Intrasample variation and the effect of storage delay on faecal metabolite concentrations in the southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons)

2012 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin A. Descovich ◽  
Allan T. Lisle ◽  
Stephen Johnston ◽  
Tamara Keeley ◽  
Clive J. C. Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Wild Animal ◽  
Initial Increase ◽  
Sample Storage ◽  
Metabolite Analysis ◽  
Adrenal Hormone ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Animal Populations ◽  
Metabolite Concentrations ◽  
Hormonal Fluctuations ◽  
Over Time

Faecal hormone metabolite analysis offers a non-invasive alternative to blood sampling that is particularly relevant to wild animal populations. It has been used for reproductive and adrenal hormone monitoring in captive wombats, but no information exists on its accuracy when sample storage is delayed or on whether variation exists within samples. This study aimed to quantify the effect of storage delay and intrasample variation on faecal metabolite concentrations of testosterone, progesterone and corticosterone in southern hairy-nosed wombats. For all metabolites, intrasample variance was 15% or less of total variance. Delays in storage significantly changed metabolite concentrations, with progesterone showing a progressive decrease over time (0–72 h: t24 = 2.14, P = 0.05), testosterone showing a significant increase after 6-h delay (0–6 h: t21 = 2.83, P = 0.01), and corticosterone showing an initial increase (0–6 h: t48 = 3.60, P = 0.001), followed by a reduction to original concentrations by 72 h (0–72 h: t48 = 0.91, P = 0.38). Although changes caused by storage delays may not obscure large hormonal fluctuations, this study outlines the importance of immediate storage and consistent sampling to allow the most accurate results to be obtained.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Photobiology of Photosynthetic Dinoflagellate Endosymbionts in the Nudibranch Berghia stephanieae

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 2200
Author(s):  
Ruben X. G. Silva ◽  
Paulo Cartaxana ◽  
Ricardo Calado
Keyword(s):  
Food Deprivation ◽  
Photosynthetic Efficiency ◽  
Rapid Decrease ◽  
Complete Loss ◽  
Symbiotic Association ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Sea Slugs ◽  
Non Destructive ◽  
Over Time

Berghia stephanieae is a stenophagous sea slug that preys upon glass anemones, such as Exaiptasia diaphana. Glass anemones host photosynthetic dinoflagellate endosymbionts that sea slugs ingest when consuming E. diaphana. However, the prevalence of these photosynthetic dinoflagellate endosymbionts in sea slugs appears to be short-lived, particularly if B.stephanieae is deprived of prey that host these microalgae (e.g., during bleaching events impacting glass anemones). In the present study, we investigated this scenario, along with food deprivation, and validated the use of a non-invasive and non-destructive approach employing chlorophyll fluorescence as a proxy to monitor the persistence of the association between sea slugs and endosymbiotic photosynthetic dinoflagellates acquired through the consumption of glass anemones. Berghia stephanieae deprived of a trophic source hosting photosynthetic dinoflagellate endosymbionts (e.g., through food deprivation or by feeding on bleached E. diaphana) showed a rapid decrease in minimum fluorescence (Fo) and photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) when compared to sea slugs fed with symbiotic anemones. A complete loss of endosymbionts was observed within 8 days, confirming that no true symbiotic association was established. The present work opens a new window of opportunity to rapidly monitor in vivo and over time the prevalence of associations between sea slugs and photosynthetic dinoflagellate endosymbionts, particularly during bleaching events that prevent sea slugs from incorporating new microalgae through trophic interactions.

scholarly journals The Ecology of Stress: linking life-history traits with physiological control mechanisms in free-living guanacos

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e2640 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramiro J.A. Ovejero Aguilar ◽  
Graciela A. Jahn ◽  
Mauricio Soto-Gamboa ◽  
Andrés J. Novaro ◽  
Pablo Carmanchahi
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Life History Traits ◽  
Mating Period ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Animal Populations

