scholarly journals Continent-wide variation in feather colour of a migratory songbird in relation to body condition and moulting locality

2006 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Ryan Norris ◽  
Peter P Marra ◽  
T Kurt Kyser ◽  
Laurene M Ratcliffe ◽  
Robert Montgomerie
Keyword(s):  
Migratory Birds ◽  
Carotenoid Content ◽  
Wintering Grounds ◽  
Previous Season ◽  
Yellow Orange ◽  
Orange Colour ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Migratory Songbird ◽  
Colour Signals

Understanding the causes of variation in feather colour in free-living migratory birds has been challenging owing to our inability to track individuals during the moulting period when colours are acquired. Using stable-hydrogen isotopes to estimate moulting locality, we show that the carotenoid-based yellow–orange colour of American redstart ( Setophaga ruticilla ) tail feathers sampled on the wintering grounds in Central America and the Caribbean is related to the location where feathers were grown the previous season across North America. Males that moulted at southerly latitudes were more likely to grow yellowish feathers compared with males that moulted more orange–red feathers further north. Independent samples obtained on both the breeding and the wintering grounds showed that red chroma—an index of carotenoid content—was not related to the mean daily feather growth rate, suggesting that condition during moult did not influence feather colour. Thus, our results support the hypothesis that feather colour is influenced by ecological conditions at the locations where the birds moulted. We suggest that these colour signals may be influenced by geographical variation in diet related to the availability of carotenoids.

scholarly journals Coverage Increases of Porites astreoides in Grenada Determined by Shifts in Size-Frequency Distribution

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 288
Author(s):  
Ryan G. Eagleson ◽  
John S. Lumsden ◽  
Lorenzo Álvarez-Filip ◽  
Christophe M. Herbinger ◽  
Ryan A. Horricks
Keyword(s):  
Coral Community ◽  
Scleractinian Corals ◽  
Area Measurement ◽  
Coralline Algae ◽  
Measurement Tool ◽  
Size Frequency Distribution ◽  
Point Count ◽  
Porites Astreoides ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Caribbean

Despite coral community collapse, the mustard hill coral (Porites astreoides) is a species currently experiencing success throughout the Caribbean. The inshore reefs of Grenada were selected to study the influence of benthic factors on the abundance, size, and coverage of P. astreoides colonies. Surveys of reef communities along established 30 m transects were conducted at eight sites in 2014 and 2017 using a 0.5 m² quadrat. Coral Point Count was used to annotate the images, estimating the coverage of scleractinian corals, sponges, algae, and benthic substrates. Coverage, size, and abundance of P. astreoides colonies were quantified using the area measurement tool in ImageJ standardized against the quadrats. There were significant differences in benthic community assemblages between islands, selected sites, and between years. From 2014 to 2017 there was a significant decrease in the mean abundance of P. astreoides colonies and significant increases in mean colony size and coverage. The presence of P. astreoides colonies was significantly correlated with: rubble (−), sand (−); pavement (+); macroalgae (−); coralline algae (+); sponges (varying response); gorgonians (−); massive corals (+); and branching corals (−). P. astreoides follows similar recruitment patterns as other scleractinian corals. Observed changes in P. astreoides populations appear to indicate a recovery event following a disturbance, potentially tropical storm Chantal in 2013.

scholarly journals Does wind speed and direction influence timing and route of a trans-hemispheric migratory songbird (purple martin) at a migration barrier?

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. Abdulle ◽  
K. C. Fraser
Keyword(s):  
Wind Speed ◽  
Migratory Birds ◽  
Gulf Coast ◽  
Yucatan Peninsula ◽  
Yucatán Peninsula ◽  
Shortest Distance ◽  
Departure Date ◽  
Purple Martin ◽  
Migratory Songbird ◽  
Departure Decisions

Abstract The influence of weather on the departure decisions and routes of migratory birds can now be further investigated with the use of direct tracking methods. We tested hypotheses for migration departure decisions and flight trajectories by determining the influence of wind speed and direction at the Yucatan peninsula in spring on departure date, migratory route, and longitude of arrival at the northern Gulf coast of a trans-hemispheric migratory songbird, purple martin (Progne subis). Birds were equipped with geolocators at their breeding colony and 36 were recaptured upon return after spring migration. While southerly tailwinds with low wind speeds prevailed at the Yucatan during the period of passage, we found that daily wind speed and direction were still important predictors of departure date. However, wind conditions at departure did not predict longitude of arrival at the US gulf coast after crossing the gulf. Birds appeared to favour the shortest distance across the Gulf of Mexico, aided by consistent tailwinds, but may have corrected for wind drift so as to land at a longitude near 88°, reflecting the shortest distance across from the Yucatan staging areas. Considering their use prior to departure, high quality roost sites at the Yucatan peninsula would be important conservation targets for this declining aerial insectivore.

