Reptiles
Lizards
Turtles
Amphibians
Boidae
Viviparity, Nonmammalian
Colubridae
Fossils
Vertebrates
Dinosaurs
Magic
Mammals
Pets
Oviparity
Biological Evolution
Anatomy, Comparative
Echidna
beta-Keratins
Organotherapy
Surgery, Veterinary
Species Specificity
Fitzgerald factor (high molecular weight kininogen) clotting activity in human plasma in health and disease in various animal plasmas. (1/408)
Fitzgerald factor (high molecular weight kininogen) is an agent in normal human plasma that corrects the impaired in vitro surface-mediated plasma reactions of blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, and kinin generation observed in Fitzgerald trait plasma. To assess the possible pathophysiologic role of Fitzgerald factor, its titer was measured by a functional clot-promoting assay. Mean +/- SD in 42 normal adults was 0.99+/-0.25 units/ml, one unit being the activity in 1 ml of normal pooled plasma. No difference in titer was noted between normal men and women, during pregnancy, or after physical exercise. Fitzgerald factor activity was significantly reduced in the plasmas of eight patients with advanced hepatic cirrhosis (0.40+/-0.09 units/ml) and of ten patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (0.60+/-0.30 units/ml), but was normal in plasmas of patients with other congenital clotting factor deficiencies, nephrotic syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or sarcoidosis, or under treatment with warfarin. The plasmas of 21 mammalian species tested appeared to contain Fitzgerald factor activity, but those of two avian, two repitilian, and one amphibian species did not correct the coagulant defect in Fitzgerald trait plasmas. (+info)Evidence for a correlation between the number of marginal band microtubules and the size of vertebrate erthrocytes. (2/408)
In 23 species of vertebrates the dimensions of erythrocytes and the number of their marginal band microtubules were examined. A positive correlation was found between the size of erythrocytes and the number of microtubules. The absence of microtubules in diskoid erythrocytes of mammals-Camelidae-is discussed. (+info)Activities of citrate synthase, NAD+-linked and NADP+-linked isocitrate dehydrogenases, glutamate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in nervous tissues from vertebrates and invertebrates. (3/408)
1. The activities of citrate synthase and NAD+-linked and NADP+-linked isocitrate dehydrogenases were measured in nervous tissue from different animals in an attempt to provide more information about the citric acid cycle in this tissue. In higher animals the activities of citrate synthase are greater than the sum of activities of the isocitrate dehydrogenases, whereas they are similar in nervous tissues from the lower animals. This suggests that in higher animals the isocitrate dehydrogenase reaction is far-removed from equilibrium. If it is assumed that isocitrate dehydrogenase activities provide an indication of the maximum flux through the citric acid cycle, the maximum glycolytic capacity in nervous tissue is considerably greater than that of the cycle. This suggest that glycolysis can provide energy in excess of the aerobic capacity of the tissue. 2. The activities of glutamate dehydrogenase are high in most nervous tissues and the activities of aspartate aminotransferase are high in all nervous tissue investigated. However, the activities of alanine aminotransferase are low in all tissues except the ganglia of the waterbug and cockroach. In these insect tissues, anaerobic glycolysis may result in the formation of alanine rather than lactate. (+info)Morphological and histochemical variations of mucous and oxynticopeptic cells in the stomach of the seps, Chalcides chalcides. (4/408)
Mucous and oxynticopeptic cells in the gastric mucosa of the seps, Chalcides chalcides (Linnaeus, 1758) were examined by standard histochemical staining methods and by lectin histochemistry. The epithelial mucous cells lining the surface of the stomach and the mucous cells of the fundic glands elaborated mainly neutral glycoproteins with beta(1,4)GlcNAc oligomers, GalNAc glycosidic residues and Gal beta1,3GalNAc terminal sequences. The mucous cells of the fundic glands were stained specifically with the Paradoxical Con A method. The mucosecreting cells of the pyloric glands produced neutral glycoproteins, with beta(1,4)GlcNAc oligomers, GalNAc residues and Gal beta1,3GalNAc terminal sequences. Terminal L-fucose bound to the penultimate GlcNAc residues, and/or difucosylated oligosaccharides were also present. The pyloric glands did not stain with the Paradoxical Con A procedure. The morphology of the oxynticopeptic cells changes from the oral to the aboral region of the fundic mucosa. In the oral fundic tract the oxynticopeptic cells showed cytoplasm filled with zymogen granules, while in the aboral fundic region these cells contained few zymogen granules and showed cytoplasm full of empty vesicles, typical of the acid secreting cells. A secretion gradient of proteolytic enzymes and hydrochloric acid along the fundic mucosa of the seps can be hypothesised. (+info)Genetic structure of natural populations of Escherichia coli in wild hosts on different continents. (5/408)