BackgroundProviding the context for the evolution of life-history traits, habitat features constrain successful ecological and physiological strategies. In vertebrates, a key response to life’s challenges is the activation of the Stress (HPA) and Gonadal (HPG) axes. Much of the interest in stress ecology is motivated by the desire to understand the physiological mechanisms in which the environment affects fitness. As reported in the literature, several intrinsic and extrinsic factors affect variability in hormone levels. In both social and non-social animals, the frequency and type of interaction with conspecifics, as well as the status in social species, can affect HPA axis activity, resulting in changes in the reproductive success of animals. We predicted that a social environment can affect both guanaco axes by increasing the secretion of testosterone (T) and Glucocorticoid (GCs) in response to individual social interactions and the energetic demands of breeding. Assuming that prolonged elevated levels of GCs over time can be harmful to individuals, it is predicted that the HPA axis suppresses the HPG axis and causes T levels to decrease, as GCs increase.MethodsAll of the data for individuals were collected by non-invasive methods (fecal samples) to address hormonal activities. This is a novel approach in physiological ecology because feces are easily obtained through non-invasive sampling in animal populations.ResultsAs expected, there was a marked adrenal (p-value = .3.4e−12) and gonadal (p-value = 0.002656) response due to seasonal variation inLama guanicoe. No significant differences were found in fecal GCs metabolites between males/females*season for the entire study period (p-value = 0.2839). Despite the seasonal activity variation in the hormonal profiles, our results show a positive correlation (p-value = 1.952e−11, COR = 0.50) between the adrenal and gonadal system. The marked endocrine (r2 = 0.806) and gonad (r2 = 0.7231) response due to seasonal variation in male guanaco individuals highlights the individual’s energetic demands according to life-history strategies. This is a remarkable result because no inhibition was found between the axes as theory suggests. Finally, the dataset was used to build a reactive scope model for guanacos.DiscussionGuanacos cope with the trade-off between sociability and reproductive benefits and costs, by regulating their GCs and T levels on a seasonal basis, suggesting an adaptive role of both axes to different habitat pressures. The results presented here highlight the functional role of stress and gonad axes on a critical phase of a male mammal’s life—the mating period—when all of the resources are at the disposal of the male and must be used to maximize the chances for reproductive success.

scholarly journals ACL Graft Signal Characteristics Measured by Quantitative MRI Are Significantly Correlated with Patient Reported Outcomes Two-Years after Hamstring Autograft ACL Reconstruction

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (7_suppl5) ◽  
pp. 2325967119S0035
Author(s):  
Drew A. Lansdown ◽  
Weiyuan Xiao ◽  
Alan L. Zhang ◽  
Christina R. Allen ◽  
Brian T. Feeley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Quantitative Imaging ◽  
Relaxation Times ◽  
Tendon Graft ◽  
Hamstring Autograft ◽  
Acl Graft ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Proteoglycan Content ◽  
Over Time

Objectives: Following surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the tendon graft undergoes a remodeling process of ligamentization. Collagen within the ACL graft becomes organized along the long-axis of the ligament and the proteoglycan content increases. Quantitative imaging sequences, specifically T2 and T1rho, allow for a non-invasive assessment of collagen orientation and proteoglycan content, respectively. The purpose of this study was to investigate the longitudinal progression of T2 and T1rho relaxation times of the graft after ACL reconstruction and the relationship between these quantitative imaging markers and patient-reported outcome measures. We hypothesized that T2 and T1rho would decrease significantly over time, reflecting improved collagen organization and ncreased proteoglycan content, and that T2 and T1rho relaxation times would be inversely correlated with Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS). Methods: Thirty-two patients (mean age 29.4±8.2 years, 12 females) were followed prospectively after arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft. Patients provided informed consent and all procedures were IRB-approved. Exclusion criteria included allograft reconstruction, other ligamentous injury, meniscal tear requiring repair, prior knee surgery, or history of arthritis. Post-operative MR imaging was obtained for 31 patients at 6 months, 30 patients at 12 months, 26 patients at 24 months, and 23 patients at 36 months after surgery. T2 and T1rho relaxation times were simultaneously acquired with a combined 3D sagittal sequence using a 3 T MR system (GE Healthcare) with a 1Tx/8Rx knee coil. The intra-articular ACL graft was identified on a fat-suppressed sagittal high-resolution 3D fast spin echo images and manually segmented. The T2 and T1rho relaxation times for the graft were recorded. Patients completed the KOOS at each imaging time point. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests with Tukey corrections were used to compare T2 and T1rho relaxation times between time points. The relationship between KOOS and T2 and T1rho values at 2 years post-operative was investigated with Spearman’s rank correlation. Significance was defined as p<0.05. Results: The T2 relaxation times of the ACL graft were significantly higher at 6 months relative to 12 months (p<0.001), 24 months (p<0.001,) and 36 months (p<0.001) after ACL reconstruction, as well as significantly higher at 12 months relative to 36 months (p<0.001) (Figure 1A). The T1rho relaxation times of the ACL graft were significantly higher at 6 months relative to 12 months (p<0.001), 24 months (p<0.001), and 36 months (p<0.001) (Figure 1B). The two-year T2 relaxation times and T1rho relaxation times were significantly correlated with the KOOS Sports, Pain, Symptoms, and Activities of Daily Living sub-scores. Conclusion: We observed significant changes in the tendon graft over time following ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft, reflecting a higher concentration of proteoglycan and more longitudinally-organized collagen structure over time. Improved collagen organization (lower T2 values) and increased proteoglycan content (lower T1rho values) were correlated with better outcomes based on KOOS scores. Quantitative T2 and T1rho relaxation times of ACL graft may offer a non-invasive method for monitoring graft maturation that correlates with patient-reported knee function after ACL reconstruction. [Figure: see text][Table: see text]

