scholarly journals Assessing Ecological Indicators for Remnant Vegetation Strips as Functional Biological Corridors in Chilean Vineyards

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 447
Author(s):  
Javiera Díaz-Forestier ◽  
Sebastián Abades ◽  
Nélida Pohl ◽  
Olga Barbosa ◽  
Karina Godoy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Ecological Indicators ◽  
Rural Landscape ◽  
Natural Areas ◽  
Random Factor ◽  
Central Chile ◽  
Rural Landscapes

Mediterranean central Chile is globally recognized as a hotspot for terrestrial biodiversity due to its high endemism and massive habitat loss. However, within the rural landscape of central Chile, significant extents of natural areas remain, especially on less productive, steep slopes, and vegetation strips extending from the surrounding hills to agricultural areas. Accordingly, vegetation strips or corridors, within lowland farms, constitute key elements to support the conservation of biodiversity in rural landscapes. To assess the ecological performance of corridors in 22 commercials vineyards in central Chile, we characterized them in terms of width-, length-, area-, and perimeter-to-area ratios, as well as the number of connections with natural areas. Based on a set of previously defined ecological indicators (species, functional groups, and structural components), we compared their occurrence in corridors within vineyards and in the surrounding natural areas. We evaluated the effects of corridor attributes on the occurrence of the selected ecological indicators, using a generalized linear mixed model with each vineyard as a random factor. The area, width, and length of vegetation corridors varied widely (1.2–86.3 ha, 10.5–95 m, and 380–5000 m, respectively). We found significant differences in the occurrence of indicators between corridors and natural areas. All sampled ecological indicators in corridors showed a negative relationship with the distance to the nearest natural area. Vegetation strips within vineyards represent important opportunities for biodiversity conservation that significantly enhance habitat quality in the agricultural landscape for biodiversity and habitat connectivity.

scholarly journals Fat and Carbohydrate Interact to Potentiate Food Reward in Healthy Weight but Not in Overweight or Obesity

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1203
Author(s):  
Emily E. Perszyk ◽  
Zach Hutelin ◽  
Jessica Trinh ◽  
Arsene Kanyamibwa ◽  
Sophie Fromm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Density ◽  
Food Reward ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Prior Work ◽  
Expected Satiety ◽  
Overweight Or Obesity

Prior work suggests that actual, but not estimated, energy density drives the reinforcing value of food and that energy from fat and carbohydrate can interact to potentiate reward. Here we sought to replicate these findings in an American sample and to determine if the effects are influenced by body mass index (BMI). Thirty participants with healthy weight (HW; BMI 21.92 ± 1.77; M ± SD) and 30 participants with overweight/obesity (OW/OB; BMI 29.42 ± 4.44) rated pictures of common American snacks in 120-kcal portions for liking, familiarity, frequency of consumption, expected satiety, healthiness, energy content, energy density, and price. Participants then completed an auction task where they bid for the opportunity to consume each food. Snacks contained either primarily carbohydrate, primarily fat, or roughly equal portions of fat and carbohydrate (combo). Replicating prior work, we found that participants with HW bid the most for combo foods in linear mixed model analyses. This effect was not observed among individuals with OW/OB. Additionally, in contrast with previous reports, our linear regression analyses revealed a negative relationship between the actual energy density of the snacks and bid amount that was mediated by food price. Our findings support altered macronutrient reinforcement in obesity and highlight potential influences of the food environment on the regulation of food reward.

scholarly journals Comparative effectiveness of levothyroxine, desiccated thyroid extract, and levothyroxine+Liothyronine in hypothyroidism

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed K M Shakir ◽  
Daniel I Brooks ◽  
Elizabeth A McAninch ◽  
Tatiana De Lourdes Fonseca ◽  
Vinh Q Mai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Polymorphism ◽  
Visual Memory ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Treatment Preference ◽  
Thyroid Extract ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Random Factor ◽  
Hypothyroid Patients

