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The domestic cat has evolved in various aspects in its journey from original domestication to the present day. Many domestic cats today lead a sedentary indoor lifestyle with low environmental stimulation. In addition, cats have changed their eating habits, transitioning from being carnivorous hunters to animals that eat commercial processed foods. Eating patterns have also changed since cats no longer need to hunt for food but instead have access to several portions throughout the day. All these variables, known as extrinsic epidemiological factors, added to animal-specific or intrinsic epidemiological factors (genetics, sex and breed, among others), predispose cats to the development of overweight and obesity (O&O). The prevalence of O&O has significantly increased in the global cat population, making them a growing clinical concern for companion animals. In turn, O&O contribute to the onset of other pathologies by either increasing susceptibility or creating conditions that allow existing or incipient pathologies to manifest or worsen. Some of these diseases correspond to changes in the musculoskeletal tissue, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, skin disorders, and kidney and urinary tract diseases, among others. Therefore, the aim of this review was to analyze the epidemiological variables and diseases associated with O&O in the domestic cat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Induction of the adenosine receptor A2B (A2BAR) expression in diabetic glomeruli correlates with an increased abundance of its endogenous ligand adenosine and the progression of kidney dysfunction. Remarkably, A2BAR antagonism protects from proteinuria in experimental diabetic nephropathy. We found that A2BAR antagonism preserves the arrangement of podocytes on the glomerular filtration barrier, reduces diabetes-induced focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation, and attenuates podocyte foot processes effacement. In spreading assays using human podocytes in vitro, adenosine enhanced the rate of cell body expansion on laminin-coated glass and promoted peripheral pY397-FAK subcellular distribution, while selective A2BAR antagonism impeded these effects and attenuated the migratory capability of podocytes. Increased phosphorylation of the Myosin2A light chain accompanied the effects of adenosine. Furthermore, when the A2BAR was stimulated, the cells expanded more broadly and more staining of pS19 myosin was detected which co-localized with actin cables, suggesting increased contractility potential in cells planted onto a matrix with a stiffness similar to of the glomerular basement membrane. We conclude that A2BAR is involved in adhesion dynamics and contractile actin bundle formation, leading to podocyte foot processes effacement. The antagonism of this receptor may be an alternative to the intervention of glomerular barrier deterioration and proteinuria in the diabetic kidney disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a review of studies related with the effects generated by the fast-growing exotic plantations (PECR) of Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus spp. on water quality of watersheds in south-central Chile, at different spatial and temporal scales. The analyzed data comes from a region between 36° - 40° S in the Central Valley and includes both mountain ranges, the Coastal and the Andes. Studies on the watershed's capacity to export nutrients indicate that the conversion from native forests to forest plantations implies a net loss in nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) retention capacity. Consequently, watersheds with plantations coverage experience a net loss of these nutrients. Similarly, in watersheds dominated by Eucalyptus globulus, nitrogen retention decreases, especially NO3-N, and is partially reversed as a wider riparian vegetation is maintained. Studies of soil erosion and sediment transport losses show that clearcut harvesting has significant impacts on water quality, increasing sediment transport rates in streams. However, when soil conservation measures are practiced, erosion rates decrease significantly during forest harvesting. Some of the physical-chemical characteristics of the water, such as pH and temperature, are similar between streams with native forests and forest plantations. There is also a tendency for a decrease of richness and abundance of the macrobenthic invertebrates community due to the replacement of riparian vegetation by Eucalyptus spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human-wildlife coexistence in rural coastal areas of southern Chile is analyzed, emphasizing the variable nature of interactions and the negative impacts of human-wildlife conflict on both human well-being and wildlife populations. The objectives of the study include exploring local perceptions of carnivores, investigating the social factors that influence these perceptions, and collecting data through structured surveys to obtain information for specific conservation interventions. To investigate the conflict between humans and carnivores in rural areas of southern Chile, structured surveys were carried out using questionnaires. The questionnaire addressed various topics, including demographic and socioeconomic information, management techniques used, predation history, and perceptions of carnivores in the area. A total of forty-three surveys were collected, revealing the deep vulnerability of rural dwellers to conflict and the high impact of livestock losses on their livelihoods. The most valued and commonly used handling techniques turned out to be confinement and the use of guard dogs. Respondents reported attacks by both native species (mainly pumas and foxes) and exotic species (dogs and introduced American minks) in roughly equal measures. The losses suffered by these ranchers were quantified as substantial, especially considering their reliance on subsistence economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]