Animal responses to environmental variation: physiological mechanisms in ecological models of performance in deer (Cervidae)

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (10) ◽  
pp. 1248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas J. C. Tyler ◽  
Pablo Gregorini ◽  
Katherine L. Parker ◽  
David G. Hazlerigg

Context Proper assessment of the consequences of environmental variation on animals depends on our ability to predict how they will perform under different circumstances. This requires two kinds of information. We need to know which environmental factors influence animal performance and their mode of action, i.e. whether a given factor acts alone or through interaction with other factors, directly or indirectly, instantaneously or after a delay and so on. This essentially correlative process falls within the domain of ecology. We also need to know what determines the direction, amplitude and limits of animal responses to environmental variation and change. This essentially experimental process falls within the domain of physiology. Physiological mechanisms are frequently poorly integrated within the correlative framework of ecological models. This is evident where programmed responses are attributed to environmental forcing and where the effect of environmental factors is evaluated without reference to the physiological state and regulatory capacity of the animal on which they act. Aims Here we examine ways in which the impacts of external (environmental) stimuli and constraints on performance are moderated by the animals (deer) on which they impinge. Key results The analysis shows (1) how trade-offs in foraging behaviour, illustrated by the timing of activity under the threat of predation, are modulated by integration of short-term metabolic feedback and animal emotions that influence the motivation to feed, (2) how the influence of thermal and nutritional challenges on performance, illustrated by the effect of weather conditions during gestation on the body mass of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) calves at weaning, depends on the metabolic state of the female at the time the challenge occurs and (3) how annual cycles of growth, appetite and reproduction in seasonal species of deer are governed by innate circannual timers, such that their responses to seasonal changes in food supply are anticipatory and governed by rheostatic systems that adjust homeostatic set- points, rather than being purely reactive. Conclusions Concepts like ‘maintenance’ and ‘energy balance’, which were originally derived from non-seasonal domestic ruminants, are unable to account for annual cycles in metabolic and nutritional status in seasonal deer. Contrasting seasonal phenotypes (fat and anoestrous in summer, lean and oestrous in winter) represent adaptive solutions to the predictable challenges presented by contrasting seasonal environments, not failure of homeostasis in one season and its success in another. Implications The analysis and interpretation of responses to environment in terms of interaction between the external stimuli and the internal systems that govern them offer a more comprehensive, multifaceted understanding of the influence of environmental variation on performance in deer and open lines of ecological enquiry defined by non-intuitive aspects of animal function.

2021 ◽  
pp. 295-299
Author(s):  
A.V. Azizyan ◽  
A.M. Poghosyan

Estimation of the cattle’s body condition per the standard enables to control the general state of the animals and storage of the reserve substances in their bodies. The body condition is rated through 1-10 scoring scale system. According to the weather conditions and physiological state, the average body condition of the herd’s cows is estimated as 5-7 points, while emaciation and overfeeding - 3-8 points accordingly. The mentioned scoring system is applied for the productivity estimation in different breeds of beef cattle and their crossbreeds. The studies are still in process and the findings will be published in the upcoming articles.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 99-105
Author(s):  
Yu. S. Abilfazova

The article presents experimental data on physiological and biochemical studies of stone fruit culture on the example of Persica vulgaris (Mill.) In the humid subtropics of Russia. The research has been carried out since 2011 in the Laboratory of plant physiology and biochemistry of the Subtropical Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences on peach varieties of different ripening periods grown in the humid subtropics of Russia. To identify any physiological changes in the body of peach plants during drought, especially in summer, comprehensive diagnostic studies of the water regime (leaf turgidity, determination of the thickness of the leaf blade, water deficiency) and pigment composition are carried out, characterizing the functional state of peach plants. Under unfavorable conditions, promising varieties have a higher ratio of chlorophylls to carotenoids, which confirms their more developed adaptive potential. Studies of this nature have been carried out in order to identify and select resistant peach plants among the studied varieties, which would correspond to the humid region of the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar Territory. In the subtropical zone of our region, the issue of drought resistance has always been acute, since the impact of negative environmental factors (cool spring, accompanied by drizzling rains and a long summer shortage of air and soil moisture) on peach plants lead to a decrease in productivity and a deterioration in the quality of fruits, which makes their unsuitable and non-transportable. It has been found that among the tested plants, peach varieties Maycrest, Fayet, Larisa have been distinguished by high physiological indicators, such as: low water deficiency – 12,20–14,65%, leaf turgidity ­– 0,18 mm, saturation of leaf tissues within 70,12–79,21%, the content of carotenoids is 0,5–0,7 units, which is a confirming sign of their high resistance to the negative effects of weather conditions in the south of Russia.


