1,423 research outputs found
Reduced gut microbiome protects from alcohol-induced neuroinflammation and alters intestinal and brain inflammasome expression
No full textBACKGROUND: The end-organ effects of alcohol span throughout the entire body, from the gastrointestinal tract to the central nervous system (CNS). In the intestine, alcohol use changes the microbiome composition and increases gut permeability allowing translocation of microbial components into the circulation. Gut-derived pathogen-associated signals initiate inflammatory responses in the liver and possibly elsewhere in the body. Because previous studies showed that the gut microbiome contributes to alcohol-induced liver disease, we hypothesized that antibiotic administration to reduce the gut microbiome would attenuate alcohol-induced inflammation in the brain and small intestine (SI). METHODS: Six- to 8-week-old C57BL/6J female mice were fed alcohol in a liquid diet or a calorie-matched control diet for 10 days with an acute alcohol binge or sugar on the final day (acute-on-chronic alcohol administration). Some mice were treated with oral antibiotics daily to diminish the gut microbiome. We compared serum levels of TNFalpha, IL-6, and IL-1beta by ELISA; expression of cytokines Tnfalpha, Mcp1, Hmgb1, Il-17, Il-23, Il-6, and Cox2; and inflammasome components Il-1beta, Il-18, Casp1, Asc, and Nlrp3 in the CNS and SI by qRT-PCR. Microglial morphology was analyzed using immunohistochemical IBA1 staining in the cortex and hippocampus. RESULTS: Antibiotics dramatically reduced the gut microbiome load in both alcohol- and pair-fed mice. Alcohol-induced neuroinflammation and increase in SI cytokine expression were attenuated in mice with antibiotic treatment. Acute-on-chronic alcohol did not induce serum TNFalpha, IL-6, and IL-1beta. Alcohol feeding significantly increased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as Tnfalpha, Mcp1, Hmgb1, Il-17, and Il-23 in the brain and intestine. Reduction in the gut bacterial load, as a result of antibiotic treatment, attenuated the expression of all of these alcohol-induced proinflammatory cytokines in both the brain and SI. Alcohol feeding resulted in microglia activation and morphologic changes in the cortex and hippocampus characterized by a reactive phenotype. These alcohol-induced changes were abrogated following an antibiotic-induced reduction in the gut microbiome. Unexpectedly, antibiotic treatment increased the mRNA expression of some inflammasome components in both the brain and intestine. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show for the first time that the acute-on-chronic alcohol administration in mice induces both neuroinflammation and intestinal inflammation and that reduction in the intestinal bacterial load can attenuate alcohol-associated CNS and gut inflammation. Gut microbiome-derived signals contribute to neuroinflammation in acute-on-chronic alcohol exposure.MD/PhDTranslational Scienc
Neobuthus awashensis Kovarik et Lowe 2012
No full textNeobuthus awashensis Kovařík et Lowe, 2012 (Figs. 1–6, 158, 161–165) Neobuthus awashensis Kovařík & Lowe, 2012: 7–16, figs. 5–6, 18–21, 34–38, 44–47, 67–74, 86, 89, 92, 95–96, 100–101; Kovařík et al., 2015: 30. TYPE LOCALITY AND TYPE REPOSITORY. Ethiopia, Awash, Metahara env., 08°54' N 39°54' E, 960-1050 m a.s.l., FKCP. TYPE MATERIAL. Ethiopia, Awash, Metahara env., 08°54' N 39°54' E, 960-1050 m a.s.l., 1♀ (paratype), 2008, leg. V. Trailin, 2♀1♀ im. (allotype and paratypes), XI.2010, leg. T. Mazuch and P. Novák, 32♂ (holotype and paratypes) 18♀ (paratypes) 11♀ ims, 5♂ ims (paratypes), 19.