Current knowledge of genotypic and phenotypic diversity in the species Escherichia coli is based almost entirely on strains recovered from humans or zoo animals. In this study, we analyzed a collection of 202 strains obtained from 81 mammalian species representing 39 families and 14 orders in Australia and the Americas, as well as several reference strains; we also included a strain from a reptile and 10 from different families of birds collected in Mexico. The strains were characterized genotypically by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE) and phenotypically by patterns of sugar utilization, antibiotic resistance, and plasmid profile. MLEE analysis yielded an estimated genetic diversity (H) of 0.682 for 11 loci. The observed genetic diversity in this sample is the greatest yet reported for E. coli. However, this genetic diversity is not randomly distributed; geographic effects and host taxonomic group accounted for most of the genetic differentiation. The genetic relationship among the strains showed that they are more associated by origin and host order than is expected by chance. In a dendrogram, the ancestral cluster includes primarily strains from Australia and ECOR strains from groups B and C. The most differentiated E. coli in our analysis are strains from Mexican carnivores and strains from humans, including those in the ECOR group A. The kinds and numbers of sugars utilized by the strains varied by host taxonomic group and country of origin. Strains isolated from bats were found to exploit the greatest range of sugars, while those from primates utilized the fewest. Toxins are more frequent in strains from rodents from both continents than in any other taxonomic group. Strains from Mexican wild mammals were, on average, as resistant to antibiotics as strains from humans in cities. On average, the Australian strains presented a lower antibiotic resistance than the Mexican strains. However, strains recovered from hosts in cities carried significantly more plasmids than did strains isolated from wild mammals. Previous studies have shown that natural populations of E. coli harbor an extensive genetic diversity that is organized in a limited number of clones. However, knowledge of this worldwide bacterium has been limited. Here, we suggest that the strains from a wide range of wild hosts from different regions of the world are organized in an ecotypic structure where adaptation to the host plays an important role in the population structure. (+info)Developmental evolution: this side of paradise. (6/408)
It has long been appreciated that the evolution of snakes involved the loss of limbs and axis elongation, but their developmental basis has been obscure. It has now been shown that alterations in the deployment of Hox genes and an early block in the formation of hindlimb primordia underpin these modifications. (+info)Reptile-associated salmonellosis--selected states, 1996-1998. (7/408)
During 1996-1998, CDC received reports from approximately 16 state health departments of Salmonella infections in persons who had direct or indirect contact with reptiles (i.e., lizards, snakes, or turtles). Salmonella infection can result in invasive illness including sepsis and meningitis, particularly in infants. Despite educational efforts, some reptile owners remain unaware that reptiles place them and their children at risk for salmonellosis. This report summarizes clinical and epidemiologic information in four cases and provides information about state regulations to prevent transmission of Salmonella spp. from reptiles to humans. (+info)Comparative development of the mammalian isocortex and the reptilian dorsal ventricular ridge. Evolutionary considerations. (8/408)
There has been a long debate about a possible homology between parts of the dorsal ventricular ridge (DVR) of reptiles and birds, and parts of the mammalian isocortex. Correspondence between these structures was originally proposed on the basis of connectional similarities between the DVR of birds and the mammalian auditory and extrastriate visual isocortical areas. Furthermore, the proposal of homology includes the possible embryological similarity of cells that give rise to the DVR and cells that give rise to the isocortex. Against this concept it has been claimed that the DVR and the isocortex originate in topographically different pallial compartments, an interpretation that is supported by recent developmental and molecular data. Other studies indicate that migrating cells can cross the borders between adjacent developmental compartments: cells that originate in subcortical components contribute a number of interneurons to the developing isocortex via tangential migration. This mechanism might reconcile the proposed homology with