Breaking down scats: degradation of DNA from greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) faecal pellets

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona M. Carpenter ◽  
Martin A. Dziminski
Keyword(s):  
Population Monitoring ◽  
Error Rates ◽  
Allelic Dropout ◽  
Faecal Pellets ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Degradation Rates ◽  
Amplification Rate ◽  
Invasive Method ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Elution Step

Isolating DNA from scats (faeces) of threatened species is a valuable, non-invasive method for identifying individuals. To establish whether genotyping of greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) individuals from faecal pellets collected in the field can be useful for population monitoring, an understanding of the DNA degradation rates is necessary. To determine the relationship between time and degradation of bilby faecal DNA, and assess whether a two-step elution process during extraction results in better-quality DNA, faecal pellets were collected from captive individuals, maintained under seminatural conditions, then harvested at known periods. DNA was amplified from faecal pellets with a 99% success rate and error rates of less than 5% up to 14 days after deposition. The amplification rate decreases, and the rate of allelic dropout increases with time, but DNA can still be amplified at rates above 60% and error rates below 15% at 90–180 days. We found that a second elution step was unnecessary, with more DNA amplified over a longer period using the first eluate. Viable DNA exists on bilby faecal pellets for a long period after deposition, which is useful for obtaining genetic samples for population monitoring programs and studies on population genetics.

scholarly journals Cross-Modal Effect of Presenting Food Images on Taste Appetite

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (22) ◽  
pp. 6615
Author(s):  
Keisuke Tomono ◽  
Akira Tomono
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Cerebral Blood Flow ◽  
Salivary Secretion ◽  
Digital Signage ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Saliva Secretion ◽  
Sense Of Presence ◽  
Invasive Method ◽  
Food Images ◽  
The Relationship

We researched a method to objectively evaluate the presence of food images, for the purpose of applying it to digital signage. In this paper, we defined the presence of food images as a sensation that makes us recognize that food is there, and investigated the relationship between that recognition and the salivary secretion reaction. If saliva secretion can be detected by a non-invasive method, it may be possible to objectively estimate the presence of the viewer from the outside. Two kinds of experiments were conducted. STUDY 1 included presentations of popular cooking images, which portrayed a sense of deliciousness, and evaluated changes in the volume of saliva secretions and cerebral blood flow near the temples. STUDY 2 included comparisons of changes between presenting images only and images with corresponded smells. The images included scenes that introduced foods (i.e., almond pudding cake/bergamot orange) that were relatively simple, so that they did not induce the subjects themselves. As a result, we clarified the cross-modal effects that were closely related to sense of presence and salivation. Moreover, we clarified presentation of images with smells to improve one’s sense of presence, even though the images were relatively simple.

scholarly journals Highly Versatile, Non-Invasive Method for Collecting Buccal DNA from Free-Ranging Non-Human Primates

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aru Toyoda ◽  
Kazunari Matsudaira ◽  
Tamaki Maruhashi ◽  
Suchinda Malaivijitnond ◽  
Yoshi Kawamoto
Keyword(s):  
Sugar Solution ◽  
Failure Rates ◽  
Allelic Dropout ◽  
Buffer Solution ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Invasive Method ◽  
Invasive Techniques ◽  
Free Ranging

ABSTRACTNon-invasive techniques for collection of DNA samples of suitable quality and quantity are important for improving the efficiency of genetic wildlife research. The development of a non-invasive method for collection of DNA samples from wild stump-tailed macaques (Macaca arctoides) is described herein. Polyester rope was cut into 10 cm pieces, which were then soaked in a 20% sugar solution to bait individuals. Rope swabs were immediately collected and transferred to a lysis buffer solution after subjects had picked up, chewed, and discarded them. DNA was later extracted from the buffer. Quantitative real-time PCR and both allelic dropout and genotype failure rates were used to compare the quantity and quality of the buccal DNA samples to those of intestinal slough cell DNA samples collected from freshly dropped feces. The buccal samples yielded significantly more DNA (27.1 ± 33.8 ng/μL) than did the fecal samples (11.4 ± 15.4 ng/μL) and exhibited lower allelic dropout and genotyping failure rates for the 10 autosomal microsatellites investigated. Buccal cell collection was also simple, inexpensive, reliable, and less time-consuming compared to fecal sampling. Thus, this method should facilitate genome-wide studies of non-human primates and other wildlife species.