-22.VII.2011, leg. F. Kovařík. Most types are in the collection of the second author (FKCP), two paratypes (♂ ♀) are in the collection of the first author (GL). OTHER MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ethiopia, 11°43'22" N 40° 56'52" E, 457 m a.s.l. (Locality No. 12 EMA), 20.XI. 2012, 1♀1♀ im., leg. F. Kovařík (UV detection), FKCP; 11°43'30" N 40°58'45" E, 404 m a.s.l. (Locality No. 12EM), 20.XI.2012, 1♂, leg. F. Kovařík (UV detection), FKCP; Gewane, 10°09'38" N 40°39'45" E, 631 m a.s.l. (Locality No. 12 EO), 23.XI.2012, 1♂ 1♀, leg. F. Kovařík, (UV detection), FKCP; 09°08'10.4" N 40°09' 45.5" E, 835 m a.s.l. (Locality No. 12ER), 24.XI.2012, 12♂ 1♀ 1juv., leg. F. Kovařík (UV detection), FKCP, 26.-27.XI.2014, 8♂ 2♀ 2juvs, FKCP, 3♂ 2juvs, GL, leg. F. Kovařík; Awash, Metahara env., 08°54' N 39°54' E, 960-1050 m a.s.l. (Locality No. 12 EX), 25.XI.2012, 7♂ 6♀ 5juvs., 27.-30.XI.2014, 7♂ 1♀, topotypes, leg. F. Kovařík (UV detection), FKCP. EMENDED DIAGNOSIS. Total length 18–22 mm (males), 22.5–30 mm (females); carapace with area between anterior median carinae fuscous; tergites with fuscous pigmentation unbroken across median area; pedipalp relatively slender, males with femur L/ W 2.50 –2.70, patella L/ W 2.45 –2.70, chela L/ W 4.63 –5.08; chela movable finger with 5–6 subrows of primary denticles, 3–5 external accessory denticles flanking proximal end of each subrow; trichobothria d 2 usually absent from femur and patella; posterior margins of carapace and tergites usually bearing 2–4 macrosetae; pedipalps, legs, metasoma and telson with short, stout macrosetae in males, and long, fine setae in females; males with coxae sparsely granulated, sternites III–VI lightly shagreened to smooth, sternite VII finely granulated with 4 weak, granulated carinae; females with sternites III–VI smooth, sternite VII sparsely shagreened with 4 weak carinae, median carinae granulated; metasoma I–III with median lateral carinae present in both sexes; lateral surface of metasoma V in males densely granulated, with granules separated; soles of telotarsi with relatively sparse setation, leg III of adults with 6–9 macrosetae in retroinferior series of basitarsus, 12–19 ventral macrosetae on telotarsus; pectine teeth: 17–21 (males), 15–18 (females).Published as part of Lowe, Graeme & Kovařík, František, 2016, Scorpions of the Horn of Africa (Arachnida, Scorpiones). Part V. Two new species of Neobuthus Hirst, 1911 (Buthidae), from Ethiopia and Eritrea, pp. 1-46 in Euscorpius 224 on page
Photography, Bearing Witness and the Yugoslav Wars, 1988-2021: Testimonies of Light
No full textCombining case studies with theoretical and philosophical insights, this book explores the role of photography in representing conflict and genocide, both during and after the break-up of Yugoslavia.
Concentrating on the photographer, this book considers the practice of photojournalism rather than simply in terms of its consumption and use by the media. The experiences and working methods of photographers in the field are analysed, showing how practitioners conceptualised their work and responded to larger questions about neutrality and moral responsibility. Presenting this ‘active’ form of witness, author Paul Lowe investigates a crucial ethical paradox faced by photojournalists. Moving beyond the end of the Yugoslav Wars in 2001, this book also considers the therapeutic and validating potential of photography for survivors, featuring photographers whose work centres on memory and reconciliation. Based on archival research, close reading and discourse analyses of photographs, and interviews with a range of international photographers, this book explores how photography from this period has been used and remediated in editorial photojournalism, fine art documentary and advocacy photography.
