Temperature as an effective biosecurity tool against invasive snakes.

The application of thermal treatments could serve as a biosecurity tool to avert snake introduction, which often leads to irreversible ecological impacts. Here, we tested the applicability of conductive heating and thermal fumigation to prevent the spread of the California kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae), a damaging species established on the island of Gran Canaria, likely to reach other vulnerable regions, and included among the most concerning invasive species of the European Union. We exposed 24 individuals to a thermal gradient to determine species selected temperatures, range of preferred temperatures and voluntary thermal maximum and used other 24 individuals to analyse their response to conductive heating, thermal fumigation and control (no heat) treatments.

A conserved transcriptional program for MAIT cells across mammalian evolution.

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells harbor evolutionarily conserved TCRs, suggesting important functions. As human and mouse MAIT functional programs appear distinct, the evolutionarily conserved MAIT functional features remain unidentified. Using species-specific tetramers coupled to single-cell RNA sequencing, we characterized MAIT cell development in six species spanning 110 million years of evolution.

Wild snapdragon plant pedigree sheds light on limited connectivity enhanced by higher migrant reproductive success in a fragmented landscape.

In contrast with historical knowledge, a recent view posits that a non-negligible proportion of populations thrive in a fragmented landscape. One underlying mechanism is the maintenance of functional connectivity, i.e.

Fibrin deposition on bovine pericardium tissue used for bioprosthetic heart valve drives its calcification.

Background: Bioprosthetic heart valves (BHVs) are less thrombogenic than mechanical prostheses; however, BHV thrombosis has been proposed as a risk factor for premature BHV degeneration.

Objectives: We aimed to explore whether fibrin deposition on bovine pericardium tissue could lead to calcification.

Method: Fibrin clot was obtained by blending three reagents, namely, CRYOcheck™ Pooled Normal Plasma (4/6), tissue factor + phospholipids (Thrombinoscope BV), and 100 mM calcium (1/6), and deposited on pericardium discs.

Spatial ecology to strengthen invasive snake management on islands.

Knowledge on the spatial ecology of invasive predators positively contributes to optimizing their management, especially when involving cryptic and secretive species, such as snakes. However, this information is lacking for most invasive snakes, particularly on islands, where they are known to cause severe ecological and socio-economic impacts. This research is focused on assessing the spatial ecology of the California kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae) on Gran Canaria to strengthen management actions.