous viral pathogens that have caused three outbreaks of severe respiratory diseases, SARS, MERS, COVID-19. In Russia, data on coronaviruses in natural reservoirs are limited, as investigations began only during the COVID-19 pandemic.The aim. To study the diversity of coronaviruses among rodents and insectivores in the Republic of Altai.Materials and methods. Rodents (n = 67) and shrews (n = 52) were captured in 2022. Samples were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction followed by sequencing.Results and conclusions. Four samples from rodents (Myodes rutilus, M. glareolus, Apodemus peninsulae, A. agrarius) and two samples from an insectivore (Crocidura sibirica) were positive for coronaviruses, among which three different coronaviruses were detected. Rodent-borne coronaviruses are classified in the genus Betacoronavirus, subgenera Embecovirus, and have shown host associated clustering. The nucleotide sequences of Siberian coronaviruses from rodents were identical for closely related species (M. rutilus and M. glareolus, A. agrarius and A. peninsulae) and close (> 94 % homology) to previously published sequences in each of the groups of carriers found in the territory Novosibirsk region, Europe and China. The coronavirus identified from the insectivore, possibly belonging to a new subgenera of the family Coronaviridae, has also been assigned to the genus Betacoronavirus.Conclusion. Five species of natural carriers of three different coronaviruses were detected in the Altai Republic. A high level of identity of coronaviruses genomes from rodents has been revealed, indicating a relatively low rate of their evolution.

Himalayan shrews of the genus Soriculus (Soricidae, Eulipotyphla), currently represented by four nominal species, are endemic to the Himalayas and the Gaoligong Mountains. In April 2022 and April 2023, a total of 10 specimens of Soriculus were collected from Beibeng and Damu, Medog County, Tibet, China. The morphology of the specimens was compared with the four recognised species of the genus Soriculus. Additionally, two mitochondrial (Cyt b and 12S) and three nuclear (APOB, BRCAI and RAG2) genes were sequenced to test the phylogenetic relationships of these specimens with the other species. Our results indicate that these specimens represent a distinct species, Soriculus beibengensis sp. nov., which is formally described here. The new species is distinguished from the other Soriculus species by the combination of darker pelages, smaller size, the relatively stubby nasal and the widened posterior processes of incisors. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the new species is sister to S. minor. The p–distance of Cyt b gene between S. beibengensis sp. nov. and other nominal Soriculus species ranges from 9.1–16.3%. This new species has a known distribution at an elevation of 1,500–2,125 m in Medog County, Tibet, China. The discovery of this new species from Medog County has important implications for interpreting small mammal biogeographic patterns in the eastern Himalaya and the mountain chains of south-west China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic systemic disease characterized by immune dysregulation and fibrosis for which there is no effective treatment. Animal models are crucial for advancing SSc research. Tree shrews are genetically, anatomically, and immunologically closer to humans than rodents. Thus, the tree shrew model provides a unique opportunity for translational research in SSc. Methods: In this study, a SSc tree shrew model was constructed by subcutaneous injection of different doses of bleomycin (BLM) for 21 days. We assessed the degree of inflammation and fibrosis in the skin and internal organs, and antibodies in serum. Furthermore, RNA sequencing and a series of bioinformatics analyses were performed to analyze the transcriptome changes, hub genes and immune infiltration in the skin tissues of BLM induced SSc tree shrew models. Multiple sequence alignment was utilized to analyze the conservation of selected target genes across multiple species. Results: Subcutaneous injection of BLM successfully induced a SSc model in tree shrew. This model exhibited inflammation and fibrosis in skin and lung, and some developed esophageal fibrosis and secrum autoantibodies including antinuclear antibodies and anti-scleroderma-70 antibody. Using RNA sequencing, we compiled skin transcriptome profiles in SSc tree shrew models. 90 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, which were mainly enriched in the PPAR signaling pathway, tyrosine metabolic pathway, p53 signaling pathway, ECM receptor interaction and glutathione metabolism, all of which are closely associated with SSc. Immune infiltration analysis identified 20 different types of immune cells infiltrating the skin of the BLM-induced SSc tree shrew models and correlations between those immune cells. By constructing a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, we identified 10 hub genes that were significantly highly expressed in the skin of the SSc models compared to controls. Furthermore, these genes were confirmed to be highly conserved in tree shrews, humans and mice. Conclusion: This study for the first time comfirmed that tree shrew model of SSc can be used as a novel and promising experimental animal model to study the pathogenesis and translational research in SSc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The Eastern Afromontane Biodiversity Hotspot (EABH) offers an ideal location to investigate the evolutionary mechanisms producing a high level of endemic biodiversity. We tested the hypothesis that the cradle of Eastern Afromontane diversity is in the largest sub‐region of the EABH montane archipelago, that is the Ethiopian Highlands. Further, we expected that climate oscillations followed by elevational shifts in montane habitats facilitated the dispersal of small mammal populations across unsuitable arid lowlands. Location: Mountains and highlands of East Africa. Taxon: Shrews of the genus Crocidura (Eastern Afromontane phylogenetic clade). Methods: We collected comprehensive genetic data from 511 (mitochondrial gene for cytochrome b) and 147 (double digest Restriction‐Associated DNA sequencing) samples of Crocidura shrews across the EABH. We estimated phylogenetic relationships with Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood approaches. Population genetic analyses were performed in STRUCTURE to evaluate the internal structure of species outside Ethiopia. Ancestral area and dispersal routes were analysed by the BioGeoBears package. Results: Six major phylogenomic clades were delimited based on concatenated nuclear loci. The mitochondrial phylogeny roughly matches nuclear phylogenies, but with poorer resolution. Five of the six revealed clades are restricted to the Ethiopian Highlands, which is unambiguously the cradle of the diversity of this group of mammals (also confirmed by the biogeographic analysis). All non‐Ethiopian and a single Ethiopian species fall into the sixth clade with poorly resolved internal relationships. Detailed population genetic analysis of SNP data revealed a pronounced structure with multiple gene pools in this clade; however, this structure only partly corresponds with the current taxonomy. Main Conclusions: Eastern Afromontane Crocidura shrews originated in the Ethiopian Highlands. They radiated there, and through a single southward dispersal event across the Turkana depression, they colonised the rest of the EABH in response to diverse geomorphology and climatic changes during the Plio‐Pleistocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The LPS-induced tree shrews exhibited severe shortness of breath, resulting in hypoxemia. • The induced group of animals exhibited 72 ∼ 120 h endpoints, and none of them recover. • Diffuse alveolar damage was observed in the lungs of the tree shrew, which is the histological hallmark for the acute phase of ARDS. • 3D reconstruction of the lung CT images was used to accurately measure the extent and distribution of the whole lung injury in LPS-induced tree shrews. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a leading cause of respiratory failure, with substantial attributable morbidity and mortality. The small animal models that are currently used for ARDS do not fully manifest all of the pathological hallmarks of human patients, which hampers both the studies of disease mechanism and drug development. To examine whether the phenotypic changes of primate-like tree shrews in response to a one-hit lipopolysaccharides (LPS) injury resemble human ARDS features. LPS was administered to tree shrews through intratracheal instillation; then, the animals underwent CT or PET/CT imaging to examine the changes in the structure and function of the whole lung. The lung histology was analyzed by H&E staining and immunohistochemical staining of inflammatory cells. Results demonstrated that tree shrews exhibited an average survival time of 3–5 days after LPS insult, as well as an obvious symptom of dyspnea before death. The ratios of PaO 2 to FiO 2 (P/F ratio) were close to those of moderate ARDS in humans. CT imaging showed that the scope of the lung injury in tree shrews after LPS treatment were extensive. PET/CT imaging with 18F-FDG displayed an obvious inflammatory infiltration. Histological analysis detected the formation of a hyaline membrane, which is usually present in human ARDS. This study established a lung injury model with a primate-like small animal model and confirmed that they have similar features to human ARDS, which might provide a valuable tool for translational research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small mammals are potential bio-indicators of various ecosystems and their populations are often studied. However, many small mammal species are difficult to detect due to their small size and elusive behaviour. Camera trapping and live trapping are commonly employed survey techniques, but they both have their limitations. Recently developed techniques such as adjusted short-focal camera trapping and environmental DNA (eDNA) are promising new approaches, but their relative performance remains poorly quantified. We compared the effectiveness of three survey protocols for detecting a semi-aquatic and elusive small mammal, the Eurasian water shrew (Neomys fodiens), by (1) short-focal camera trapping, (2) live trapping, and (3) soil eDNA. During September and October 2022, we surveyed 20 transects of each 100 m in length alongside the Kleine Dommel, a lowland brook in the Netherlands. The effectiveness of the three survey protocols was compared based on detection probabilities. Short-focal camera trapping yielded a significantly higher detection probability than the eDNA protocol. Detection probabilities between short-focal camera trapping and live trapping and, between the eDNA protocol and live trapping, were not significantly different. Short-focal camera trapping is an effective technique to survey Eurasian water shrews. Furthermore, this method detected additional species compared to live trapping and is non-invasive and less labour-intensive. Short-focal camera trapping showed a promising method for small mammal surveys in general and we recommend further evaluation of its applicability for other small mammal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We collected 280 pellets cast by Tyto alba (Barn Owl) from 1996, 1997, and 1998 from a silo roost in Harrogate, TN. Blarina brevicauda (Northern Short-tailed Shrew, 42.2%), Synaptomys cooperi (Southern Bog Lemming, 13.6%), Cryptotis parva (Least Shrew, 10.9%), Sigmodon hispidus (Hispid Cotton Rat, 7.9%), Microtus spp. (4.9%), and Aves spp. (4.3%) comprised most of the prey items. Compared to a previous study, percentages of Northern Short-tailed Shrews were proportionately greater than those of Southern Bog Lemmings in the 1996-1998 pellets. Precipitation and fluctuations in prey populations might be responsible for the disparities in diet composition between pellet collections, but more research is necessary to investigate a possible relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bartonellosis is a vector-borne disease which is increasingly threatening the health of humans and animals worldwide consequent to the growing wildlife-animals-human interactions. Little is known about the epidemiology of this disease in Tanzania. In this study we investigated and characterized Bartonella species in small mammals' ectoparasites from potentially high-risk areas in the country. A total of 141 ectoparasites pools of mites, fleas, ticks, and lice were analyzed using conventional PCR and sequencing. Bartonella DNA was detected in 34.8 % of the tested ectoparasite pools, with mites at 32.9 %, fleas at 40 %, ticks at 12.5 %, and lice at 50 %. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Bartonella spp. genotypes were closely related to those found in Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa. Different genotypes with independent haplotypes were observed, although most Bartonella spp. from fleas shared the same haplogroup. The confirmed presence of Bartonella elizabethae and Bartonella tribocorum in field and house rodents emphasizes the prevailing transmission risk of zoonotic infections in the study areas and beyond. Screening of humans, companion animals, and livestock in potentially high-risk areas in Tanzania is necessary in order to inform the development of responsive surveillance and control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among 36 known chromosomal hybrid zones of the common shrew Sorex araneus, the Moscow–Seliger hybrid zone is of special interest because inter‐racial complex heterozygotes (F1 hybrids) produce the longest meiotic configuration, consisting of 11 chromosomes with monobrachial homology (undecavalent or chain‐of‐eleven: CXI). Different studies suggest that such a multivalent may negatively affect meiotic progression and in general should significantly reduce fertility of hybrids. In this work, by immunocytochemical and electron microscopy methods, we investigated for the first time chromosome synapsis, recombination and meiotic silencing in pachytene spermatocytes of natural inter‐racial heterozygous shrew males carrying CXI configurations. Despite some abnormalities detected in spermatocytes, such as associations of chromosomes, stretched centromeres, and the absence of recombination nodules in some arms of the multivalent, a large number of morphologically normal spermatozoa were observed. Possible low stringency of pachytene checkpoints may mean that even very long meiotic configurations do not cause complete sterility of such complex inter‐racial heterozygotes. Highlights: The Moscow–Seliger F1 hybrids of the common shrew produce a longest meiotic configuration, consisting of 11 chromosomes with monobrachial homology (undecavalent or chain‐of‐eleven: CXI).Chains‐of‐eleven have been identified in hybrid spermatocytes at the pachytene and diakinesis stages using immunocytochemical, electron and light microscopy methods.In CXI, arms of chromosomes were synapsed and recombined, although recombination nodules may lack in some arms.Unsynapsed regions of the undecavalents undergo meiotic inactivation.A large number of morphologically normal spermatozoa were observed.It is most likely that common‐shrew F1 male hybrids were not sterile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of bocaparvoviruses (BoVs) and bufaviruses (BuVs) in the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) was investigated by screening duodenal and liver samples collected from 183 carcasses, delivered to wildlife rescue centers located in northwestern Italy. BoV DNA was detected in 15 animals (8.2%), with prevalences of 7.1% (13/183) and 2.7% (5/183) in intestine and liver samples, respectively. Upon the sequence analyses of the NS1 gene, two highly divergent BoVs (65.5–67.8% nt identities) were identified. Fourteen strains showed the highest identity (98.3–99.4% nt) to the hedgehog BoV strains recently detected in China in Amur hedgehogs (Erinaceus amurensis), whilst four strains were genetically related (98.9–99.4% nt identities) to the porcine BoVs identified in pigs and classified in the species Bocaparvovirus ungulate 4, which included related viruses also found in rats, minks, shrews, and mice. BuV DNA was detected in the duodenal samples of two hedgehogs, with a