scholarly journals Orange Capsicums and Chillies as a Potential Source of Dietary Zeaxanthin, an Important Macular Carotenoid for Eye Health

Proceedings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 161
Author(s):  
Rimjhim Agarwal ◽  
Hung Hong Trieu ◽  
Robyn Cave ◽  
Stephen Harper ◽  
Tim O’Hare
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Beta Carotene ◽  
Photoreceptor Cells ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
High Accumulation ◽  
Orange Pigment ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Yellow Orange ◽  
Orange Colour

Zeaxanthin is a dietary carotenoid accumulated in the macula in order to reduce photoreceptor oxidation by blue light. Damage caused to photoreceptor cells in the human eye leads to macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness in developed countries. Zeaxanthin, an orange pigment, is rarer in western diets as compared to the yellow pigment, lutein, the other important macular carotenoid. Orange capsicums (Capsicum annuum) have been reported to be an excellent source of zeaxanthin, but there are limited reports about its occurrence both within, and in other closely related species (C. baccatum, C. chinense). In the current investigation, yellow, orange and red coloured accessions of C. annuum, C. chinense and C. baccatum were analysed for their carotenoid profiles to identify high zeaxanthin accessions. A carotenoid extraction protocol and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-photometric diode array-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-PDA-MS) analysis was optimised to identify and quantify carotenoids in the capsicum accessions both before and after saponification. Interestingly, out of 22 varieties tested, only the ‘Orange Belle’ orange capsicum demonstrated a high accumulation of zeaxanthin. Other accessions exhibiting orange colour accumulated different orange carotenoid pigments to zeaxanthin, such as violaxanthin, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Yellow coloured accessions accumulated a high concentration of lutein or alpha-carotene, while red cultivars were highest in capsanthin and capsorubin. The present findings suggests a need for further studies to identify high zeaxanthin germplasm which can be cross-bred with orange capsicums for future biofortification, in order to help increase the daily dietary intake of zeaxanthin in western diets.

scholarly journals OBSERVATIONS ON THE BIOLOGY OF THE REDLIP BLENNY, OPHIOBLENNIUS ATLANTICUS (PISCES: BLENNIIDAE) ON THE COLOMBIAN COAST OF THE CARIBBEAN

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael K. Rylander ◽  
Friedemann Kóster
Keyword(s):  
Interspecific Interactions ◽  
Color Pattern ◽  
Territory Size ◽  
Territorial Defense ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
The Difference

During a 3 week study, a total of 5 5 individuals of the redlip blc.nny (Ophiobitmtius atlanticusJ were observed for at least two 15-minute periods, and several for ten of such periods. The sizes of their territories were estimated, the color pattern of each specimen an intra and interspecific interactions were recorded. The mean territory size of the redlip blenny in the study area appeared to be greater than i-that of these blcnnies studied in Curasao and Barbados by Nursall (1977), the difference reflecting perhaps different methods of identifying the territories or a lover density of O. atlanticus in the Santa Marta area. Territories did not appear as consistently defended at the study area as at Barbados/Curasao and our impression is that individuals holding large territories are less likely to defend their borders. It seems possible that light colored individuals are protected by their coloration from attack by dark colored territory owners. In territorial defense the redlip k btennies grabbed each other tightly by the mouth and struggled in this position repeatedly for about 15 seconds. Interspecific antagonism was common in the present study, the redlip blennies defended their territory frequently against Eupomaccntrus dorsopunicans or E. partitus.

scholarly journals THE CONTENT OF CAROTINOIDS IN FRUITS OF SOME REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SORBUS L. GENUS AT THE INTRODUCTION

2020 ◽  
pp. 229-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rimma Galimzyanovna Abdullina ◽  
Svetlana Galimullovna Denisova ◽  
Kira Aleksandrovna Pupykina ◽  
Zinnur Khaidarovich Shigapov
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Food Additives ◽  
Botanical Garden ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Hybrid Origin ◽  
Carotenoid Content ◽  
Sorbus Aucuparia ◽  
Qualitative Detection ◽  
Yellow Orange ◽  
Promising Source

