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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Notes on clotting in a Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus).

Studies of the clotting mechanisms in the plasma of a Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus) confirm earlier information that both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of thrombin formation participate in reptilian hemostasis. Plasma fibrinogen was present at a concentration comparable to that in human plasma. Other assays were hampered by the need to use nonreptilian reagents. The activated partial thromboplastin time was shorter than was that of human plasma, thus implying the presence of prothrombin in python plasma; however, this protein could be demonstrated only in trace amounts. Similarly, only small amounts of Hageman factor (factor XII) and antihemophilic factor (factor VIII) were detected, and none of plasma prekallikrein, high-molecular-weight kininogen, and Christmas factor (factor IX). The prothrombin time was slower than that of human plasma. Factor VII was not detected, but both proaccelerin (factor V) and Stuart factor (factor X) were present. Python plasma inhibited bovine thrombin and human plasmin, but it was deficient in fibrinolytic capacity.

Animals

A new dosing schedule for gentamicin in blood pythons (Python curtus): a pharmacokinetic study.

Gentamicin is frequently used in the treatment of aerobic Gram-negative infections in reptiles. Pharmacokinetic data to ensure proper dosing are scant, especially for large snakes. A pharmacokinetic study of gentamicin was therefore conducted in four blood pythons. Snakes were given intramuscular injections of either 2.5 mg kg-1 or 3.0 mg kg-1 loading dose followed by 1.5 mg kg-1 at 72 and 96 hours. A linear pharmacokinetic relationship between gentamicin serum concentrations and time was demonstrated in each of the four snakes studied. Peak serum concentrations occurred six to 10 hours after injection and ranged from 4.6 to 8.9 micrograms ml-1. Half-life was variable and ranged from 32 to 110 hours. Total body clearance and apparent volume of distribution varied little between the individual snakes studied. There was no evidence of renal toxicity. For blood pythons a loading dose of 2.5 mg kg-1 followed by 1.5 mg kg-1 at 96 hour intervals is recommended. If higher concentrations are desired, a loading dose of 3.0 mg kg-1 followed by 1.5 mg kg-1 at 96 hours can be given. These dosing schedules will provide serum concentrations in excess of the minimum inhibitory concentrations for most aerobic Gram-negative bacilli that are pathogenic in snakes; gentamicin accumulation with subsequent renal dysfunction should not occur.

Animals

Infrared sensory neurons in the trigeminal ganglia of the python (Python reticulatus)--a horseradish peroxidase study.

The infrared neurons innervating the 5 maxillary, 6 mandibular and 4 mental pit organs of the python, Python reticulatus, have been identified by means of retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase. The neurons innervating the first maxillary pit are located in the ophthalmic ganglion; those innervating the second maxillary pit are in both the ophthalmic and maxillary ganglia; the neurons innervating the rest of the maxillary pits are located in the maxillary part of the ganglia. Neurons innervating the mandibular and mental pits are all located in the mandibular part of the ganglia. None of the pits are bilaterally innervated by the trigeminal nerve.

Animals

Reptilian viruses: adenovirus-like agent isolated from royal python (Python regius).

An adenovirus-like agent was isolated from a moribund royal python (Python regius). The DNA containing virus replicated in IgH2-cells at 30 degrees C forming eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies. The virus proved to be stabile to treatment with chloroform, pH3 und pH 12 but it was labile to heat (56 degrees C). Infected IgH2 cells revealed symmetric hexagonal virus particles measuring 67-79 nm in the nucleus. The isolate shared characteristics with the viruses of the family Adenoviridae.

Adenoviridae

Retained caseous yolk sac in a Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus).

Retained yolk sacs are common in the domestic chicken and account for considerable morbidity and mortality during late embryonic development and within the first 10 days of life. What is believed to be the first recorded instance of a retained caseous yolk sac and its successful surgical removal from a Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus) is reported. The snake experienced no post-operative complications and continues to be well 16 mo following surgery.

Animals

Light and electron microscopic observations of the life cycle of Sarcocystis orientalis sp. n. in the rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the Malaysian reticulated python (Python reticulatus).

A light and electron microscopic study of Sarcocystis orientalis sp. n. was made. The life cycle of this parasite is in two hosts. Gametogony is in the intestinal epithelial cells of a predator, Python reticulatus. Isospora-like oocysts developed. Sporocysts average 9.1 by 7.7 mum. Rats (Rattus norvegicus) were infected with sporocysts and asexual stages developed. Ten days after infection large zoites (average 7.85 by 2.48 mum) were observed free in peripheral blood and within white blood cells. Small schizonts producing merozoites 2-3 mum long were seen in lung tissue. Tissue cysts developed in skeletal muscle and produced numerous cystozoites (average 5.53 by 1.38 mum). Fine structure was similar to previously described Sarcocystis spp.