This book will be of interest to scholars in the history of photography, art and visual culture, and photojournalism
Neobuthus awashensis Kovarik & Lowe 2012
No full textNeobuthus awashensis Kovařík & Lowe, 2012 (Figs. 55–56, 403, 418, 421, 438, Table 5) Neobuthus awashensis Kovařík & Lowe, 2012: 7–16, figs. 5–6, 18–21, 34–38, 44–47, 67–74, 86, 89, 92, 95–96, 100–101; Kovařík et al., 2015: 30; Lowe & Kovařík, 2016: 2–4, figs. 1–6, 158, 161–165. TYPE LOCALITY AND TYPE REPOSITORY. Ethiopia, Awash, Metahara env., 08°54'N 39°54'E, 960-1050 m a.s.l., FKCP. TYPE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ethiopia, Awash, Metahara env., 08°54'N 39°54'E, 960-1050 m a.s.l., 1♀ (paratype), 2008, leg. V. Trailin, 2♀1♀ im. (allotype and paratypes), XI.2010, leg. T. Mazuch and P. Novák, 32♂ (holotype and paratypes) 18♀ (paratypes) 11♀ ims, 5♂ ims (paratypes), 19.-22.VII.2011, leg. F. Kovařík. Most types including holotype are in the collection of the first author (FKCP), other paratypes are in the GLPC, MRAC, RTOC, ZMHB, and ZMUH collections. OTHER MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ethiopia, 11°43'22"N 40° 56'52"E, 457 m a.s.l. (Locality No. 12 EMA), 20.XI. 2012, 1♀1♀ im., leg. F. Kovařík (UV detection), FKCP; 11°43'30"N 40°58'45"E, 404 m a.s.l. (Locality No. 12EM), 20.XI.2012, 1♂, leg. F. Kovařík (UV detection), FKCP; Gewane, 10°09'38"N 40°39'45"E, 631 m a.s.l. (Locality No. 12 EO), 23.XI.2012, 1♂ 1♀, leg. F. Kovařík, (UV detection), FKCP; 09°08'10.4"N 40° 09'45.5"E, 835 m a.s.l. (Locality No. 12ER), 24.XI. 2012, 12♂ 1♀ 1juv., leg. F. Kovařík (UV detection), FKCP, 26.-27.XI.2014, 8♂ 2♀ 2juvs, leg. F. Kovařík, FKCP; Awash, Metahara env., 08°54'N 39° 54'E, 960- 1050 m a.s.l. (Locality No. 12 EX), 25.XI. 2012, 7♂ 6♀ 5juvs., 27.-30.XI.2014, 7♂ 1♀ (Figs. 55–56), topotypes, leg. F. Kovařík (UV detection). DIAGNOSIS. Total length 18–22 mm (males), 22.5–30 mm (females); carapace with area between anterior median carinae fuscous; tergites with fuscous pigmentation unbroken across median area; pedipalp relatively slender, males with femur L/ W 2.50 –2.70, patella L/ W 2.45 –2.70, chela L/ W 4.63 –5.08; chela movable finger with 5–6 subrows of primary denticles, 3–5 external accessory denticles flanking proximal end of each subrow; trichobothria d 2 usually absent from femur and patella; dorsoexternal and ventroexternal carinae on pedipalp patella in female well developed; posterior margins of tergites with 1–2 pairs of macrosetae; pedipalps, legs, metasoma and telson with short, stout macrosetae in males, and long, fine setae in females; males with coxae sparsely granulated, sternites III–VI lightly shagreened to smooth, sternite VII finely granulated with 4 weak, granulated carinae; females with sternites III–VI smooth, sternite VII sparsely shagreened with 4 weak carinae, median carinae granulated; metasoma I–III with median lateral carinae present in both sexes; lateral surface of metasoma V in males densely granulated, with granules separated; soles of telotarsi with relatively sparse setation, leg III of adults with 12–19 ventral macrosetae on telotarsus; pectine teeth: 17–21 (males), 15–18 (females).Published as part of Kovařík, František, Lowe, Graeme, Awale, Ahmed Ibrahim, Elmi, Hassan Sh Abdirahman & Abdi, Ali, 2018, Scorpions of the Horn of Africa (Arachnida, Scorpiones). Part XVII. Revision of Neobuthus, with description of seven new species from Ethiopia, Kenya and Somaliland (Buthidae), pp. 1-82 in Euscorpius 271 on page 1
Barbaracurus somalicus Kovařík & Lowe & Šťáhlavský 2018, comb. n.
No full text<i>Barbaracurus somalicus</i> (Hirst, 1907) comb. n. <p>(Figures 3, 27, 34, 54–57, 74–75, 83–84, 113–146, 263–265, Table 1)</p> <p> <i>Babycurus somalicus</i> Hirst, 1907: 208; Lamoral & Reynders, 1975: 498; Kovařík, 1998: 104; Fet & Lowe, 2000: 79; Kovařík, 2000: 255–256, figs. 10, 21, tables 1–3; Kovařík, 2003: 134.</p> <p>TYPE LOCALITY AND TYPE DEPOSITORY. Somaliland, Berbera and Durbar; BMNH.</p> <p> MATERIAL EXAMINED. <b>Somaliland</b>, Berbera and Durbar, 400 ft., leg. G. W. Bury, 1♀ (holotype), BMNH; Borama, campus Amound University, 09°56'49"N 43° 13'23"E, 1394 m a.s.l., 4-5.II.2017 (locality No. <b>17 SA</b>), 1♀, 9.-13.IX.2017, (locality No. <b>17SR</b>, Fig. 145), 4♂ 3♀ 4juvs. (Figs. 27, 35, 113–144, 260–261, Nos. 1308, 1309, 1332), leg. F. Kovařík, T. Mazuch & P. Just, FKCP.