the developmental evidence, since cells originating in one compartment (the one corresponding to DVR) may become included in structures generated in a different compartment (the one corresponding to isocortex). However, there is no evidence in mammals of a structure homologous to the embryonic DVR that can produce isocortical neurons. In order to fully clarify the problem of isocortical origins, further comparative studies are needed of the embryonic development of the lateral and dorsal aspects of the cerebral hemispheres in amphibians, reptiles and mammals. (+info)I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Reptiles" is not a medical term. It is a term used in biology to describe a class of cold-blooded, scaly-skinned animals that include snakes, lizards, alligators, crocodiles, turtles, and tortoises. They are characterized by having lungs for breathing, laying eggs on land, and having a three-chambered heart. If you have any medical questions or terms, I'd be happy to help clarify those!
I apologize for any confusion, but "lizards" is not a term used in medical definition. Lizards are a group of scaled reptiles constituting the order Squamata, characterized by having skin covered with overlapping scales, external ears, and movable eyelids. They are found worldwide in a variety of habitats, ranging from desert to tropical environments. If you have any questions related to medical terminology or health concerns, I'd be happy to help!
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "turtles" is not a medical term. It refers to the group of reptiles that have a shell and include various species such as tortoises and terrapins. If you have any medical concerns or questions, I would be happy to try to help with those!
Alligators and crocodiles are large, semi-aquatic reptiles belonging to the order Crocodylia. They are characterized by a long, broad snout, powerful tail, and sharp teeth designed for grabbing and holding onto prey. Alligators and crocodiles are similar in appearance but can be distinguished by their snouts: alligators have a wider, U-shaped snout, while crocodiles have a more V-shaped snout.
Alligators (family Alligatoridae) are native to the United States and China, with two living species: the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and the Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis). They prefer freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, and marshes.
Crocodiles (family Crocodylidae) are found in tropical regions around the world, including Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. There are 14 species of crocodiles, including the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus), the Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), and the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). Crocodiles can tolerate both freshwater and saltwater environments.
Both alligators and crocodiles are apex predators, feeding on a variety of animals such as fish, birds, and mammals. They are known for their powerful bite force and have been reported to take down large prey, including deer and cattle. Alligators and crocodiles play an important role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems by controlling populations of other animals and helping to keep waterways clean.
While alligators and crocodiles are often feared due to their size and predatory nature, they are also threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. Several species are considered endangered or vulnerable, and conservation efforts are underway to protect them and their habitats.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "snakes" is not a medical term. It refers to a group of legless reptiles that can be found on every continent except Antarctica. If you have any questions about snakes in a different context, please provide more information and I'll do my best to help!
Amphibians are a class of cold-blooded vertebrates that include frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, and caecilians. They are characterized by their four-limbed body structure, moist skin, and double circulation system with three-chambered hearts. Amphibians are unique because they have a life cycle that involves two distinct stages: an aquatic larval stage (usually as a tadpole or larva) and a terrestrial adult stage. They typically start their lives in water, undergoing metamorphosis to develop lungs and legs for a land-dwelling existence. Many amphibians are also known for their complex reproductive behaviors and vocalizations.
Iguanas are not a medical term. They refer to a type of large, herbivorous lizard that is native to Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. Some species of iguanas are also found in Mexico and parts of the southern United States. The green iguana is the most common species kept as pets. If you're looking for a medical definition, it might be a case of mistaken identity or misspelling, please make sure the term is correct.