2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (4) ◽  
pp. 379-383
Author(s):  
Vasily N. Afonyushkin ◽  
N. A. Donchenko ◽  
Ju. N. Kozlova ◽  
N. A. Davidova ◽  
V. Yu. Koptev ◽  
...  

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a widely represented species of bacteria possessing of a pathogenic potential. This infectious agent is causing wound infections, fibrotic cystitis, fibrosing pneumonia, bacterial sepsis, etc. The microorganism is highly resistant to antiseptics, disinfectants, immune system responses of the body. The responses of a quorum sense of this kind of bacteria ensure the inclusion of many pathogenicity factors. The analysis of the scientific literature made it possible to formulate four questions concerning the role of biofilms for the adaptation of P. aeruginosa to adverse environmental factors: Is another person appears to be predominantly of a source an etiological agent or the source of P. aeruginosa infection in the environment? Does the formation of biofilms influence on the antibiotic resistance? How the antagonistic activity of microorganisms is realized in biofilm form? What is the main function of biofilms in the functioning of bacteria? A hypothesis has been put forward the effect of biofilms on the increase of antibiotic resistance of bacteria and, in particular, P. aeruginosa to be secondary in charcter. It is more likely a biofilmboth to fulfill the function of storing nutrients and provide topical competition in the face of food scarcity. In connection with the incompatibility of the molecular radii of most antibiotics and pores in biofilm, biofilm is doubtful to be capable of performing a barrier function for protecting against antibiotics. However, with respect to antibodies and immunocompetent cells, the barrier function is beyond doubt. The biofilm is more likely to fulfill the function of storing nutrients and providing topical competition in conditions of scarcity of food resources.


2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (5) ◽  
pp. 478-482
Author(s):  
N. P. Setko ◽  
A. G. Setko ◽  
Ekaterina V. Bulycheva ◽  
A. V. Tyurin ◽  
E. Yu. Kalinina

Introduction. Changes in the body of children and adolescents aimed at adapting to environmental factors are determined by genetic polymorphism in xenobiotic biotransformation genes, determining the degree of susceptibility of the child’s body to pollutants, which is the basis of modern personalized preventive medicine when managing risks to the health of the child population under the influence of environmental factors. Material and methods. Trace elements, including heavy metals, lead and cadmium, were determined in the hair of 256 practically healthy teenagers by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Depending on the level of content of the latter, two groups of adolescents were formed to determine six genes of the cytochrome P-450 family. Group 1 consisted of adolescents whose cadmium lead content exceeded the average Russian indices. The second group included adolescents whose heavy metals were above the level of average Russian standards. Results. Studies have shown that in adolescents of the 1st group, compared with the data of adolescents of the 2nd group, an increase in the number of carriers of two mutant alleles at the locus rs 1048943 (gene CYP1A1) is 3.08 times, rs 464621 (gene CYP1A1) is 1. 8 times; locus rs 2069522 (CYP1A2 gene) 3.63 times; locus rs 1799853 (CYP2C9 * 2 gene) 4.5 times; locus rs 1057910 (gene CYP2C9 * 3) 3.8 times and locus rs 2279343 (gene CYP2B6) 4.25 times. Moreover, carriers of two normal alleles in adolescents of the first group at the locus rs 1048943 (gene CYP1A1) were 5.14 times; locus rs 2279343 (CYP2B6 gene) was 6.5 fold less than among adolescents of the 2nd group; and at the locus rs 464621 (gene CYP1A1), rs 2069522 (gene CYP1A2), rs 1799853 (gene CYP2C9 * 2), rs 1057910 (gene CYP2C9 * 3) there were no carriers of normal homozygotes. Conclusion. Group 1 adolescents with heavy metal contamination of the body are carriers significantly in a greater number of pathological mutations in the genes of the cytochrome P-450 detoxification system in comparison with data from group 2 adolescents.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
IJE Manager