prevalence rate of 1.1%. The nearly full-length genome of two BuV strains, Hedgehog/331DU-2022/ITA and Hedgehog/1278DU/2019/ITA, was reconstructed. Upon phylogenetic analysis based on the NS and VP aa sequences, the Italian hedgehog BuVs tightly clustered with the BuVs recently identified in the Chinese Amur hedgehogs, within a potential novel candidate species of the genus Protoparvovirus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Christmas Island shrew (Crocidura trichura), endemic to Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean, was abundant at the time of the island's settlement in the 1890s. However, since 1900, it has been reported only four times (twice in 1958, 1984 and 1985). It is currently considered Critically Endangered under Australian law. Using a recently developed IUCN protocol (the 'Records and Surveys Model'), based on compilation and assessments of targeted and general sampling effort and detectability, we estimated that there is a 96.3% likelihood that the species is now extinct. However, although many general survey methods (including inspection of cat gut samples, ink cards, audio-recording, pitfall traps, spotlighting and camera traps) have been employed on Christmas Island, most recent sampling has not been targeted specifically to detect this species. Furthermore, there is considerable uncertainty about its likely detectability with different sampling techniques and hence much uncertainty about the estimate of likelihood of extinction. e-DNA sampling, use of detector dogs and refinements in audio-recording may help increase the likelihood of detection, if present. Most current conservation management actions, undertaken for other threatened species on Christmas Island, would provide benefit to the Christmas Island shrew, if it is extant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The materials of our studies on the taiga shrew (Sorex isodon Turov, 1924) in the northeastern part of European Russia are summarized. Its distribution is shown to coincide generally with the northern border of the taiga zone. The optimal biotopes are grass spruce forests (only for them are the values of the biotope fidelity coefficient positive). The numbers of taiga shrews in lowland localities are 0–2.4 individuals, while in foothill habitats it increases up to 4.4–8.6 individuals and reaches maximum values on the western slope of the northern Urals (28 individuals per 100 cone-nights). The formation of the numbers of the species is much influenced by the landscape conditions of the territory: the ratio of habitat types and their areas. An increase in the area of grass forests leads to an increase in the abundance of taiga shrews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract—In an intermontane kettle in the southwestern spurs of the Bureinskii Mountain Range, in the Bureya River basin, the Ussuri white-toothed shrew has been recorded for the first time. This locality lies north of the previously supposed species distribution range in the southern part of the Russian Far East. Study of the female karyotype has allowed us to describe the morphology of the chromosomes of Crocidura lasiura (2n = 40, NF = 54). The karyotype differs from the earlier published information (2n = 40, NF = 56) in the number of subtelocentric autosomes. The data obtained expand the northern range limit of the Ussuri white-toothed shrew and show variability in the number of chromosome arms (NFa = 50, 52). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Jeilongvirus was proposed as a new genus within the Paramyxoviridae in 2018. The advancement in metagenomic approaches has encouraged multiple reports of Jeilongvirus detection following the initial species discovery, enriching species diversity and host range within the genus. However, Jeilongvirus remains understudied in Singapore, where interfaces between humans and small mammals are plentiful. Methods: Here, we utilized metagenomic sequencing for the exploration of viral diversity in small mammal tissues. Upon discovery of Jeilongvirus, molecular screening and full genome sequencing was conducted, with the data used to conduct statistical modelling and phylogenetic analysis. Results: We report the presence of Jeilongvirus in four species of Singapore wild small mammals, detected in their spleen and kidney. We show that full genomes of three Singapore Jeilongvirus encode for eight ORFs including the small hydrophobic and transmembrane proteins. All generated genomes cluster phylogenetically within the small mammal subclade, but share low genetic similarity with representative Jeilongvirus species. Statistical modelling showed no spatial or temporal patterns and differences among species, life history traits and habitat types. Conclusions: This study serves as a basis for understanding dynamics between Jeilongvirus and small mammal hosts in Singapore by displaying the virus generalist nature. In addition, the initial detection can help to invoke improved routine surveillance and detection of circulating pathogens in synanthropic hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Seimchan–Buyunda Depression in the basin of the upper reaches of Kolyma River is distinguished by a number of natural and climatic features: the presence of an extensive ground-filtration talik, rich vegetation of the valley forest complex, and relatively high summer temperatures. The structure of shrew community in the Seimchan–Buyunda Depression also differs significantly from that of the adjacent territories. With an obvious dominance of Sorex caecutiens, S. isodon stably occupies a subdominant position there. Within the Okhotsk–Kolyma region, such a high proportion of S. isodon in the shrew community is more typical of northern Cisokhotia. Thus, the Seimchan–Buyunda Depression is a kind of "oasis" for the species that must have entered the Upper Kolyma River from the Sea of Okhotsk coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asian shrew moles, genus Uropsilus, are the most primitive members of family Talpidae. They are distributed mainly in southwestern China and adjacent Bhutan, Myanmar, and Vietnam. In June 2022, we collected five specimens of Uropsilus from Mount Huanggang, Jiangxi Province, eastern China, which is the highest peak of the Wuyi Mountains. We sequenced two mitochondrial (CYT B and 12S rRNA) and three nuclear (PLCB4, RAG1, and RAG2) genes to estimate the phylogenetic relationship of the five shrew moles. We also compared their morphology with recognized species within the genus. Our results show that these specimens collected from Mount Huanggang differ from all named species in Uropsilus. We formally describe the species here as Uropsilus huanggangensis sp. nov. Morphologically, the new species is distinguishable from the other Uropsilus species by the combination of dark chocolate-brown pelage, long snout, enlarged first upper incisor, similarly sized lacrimal and infraorbital foramens, and the curved and sickle- like coronoid process. The genetic distances of the cytochrome b (CYT B) gene between U. huanggangensis and other recognized Uropsilus species ranged between 9.3% and 16.4%. The new species is geographically distant from other species in the genus and is the easternmost record of the Uropsilus. The divergence time of U. huanggangensis was estimated to be the late Pliocene (1.92 Ma, 95% CI = 0.88–2.99). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental conditions can influence the individual development of organisms and their morphological variability at the population level. The dimensions and proportions of the skull and lower jaw of immature shrews (Sorex araneus, S. caecutiens, and S. minutus), which were captured in August in regenerating clearings in the middle taiga of northeastern Europe, depended on the stage of abundance dynamics ("peaks" or "depressions"). For all three species from the same taxocenosis, a statistically significant reduction in the skull and jaw was observed against the background of the high abundance in captures and the multidimensional morphological niches corresponding to different abundance stages were significantly separated. The parameters of morphological diversity (entropy and self-organization index) depended on the amplitude of fluctuations in species occurrence; however, they varied within the limits characteristic of mammals. Along with Dehnel's phenomenon, natural population fluctuations may be one of the main factors determining the pattern of dynamics of the individual development and spatiotemporal variability of the morphological diversity of shrews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The blackish small-eared shrew, Cryptotis nigrescens (Allen, 1895), is a blarinine soricid that occurs in high-elevation premontane wet forest and cloud forest in the Central American countries of Costa Rica and Panama. The species is taxonomically monotypic, although it exhibits size variation that manifests as a gradual increase in size from northwest to southeast. Habitat loss is currently the greatest threat to the species' existence, although populations in the few areas where C. nigrescens has been studied appear to be healthy, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies it as a species whose conservation status is "Least Concern" (LC). We include a complete synonymy for the genus CryptotisPomel, 1848. La musaraña negruzca de orejas pequeñas, Cryptotis nigrescens (Allen, 1895), es un sorícido blarinino que se encuentra en los bosques húmedos premontanos de gran altura y en los bosques nubosos de los países centroamericanos de Costa Rica y Panamá. La especie es taxonómicamente monotípica, aunque exhibe una variación de tamaño que puede manifestarse como un aumento gradual de tamaño del noroeste al sureste. La pérdida de hábitat es actualmente la mayor amenaza para la existencia de la especie, aunque las poblaciones en las pocas áreas donde se ha estudiado C. nigrescens parecen saludables, y la Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (UICN) la ha clasificado como una especie cuyo estado de conservación es "Least Concern [Preocupación Menor]" (LC). Incluimos una sinonimia completa para el género CryptotisPomel, 1848. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asiatic short-tailed shrews (Blarinella and Parablarinella) are small insectivorous mammals distributed mainly in central and southwestern China, and adjacent Myanmar and Vietnam, currently comprising three species. In 2021, we collected five specimens of Asiatic short-tailed shrews in the Dabie Mountains, eastern China, which is geographically distant from the known distribution of the taxa. Herein, we integrated molecular and morphometric approaches to assess the taxonomy, phylogeny, and divergence of Asiatic short-tailed shrews. Our results indicate that the specimens collected from Dabie Mountains represent a new species, formally described here. The new species is morphologically distinguishable from other Asiatic short-tailed shrews by the combination of a triangular upper P4, lighter feet color, relatively broader skull, and more curved outline of tooth row of P4–M3. Phylogenetic analyses indicate the new species is sister to P. griselda , and the p -distance of Cyt b between the two species is 8.3%. The divergence between the new species and P. griselda occurred ca. 3.08 million years ago and may have been affected by East Asia's topographic and climate changes in the late Pliocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a time-lapse observational study of the activity patterns and feeding behavior of urban terrestrial gastropods (snails and slugs) on carcasses of the Asian house shrew. Previous research on land gastropods scavenging on animal carcasses has been limited, and this study aims to fill that gap by observing five species of land gastropods near and on the carcass of an Asian house shrew over an 80-hour period. The study found that different species of land gastropods may have different feeding behaviors and that the state of decomposition of the carcass may influence their scavenging activity. The findings suggest that the activity of land gastropods in scavenging on carcasses is complex and influenced by multiple factors. Further research is needed to gain a better understanding of their roles in urban ecosystems. [Extracted from the article]

Henipaviruses are zoonotic viruses, including some highly pathogenic and capable of serious disease and high fatality rates in both animals and humans. Hendra virus and Nipah virus are the most notable henipaviruses, resulting in significant outbreaks across South Asia, South-East Asia, and Australia. Pteropid fruit bats have been identified as key zoonotic reservoirs; however, the increased discovery of henipaviruses outside the geographic distribution of Pteropid fruit bats and the detection of novel henipa-like viruses in other species such as the shrew, rat, and opossum suggest that Pteropid bats are not the sole reservoir for henipaviruses. In this review, we provide an update on henipavirus spillover events and describe the recent detection of novel unclassified henipaviruses, with a strong focus on the shrew and its emerging role as a key host of henipaviruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study content analyzes the news coverage of two major presidential candidates—one populist challenger, the other female incumbent—in the 2020 Taiwan election. A nation-wide survey of voters and their newspaper uses was also utilized to verify the association between partisan news reliance and candidate evaluations. Based on the concept of partisan press, the study confirms that the coverage is highly polarizing and that it includes more horse race analysis than discussion of serious issues. Sexist and misogynistic terms were used more often by party-opponent (Blue-camp) newspapers to describe the female incumbent. The male populist candidate was portrayed more often in a personal fashion than the female candidate. The voters' primary newspaper uses were found to be positively associated with their candidate evaluations and preferences. The study sheds new light on populist vis-à-vis gendered election coverage in the context of an Asian democracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orthohantaviruses are mainly carried and transmitted by wild rodents, although during the last decade, they have also been identified in multiple species of shrews and moles. Orthohantavirus, Orthohantavirus seewisense (Seewis virus, SWSV), first detected in Switzerland in a single Sorex araneus (Eurasian common shrew) specimen, has been further described in several European countries, including Croatia's neighboring Slovenia and Hungary. Croatia is a well-known endemic region for several zoonotic agents including three different orthohantaviruses: Orthohantavirus puumalaense (PUUV), Orthohantavirus dobravaense (DOBV), and Orthohantavirus tulaense (TULV). In this study, nine shrews were tested and SWSV RNA was detected in liver, lung, and kidney belonging to two shrews (22.22%), one collected on Medvednica mountain in Zagreb County, and the other in the Stara Gradiška area in lowland Croatia. The phylogenetic analysis of the complete S segment's open reading frame (ORF) and partial L-segment revealed that the Croatian sequences, when compared to sequences from the adjacent geographic regions, form a specific genetic lineage. Two SWSV-positive shrew species—Sorex araneus and Neomys milleri (Mediterranean water shrew)—were identified using barcode-based sequence analysis. Therefore, the SWSV detection in N. milleri throughout the course of this study is seen as a rare find in this shrew species. To our knowledge, this is the first molecular and phylogenetic analysis of SWSV in Croatia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shrew communities play a crucial role in a diverse range of natural, urban, and agricultural ecosystems. We used Barn owl diet analysis as the ideal proxy to assess small-mammal distribution patterns on large spatial scales. More than 10,000 pellets were analyzed from Thessaly, the largest agricultural prefecture located in central Greece. A total of more than 29,000 prey items were identified, one of the largest datasets used in similar analyses in Europe. Three discrete shrew species were present in Thessaly agricultural plains, central Greece (Güldenstädt's shrew Crocidura gueldenstaedtii, Bi-coloured shrew