scholarly journals Enhancing dietary specialization metrics in observational studies of wild animal populations

Ecosphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin E. Andrews ◽  
John G. Ewen ◽  
Rose Thorogood
Keyword(s):  
Observational Studies ◽  
Wild Animal ◽  
Dietary Specialization ◽  
Animal Populations

scholarly journals An Acute Comparison of the Change of Serum Lipids, Glucose, and hs-CRP levels After Consumption of a Beef Burger Versus a Vegetarian Burger in Healthy Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 136-136
Author(s):  
Tania Simone Barros ◽  
Maple Schompoopong ◽  
Shih-Ying Wu ◽  
Cindy Kosch ◽  
Gurinder Bains ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fast Food ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Initial Increase ◽  
Blood Biomarkers ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Beef Burger ◽  
Hs Crp ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Objectives A strong positive association exists between the consumption of fast food and risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Some individuals seek more healthful food alternatives, which include vegetarian products. The fast food industry is investing in more plant-based products. The objective of this study is to compare the change in blood biomarkers (lipids, glucose and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels) after consumption of a beef burger versus a vegetarian burger. Methods Thirty-five healthy adults (22 females, 13 males), with mean age 28.5 ± 6.1 and mean Body Mass Index 24.4 kg/m² ± 3.5 completed a double blind, randomized, crossover study. After an eight-hour fast, they were randomly assigned to eat either a beef or vegetarian (Impossible) burger. One week later, the burgers were switched. The biomarkers were measured while fasting, and at 30, 60, and 120 min post-burger consumption. Results Linear mixed model was used for data fitting to assess the effect of adjusted covariates on selected nutrients. Blood triglyceride levels significantly increased from baseline over time after consumption of each type of burger (p ˂ 0.001). Consumption of the vegetarian burger showed significantly faster increase in triglycerides compared to the beef burger (p ˂ 0.001). At 120 min, there was no significant difference in the levels. Low-density lipoproteins significantly decreased over time following both types of burgers (p ˂ 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two burgers. Glucose levels showed significant changes over time for both groups (p ˂ 0.001). There was a significantly (p ˂ 0.004) greater change (initial increase, then decrease) in glucose levels after the vegetarian compared to the beef burger. Glucose levels peaked at 30 min, returning to baseline at 120 min for both groups. There was no significant difference in total cholesterol (p = 0.62), high-density lipoprotein (p = 0.81), or hs-CRP (p = 0.58) within or between groups. Conclusions Contrary to popular thought, consumption of beef and vegetarian burgers produces similar changes in acute blood biomarkers. Future research is warranted. Funding Sources This study was supported by Loma Linda University.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Reliability of Non-Specialist Observers in the Behavioural Assessment of Semi-Captive Asian Elephant Welfare

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 167
Author(s):  
Jonathan L. Webb ◽  
Jennie A. H. Crawley ◽  
Martin W. Seltmann ◽  
Océane Liehrmann ◽  
Nicola Hemmings ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Asian Elephant ◽  
Observer Agreement ◽  
Asian Elephants ◽  
Video Footage ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Animal Populations ◽  
Reliable Monitoring ◽  
Invasive Method ◽  
Working Populations