scholarly journals Forensic Odontology: A Boon to Community in Medico-legal Affairs

2016 ◽  
Vol 54 (201) ◽  
pp. 46-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramasamy Chidambaram
Keyword(s):  
Forensic Odontology ◽  
Legal Issues ◽  
Forensic Identification ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Bite Marks ◽  
Invasive Method ◽  
Dental Records ◽  
Mass Disasters ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Dental Professionals

Forensic odontology is a sub-discipline of dental science which involves the relationship between dentistry and the law. The specialty of forensic odontology is applied in radiographic investigation, human bite marks analysis, anthropologic examination and during mass disasters. Besides the fact that radiographs require pretentious laboratory, it is still claimed to be a facile, rapid, non-invasive method of age identification in the deceased. The budding DNA technology has conquered the traditional procedures and currently being contemplated as chief investigating tool in revealing the hidden mysteries of victims and suspects, especially in hopeless circumstances. Forensic odontology has played a chief role in solving cold cases and proved to be strong evidence in the court of law. Systematic collection of dental records and preservation of the same would marshal the legal officials in identification of the deceased. To serve the forensic operation and legal authorities, dental professionals need to be familiar with the basics of forensic odontology, which would create a consciousness to preserve the dental data. The aim of this paper is to emphasize the vital applications of forensic odontology in medico-legal issues. Conjointly the recent advancements applied in forensic human identification have been updated. Keywords: bite marks; dental records; forensic identification; mass disaster; medico-legal issues. | PubMed

scholarly journals Determining the numbers of a landscape architect species (Tapirus terrestris), using footprints

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e4591 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle O. Moreira ◽  
Sky K. Alibhai ◽  
Zoe C. Jewell ◽  
Cristina J. da Cunha ◽  
Jardel B. Seibert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Population Monitoring ◽  
Ecosystem Dynamics ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Gps Collars ◽  
Landscape Architect ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Tapirus Terrestris ◽  
Identification Technique ◽  
Invasive Method

Background As a landscape architect and a major seed disperser, the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) is an important indicator of the ecological health of certain habitats. Therefore, reliable data regarding tapir populations are fundamental in understanding ecosystem dynamics, including those associated with the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. Currently, many population monitoring studies use invasive tagging with radio or satellite/Global Positioning System (GPS) collars. These techniques can be costly and unreliable, and the immobilization required carries physiological risks that are undesirable particularly for threatened and elusive species such as the lowland tapir. Methods We collected data from one of the last regions with a viable population of lowland tapir in the south-eastern Atlantic Forest, Brazil, using a new non-invasive method for identifying species, the footprint identification technique (FIT). Results We identified the minimum number of tapirs in the study area and, in addition, we observed that they have overlapping ranges. Four hundred and forty footprints from 46 trails collected from six locations in the study area in a landscape known to contain tapir were analyzed, and 29 individuals were identified from these footprints. Discussion We demonstrate a practical application of FIT for lowland tapir censusing. Our study shows that FIT is an effective method for the identification of individuals of a threatened species, even when they lack visible natural markings on their bodies. FIT offers several benefits over other methods, especially for tapir management. As a non-invasive method, it can be used to census or monitor species, giving rapid feedback to managers of protected areas.

scholarly journals PSXI-3 Applicability of a non-invasive method to predict body weight of growing-finishing pigs based on the support of the front legs

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 387-388
Author(s):  
Sergi López-Vergé ◽  
Pau Aymerich ◽  
Carme Soldevila ◽  
Jordi Bonet ◽  
Josep Gasa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Linear Model ◽  
Good Method ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Finishing Pigs ◽  
Large White ◽  
Weighting Method ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Invasive Method ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Weighting Methods

