Control of programmed cell death during zebrafish embryonic development

Programmed cell death (PCD) is a conserved cellular process, which is essential during embryonic development, morphogenesis and tissue homeostasis. PCD participates in the elimination of unwanted or potentially harmful cells, and contributes in this way to the precise shaping of the developing embryo. In this review the current knowledge related to the role of PCD during zebrafish development was described and an overview was provided about the main actors that induce, control and execute the apoptosis pathways during zebrafish development. Finally, we point out some important issues regarding the regulation of apoptosis during the early stages of zebrafish development

Cytoskeleton dynamics in early zebrafish development: A matter of phosphorylation?

Early morphogenic movements are an important feature of embryonic development in vertebrates. During zebrafish gastrulation, epiboly progression is driven by the coordinated remodeling of the YSL microtubule network and F-actin cables. We recently described the implication of Nrz, an anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 homolog, in the control of the YSL cytoskeleton dynamics. Nrz knock-down induces premature actin-myosin ring formation leading to margin constriction, epiboly arrest and embryo lethality. At the molecular level, the Nrz protein controls the actin-myosin dynamics through IP3R-dependent calcium levels variation. Here, we discuss these novel findings and propose a model in which reversible phosphorylation of the Nrz/IP3R complex modulates the permeability of the IP3R calcium channel and thus may explain the Nrz-dependent control of IP3R opening required for proper epiboly completion

The Apoptotic Regulator Nrz Controls Cytoskeletal Dynamics via the Regulation of Ca2+ Trafficking in the Zebrafish Blastula

SummaryBcl-2 family members are key regulators of apoptosis. Their involvement in other cellular processes has been so far overlooked. We have studied the role of the Bcl-2 homolog Nrz in the developing zebrafish. Nrz was found to be localized to the yolk syncytial layer, a region containing numerous mitochondria and ER membranes. Nrz knockdown resulted in developmental arrest before gastrulation, due to free Ca2+ increase in the yolk cell, activating myosin light chain kinase, which led to premature contraction of actin-myosin cables in the margin and separation of the blastomeres from the yolk cell. In the yolk syncytial layer, Nrz appears to prevent the release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum by directly interacting with the IP3R1 Ca2+ channel. Thus, the Bcl-2 family may participate in early development, not only by controlling apoptosis but also by acting on cytoskeletal dynamics and cell movements via Ca2+ fluxes inside the embryo

An effect of heat insulation parameters on thermal losses of water-cooled roofs for secondary steelmaking electric arc furnaces

The aim of this work is research in the insulation parameters effect on the thermal losses of watercooled roofs for secondary steelmaking electric arc furnaces. An analytical method has been used for the investigation in heat transfer conditions in the working area. The results of the research can be used to choose optimal cooling parameters and select a suitable kind of insulation for water-cooled surfaces

Bird community patterns in sub–Mediterranean pastures: the effects of shrub cover and grazing intensity