Boidae is a family of snakes, also known as boas. This family includes many different species of large, non-venomous snakes found in various parts of the world, particularly in Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. Boas are known for their strong bodies and muscular tails, which they use to constrict their prey before swallowing it whole. Some well-known members of this family include the anaconda, the python, and the boa constrictor.
Nonmammalian viviparity is a reproductive strategy in which offspring are born alive and have undergone some degree of embryonic development inside the mother's body, receiving nutrients through a placenta or similar organ. This mode of reproduction is found in certain non-mammal species, such as some reptiles (like some snakes and lizards), fish (like the guppy and platypus), and invertebrates (like certain spiders and insects). In these cases, the offspring are not nourished by milk, which is a key characteristic that differentiates nonmammalian viviparity from mammalian viviparity.
Colubridae is a family of snakes that includes a large majority of the world's snake species. It is a diverse group, with members ranging from relatively small and harmless species to large and potentially dangerous ones. Some colubrids have evolved specialized adaptations for specific hunting strategies or defense mechanisms.
Colubridae species are found worldwide, except in Antarctica, and they inhabit various environments such as forests, grasslands, deserts, and wetlands. Many colubrids are constrictors, meaning they kill their prey by wrapping their bodies around it and squeezing until the prey can no longer breathe.
It is worth noting that some colubrid species were previously classified under other families such as Natricidae or Dipsadidae, but recent genetic studies have led to a reclassification of these snakes into Colubridae.
Some examples of colubrids include rat snakes, gopher snakes, racers, whip snakes, and tree snakes. The family also includes some well-known species like the king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) and the black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis), which are among the longest and most venomous snakes in the world. However, it is important to note that not all colubrids are venomous, and those that are typically pose little threat to humans due to their mild venom or shy nature.
In medical terms, "fossils" do not have a specific or direct relevance to the field. However, in a broader scientific context, fossils are the remains or impressions of prehistoric organisms preserved in petrified form or as a mold or cast in rock. They offer valuable evidence about the Earth's history and the life forms that existed on it millions of years ago.
Paleopathology is a subfield of paleontology that deals with the study of diseases in fossils, which can provide insights into the evolution of diseases and human health over time.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but the term "Reptilian Proteins" does not have a specific or established medical or scientific meaning. The term "reptilian" generally refers to characteristics of reptiles, and proteins are complex molecules that perform various functions within all living organisms, including reptiles. However, there isn't a recognized category or classification called "Reptilian Proteins" in the field of medicine or biology. If you have any questions about specific reptile-related proteins or reptile physiology, I would be happy to try and help with those!
A group of chordate animals (Phylum Chordata) that have a vertebral column, or backbone, made up of individual vertebrae. This group includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Vertebrates are characterized by the presence of a notochord, which is a flexible, rod-like structure that runs along the length of the body during development; a dorsal hollow nerve cord; and pharyngeal gill slits at some stage in their development. The vertebral column provides support and protection for the spinal cord and allows for the development of complex movements and behaviors.
Dinosaurs are a group of reptiles that were the dominant terrestrial vertebrates for over 160 million years, from the late Triassic period until the end of the Cretaceous period. They first appeared approximately 230 million years ago and went extinct around 65 million years ago.
Dinosaurs are characterized by their upright stance, with legs positioned directly under their bodies, and a wide range of body sizes and shapes. Some dinosaurs were enormous, such as the long-necked sauropods that could reach lengths of over 100 feet, while others were small and agile.
Dinosaurs are classified into two main groups: the saurischians (lizard-hipped) and the ornithischians (bird-hipped). The saurischians include both the large carnivorous theropods, such as Tyrannosaurus rex, and the long-necked sauropods. The ornithischians were primarily herbivores and included a diverse array of species, such as the armored ankylosaurs and the horned ceratopsians.