Crocidura leucodon, and Pygmy white-toothed shrew Suncus etruscus), which comprised a total of 7452 shrews, representing 25.64% of the total small-mammals' dataset. C. gueldenstaedtii and S. etruscus demonstrated strong associations with heavy argillaceous-clay soils and Vertisol soil types, whereas S. etruscus was also associated with non-irrigated land and non-intensive cultivated plots. C. leucodon demonstrated no significant associations to any environmental gradient and demonstrated habitat plasticity, most possibly shaped by existing resources and competition. Our study highlights the important insights gained from Barn owl diet analysis in respect of small-mammal assemblages on broad geographical scales, and the inclusion of soil parameters as drivers of habitat suitability and distribution patterns for small-mammal responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The p53 protein is a transcriptional regulatory factor and many of its functions require that it forms a tetrameric structure. Although the tetramerization domain of mammalian p53 proteins (p53TD) share significant sequence similarities, it was recently shown that the tree shrew p53TD is considerably more thermostable than the human p53TD. To determine whether other mammalian species display differences in this domain, we used biophysical, functional, and structural studies to compare the properties of the p53TDs from six mammalian model organisms (human, tree shrew, guinea pig, Chinese hamster, sheep, and opossum). The results indicate that the p53TD from the opossum and tree shrew are significantly more stable than the human p53TD, and there is a correlation between the thermostability of the p53TDs and their ability to activate transcription. Structural analysis of the tree shrew and opossum p53TDs indicated that amino acid substitutions within two distinct regions of their p53TDs can dramatically alter hydrophobic packing of the tetramer, and in particular substitutions at positions corresponding to F341 and Q354 of the human p53TD. Together, the results suggest that subtle changes in the sequence of the p53TD can dramatically alter the stability, and potentially lead to important changes in the functional activity, of the p53 protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myosorex varius is a South African generalist shrew, which has been found to consist of several genetic clades across its range. A northern clade inhabits the more mesic, summer-rainfall areas of grassland and savannah in the east of South Africa. A southern clade occupies areas of fynbos in the south, and can be further divided into a western subclade occupying winter-rainfall areas and an eastern subclade occupying areas with aseasonal rainfall. Non-South-African members of the African genus Myosorex primarily are limited to isolated montane habitats along the East African Rift System. Here, we used palaeoclimatic niche modelling to examine the effects of Pliocene and Pleistocene climate change on the distributions of M. varius, its clades and the genus as a whole. Results indicate that repeated cycles of range expansion during glacial periods and fragmentation during interglacials are responsible for current phylogeographic patterns within M. varius. Based on their close alignment with rainfall zones and lack of genetic mixing despite areas of contact, it is likely that these (sub)clades are locally adapted to their respective areas. Earlier climatic fluctuations allowed the genus to 'island hop' south from East Africa along the East African Rift System, expanding in range during cooler periods and retreating to montane refugia during warmer periods. Areas currently occupied by Myosorex species largely correspond with predicted montane refugia that have allowed them to survive previous warm periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study summarizes 17-year results of teriological research of small mammal fauna in Košice Zoo (near the village of Kavečany, 48°47'10.04"N, 21°12'3.26"E, 380 – 420 m a.s.l.). The small mammals evaluated in this study were obtained by trapping in three periods (1992 – 1994, 2000 – 2001, 2003 – 2004) and were the results of three diploma theses. In total, 688 small mammals belonging to 13 species of four families Soricidae, Gliridae, Cricetidae and Muridae were recorded by trapping during the study period. Rodents significantly dominated with 8 species, 583 ex. (84.7%) compared to insectivores represented by 5 species, 105 ex. (15.3%). A gradual diversity decline of small mammal fauna was recorded, with only four mammal species confirmed in 2003 – 2004. This marked difference over the last 17 years was probably the result of anthropic modifications of the Zoo area, mainly the cutting of trees and shrubs of the alluvium, technical modifications of the streambeds as well as the deratization of the building areas and animal enclosures. The assemblage's structure of captured small mammals could also be influenced by other factors, such as the predominant type of traps used, or the number of exposed traps in the vegetation and non-vegetation periods of the year. The obtained results are also a suitable basis and source of information for comprehensive and long-term monitoring in this area, given the epidemiological importance of this group of animals and the possibility of contact with exotic animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Hepacivirus contains single-stranded positive-sense RNA viruses belonging to the family Flaviviridae, which comprises 14 species. These 14 hepaciviruses have been found in different mammals, such as primates, dogs, bats, and rodents. To date, Hepacivirus has not been reported in the shrew genus of Crocidura. To study the prevalence and genetic evolution of Hepacivirus in small mammals in Yunnan Province, China, molecular detection of Hepacivirus in small mammals from Yunnan Province during 2016 and 2017 was performed using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Our results showed that the overall infection rate of Hepacivirus in small mammals was 0.12% (2/1602), and the host animal was the Southeast Asian shrew (Crocidura fuliginosa) (12.5%, 2/16). Quantitative real-time PCR showed that Hepacivirus had the highest viral RNA copy number in the liver. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the hepaciviruses obtained in this study does not belong to any designated species of hepaciviruses and forms an independent clade. To conclude, a novel hepacivirus was identified for the first time in C. fuliginosa specimens from Yunnan Province, China. This study expands the host range and viral diversity of hepaciviruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Northern small mammal populations are renowned for their multi-annual population cycles. Population cycles are multi-faceted and have extensive impacts on the rest of the ecosystem. In 2011, we started a student-based research activity to monitor the variation of small rodent density along an elevation gradient following the Birkebeiner Road, in southeast Norway. Fieldwork was conducted by staff and students at the University campus Evenstad, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, which has a long history of researching cyclic population dynamics. The faculty has a strong focus on engaging students in all parts of the research activities, including data collection. Small rodents were monitored using a set of snap trap stations. Trapped animals were measured (e.g. body mass, body length, sex) and dissected to assess their reproductive status. We also characterised the vegetation at trapping sites.We provide a dataset of small rodent observations that show fluctuating population dynamics across an elevation gradient (300 m to 1,100 m a.s.l) and in contrasting habitats. This dataset encompasses three peaks of the typical 3-4-year vole population cycles; the number of small rodents and shrews captured show synchrony and peaked in years 2014, 2017 and 2021. The bank vole Myodes glareolus was by far (87%) the most common species trapped, but also other species were observed (including shrews). We provide digital data collection forms and highlight the importance of long-term data collection.