</p> <p>DIAGNOSIS. Total length of adult males 32–36 mm, adult female 38–47 mm. Coloration yellowish brown to grey with darker markings, chelicerae yellow without or with traces of reticulation. Pedipalp chela manus much wider in male than female, chela length/width ratio 3.45 in male and 4.15 in female; proximal margins of pedipalp fingers of female almost straight (Fig. 57, 135), of male strongly undulate so as to leave a gap with fingers closed (Figs. 55, 129); dentate margin of movable finger armed with 6 rows of granules, and a short apical row of 4 denticles (Fig. 3); most proximal granule row with one external accessory granule. Pectines with 17–20 teeth in both sexes. Hemispermatophore basal lobe a weak carina (Figs. 27, 35). No sexual dimorphism in length and width of metasomal segments (Figs. 74–75); metasoma I with 10 carinae, II–IV with 8 carinae. Telson setose, bearing numerous long macrosetae and short, pointed subaculear tubercle; vesicle smooth, elongate, pyriform, telson length/depth ratio 2.75–2.89 in both sexes; aculeus slender, curved, shorter than vesicle.</p> <p> NOTE. Until now, only the holotype and paratype females were known. The recent collection of both sexes of <i>B. somalicus</i> by one of us (F.K.) enables us to show photographs of live specimens, especially of the male, for the first time, and to characterize their sexual dimorphism.</p> <p> COMMENTS ON LOCALITY AND LIFE STRATEGY. The first author (F.K.) visited the locality 17SA on 4–5 February 2017 (winter dry season). At this locality, the author recorded a daytime temperature of 24.7 ºC (4 February, 16:08 h), and nighttime temperatures of 21.4 ºC shortly after sunset, dropping to 19.3 ºC (minimum temperature on 5 February at 19:20 h). The recorded humidity was 41% on 5 February at 19:20 h. The first author (F.K.) again visited the same locality on 9–13 September 2017 (summer minor dry season, 17SR) and recorded maximum daytime temperatures of 29.1 ºC (10th September 2017) and 31.8 ºC (12 September 2017), and a minimum nighttime temperature of 19.6 ºC. The recorded humidity was between 31% (minimum at night) and 79% (maximum at day). All specimens were collected at night by ultraviolet (UV) detection near rocks. At this locality, in addition to <i>B. somalicus</i>, the first author also recorded <i>Neobuthus</i> sp., <i>Parabuthus abyssinicus</i> Pocock, 1901 (Buthidae) and <i>Pandinurus kmoniceki</i> Kovařík et al., 2017 (type locality) (Scorpionidae). Fifty metres from this rocky site is a riverbed of an occasional river (figs. 45–48 in Kovařík et al., 2017: 18) where in addition the author recorded <i>Gint amoudensis</i> Kovařík et al., 2018 (type locality) (Buthidae), and <i>Pandinops pugilator</i> (Pocock, 1900) (Scorpionidae).</p>Published as part of <i>Kovařík, František, Lowe, Graeme & Šťáhlavský, František, 2018, Review of the genus Babycurus Karsch, 1886 (Arachnida, Scorpiones, Buthidae), with descriptions of Barbaracurus gen. n. and two new species from Oman and Yemen, pp. 1-41 in Euscorpius 267</i> on pages 25-27, DOI: <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/6544157">10.5281/zenodo.6544157</a>
Who or what is a veterinary specialist?
No full textThis is the third in a series of articles produced for the Veterinary Record by a group of social scientists and historians drawn together by Philip Lowe, author of the 2009 report "Unlocking the Potential: a report on veterinary expertise in food animal production". The articles reflect on some of the challenges for the profession posed in his report and aim to stimulate debate about the wider role of vets in relation to government and society
Assessment of levels and dynamics of intra-specific genetic diversity of Latin American tropical trees for conservation and sustainable management
No full textAndrew Lowe, Eric Bandou, Peter Breyne, Henri Caron, Stephen Cavers, Nathalie Colpaert, Bernd Degen, Rogerio Gribel, Marvin Hernandez, Antoine Kremer, Patrick Labbe, Maristerra Lemes, Rogerio Margis, Marcia Margis-Pinheiro, Marc van Montagu, Carlos Navarro and Julia Wilso
Neoliberal reform and the veterinary profession
No full textThis article is the second in a series of discussion articles produced for the Veterinary Record by a group of social scientists and historians drawn together by Philip Lowe, author of the 2009 report "Unlocking the Potential: a report on veterinary expertise in food animal production". The articles reflect on some of the challenges for the profession posed in his report and aim to stimulate debate about the wider role of vets in relation to government and society
The Great Famine - an Irish tragedy and its impact on the English town of Huddersfield from 1845-1861
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