Shrubs are widely considered a threat to grassland biodiversity. We investigated the effects of shrub cover and grazing intensity on bird communities in sub–Mediterranean pastures in Bulgaria. The point–count method was used on 80 plots in open (&lt; 10% shrub cover) and shrubby (approx. 20% cover) pastures under either intensive or extensive management (grazing intensity) from 2008 to 2009. We recorded a total of 1,956 observations of birds from 53 species. Main environmental gradients accounting for the bird community pattern were related to vegetation succession and land productivity. Bird species richness was higher in shrubby pastures than in open sites, while no effect was found in respect to total bird abundance. Bird species diversity (i.e. H’ index) was highest in extensive shrubby pastures. Shrubland specialists were positively affected by shrub cover and extensive management of pastures while grassland and woodland specialists showed no significant response to these factors. We conclude that a small proportion of shrubs within pastures may be beneficial for farmland birds and sustainable management of pastures could be achieved by greater flexibility of national agri–environmental schemes. Key words: Agri–environmental scheme, Farmland birds, Grassland management, Semi–natural habitats, Shrubby vegetation.Se suele considerar a los arbustos como una amenaza a la biodiversidad de los pastos. Investigamos los efectos de la cubierta arbustiva y la intensidad del pastoreo sobre las comunidades de aves en los pastos submediterráneos de Bulgaria. Se utilizó el método de estaciones de escucha en 80 puntos de registro en pastos abiertos (cubierta arbustiva < 10%) y arbustivos (aproximadamente un 20% de la superficie cubierta), con una gestión de pastoreo tanto intensiva como extensiva desde 2008 a 2009. Registramos un total de 1.956 observaciones de aves pertenecientes a 53 especies distintas. Los gradientes ambientales principales responsables de los patrones de las comunidades de aves se relacionaron con la sucesión de la vegetación y la productividad de la tierra. La riqueza de especies de aves era mayor en los pastos arbustivos que en los lugares abiertos, aunque no se observó efecto alguno con respecto a la abundancia total de aves. La mayor diversidad de especies de aves (índice H’) se daba en los pastos arbustivos con gestión extensiva. Los especialistas en zonas arbustivas se veían afectados positivamente por la cubierta arbustiva y la gestión extensiva de los pastos, mientras que los especialistas de praderas y bosques no presentaron ninguna respuesta positiva a dichos factores. Nuestra conclusión es que una pequeña proporción de arbustos dentro de los pastos puede ser beneficiosa para las aves de tierras de labrantío, y la gestión sostenible de los pastos podría alcanzarse mediante una mayor flexibilidad de los esquemas agroambientales nacionales. Palabras clave: Esquema agroambiental, Aves de labrantío, Gestión de prados, Hábitats seminaturales, Vegetación arbustiva.Shrubs are widely considered a threat to grassland biodiversity. We investigated the effects of shrub cover and grazing intensity on bird communities in sub–Mediterranean pastures in Bulgaria. The point–count method was used on 80 plots in open (&lt; 10% shrub cover) and shrubby (approx. 20% cover) pastures under either intensive or extensive management (grazing intensity) from 2008 to 2009. We recorded a total of 1,956 observations of birds from 53 species. Main environmental gradients accounting for the bird community pattern were related to vegetation succession and land productivity. Bird species richness was higher in shrubby pastures than in open sites, while no effect was found in respect to total bird abundance. Bird species diversity (i.e. H’ index) was highest in extensive shrubby pastures. Shrubland specialists were positively affected by shrub cover and extensive management of pastures while grassland and woodland specialists showed no significant response to these factors. We conclude that a small proportion of shrubs within pastures may be beneficial for farmland birds and sustainable management of pastures could be achieved by greater flexibility of national agri–environmental schemes. Key words: Agri–environmental scheme, Farmland birds, Grassland management, Semi–natural habitats, Shrubby vegetation

New records of Suncus etruscus (Soricidae, Mammalia) and its current status in Bulgaria

We present 17 new records of Suncus etruscus in Bulgaria, and the first finding of the species north of Stara Planina Mountains. The species is recorded in the diet of three owl species - Tyto alba, Asio otus and Athene noctua, and one bird of prey - Aquila heliaca. The bulk of records originated from T. alba, in the rest raptor species it is taken randomly and consists negligible part of their diet. Additionally, five dead shrews were used, which provided hard evidence for the presence of S. etruscus in north Bulgaria. All data on the species distribution in Bulgaria are summarised and the roads for its invasion are discussed. Climate change is considered as an expansion trigger for spreading of the Etruscan shrew

First survey on the invasive Pond slider (Trachemys scripta) in Bulgaria: historic development and current situation