The relationship between the body condition of different small mammal species and the habitat they occupy is poorly analyzed. We analyzed the body condition index, BCI, of 18 small mammal species trapped in forest, shrub, wetland, meadow, riparian, mixed and fragmented, disturbed, agricultural, and commensal habitats of Lithuania during the span of 1980–2023. The composition of small mammal communities was habitat-dependent, being richest in meadows, with eighteen species, and poorest in riparian habitats, with nine species. A significant variation in the BCI with respect to habitat was observed in eight small mammal species (Sorex araneus, S. minutus, Apodemus agrarius, A. flavicollis, Clethrionomys glareolus, Alexandromys oeconomus, Microtus agrestis, and M. arvalis). The highest average BCI for most of these species was found in disturbed habitats, with S. minutus and M. arvalis showing the highest BCI in agricultural habitats. The lowest average BCI for most species was found in mixed habitats, while C. glareolus and M. arvalis exhibited the lowest BCI in shrub habitats. In general, species dominating certain habitats did not have the highest BCI. This is the first multi-species, multi-habitat study of body condition in small mammals at mid-latitudes.

Habitat type and habitat change are very important factors in the body condition of small mammals that inhabit them. The response can be positive, increasing, or the opposite, decreasing body condition. We analyzed outliers of the body condition indices (BCIs) of 12 species trapped in nine different habitats during 1980–2023 in Lithuania, a mid-latitude country. Mixed and fragmented habitats, as well as commensal habitats, could be considered the least suitable for small mammals, based on the highest proportions of underfit and low proportions of best-fit individuals. On the contrary, meadows and disturbed habitats (landfills and cormorant colonies) had the highest proportions of best-fit individuals, while the proportion of under-fit individuals was much lower than expected. We found outliers in the BCI in all species, except for the under-fit harvest mice (Micromys minutus), and in all habitats, though not numerous. The presence of the highest BCI in yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis) and bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) in the disturbed habitats studied and in house mice (Mus musculus) in commensal habitats may be related to the resources provided by these habitats. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using retrospective small mammal morphometric data to analyze their relationship with habitat.

The body condition index (BCI) values in small mammals are important in understanding their survival and reproduction. The upper values could be related to the Chitty effect (presence of very heavy individuals), while the minimum ones are little known. In this study, we analyzed extremes of BCI in 12 small mammal species, snap-trapped in Lithuania between 1980 and 2023, with respect to species, animal age, sex, and participation in reproduction. The proportion of small mammals with extreme body condition indices was negligible (1.33% with a BCI < 2 and 0.52% with a BCI > 5) when considering the total number of individuals processed (n = 27,073). When compared to the expected proportions, insectivores and herbivores were overrepresented, while granivores and omnivores were underrepresented among underfit animals. The proportions of granivores and insectivores were higher, while those of omnivores and herbivores were lower than expected in overfit animals. In several species, the proportions of age groups in underfit and overfit individuals differed from that expected. The male–female ratio was not expressed, with the exception of Sorex araneus. The highest proportion of overfit and absence of underfit individuals was found in Micromys minutus. The observation that individuals with the highest body mass are not among those with the highest BCI contributes to the interpretation of the Chitty effect. For the first time in mid-latitudes, we report individuals of very high body mass in three shrew species.

Background: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is a major global threat; its manifestations range from the absence of symptoms to multiorgan malignancies and various gastrointestinal diseases. Analyzing the composition and metabolomic profile of gut microbiota during acute EBV infection might be instrumental in understanding and controlling EBV. Methods: Six tree shrews were inoculated with EBV by intravenous injection. Blood was collected at regular intervals thereafter from the femoral vein to detect EBV and inflammatory biomarker. At the same time, tree shrew faeces were collected for 16 S rRNA gene sequencing and Non-targeted metabolomics analysis. Results: 16 S rRNA gene characterization along with β diversity analysis exhibited remarkable alterations in gut microflora structure with a peak at 7 days post-infection(dpi). Some alterations in the relative richness of bacterial taxon were linked to infectious indicators. Of note, Butyricicoccus relative richness was positively linked to EBV presence in the blood and plasma, the opposite correlation was seen with Variovorax and Paramuribaculum. Non-targeted metabolomics indicated the fecal metabolome profile altered during EBV infection, particularly 7 dpi. The relative abundance of geranic acid and undecylenic acid in stool samples was positively linked to systemic inflammatory biomarkers, and an inverse relationship was reported with the estrone glucuronide, linoleic acid, protoporphyrin IX and tyramine. Conclusion: Collectively, EBV infection in this model correlated with changes in the composition and metabolome profile of the gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Domestic cats prey on many small animals throughout the year. However, the role of the environment and season on this hunting behaviour still needs to be clarified. Based on a citizen science project, we assessed the role of age and sex, the seasons, and the degree of human-related environmental degradation on the number of preys returned home on a monthly basis over 8 years by 5048 pet cats in France. Prey (n = 36,568) were mostly represented by small mammals (68%; voles, mice, and shrews), birds (21%; passerines), and reptiles (8%; lizards). More shrews, birds, and reptiles were brought home by young cats. Shrews peaked in summer, rodents in summer–autumn, birds in spring–summer and autumn, and lizards in spring and summer. The number of voles and mice increased where human degradation pressure was low, and conversely, lizards and birds increased where this pressure was high. Rainfall played a minor role, and cats caught animals according to their distributional geography (e.g., lizards in southern regions). Bearing in mind that the number of preys brought home underestimates the true number caught, we need now to evaluate the amount of prey available in a cat's home range, and how many are really caught within, to fully understand predation impact. Domestic cats (Felis catus), one of the most popular pets, are widespread worldwide. This medium-sized carnivore has well-known negative effects on biodiversity, but there is still a need to better understand the approximate causes of their predation. Based on a citizen science project, we assessed the role of spatiotemporal (i.e., latitude, longitude, and seasons), climatic (i.e., rainfall), anthropogenic (i.e., human footprint, HFI), and individual (i.e., sex and age) variables on the number of preys returned home by cats in metropolitan France. Over the 5048 cats monitored between 2015 and 2022, prey from 12 different classes (n = 36,568) were returned home: 68% mammals, 21% birds, and 8% squamates. Shrews brought home by cats peaked during summer, while rodents were recorded during summer–autumn. Birds