Abstract The aim of the current study was to verify the applicability of an automatic weighting method based on the support of the front legs of the pigs compared to a traditional scale. A total of 1,320 males and females crossbreed pigs [Pietrain x (Landrace x Large White)] from 110 sows were studied. Feed was offered ad libitum. All pigs were allotted to growing-fattening pens (13 pigs/pen) and individually identified by electronic ear tags. A scale with a platform to put the front legs (FLS), also equipped with an antenna to read the ear tags, was placed in each pen assembled with the feeder, weighing the pig automatically each time approached for feed. All pigs were also manually weighed with a regular scale (RS) on d 64 (entry to the fattening unit), d 90, d 111, d 140 and d 159, respectively, to compare both weighting methods. The relationship between the BW obtained by FLS and RS was analyzed by using the CORR procedure of SAS. Thereafter, a simple linear model was adjusted by using the REG procedure of SAS to predict the BW of the animals from the FLS method. The results showed a high correlation (r = 0.99; P < .0001) between the two weighting methods. Moreover, the linear model fitted (RS = -1.6799 + 1.7413 x FLS; P < .0001) presented a high R2 (0.99), low CV (4.29%) and low RMSE (2.641). Results suggest that the FLS is a good method to weight individually and automatically all the pigs of a growing-fattening unit allowing farmers to monitor the growth of their animals and to implement feeding strategies for pigs that are growing below the average (e.g. precision feeding). The benefits of animal welfare by reducing the stress associated to the over manipulation of pigs should also be considered.

scholarly journals The effect of ACTH upon faecal glucocorticoid excretion in the koala

2013 ◽  
Vol 219 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Davies ◽  
Amber Gillett ◽  
Clive McAlpine ◽  
Leonie Seabrook ◽  
Greg Baxter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Time Lag ◽  
Faecal Pellet ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Faecal Pellets ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Corticosteroid Binding Globulin ◽  
Invasive Method

Environmental changes result in physiological responses of organisms, which can adversely affect population dynamics and reduce resistance to disease. These changes are expressed in chronic levels of stress. The measurement of glucocorticoid (GC) concentrations in faeces is a non-invasive method for monitoring stress in wildlife. The metabolism and excretion of steroids differ significantly between species and, as a consequence, non-invasive methods must be physiologically validated for each species. Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are declining in numbers through much of their range. The role of chronic stress in koala populations has not been identified. Prior to the assessment of faecal GC concentrations in wild koala populations, the excretion timing and concentrations of GCs need to be determined. In this study, we assessed a method for identifying and measuring the concentrations of GC metabolites in faecal pellets of captive koalas following ACTH treatment. The results show that an elevation of plasma cortisol concentrations, using sustained release of ACTH, results in elevated concentrations of faecal cortisol/cortisol metabolites. Taking into account the excretion time lag, an increase in faecal cortisol metabolite concentrations corresponds to the release of GCs from the adrenal cortex as early as 36 h before faecal pellet collection. The calculations of steroid partitioning of plasma cortisol showed that the ACTH-stimulated values were significantly different from the control values for the concentrations of free, corticosteroid-binding globulin-bound and albumin-bound cortisol. This study validates the use of faecal cortisol analysis to assess the activity of the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenocortical axis in freshly collected koala faecal pellets and indicates that the method should be suitable to assess the adrenocortical status of koalas in wild populations.

Malfunctional Reorganization in the Developing Limbo-Prefrontal System in Animals: Implications for Human Psychoses?

2001 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-14
Author(s):  
Gertraud Teuchert-Noodt ◽  
Ralf R. Dawirs
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Dentate Gyrus ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Experimental Approach ◽  
Regulatory Mechanisms ◽  
Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Invasive Method ◽  
Activity Dependent

Abstract: Neuroplasticity research in connection with mental disorders has recently bridged the gap between basic neurobiology and applied neuropsychology. A non-invasive method in the gerbil (Meriones unguiculus) - the restricted versus enriched breading and the systemically applied single methamphetamine dose - offers an experimental approach to investigate psychoses. Acts of intervening affirm an activity dependent malfunctional reorganization in the prefrontal cortex and in the hippocampal dentate gyrus and reveal the dopamine position as being critical for the disruption of interactions between the areas concerned. From the extent of plasticity effects the probability and risk of psycho-cognitive development may be derived. Advance may be expected from insights into regulatory mechanisms of neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus which is obviously to meet the necessary requirements to promote psycho-cognitive functions/malfunctions via the limbo-prefrontal circuit.

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