Minke Whale
Whales
Incubators
Cetacea
Iceland
Humpback Whale
World-wide whale worms? A new species of Osedax from the shallow north Atlantic. (1/16)
We describe a new species of the remarkable whalebone-eating siboglinid worm genus, Osedax, from a whale carcass in the shallow north Atlantic, west of Sweden. Previously only recorded from deep-sea (1500-3000 m) whale-falls in the northeast Pacific, this is the first species of Osedax known from a shelf-depth whale-fall, and the first from the Atlantic Ocean. The new species, Osedax mucofloris sp. n. is abundant on the bones of an experimentally implanted Minke whale carcass (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) at 125m depth in the shallow North Sea. O. mucofloris can be cultured on bones maintained in aquaria. The presence of O. mucofloris in the shallow North Sea and northeast Pacific suggests global distribution on whale-falls for the Osedax clade. Molecular evidence from mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) and 18S rRNA sequences suggests that O. mucofloris has high dispersal rates, and provides support for the idea of whale-falls acting as 'stepping-stones' for the global dispersal of siboglinid annelids over ecological and evolutionary time. (+info)Total neocortical cell number in the mysticete brain. (2/16)
The cetacean brain has long been of scientific interest, not only because of its large size - the largest in the animal kingdom - but also because of its high gyrification. It shows several adaptations to the aquatic environment, especially in the cortical arrangements of functional areas. To study structural aspects of the mysticete brain we estimated neocortical features in the common minke whale using stereological methods. The neocortex was surprisingly thick, equal to that in humans. The total neocortical neuron number was 12.8 x 10(9), and the total neocortical glia number 98.2 x 10(9). Total cell numbers in the auditory and visual cortex were also estimated, and showed that the auditory cortex contained more cells than the visual cortex. In this small sample, no sexual dimorphism was seen within the neocortex of the common minke whale. Our aim was to estimate the total cell number, cortical volume and cell density in the entire mysticete neocortex and compare the total cell number in the auditory cortex with that of the visual cortex using stereological methods. Here, we used the common minke whale as a model of all mysticetes. We wanted to compare these neocortical features to those of other mammals to forward understanding of the evolution of the mammalian brain. (+info)Attempt at intracytoplasmic sperm injection of in vitro matured oocytes in common minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) captured during the Kushiro Coast Survey. (3/16)
The present study was conducted during the Kushiro Coast Survey in an attempt to produce common minke whale embryos. In Experiment 1, we attempted to determine the appropriate culture duration (30 or 40 h) for in vitro maturation (IVM) of immature oocytes using the Well of the Well method. In Experiment 2, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was applied to matured oocytes from prepubertal and adult common minke whales after IVM culture (40 or 48 h), and then their embryonic development was assessed. In Experiment 1, the maturation rate of oocytes cultured for 40 h (30.4%) was significantly higher than that of oocytes cultured for 30 h (6.8%; P<0.01). In Experiment 2, a total of 35 and 46 immature oocytes derived from adult (n=2) and prepubertal (n=6) minke whales, respectively, were cultured for 40 or 48 h. The maturation rate in the oocytes from the adult whales (34.2%) tended to be higher than that of the oocytes from the prepubertal whales (19.6%), but there was no significant difference. Following ICSI, 3 out of the 10 inseminated and cultured oocytes from the adult whales cleaved (2-, 8-, and 16-cell stages); all of these oocytes had been matured for 40 in culture. However, these oocytes did not develop to further stages. Only one of the 6 oocytes derived from the prepubertal whales, IVM cultured for 40 h and inseminated, developed to the 4-cell stage. The present results indicate that a 40 h IVM culture produces significantly higher rates of in vitro maturation than a 30 h IVM culture for common minke whale oocytes. Following ICSI, some oocytes cleaved to the 16-cell stage, but no further development was observed. (+info)Follicle size-dependent changes in follicular fluid components and oocyte diameter in Antarctic minke whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis). (4/16)