Despite their extinction, dinosaurs have left a lasting impact on our planet and continue to be a source of fascination for people of all ages. The study of dinosaurs, known as paleontology, has shed light on many aspects of Earth's history and the evolution of life on our planet.
I am not aware of a medical definition for the term "birds." Birds are a group of warm-blooded vertebrates constituting the class Aves, characterized by feathers, toothless beaked jaws, the laying of hard-shelled eggs, and lightweight but strong skeletons. Some birds, such as pigeons and chickens, have been used in medical research, but the term "birds" itself does not have a specific medical definition.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but the term "platypus" is not a medical concept or condition. It is a type of mammal native to Australia, recognized by its unique appearance with a duck-like bill, webbed feet, and a body covered in dense, waterproof fur. If you have any questions about medical terminology or concepts, I'd be happy to help clarify!
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "magic" is not a term that is recognized in medical terminology. It is commonly understood to refer to supernatural or illusory powers or events, which are not relevant to the field of medicine. If you have any questions related to medical conditions, treatments, or terminology, I would be happy to try and help answer those for you!
Mammals are a group of warm-blooded vertebrates constituting the class Mammalia, characterized by the presence of mammary glands (which produce milk to feed their young), hair or fur, three middle ear bones, and a neocortex region in their brain. They are found in a diverse range of habitats and come in various sizes, from tiny shrews to large whales. Examples of mammals include humans, apes, monkeys, dogs, cats, bats, mice, raccoons, seals, dolphins, horses, and elephants.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "pets" is not a medical term. In general, a pet is a domesticated animal, usually kept for companionship or pleasure. They are not typically associated with medical definitions or terminology. If you have any questions related to veterinary medicine or the care of pets as it relates to human health, I'd be happy to try and help answer those!
Oviparity is a form of reproduction in which an animal lays eggs with externally developing embryos. The eggs are usually equipped with a protective shell and all the nutrients necessary for the development of the embryo, which allows the female to lay and abandon them, without any further care. This method of reproduction is common in many species of fish, reptiles, insects, and birds.
In oviparous animals, the fertilization of the egg may occur either internally or externally. In internal fertilization, the male deposits sperm directly into the female's reproductive tract, which then travel to the ova and fertilize them. The fertilized eggs are subsequently laid by the female. In external fertilization, the male and female release their gametes (sperm and eggs) into the surrounding environment, where fertilization takes place.
Oviparity is distinct from viviparity, a reproductive strategy in which the embryo develops inside the mother's body and receives nutrients through a placenta. In viviparous animals, such as mammals (excluding monotremes), the young are born live instead of hatching from eggs.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "zoology" is not a term used in medical definitions. Zoology is a branch of biology that deals with the study of animals and animal life. It involves understanding their evolution, classification, behavior, structure, genetics, and distribution. If you have any questions related to medical terminology or concepts, I'd be happy to help!
Biological evolution is the change in the genetic composition of populations of organisms over time, from one generation to the next. It is a process that results in descendants differing genetically from their ancestors. Biological evolution can be driven by several mechanisms, including natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and mutation. These processes can lead to changes in the frequency of alleles (variants of a gene) within populations, resulting in the development of new species and the extinction of others over long periods of time. Biological evolution provides a unifying explanation for the diversity of life on Earth and is supported by extensive evidence from many different fields of science, including genetics, paleontology, comparative anatomy, and biogeography.
Phylogeny is the evolutionary history and relationship among biological entities, such as species or genes, based on their shared characteristics. In other words, it refers to the branching pattern of evolution that shows how various organisms have descended from a common ancestor over time. Phylogenetic analysis involves constructing a tree-like diagram called a phylogenetic tree, which depicts the inferred evolutionary relationships among organisms or genes based on molecular sequence data or other types of characters. This information is crucial for understanding the diversity and distribution of life on Earth, as well as for studying the emergence and spread of diseases.