brought home by cats peaked in spring–summer and in autumn, and lizards peaked in spring and in late summer. Lower HFI was associated with more voles and mice brought home, and the opposite trend was observed for lizards and birds. Younger cats were more prone to bring home shrews, birds, and reptiles. Although environmental factors play a minor role in prey brought home by cats, some geographical characteristics of prey species distribution partly explains the hunting behaviour of cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new genus and species of large-bodied murine from archaeological deposits at Liang Bua, a limestone cave in western Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Among a large assemblage of murine remains, several mandibular elements recovered from mostly Holocene sediments show a distinct anatomy, with a long and robust jaw, massive proodont incisors, and relatively small molars. These morphological features are unusual among murines but most similar to terrestrial and carnivorous species of the Indo-Pacific, colloquially referred to as shrew rats (Philippines, Sulawesi) or moss mice (New Guinea), and indicate a potential carnivorous dietary adaptation, perhaps specializing in a vermivorous diet. The size of the mandible indicates that this murine is the largest shrew rat yet known. Although presumed extinct, targeted field research is needed to determine if this rat still lives on Flores today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surveillance of wildlife pathogens is critically important to the conservation of species and human health. However, few species of wildlife in biodiverse countries like Indonesia, especially endemic species in intact ecosystems, have been screened for most wildlife pathogens, including the abundant and diverse blood parasites in the family Trypanosomatidae. We used PCR and sequencing to screen for the presence of Trypanosoma infections in 616 native mammalian specimens (355 samples from 15 rodent species, 155 samples from 7 shrew species, and 96 samples from 12 bat species) collected in 2013 and 2018 along an elevation and disturbance gradient in and adjacent to Cagar Alam Gunung Dako, Toli-Toli, Central Sulawesi. We identified Trypanosoma infections with an average prevalence of 22.1% across all species, 21.7% in rodents, 30.3% in shrews, and 10.4% in bats. Infections were dominated by sequences similar to T. cyclops in the Theileri clade, which accounted for 86.6% of infections and are most likely native trypanosomes to Sulawesi. The second most common trypanosome sequences matched cosmopolitan and probably introduced trypanosomes in the Lewisi clade. They accounted for 9.7% of infections in all mammals but were only detected in rodents of the family Muridae where they accounted for 16.9% of infections. We also detected five infections in bats (50% of bat infections) by two trypanosomes from the Cruzi clade, one matching T. dionisii and the other unassignable to a named species but with sequence similarity to a diverse clade of trypanosomes found in Neotropical bats, Australian marsupials and rodents, and Malagasy lemurs. We found significant differences in prevalence of the Theileri clade (T. cyclops) among elevations with higher infection rates in more intact and healthier rainforest. While no health impacts are evident from infections by these Theileri clade (T. cyclops) trypanosomes, their infections across mammalian orders including rodents, bats, shrews, primates and marsupials suggest that they may infect humans and domestic livestock. Our discovery of infections of rodents on Mt. Dako by introduced trypanosomes from the Lewisi clade and infections of bats by T. dionisii and an unnamed trypanosome from the Cruzi clade warrant further surveillance of trypanosome infections in wildlife of Sulawesi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study aimed at assessing the structure of rodent and shrew assemblages inhabiting a degradation gradient while considering rainfall patterns, was conducted in one of few remaining lowland tropical forests in eastern Africa. We collected a unique dataset of rodents and shrews, representing 24 species (19 rodents, 5 shrews). The most abundant species alternated in dominance as species abundance significantly fluctuated across the study period following a degradation gradient. While only generalist species were observed near the degraded forest edge, habitat specialists such as Deomys ferrugineus, Malacomys longipes and Scutisorex congicus, were observed in the primary forest interior suggesting a significant association between species and their associated habitats and habitat attributes. There was also an observed correlation between rainfall patterns and species abundance. Capturing more species in adjacent fallows and along the degraded forest edge suggests that many species are able to live in degraded habitats that offer a variety of food resources. The study has highlighted the importance of habitat heterogeneity through species associations and also recommend an assessment of the effect of habitat homogeneity due to the proliferation of paper mulberry on small mammal community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tree shrews (Tupaia belangeri chinensis) share a close relationship to primates and have been widely used in biomedical research. We previously established a spermatogonial stem cell (SSC)-based gene editing platform to generate transgenic tree shrews. However, the influences of long-term expansion on tree shrew SSC spermatogenesis potential remain unclear. Here, we examined the in vivo spermatogenesis potential of tree shrew SSCs cultured across different passages. We found that SSCs lost spermatogenesis ability after long-term expansion (>50 passages), as indicated by the failure to colonize the seminiferous epithelium and generate donor spermatogonia (SPG)-derived spermatocytes or spermatids marking spermatogenesis. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of undifferentiated SPGs across different passages revealed significant gene expression changes after sub-culturing primary SPG lines for more than 40 passages on feeder layers. Specifically, DNA damage response and repair genes (e.g., MRE11, SMC3, BLM, and GEN1) were down-regulated, whereas genes associated with mitochondrial function (e.g., NDUFA9, NDUFA8, NDUFA13, and NDUFB8) were up-regulated after expansion. The DNA damage accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction were experimentally validated in high-passage cells. Supplementation with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+ ) precursor nicotinamide riboside (NR) exhibited beneficial effects by reducing DNA damage accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction in SPG elicited by long-term culture. Our research presents a comprehensive analysis of the genetic and physiological attributes critical for the sustained expansion of undifferentiated SSCs in tree shrews and proposes an effective strategy for extended in vitro maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ectoparasites like fleas, mites, and ticks that are key carriers of harmful pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, cestodes, and nematodes live on rodents and shrews. It should be noted that rodents' ecological adaptability makes them suitable as parasite hosts. The main objective of the study was to determine the ectoparasite assemblages in rodents and shrews along a degradation gradient, while comparing infestation levels in different habitats with varying levels of degradation. The study was conducted in Mabira Central Forest Reserve. Ectoparasites were collected following rodent and shrew removal trapping which was done using Sherman's traps set along transects of 200 meters in three habitat strata that included adjacent forest habitats, degraded forest edge, and regenerating