The concentrations of various components of follicular fluid were compared among three groups of follicles (small, <5 mm; medium: 5-10 mm; large, >10 mm) with a control that consisted of the components of umbilical serum using seven pregnant Antarctic minke whales. Follicular oocytes recovered from the follicles were also used for measurement of oocyte diameter after removing the cumulus cells. The mean diameter of the ooplasm in the oocytes from the large follicles (143.2 microm) was significantly greater than those from the small (127.1 microm) and medium (131.7 microm) follicles, although there were no significant differences in diameter of the whole oocyte and thickness of the zona pellucida among the three follicular sizes. The osmolarity of the follicular fluid from the small follicles (363.3 mOsmol) was significantly lower than that of the medium follicles (388.9 mOsmol) and tended to be lower than that of large (381.9 mOsmol) follicles, respectively, both of which were similar to that of the umbilical serum (379.5 mOsmol). There was no significant difference in the concentrations of all components of the follicular fluid between the medium and large follicles. As compared with the values of the umbilical serum, the total-protein, glucose, albumin and chlorine concentrations of the follicular fluid from the medium and large follicles were significantly higher, and the total cholesterol and calcium concentrations were significantly lower. The concentrations of lactic acid (85.3-136.0 mg/dl) of the follicular fluid from the three groups of follicles were significantly lower than that of the umbilical serum (360.0 mg/dl). Among the follicles, the follicular fluid from the small follicles (136.0 mg/dl) contained a significantly higher concentration of lactic acid than that from the large follicles (85.3 mg/dl). The progesterone concentrations were not significantly different among the fluid from the three group of follicles and the umbilical serum: however, the estradiol 17-beta concentrations of the follicular fluid increased with the size of the follicle (14.3 and 34.6 ng/ml for small and large follicles, respectively). These results offer new information concerning whale reproductive physiology, especially for improvement of in vitro oocyte maturation and related technologies in whales. (+info)Hydrodynamic performance of the minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) flipper. (5/16)
(+info)Marine mammals' influence on ecosystem processes affecting fisheries in the Barents Sea is trivial. (6/16)
(+info)Morphological varieties of the Purkinje fiber network in mammalian hearts, as revealed by light and electron microscopy. (7/16)
Purkinje fibers in mammalian hearts are known to comprise the following three groups depending on their structure: group I found commonly in ungulates, group II in humans, monkeys and dogs, and group III in rodents. The aim of the present study was to document precisely the cytoarchitecture of a network of Purkinje fibers in different species by light and electron microscopy. Light microscopy of silver impregnated tissues revealed the reticular fibers ensheathing individual Purkinje strands consisting of 2-8 cells in both the ungulates (i.e., sheep and goats) and cetaceans (whales and dolphins) while they encircled each Purkinje cell in the primates (humans and monkeys), carnivores (dogs and seals), and rodents (rats). Scanning electron microscopy of NaOH digested tissues showed the ungrates (group I) to have a Purkinje fiber network composed of Purkinje strands; the cells in the strands were oval and made side-to-side and/or end-to-end connections. The Purkinje fiber network in the primates and carnivores (group II) was delicate and complicated; the Purkinje cells were usually cylindrical and connected end-to-end, the exception being their polygonal or stellate shapes at the bifurcations. Purkinje cells in the rodents (group III) resembled ventricular cardiac myocytes in cytoarchitecture. Morphologically, whales and seals respectively belonged to Purkinje cells of group I and group II. These findings indicate that the structural variety of the Purkinje fiber network may reflect the conducting function and be related to the phylogeny of the mammalian species. (+info)Genotyping errors in a calibrated DNA register: implications for identification of individuals. (8/16)
(+info)A Minke Whale is not a medical term. It is a type of baleen whale, which is one of the two major groups of whales and dolphins, the other being the toothed whales. There are two species of minke whales: the common minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and the Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis). They are relatively small oceanic creatures, with a robust body and a pointed head. The common minke whale is found in both hemispheres, while the Antarctic minke whale is found only in the Southern Ocean.