Animals

Visual and infrared input to the same dendrite in the tectum opticum of the python, Python regius: electron-microscopic evidence.

In snakes with infrared receptors, the optic tectum receives input from both the visual and the infrared senses. We investigated the infrared and optic fiber terminations in the tectum with a combination of horseradish peroxidase and degeneration labeling. In addition to synapses by visual and infrared fibers onto individual neurons, we were able to observe for the first time visual and infrared synapses on one and the same dendrite.

Animals

Distribution of dopamine immunoreactivity in the forebrain and midbrain of the snake Python regius: a study with antibodies against dopamine.

The distribution of dopamine (DA) immunoreactivity in the forebrain and midbrain of the ball python, Python regius, was studied by using recently developed antibodies against DA. In order to determine general and species-specific features of the DA system in reptiles, we have selected the ball python as a representative of a reptilian radiation that hitherto has not been the subject of (immuno)histochemical studies. Dopamine-containing cell bodies were found around the glomeruli and in the external plexiform layer of both the main and accessory olfactory bulb, but not in the telencephalon proper. In the diencephalon, DA cells were observed in several parts of the periventricular hypothalamic nucleus, in the periventricular organ, the ependymal wall of the infundibular recess, the lateral hypothalamic area, the magnocellular ventrolateral thalamic nucleus, and the pretectal posterodorsal nucleus. In the midbrain, DA cells were found in the ventral tegmental area, the substantia nigra, and the presumed reptilian homologue of the mammalian A8 cell group. Dopaminergic fibers and varicosities were observed throughout the whole brain, particularly in the telencephalon and diencephalon. The nucleus accumbens, striatum, olfactory tubercle, and nucleus of the accessory olfactory tract appear to have the most dense innervation, but the lateral septal nucleus, the dorsal ventricular ridge, and the nucleus sphericus also show numerous DA-containing fibers and varicosities. Except for the lateral cortex, cortical areas are not densely innervated by DA fibers. The DA system of the snake Python regius shares many features with that of lizards and turtles as determined with the same antibodies. The taxonomically close relationship between lizards and snakes, which together constitute the Squamata, is reflected in a similar distribution of DA fibers and varicosities to the dorsal ventricular ridge and the lateral cortex, and in the limited number of CSF-contacting DA neurons in the hypothalamus.

Animals

Bridging the Python Training Gap for Bioscientists in Brazil: Improvements and Challenges.

The rapid evolution of high-throughput technologies in biosciences generates vast and diverse datasets, demanding that bioscientists develop advanced data manipulation and analysis skills. Python, with its versatility and powerful libraries, has become a crucial tool for managing these datasets. However, a significant lack of programming training for bioscientists persists in many countries. To address this knowledge gap in Brazil, the Brazilian Python Workshop for Biological Data was introduced several years ago, focusing on fundamental programming concepts and data handling techniques using popular Python libraries. Despite positive feedback from earlier editions, persistent challenges necessitated continuous adaptation to meet the evolving needs of bioscientists. This work describes the advancements implemented in the 2021 and 2022 editions of the workshop and discusses suggestions for its ongoing enhancement. Key innovations were introduced in the workshop's structure and coordination, including new committees and a code of conduct. Feedback forms were updated for real-time adjustments, and the event's reach was expanded to increase geographical diversity. New didactic strategies, such as pair-teaching, code clubs, and the integration of ICTs, were implemented to enhance learning outcomes. Programming best practices and scientific reproducibility were emphasized through talks and hands-on activities guided by PEP8 conventions. Furthermore, scientific dissemination was intensified through an increased social media presence and participation in international events. Finally, we present updated recommendations for students, researchers, and educators interested in organizing similar initiatives.

Brazil

Dendritic immune complex trapping cells in the spleen of the snake, Python reticulatus.