Comparative anatomy is a branch of biology and medicine that deals with the study and comparison of the structures and functions of different species, including humans. It involves the examination of similarities and differences in the anatomy of various organisms to understand their evolutionary relationships and adaptations. This field helps scientists to understand the development and function of body structures, as well as the evolutionary history of different species. By comparing and contrasting the anatomy of different organisms, researchers can gain insights into the functions and workings of various bodily systems and how they have evolved over time.
Paleontology is not a medical field, but rather it is a branch of earth sciences and biology that deals with the study of prehistoric life forms through the examination of plant and animal fossils, including those of extinct organisms. It involves various disciplines such as stratigraphy, geochronology, and systematics to understand the evolutionary history of life on Earth.
However, I understand that you are looking for information related to a non-medical topic, so here is some additional context:
Paleontology can be divided into several subdisciplines, including vertebrate paleontology (the study of fossilized animals with backbones), invertebrate paleontology (the study of fossilized animals without backbones), paleobotany (the study of fossil plants), micropaleontology (the study of microscopic fossils), and taphonomy (the study of the processes that occur after an organism's death, leading to its preservation as a fossil).
Paleontologists use various techniques to study fossils, including comparative anatomy, histology (the study of tissue structure), and geochemistry. They also rely on other scientific fields such as genetics, physics, and chemistry to help them interpret the data they collect from fossils.
Through their research, paleontologists can learn about the morphology, behavior, ecology, and evolutionary relationships of extinct organisms, providing valuable insights into the history of life on Earth.
An echidna is not a medical term, but rather it is the name given to a type of mammal that is native to Australia and New Guinea. Echidnas are also known as spiny anteaters because they have sharp spines on their bodies and feed on ants and termites.
Echidnas are unique among mammals because they lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young like most other mammals do. The egg is incubated in the female's pouch, where it hatches after about 10 days. The newly hatched baby, called a puggle, is then cared for and fed by the mother's milk until it is ready to leave the pouch and fend for itself.
There are two species of echidnas: the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) and the long-beaked echidna (Zaglossus bruijni). Both species are protected under Australian law, and they play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations.
Beta-keratins are a type of keratin proteins that are mainly found in the cells of reptiles, birds, and some mammals such as marsupials. These proteins make up the scales, feathers, claws, beaks, and other hard structures of these animals. Beta-keratins have a different molecular structure compared to alpha-keratins, which are the predominant type of keratins found in mammalian skin, hair, and nails.
Organotherapy is a form of treatment that involves the use of animal organs or their extracts to treat various medical conditions in humans. The concept behind this therapy is based on the idea that extracts from specific organs of animals can have therapeutic effects on corresponding organs in humans due to similarities in biological structures and functions.
For example, a preparation made from the thyroid gland of a pig might be used to treat hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) in humans. Similarly, pancreatic extracts from animals have been used to treat diabetes. However, organotherapy is not widely practiced today due to advancements in modern medicine and the development of more effective and targeted treatments like synthetic hormones and gene therapy.
Veterinary surgery refers to the surgical procedures performed on animals by trained veterinarians or veterinary surgeons. It involves the use of various surgical techniques and tools to diagnose, treat, or prevent diseases and injuries in animals. This can include soft tissue surgeries such as abdominal or thoracic surgeries, orthopedic surgeries for bone and joint issues, neurological surgeries, oncological surgeries for the removal of tumors, and reconstructive surgeries. Veterinary surgeons must complete extensive education and training in order to provide safe and effective surgical care for animals.
Species specificity is a term used in the field of biology, including medicine, to refer to the characteristic of a biological entity (such as a virus, bacterium, or other microorganism) that allows it to interact exclusively or preferentially with a particular species. This means that the biological entity has a strong affinity for, or is only able to infect, a specific host species.
For example, HIV is specifically adapted to infect human cells and does not typically infect other animal species. Similarly, some bacterial toxins are species-specific and can only affect certain types of animals or humans. This concept is important in understanding the transmission dynamics and host range of various pathogens, as well as in developing targeted therapies and vaccines.