Crvenouha kornjača (Trachemys scripta) postala je popularni ljubimac u Bugarskoj od 1990. Kroz godine sve veći broj jedinki zabilježen je i u divljini. Iako su negativni učinci na izvornim kornjače su opsežno studirao negdje drugdje, nema posebne studije (osim kratkih izvješća) obratili invaziju T. scripta u Bugarskoj. Ova studija se temelji na više od 25 godina praćenja na terenu i predstavlja prvi izvor detaljne informacije o raspodjeli Pond klizača u Bugarskoj. Ukupno 293 UTM (10 × 10 km) kvadrata sa staništa pogodna za slatkovodne kornjače ispitano. Prikupili smo 64 zapisa za 173 osoba, od 19 UTM kvadrata. Od svih promatranih osoba, samo dvije su od nominirati podvrste - ostatak pripada T. Š. elegans. U našem istraživanju je uočeno samo jednoga djeteta. Do danas nije uspješno leženja zabilježena, iako su registrirani uspješni overwinterings. Mi smo razgovarali o raznim mjere ublažavanja koje se moraju brzo pokrenut ograničiti buduće izdanje Ribnjak klizača i za uklanjanje ne-izvornih uzoraka s bugarskim ekosustava. Akcije su zahtijevali posebno da se izbjegne potencijalne epidemiološko događaja uzrokovanih parazitima s vrlo smrtonosnim učinkom na autohtonim vrstama. Takve pojave potencijalno mogu imati veći utjecaj na autohtone vrste kornjača jezerce od raznih oblika natjecanja s T. scripta.Pond sliders (Trachemys scripta) have become a popular pet in Bulgaria since 1990. Through the years a number of released specimens were observed in the wild. Although the negative effects on native turtles have been studied extensively elsewhere, no specific studies (besides brief reports) have addressed the invasion of T. scripta in Bulgaria. The present study is based on over 25 years of field monitoring and represents the first source of detailed information on the distribution of the Pond slider in Bulgaria. A total of 293 UTM (10×10 km) squares with habitats suitable for freshwater turtles were surveyed. We collected 64 records for 173 individuals, from 19 UTM squares. From all observed individuals, only two were from the nominate subspecies – the rest belong to T. s. elegans. In our study only one subadult was observed. To date no successful hatching has been recorded, although successful overwinterings have been registered. We discuss various mitigation measures that must be rapidly initiated to limit future release of Pond sliders and to remove the non-native specimens from the Bulgarian ecosystems. Actions are demanded especially to avoid the potential epizootic events caused by parasites with highly lethal effect on native species. Such outbreaks might potentially have greater impact on the native pond turtle species than various forms of competition with T. scripta

The distributions of the six species constituting the smooth newt species complex (Lissotriton vulgaris sensu lato and L. montandoni) – an addition to the New Atlas of Amphibians and Reptiles of Europe

The ‘smooth newt’, the taxon traditionally referred to as Lissotriton vulgaris, consists of multiple morphologically distinct taxa. Given the uncertainty concerning the validity and rank of these taxa, L. vulgaris sensu lato has often been treated as a single, polytypic species. A recent study, driven by genetic data, proposed to recognize five species, L. graecus, L. kosswigi, L. lantzi, L. schmidtleri and a more restricted L. vulgaris. The Carpathian newt L. montandoni was confirmed to be a closely related sister species. We propose to refer to this collective of six Lissotriton species as the smooth newt or Lissotriton vulgaris species complex. Guided by comprehensive genomic data from throughout the range of the smooth newt species complex we 1) delineate the distribution ranges, 2) provide a distribution database, and 3) produce distribution maps according to the format of the New Atlas of Amphibians and Reptiles of Europe, for the six constituent species. This allows us to 4) highlight regions where more research is needed to determine the position of contact zones

Health and environmental applications of gut microbiome: A review

Life on Earth harbours an unimaginable diversity of microbial communities. Among these, gut microbiome, the ecological communities of commensal, symbionts (bacteria and bacteriophages) are a unique assemblage of microbes. This microbial population of animal gut helps in performing organism's physiological processes to stay healthy and fit. The role of these microbial communities is immense. They continually maintain interrelation with the intestinal mucosa in a subtle equilibrium and help the gut for different functions ranging from metabolism to immunologic functions like upgradation of nutrient-poor diets, aid in digestion of recalcitrant food components, protection from pathogens, contribute to inter-And intra-specific communication, affecting the efficiency as disease vectors etc. The microbial diversity in the gut depends upon environmental competition between microbes, their sieving effects and subsequent elimination. Due to wide diversity of anatomy and physiology of the digestive tracts and food habits, the gut microbiome also differs broadly among animals. Stochastic factors through the history of colonization of the microbiome in a species and in situ evolution are likely to establish interspecies diversity. Moreover, the microbes offer enormous opportunity to discover novel species for therapeutic and/or biotechnological applications. In this manuscript, we review the available knowledge on gut microbiome, emphasising their role in health and health related applications in human. © 2017 Soumya Chatterjee et al., published by De Gruyter Open 2017