The spleen of the snake Python reticulatus, was investigated as to its general histology as well as the presence of immune complex trapping cells both at the light and electron microscopical level. Histological examination revealed that the spleen of this reptile was encapsulated and contained some trabeculae. In the splenic parenchyma two different regions could be distinguished: viz. red and white pulp. The white pulp appeared to be arranged around "central arterioles" and their smaller branches extending towards the periphery of the white pulp. The red pulp was composed of blood sinusoids and cell cords. Electron microscopy revealed at least three types of non-lymphoid cells in the white pulp of the spleen of python: reticulum cells, forming the framework; some macrophages and dendritic cells predominantly located in the periphery of the white pulp. Of these types of non-lymphoid cells, only dendritic cells were able to trap and to retain intravenously injected horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-rabbit-anti-HRP immune complexes on their cell surface as determined by enzymehistochemistry at the light and electron microscopical level. These dendritic cells were frequently found in association with collagen fibres and did not engulf large quantities of carbon particles. These data suggest that dendritic cells in the spleen of the python might be the phylogenetic precursors of the mammalian follicular dendritic cells.

Animals

Modeling reptile virus infection in vitro using Python regius airway organoids.

Zoonoses pose substantial global health risks, highlighting the need to better understand animal-to-human transmission. Reptiles are increasingly recognized as hosts of diverse pathogens, including numerous viruses, yet the diversity and prevalence of reptile pathogens, as well as their potential risk to humans, remain poorly understood. Here, we establish and characterize airway organoids derived from Python regius, providing an in vitro model to study reptile airway infection. Through de novo assembly of a Python regius reference genome, we characterize airway organoids at single-cell resolution, which suggests the presence of diverse cell populations including ionocytes, ciliated, secretory, goblet, endocrine, tuft, and basal cells. The organoids support productive infection with Ball Python Nidovirus (BPNV) and mount a robust epithelial antiviral response through the induction of interferon-stimulated genes, cytokines, and genes involved in chemical defense. As a proof-of-concept, treating organoids with antiviral drugs during infection reduces BPNV levels, highlighting the model's utility for drug testing. By providing a reductionist system of the serpentes airway, these organoids constitute a physiologically relevant in vitro model to study reptile viruses and host-pathogen interactions in their native host.

Animals

TFinder: A Python Web Tool for Predicting Transcription Factor Binding Sites.

Transcription is a key cell process that consists of synthesizing several copies of RNA from a gene DNA sequence. This process is highly regulated and closely linked to the ability of transcription factors to bind specifically to DNA. TFinder is an easy-to-use Python web portal allowing the identification of Individual Motifs (IM) such as Transcription Factor Binding Sites (TFBS). Using the NCBI API, TFinder extracts either promoter or gene terminal regulatory regions, through a simple query of NCBI gene name or ID. It enables simultaneous analysis across five different species for an unlimited number of genes. TFinder searches for Individual Motifs in different formats, including IUPAC codes and JASPAR entries. Moreover, TFinder also allows de novo generations of a Position Weight Matrix (PWM) and the use of already established PWM. Finally, the data are provided in a tabular and a graph format showing the relevance and the P-value of the Individual Motifs found as well as their location relative to the Transcription Start Site (TSS) or the terminal region of the gene. The results are then sent by email to users facilitating the subsequent data analysis and sharing. TFinder is written in Python and freely available on GitHub under the MIT license: https://github.com/Jumitti/TFinder. It can be accessed as a web application implemented in Streamlit at https://tfinder-ipmc.streamlit.app. Resources are available on Streamlit "Resources" tab. TFINDER strength is that it relies on an all-in-one intuitive tool allowing users inexperienced with bioinformatics tools to retrieve gene regulatory regions sequences in multiple species and to search for individual motifs in a huge number of genes.

Transcription Factors

aPhyloGeo: a Python application for correlating genetic and climatic conditions.

MOTIVATION: Environmental variation and its influence on genetic diversity is a central topic in evolutionary biology and phylogeography. Accurate correlations between genetic and climatic datasets to understand the genetic adaptations of different species to specific environments. It requires integrated and reproducible workflows. RESULTS: We developed aPhyloGeo, an open-source and multiplatform application implemented in Python, for investigating correlations between genetic variation and environmental data within a phylogenetic framework. The workflow integrates multiple analytical steps, including sequence alignment, sliding window phylogenetic inference, and statistical approaches such as the Mantel test and the Procrustean randomization test. These analyses enable the identification of mutation hotspots that exhibit strong associations with environmental variables. In addition, aPhyloGeo supports multicore data processing and provides a fully reproducible pipeline for evaluating localized relationships between genomic variation and climatic distributions. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: aPhyloGeo is freely available on GitHub at: https://github.com/tahiri-lab/aPhyloGeo, as both a PyPI package and as Python scripts for Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Software