forest interior. Data was collected intermittently with a break every two months for one year from November 2018 to December 2019. A total of 1411 rodents and shrews were collected, yielding a total of 5692 ectoparasites from 22 host species (17 rodents and 5 shrews). The most prevalent group of ectoparasites was mites followed by fleas, lice, ticks, and earwig. Ectoparasite prevalence significantly differed depending on hosts species (P = 0.001) and host age (P = 0.022), but not host sex (P = 0.78), while mean infestation significantly varied basing on host species (P = 0.001), host sex (P = 0.001), season (P = 0.001), and habitat (P = 0.001). Prevalence (P = 0.001) and mean infestation (P = 0.001) significantly varied across studied habitats. The study has emphasized the significance of Praomys jacksoni and Hylomyscus stella as significant hosts for mites and S. congicus as a significant host for fleas. Additionally, environment and host characteristics have a bearing on prevalence and infestation of ectoparasites with habitat degradation playing a significant role in the occurrence of ectoparasites, thereby emphasizing its contribution to zoonotic outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), a retinotopic relay center where visual inputs from the retina are processed and relayed to the visual cortex, has been proposed as a potential target for artificial vision. At present, it is unknown whether optogenetic LGN stimulation is suffi-cient to elicit behaviorally relevant percepts, and the properties of LGN neural responses relevant for artificial vision have not been thoroughly characterized. Here, we demonstrate that tree shrews pretrained on a visual detection task can detect optogenetic LGN activation using an AAV2-CamKIIa-ChR2 construct and readily generalize from visual to optogenetic detection. Simultaneous recordings of LGN spiking activity and primary visual cortex (V1) local field potentials (LFPs) during optogenetic LGN stimulation show that LGN neurons reliably follow optogenetic stimulation at frequencies up to 60 Hz and uncovered a striking phase locking between the V1 LFP and the evoked spiking activity in LGN. These phase relationships were maintained over a broad range of LGN stimulation frequencies, up to 80 Hz, with spike field coherence values favoring higher frequencies, indicating the ability to relay temporally precise information to V1 using light activation of the LGN. Finally, V1 LFP responses showed sensitivity values to LGN optogenetic activation that were similar to the animal's behavioral performance. Taken together, our findings confirm the LGN as a potential target for visual prosthetics in a highly visual mammal closely related to primates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-distance movements (LDMs) of small mammals (SMs) are complex phenomena that cover both dispersals and excursions occurring outside the home ranges of individuals. Owing to methodological difficulties, there are a lack of data on LDMs for SMs. In this study, we aimed to determine the factors that influence the LDMs of different mouse-sized rodents and shrews in the Ural taiga (Sverdlovsk region, Russia). We conducted a field experiment in a boreal forest using individual- (capture–marking–recapture [CMR]) and group- (biomarkers: tetracycline and rhodamine B) marking methods, in conjunction with additional feeding. The species, sex, maturity, plot ID, additional food supply, species abundance indices, individuals/100 trap-nights indices in the capture plot, and body weight of each animal were analyzed as predictors of LDMs. We identified 89 individuals from six species that moved at distances of 250, 350, and 500 m. LDMs varied with the particular species and its population abundance. Most of the observed movements were excursions and not dispersal events. Applying mathematical simulations to the obtained empirical data facilitated estimation of the intensity of the excursion activity for different species. We present the 1st excursion data on Sylvaemus uralensis (Pallas, 1811), Microtus arvalis (Pallas, 1778), and Sorex caecutiens (Laxmann, 1788). The detected excursion distance (250 m) for Myodes glareolus (Schreber, 1780) is the maximum excursion distance known for this species. We demonstrate that with comparable labor and time costs, the use of biomarkers makes it possible to detect many more LDMs than CMR allows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytochromes P450 (CYPs or P450s) are important enzymes for drug metabolism. Tree shrews are non-primate animal species used in various fields of biomedical research, including infection (especially hepatitis viruses), depression, and myopia. A recent tree shrew genome analysis indicated that the sequences and the numbers of P450 genes are similar to those of humans; however, P450s have not been adequately identified and analysed in this species. In this study, a novel CYP2E1 was isolated from tree shrew liver and was characterised in comparison with human, dog, and pig CYP2E1. Tree shrew CYP2E1 and human CYP2E1 showed high amino acid sequence identity (83%) and were closely related in a phylogenetic tree. Gene and genome structures of CYP2E1 were generally similar in humans, dogs, pigs, and tree shrews. Tissue expression patterns showed that tree shrew CYP2E1 mRNA was predominantly expressed in liver, just as for dog and pig CYP2E1 mRNAs. In tree shrews, recombinant CYP2E1 protein and liver microsomes metabolised chlorzoxazone and p-nitrophenol, probe substrates of human CYP2E1, just as they do in dogs and pigs. These results suggest that tree shrew CYP2E1 encodes a functional drug-metabolising enzyme that plays a role in the liver, similar to human CYP2E1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Studies on the ectoparasites of insectivores are quite rare compared with other groups of mammals. The study of the ectoparasite fauna of the insectivores: Sorex araneus, Sorex minutus, Neomys fodiens, and Neomys anomalus—was carried out in three locations in north-eastern Poland: Białowieża National Park, Kosewo Górne in the Masurian Lake District, and one location in vicinity of Warsaw. Three species of ixodid ticks, eleven species of fleas and four species of mites from the order Mesostigmata were noted, in comparison to the total number of ectoparasite species on Soricinae, recorded in Central Europe, amounts to eighty-one species: six tick species, twenty-three gamasid mites, nine trombiculid mites, nine Myobiidae and Sarcoptiformes, twenty-nine flea species, and five sucking lice. The most numerous ectoparasites recorded during the study are ticks Ixodes ricinus (larvae), Dermacentor reticulatus (nymphs), fleas Palaeopsylla soricis, Megabothris walkeri, and Hystrichopsylla orientalis. These species show the highest prevalence and show the highest dominance index. The parasitofauna of S. araneus is much richer in species than other insectivorous species. The structure and dominance of parasite assemblages differ between locations. The study of the ectoparasite fauna of the insectivores—Sorex araneus, Sorex minutus, Neomys fodiens, and Neomys anomalus (subfamily Soricinae)—was carried out in three locations in Poland: Białowieża National Park, Kosewo Górne in the Masurian Lake District, and in vicinity of Warsaw. Three species of Ixodidae ticks, eleven species of fleas, and four species of mites from the order Mesostigmata were noted. The most numerous ectoparasites are ticks Ixodes ricinus (larvae), Dermacentor reticulatus (nymphs), and fleas Palaeopsylla soricis, Megabothris walkeri, and Hystrichopsylla orientalis. These species show the highest prevalence and show the highest dominance index. The parasitofauna of S. araneus is much richer in species than other shrew species. The structure and dominance of parasite assemblages differ between locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]