The purpose of this study was to determine the content of carotenoids in the fruits of some representatives of Sorbus genus from the collection of the South Ural Botanical Garden-Institute. For the quantitative analysis, the fruits of the rowan trees were collected in the phase of full ripening and dried to an air-dry state. Sorbus aucuparia L. was used as an object of comparison as the official pharmacopoeias species. Qualitative detection of carotenoids was performed by thin layer chromatography, quantitative determination - spectrophotometrically.It was found that the highest content of carotenoids is characterized by a sort of hybrid origin × Crataegosorbus miczurinii “Garnet” – 46.41 mg/% and a natural hybrid Sorbocotoneaster pozdnijkovii – 42.64 mg /%. The minimum content of this group of substances is noted in the raw material of Sorbus frutescens (0.86 mg/%) with white fruits. This fact is confirmed by the presence of plant pigments – carotenoids, in fruits that have a yellow-orange-red color. The local Sorbus aucuparia had a low carotenoid content (11.24 mg/%).The study, with a certain degree of reliability, suggests the presence of carotenoids in the fruits of the rowan trees studied and allows us to recommend them as a promising source of raw materials for the production of vitamin-active drugs and food additives. The studied taxons × Crataegosorbus miczurinii and × Sorbocotoneaster pozdnijkovii are characterized by high introduction resistance under the conditions of the Bashkir Cis-Urals. In the future, it is intended to continue the study of other members of the Sorbus genus for the presence of pharmacopoeias properties.

scholarly journals PRODUCTIVIDAD PRIMARIA EN LA CIENAGA GRANDE DE SANTA MARTA, COLOMBIA

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos A. Hernández J. ◽  
Klaus Gocke
Keyword(s):  
Primary Productivity ◽  
Coastal Lagoon ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Water Turbidity ◽  
High Particle Concentration ◽  
High Particle ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Caribbean

Between January 1987 and January 1988 the primary productivity and related parameters were studied in the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta. The Ciénaga is a coastal lagoon with an area of 423 km'2 and mean depth of 1.6 m, which is located at the Caribbean coast of Colombia. The salinity fluctuates seasonally within a wide range. The system is characterized by a high concentration of seston and a great primary productivity. The concentration of chlorophyll " a " ranged from 5.6to 181 ug Ii , the mean value was 59 ug I i . The concentration of proteins was within the extremes of 0.9 and 9.5 mg I"i f the mean value was 4.2 mg I ] . The gross primary productivity in the central part of the Ciénaga amounted to 1690 g C m*2 per year. Considering the temporal fluctuation in the whole system the lowest and highest values were 1.40 and 16.3 g C rrr2 per day. Highest productivity values were encountered when the salinity was low. The primary productivity is controlled by water turbidity and availability of nutrients, thus, seasonal continental waters. The photosynthetic laver ¡s restricted to less than 1.5 m due to the high particle concentration. The mean N: P relation was 4:1 which indicates that the nitrogen compounds are the limiting nutrientes. The high primary productivity sustains an important local fishery. The coastal area in the vicinity of the Ciénaga Grande is benefitted by the export of particulated and dissolved organic matter produced in excess within the coastal lagoon.

scholarly journals An Evaluation of the Therapeutic Nutrition Knowledge of Belizean Nurses

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 01-07
Author(s):  
Marcia Magnus
Keyword(s):  
Response Rate ◽  
Nutritional Knowledge ◽  
The West ◽  
Nutrition And Diabetes ◽  
West Region ◽  
Nutritional Guidance ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Correct Response Rate

In Belize, patients rely on nurses for nutritional guidance on non-communicable diseases in the Caribbean. The objectives of this study were to quantify the therapeutic nutritional knowledge of 198 Belizean nurses using the Al-Shwaiyat questionnaire. The mean correct response rate for the therapeutic nutritional knowledge was suboptimal (53.30%±17.20). Nurses in the West region of the country had the highest mean knowledge scores on nutrition and diabetes 75.41±20.10, p=0.003; on nutrition and cardiovascular diseases 57.23±10.90, p=0.000; and in overall knowledge 62.34±9.76 p=0.000. Nurses without a diagnosis of diabetes had higher mean knowledge scores on a) nutrition and diabetes 63.86±26.07, p=0.001; b) nutrition and obesity questions 49.55±20.80, p=0.004; c) nutrition and cardiovascular disease 53.30±15.70, p=0.007 and d), overall mean 55.24±16.67, p=0.000. There is a need to address the low levels of knowledge of Belizean nurses.