Abstract Introduction Studies comparing LT4 therapy with LT4+LT3 or desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) did not detect consistent superiority of either treatment. Here we investigated these therapies, focusing on the whole group of LT4-treated hypothyroid patients, while also exploring the most symptomatic patients. Methodology Prospective, randomized, double-blind, crossover study of 75 hypothyroid patients randomly allocated to one of three treatment arms, LT4, LT4+LT3 and DTE, for 22 weeks. The primary outcomes were post-treatment scores on the 36-point thyroid symptom questionnaire (TSQ-36), 12-point quality of life general health questionnaire (GHQ-12), the Wechsler memory scale-Version IV (VMS-IV), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Secondary endpoints included treatment preference, biochemical and metabolic parameters, etiology of hypothyroidism, and Thr92Ala-DIO2 gene polymorphism. Analyses were performed with a linear mixed model using subject as a random factor and group as a fixed effect. Results Serum TSH remained within reference range across all treatment arms. There were no differences for primary and secondary outcomes, except for a minor increase in heart rate caused by DTE. Treatment preference was not different and there were no interferences of the etiology of hypothyroidism or Thr92Ala-DIO2 gene polymorphism in the outcomes. Subgroup analyses of the 1/3 most symptomatic patients on LT4 revealed strong preference for treatment containing T3, which improved performance on TSQ-36, GHQ-12, BDI and visual memory index (VMS-IV component). Conclusions As a group, outcomes were similar among hypothyroid patients taking DTE vs. LT4+T3 vs. LT4. However, those patients that were most symptomatic on LT4 preferred and responded positively to therapy with LT4+LT3 or DTE.

scholarly journals Fat and carbohydrate interact to potentiate food reward in healthy weight but not in overweight or obesity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily E. Perszyk ◽  
Zach Hutelin ◽  
Jessica Trinh ◽  
Arsene Kanyamibwa ◽  
Sophie Fromm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Density ◽  
Food Reward ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Prior Work ◽  
Expected Satiety ◽  
Overweight Or Obesity

AbstractPrior work suggests that actual, but not estimated, energy density drives the reinforcing value of food [1,2] and that energy from fat and carbohydrate can interact to potentiate reward [2]. Here we sought to replicate these findings in an American sample and to determine if the effects are influenced by body mass index (BMI). Thirty participants with healthy weight (HW; BMI 21.92 ± 1.77; M ± SD) and 30 participants with overweight/obesity (OW/OB; BMI 29.42 ± 4.44) rated pictures of common American snacks in 120-kcal portions for liking, familiarity, frequency of consumption, expected satiety, healthiness, energy content, energy density, and price. Participants then completed an auction task where they bid for the opportunity to consume each food. Snacks contained either primarily carbohydrate, primarily fat, or roughly equal portions of fat and carbohydrate (combo). Replicating prior work, we found that participants with HW bid the most for combo foods in linear mixed model analyses. This effect was not observed among individuals with OW/OB. Additionally, in contrast with previous reports [1,2], our linear regression analyses revealed a negative relationship between the actual energy density of the snacks and bid amount that was mediated by food price. Our findings support altered macronutrient reinforcement in obesity and highlight potential influences of the food environment on the regulation of food reward.

Scattered paddock trees and roadside vegetation can provide important habitat for koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in an agricultural landscape

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 194
Author(s):  
Benjamin J. Barth ◽  
Sean I. FitzGibbon ◽  
Amber Gillett ◽  
Robbie S. Wilson ◽  
Beth Moffitt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Rural Landscape ◽  
Critical Element ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Rural Landscapes ◽  
Roadside Vegetation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Scattered Trees

Habitat loss and fragmentation threaten the survival of koalas in Queensland. In rural landscapes, remaining koala habitat is often in the form of scattered paddock trees, patches of vegetation and roadside vegetation. The aims of this study were to (1) quantify the use of these three habitat types; (2) determine whether there is an increased use of scattered trees during the breeding season; and (3) describe the movement characteristics (daily step-length and turning angle) of koalas in different habitat types. To do this, koalas were caught and fitted with global positioning system (GPS) loggers that recorded their daily locations. We found koalas utilised all three habitat types in both breeding and non-breeding seasons, but roadside vegetation and scattered trees were utilised significantly more than expected based on their availability within the landscape. We found no significant difference in step-length or turning angles in scattered trees compared with patches of vegetation. We conclude that scattered trees are a critical element of habitat in this rural landscape. This work provides evidence that retaining or planting scattered trees within the rural landscape would likely complement or possibly enhance the conservation value of rural landscapes for koalas.

scholarly journals The effect of improved dietary control on cognitive and psychiatric functioning in adults with phenylketonuria: the ReDAPT study