In the past century, fossil fuels have dominated energy supply in Indonesia. However, concerns over emissions are likely to change the future energy supply. As people become more conscious of environmental issues, alternatives for energy are sought to reduce the environmental impacts. These include renewable energy (RE) sources such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. However, most RE sources like solar PV are not available continuously since they depend on weather conditions, in addition to geographical location. Bali has a stable and long sunny day with 12 hours of daylight throughout the year and an average insolation of 5.3 kWh/m2 per day. This study looks at the potential for on-grid solar PV to decarbonize energy in Bali. A site selection methodology using GIS is applied to measure solar PV potential. Firstly, the study investigates the boundaries related to environmental acceptability and economic objectives for land use in Bali. Secondly, the potential of solar energy is estimated by defining the suitable areas, given the technical assumptions of solar PV. Finally, the study extends the analysis to calculate the reduction in emissions when the calculated potential is installed. Some technical factors, such as tilting solar, and intermittency throughout the day, are outside the scope of this study. Based on this model, Bali has an annual electricity potential for 32-53 TWh from solar PV using amorphous thin-film silicon as the cheapest option. This potential amount to three times the electricity supply for the island in 2024 which is estimated at 10 TWh. Bali has an excessive potential to support its own electricity demand with renewables, however, some limitations exist with some trade-offs to realize the idea. These results aim to build a developmental vision of solar PV systems in Bali based on available land and the region’s irradiation.


2016 ◽  
Vol 553 ◽  
pp. 93-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Ramajo ◽  
L Prado ◽  
AB Rodriguez-Navarro ◽  
MA Lardies ◽  
CM Duarte ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
U. Khompodoeva ◽  
R. Ivanov

The results of researches on the peculiarities of metabolism in the body of horses of Yakut breed in the winter and spring periods under the environments of Central Yakutia have been presented in the article. Physiological experiments on the digestibility of the main nutrients of the feed have been carried out in the winter (February) and spring (April) periods under the environments of the physiological yard in the Yakutsk Scientific and Research Institute of Agriculture named after M. G. Safronov with using the classical method. Five mares and five geldings of Yakut breed have been selected for researches. The average live weight of mares was 378–410 kg, geldings 394–403 kg. The experimental animals had average fatness. It has been found a higher intake of energy and the main nutrients of hay as a mono feed in winter compared to the spring period. At the same time pregnant mares in winter have been consumed 103,8±3,12 MJ of metabolic energy per head/day, which was 27,3 % significantly higher than in the spring period – 75,4±2,18 MJ (P ≥ 0,999). Geldings have been consumed in the experiment 67,70±2,85 MJ, which was by 43,7 % higher than in the spring period – 38,05 ± 4,40 MJ of metabolic energy per head/day (P ≥ 0,999). Experimental animals have been housed in stalls; there was no energy expenditure for movement, so the amount of energy consumed in winter indicates the production of heat in the animal’s body. Pregnant mares per 100 kg of live weight have consumed 31,5±4,11 MJ of metabolic energy or 33,3 % more than in the spring period – 21,0±1,98 MJ; geldings have consumed 27,69±1,12, which was 41,78 % significantly higher than in the spring – 16,12 ± 0,75 MJ (P ≥ 0,999). The high intake of metabolic energy into the body of Yakut horses in winter is explained by the manifestation of adaptive mechanisms that affect the effective metabolism for survival, adapted to frequent changes in weather conditions and sharp temperature changes. The established differences in the biochemical parameters of blood serum of horses of Yakut breed are associated with changes in the consumption and digestibility of basic nutrients and energy, depending on the ambient temperature.


Author(s):  
M.P. Sutunkova ◽  
B.A. Katsnelson ◽  
L.I. Privalova ◽  
S.N. Solovjeva ◽  
V.B. Gurvich ◽  
...  