Recognising stress is an important component in maintaining the welfare of captive animal populations, and behavioural observation provides a rapid and non-invasive method to do this. Despite substantial testing in zoo elephants, there has been relatively little interest in the application of behavioural assessments to the much larger working populations of Asian elephants across Southeast Asia, which are managed by workers possessing a broad range of behavioural knowledge. Here, we developed a new ethogram of potential stress- and work-related behaviour for a semi-captive population of Asian elephants. We then used this to collect observations from video footage of over 100 elephants and evaluated the reliability of behavioural welfare assessments carried out by non-specialist observers. From observations carried out by different raters with no prior experience of elephant research or management, we tested the reliability of observations between-observers, to assess the general inter-observer agreement, and within-observers, to assess the consistency in behaviour identification. The majority of ethogram behaviours were highly reliable both between- and within-observers, suggesting that overall, behaviour was highly objective and could represent easily recognisable markers for behavioural assessments. Finally, we analysed the repeatability of individual elephant behaviour across behavioural contexts, demonstrating the importance of incorporating a personality element in welfare assessments. Our findings highlight the potential of non-expert observers to contribute to the reliable monitoring of Asian elephant welfare across large captive working populations, which may help to both improve elephant wellbeing and safeguard human workers.

scholarly journals Plant-Derived Natural Compounds for Tick Pest Control in Livestock and Wildlife: Pragmatism or Utopia?

Insects ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danilo G. Quadros ◽  
Tammi L. Johnson ◽  
Travis R. Whitney ◽  
Jonathan D. Oliver ◽  
Adela S. Oliva Chávez
Keyword(s):  
Natural Compounds ◽  
Tick Control ◽  
Wild Animal ◽  
Private Companies ◽  
The Road ◽  
Chemical Treatments ◽  
Animal Populations ◽  
The Right ◽  
Promising Avenue

Ticks and tick-borne diseases are a significant economic hindrance for livestock production and a menace to public health. The expansion of tick populations into new areas, the occurrence of acaricide resistance to synthetic chemical treatments, the potentially toxic contamination of food supplies, and the difficulty of applying chemical control in wild-animal populations have created greater interest in developing new tick control alternatives. Plant compounds represent a promising avenue for the discovery of such alternatives. Several plant extracts and secondary metabolites have repellent and acaricidal effects. However, very little is known about their mode of action, and their commercialization is faced with multiple hurdles, from the determination of an adequate formulation to field validation and public availability. Further, the applicability of these compounds to control ticks in wild-animal populations is restrained by inadequate delivery systems that cannot guarantee accurate dosage delivery at the right time to the target animal populations. More work, financial support, and collaboration with regulatory authorities, research groups, and private companies are needed to overcome these obstacles. Here, we review the advancements on known plant-derived natural compounds with acaricidal potential and discuss the road ahead toward the implementation of organic control in managing ticks and tick-borne diseases.

scholarly journals Patterns of Non-Invasive Ventilation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 445-450
Author(s):  
Nevena Markovic ◽  
Marcus Povitz ◽  
Joanne Smith ◽  
David Leasa ◽  
Christen Shoesmith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Invasive Ventilation ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Non Invasive Ventilation ◽  
End Of Life Decision ◽  
Life Decision ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Over Time

AbstractBackground: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) improves quality of life and survival in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and respiratory symptoms. Little is known about the patterns of NIV use over time and the impact of NIV on end-of-life decision-making in ALS. Objective: This study assessed the pattern of NIV use over the course of the disease and the timing of end-of-life discussions in people living with ALS. Method: A retrospective single-center cohort study was performed at London Health Sciences Centre. Daily NIV duration of use was evaluated at 3-month intervals. The timing of diagnosis, NIV initiation, discussions relating to do-not-attempt-resuscitation (DNAR) and death were examined. Results: In total, 48 patients were included in the analysis. Duration of NIV use increased over time, and tolerance to NIV was observed to be better than expected in patients with bulbar-onset ALS. There was a high degree of variability in the timing of end-of-life discussions in patients with ALS (356±451 days from diagnosis). In this cohort, there was a strong association between the timing of discussions regarding code status and establishment of a DNAR order (r2=0.93). Conclusion: This retrospective cohort study suggests that the use of NIV in ALS increases over time and that there remains a great deal of variability in the timing of end-of-life discussions in people living with ALS. Future prospective studies exploring the use NIV over the disease trajectory and how NIV affects end-of-life decision-making in people with ALS are needed.

Demographic and genetic approaches to study dispersal in wild animal populations: A methodological review

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (20) ◽  
pp. 3976-4010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugo Cayuela ◽  
Quentin Rougemont ◽  
Jérôme G. Prunier ◽  
Jean-Sébastien Moore ◽  
Jean Clobert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wild Animal ◽  
Methodological Review ◽  
Animal Populations ◽  
Approaches To Study
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