Minke whales are not typically associated with medical definitions or terminology, unless in the context of a medical condition affecting the species or its population, such as a disease outbreak or injury.
I believe there may be some confusion in your question. Whales are not a medical term but rather large marine mammals. They belong to the Cetacean family, which includes dolphins and porpoises. If you're asking about a medical condition or something similar that might be associated with the word "whales," I would need more information to provide an accurate response.
An incubator, in the context of medical care, is a device that creates and maintains an artificial environment for premature or sick newborn babies. The primary purpose of these devices is to provide a controlled setting that supports the infant's growth and development, especially when their underdeveloped bodies are not yet ready to maintain a stable temperature and other vital functions on their own.
Incubators typically include features such as:
1. Temperature control: They maintain a warm temperature, usually between 36.5°C (97.7°F) and 37.5°C (99.5°F), which is essential for the newborn's metabolism, growth, and overall health.
2. Humidity control: Incubators often have adjustable humidity levels to prevent the newborn from losing excess moisture through their delicate skin.
3. Oxygen supply: Some incubators come equipped with oxygen sensors and supplemental oxygen delivery systems to ensure the newborn receives adequate oxygenation.
4. Monitoring capabilities: Modern incubators often include built-in monitors that track various physiological parameters, such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, allowing healthcare professionals to closely monitor the infant's condition.
5. Lighting: Incubators may have adjustable lighting to provide a soothing environment for the newborn while also enabling medical staff to easily observe the infant.
6. Isolette: An isolette is a type of incubator that offers an enclosed, transparent structure with controlled temperature and humidity levels. It provides a protective space for the newborn while allowing caregivers easy access for handling and examining the infant.
Incubators play a crucial role in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) by supporting premature or sick infants during their early stages of life, increasing their chances of survival and promoting healthy development.
Cetacea is a taxonomic order that includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises. This group of marine mammals is characterized by their fully aquatic lifestyle, torpedo-shaped bodies, modified limbs that serve as flippers, and the absence of external hindlimbs. Cetaceans have streamlined bodies that minimize drag while swimming, and their tail flukes enable powerful propulsion through vertical movement in the water column.
Their respiratory system features a pair of blowholes on the top of their heads, which they use to breathe air at the surface. Cetaceans exhibit complex social behaviors, advanced communication skills, and sophisticated echolocation abilities for navigation and hunting. They primarily feed on fish and invertebrates, with some larger species preying on marine mammals.
Cetaceans have a global distribution, occupying various habitats such as open oceans, coastal areas, and rivers. Unfortunately, many cetacean populations face threats from human activities like pollution, habitat degradation, climate change, and direct hunting or bycatch in fishing gear. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these remarkable creatures and their vital roles in marine ecosystems.
I'm not aware of a medical definition for the term "Iceland." Iceland is actually a country in Northern Europe, located between the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. It is known for its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and lava fields.
If you have any medical or health-related question, I would be happy to help answer that for you.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but the term "Humpback Whale" is not a medical term. It is a species of baleen whale. Here's a common name definition:
Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are a species of baleen whale known for their long pectoral fins, which can be up to one-third of their body length, and their distinctive humped back when they breach the water's surface. They are also famous for their complex and varied songs, which can be heard for miles and play a significant role in their mating rituals. Humpback Whales are found in oceans all around the world and are currently not listed as endangered, although they have been heavily impacted by whaling in the past.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Fin Whale" is not a medical term. It is a species of whale, and it's the second largest mammal after the blue whale. The fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) is a fast-swimming, long-bodied whale that's variously known as the finback, razorback, or common rorqual. Fin whales are cosmopolitan and can be found in all oceans of the world. They prefer deep offshore waters and migrate to tropical and subtropical waters in the winter to breed and give birth.
If you have any medical terms that you would like me to define, please let me know!