scholarly journals Dietary intake and early childhood caries

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 8-9
Author(s):  
Lina María Villegas ◽  
Judy Elena Villavicencio ◽  
Adolfo Contreras
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Dental Caries ◽  
Early Childhood Caries ◽  
Tooth Enamel ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Single Origin ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Childhood Caries

Early childhood caries (ECC) affect children less than 71 months of age (1) and it represents a public health problem in countries worldwide (2–4). The mean ECC prevalence in United Nations Countries was 23.8% in children younger than 36 months and 57.3% in children aged 36 to 71 months. East Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean were the worst affected by ECC among children aged 36 to 71 months (5). Dental caries pertains to a group of diseases that are estimated “complex” or “multifactorial,” with no single origin pathway (6) and it is resulted by the interaction of bacteria, mainly Streptococci mutans (SM) and  actobacilli (LB), and sugary foods on tooth enamel (6,7). Additionally, there must be a lack of oral hygiene and lack of use of fluoride (8).

scholarly journals Variability and genotype × cutting interactions for different nutritional components in Chenopodium album L.

2011 ◽  
Vol 33 (No. 1) ◽  
pp. 29-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Bhargava ◽  
S. Shukla ◽  
B. S Dixit ◽  
R. Bannerji ◽  
D. Ohri
Keyword(s):  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Protein Content ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Chenopodium Album ◽  
Carotenoid Content ◽  
Ca Ix ◽  
Strong Trend ◽  
Nutritional Components ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
The Mean

Thirteen germplasm lines of vegetable Chenopodium (C. album) were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications to estimate the foliage yield and its seven contributing quality traits for three successive cuttings. The variability present in vegetable Chenopodium and interactions operating at various levels were also studied. The mean foliage yield was maximum for CA-II (3.03 &plusmn; 0.39 kg/plot), followed by CA-VII (2.94 &plusmn; 0.27 kg/plot) and CA-VI (2.41 &plusmn; 0.20 kg/plot). Moisture content showed a constant decrease in all germplasm lines with successive cuttings except for CA-IX in 3<sup>rd</sup> cutting. Protein content exhibited a strong trend of increase with each successive cutting and was maximum in 3<sup>rd</sup> cutting. Protein content showed the highest heritability in 1<sup>st</sup> cutting (96.35%) while the values were highest for ascorbic acid in 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> cutting. The carotenoid content and ascorbic acid exhibited consistently high genetic gain in all the three cuttings. &nbsp; &nbsp;

scholarly journals A novel isoform of cryptochrome 4 (Cry4b) is expressed in the retina of a night-migratory songbird

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelika Einwich ◽  
Karin Dedek ◽  
Pranav Kumar Seth ◽  
Sascha Laubinger ◽  
Henrik Mouritsen
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Expression Pattern ◽  
Migratory Birds ◽  
Radical Pair ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Erithacus Rubecula ◽  
Compass Orientation ◽  
Additional Exon ◽  
Magnetic Compass Orientation ◽  
Migratory Songbird

Abstract The primary sensory molecule underlying light-dependent magnetic compass orientation in migratory birds has still not been identified. The cryptochromes are the only known class of vertebrate proteins which could mediate this mechanism in the avian retina. Cryptochrome 4 of the night-migratory songbird the European robin (Erithacus rubecula; erCry4) has several of the properties needed to be the primary magnetoreceptor in the avian eye. Here, we report on the identification of a novel isoform of erCry4, which we named erCry4b. Cry4b includes an additional exon of 29 amino acids compared to the previously described form of Cry4, now called Cry4a. When comparing the retinal circadian mRNA expression pattern of the already known isoform erCry4a and the novel erCry4b isoform, we find that erCry4a is stably expressed throughout day and night, whereas erCry4b shows a diurnal mRNA oscillation. The differential characteristics of the two erCry4 isoforms regarding their 24-h rhythmicity in mRNA expression leads us to suggest that they might have different functions. Based on the 24-h expression pattern, erCry4a remains the more likely cryptochrome to be involved in radical-pair-based magnetoreception, but at the present time, an involvement of erCry4b cannot be excluded.

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