We conducted a comparative assessment of the nickel oxide nanoparticles toxicity (NiO) of two sizes (11 and 25 nm) according to a number of indicators of the body state after repeated intraperitoneal injections of these particles suspensions. At equal mass doses, NiO nanoparticles have been found to cause various manifestations of systemic subchronic toxicity with a particularly pronounced effect on liver, kidney function, the body’s antioxidant system, lipid metabolism, white and red blood, redox metabolism, spleen damage, and some disorders of nervous activity allegedly related to the possibility of nickel penetration into the brain from the blood. The relationship between the diameter and toxicity of particles is ambiguous, which may be due to differences in toxicokinetics, which is controlled by both physiological mechanisms and direct penetration of nanoparticles through biological barriers and, finally, unequal solubility.


Author(s):  
I. V. Cheretaev ◽  
D. R. Khusainov ◽  
E. N. Chuyan ◽  
M. Yu. Ravaeva ◽  
A. N. Gusev ◽  
...  

The purpose of the review is to summarize current literature data and the results of our own research on the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of acetylsalicylic acid, as well as the physiological mechanisms underlying them. This acid is the most studied reference representative of salicylates, which is convenient to consider the physiological effects characteristic in general for this group of chemical and medicinal products. Acetylsalicylic acid has analgesic properties against thermal pain and pain caused by electrical stimuli, as well as a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. The realization of these properties depends on the peculiarities of aspirin metabolism in the body, ion and synaptic mechanisms for controlling the functional state of the cell, neurotransmitter systems of the сentral nervous system, and mechanisms of peripheral and сentral analgesia. Analgesic properties of acetylsalicylic acid founded not only in normal, but also in ultra-small doses. Various physical and especially chemical factors significantly change their effects. This increases the interest in studying the analgesic activity of salicylates and their physiological mechanisms, since such studies can serve as a basis for creating new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with low toxicity and high safety for patients, and improve the strategy of their practical use. Currently, the most detailed study of the physiological mechanism of analgesic and anti-inflammatory action of aspirin and its main metabolite – salicylic acid. However, it should be note that despite the abundance of existing data obtained in scientific studies of the effects of aspirin and its practical use, there are a number of unexplained aspects of the action of this drug, the mechanism of which has not yet been deciphered. The continuing interest in the effects and mechanisms of action of this drug and in connection with the expansion of its use evidenced by a consistently high number of scientific publications on aspirin in the most famous foreign and domestic publications. At the same time, the number of publications about aspirin is an order of magnitude higher than about any other drug known to humanity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abolfazl Mohammadbeigi ◽  
Salman Khazaei ◽  
Hamidreza Heidari ◽  
Azadeh Asgarian ◽  
Shahram Arsangjang ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectivesLeishmaniasis is a neglected and widespread parasitic disease that can lead to serious health problems. The current review study aimed to synthesize the relationship between ecologic and environmental factors (e.g., weather conditions, climatology, temperature and topology) and the incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in the Old World.ContentA systematic review was conducted based on English, and Persian articles published from 2015 to 2020 in PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Keywords used to search articles were leishmaniasis, environmental factors, weather condition, soil, temperature, land cover, ecologic* and topogr*. All articles were selected and assessed for eligibility according to the titles or abstracts. The quality screening process of articles was carried out by two independent authors. The selected articles were checked according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.Summary and outlookA total of 827 relevant records in 2015–2020 were searched and after evaluating the articles, 23 articles met the eligibility criteria; finally, 14 full-text articles were included in the systematic review. Two different categories of ecologic/environmental factors (weather conditions, temperature, rainfall/precipitation and humidity) and land characteristics (land cover, slope, elevation and altitude, earthquake and cattle sheds) were the most important factors associated with CL incidence.ConclusionsTemperature and rainfall play an important role in the seasonal cycle of CL as many CL cases occurred in arid and semiarid areas in the Old World. Moreover, given the findings of this study regarding the effect of weather conditions on CL, it can be concluded that designing an early warning system is necessary to predict the incidence of CL based on different weather conditions.


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