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas M. Burgess ◽  
Wendy Kelso ◽  
Charles B. Malpas ◽  
Toby Winton-Brown ◽  
Timothy Fazio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Dietary Control ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Psychiatric Sequelae ◽  
Depression Ratings

Abstract Background Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder characterised by a deficiency in phenylalanine hydroxylase. Untreated, PKU is associated with a wide range of cognitive and psychiatric sequelae. Contemporary management guidelines recommend lifetime dietary control of phenylalanine (Phe) levels, however many individuals who discontinue dietary control subsequently suffer symptoms of anxiety, depression and disturbances to cognition. We undertook a prospective cohort study of patients with early-treated phenylketonuria who had ceased dietary control to test the hypothesis that resumption of dietary control of PKU is associated with improvements in measures of psychiatric morbidity and cognitive functioning. Methods We re-initiated dietary control for early-treated patients with PKU and monitored cognitive and psychiatric outcomes over a twelve-month period. Assessments included objective cognitive function (measured by cognitive proficiency index (CPI)), anxiety and depression scales. General linear mixed model (GLMM) analyses were performed to assess change in psychometric variables from baseline over twelve months after resumption of dietary control. Results A total of nine patients were recruited. Mean age was 33 years (SD = 8.75), five were female. Mean time off dietary control was 19.1 years (SD = 11.3), and mean baseline phenylalanine (Phe) levels were 1108 µmol/L (SD = 293). GLMM analysis demonstrated a positive relationship between CPI and time on diet (b = 0.56 [95% CI = 0.17, 0.95]). Age, time off diet, Phe levels and depression scores were not associated with cognitive function. There was a negative relationship between time on diet and anxiety (b = − 0.88 95% CI = [− 1.26, − 0.50]) and depression ratings (b = − 0.61, 95% CI = [− 0.95, − 0.26]). Conclusions This study demonstrated improvements in cognitive function, anxiety, and depression ratings associated with resumption of dietary control of PKU. Raw Phe levels were not strongly associated with psychiatric or cognitive scores in this cohort. These findings support the importance of lifelong treatment for PKU in improving the cognitive and psychiatric sequelae of the disease.

scholarly journals PSV-10 Free-choice diet selection by sheep during peripartum

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 217-217
Author(s):  
Carlos Burgos-González ◽  
Juan J Villalba ◽  
Reyes Vázquez ◽  
Mariana Pedernera
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Free Choice ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Diet Selection ◽  
Ovarian Activity ◽  
Random Factor ◽  
Saint Croix

Abstract Our objective was to explore diet selection and productive performance by sheep during peripartum. Pregnant Saint-Croix and Katahdin ewes were housed in individual pens from 100 days of gestation to 60 days of lactation and assigned to two groups: Free-choice-FC and Mixed-ration-MR (n = 12/group). Sheep in FC received ad-libitum amounts of soybean meal, sorghum grain, alfalfa and oat hays, presented in individual troughs. Animals in MR received a total-mixed-ration with these feeds, balanced for gestation or lactation according to NRC. Dry matter (and nutrient) intake/kg BW was measured daily, whereas BW and BCS were measured every 7 and 14 d, respectively. Data was analyzed as a Linear Mixed Model with repeated measures; group, breed, litter size (single, twins) and parity (primiparous, multiparous) were the fixed factors and sheep (random factor) was nested within group. Overall dry matter and ME intake did not differ between groups (P > 0.05), without breed, litter size or parity effects (P > 0.05), but protein intake was greater and NDF and ADF intakes were lower in FC than in MR (P < 0.001). During gestation, FC sheep consumed soy=alfalfa >sorghum >oats, and during lactation they increased (2X) soy intake (P < 0.001). Body weight was similar between groups (73.3±1.3, and 70.6±1.3 kg, for FC and MR, respectively; P=0.148), whereas BCS was greater for FC than for MR (3.9±0.2 vs. 3.3 ±0.1; P = 0.01). During lactation, ewe BW (67.3±1.3 vs. 61.92±1.3 kg; P = 0.01) and BCS (3.83±0.1 vs. 3.03±0.1; P < 0.001) were greater for FC than for MR. Offspring BW was similar between groups (11.5±0.6, and 11.4±0.5 kg, for FC and MR, respectively; P = 0.804). In conclusion, the free-choice treatment enhanced ewe nutrition, reducing BW and BCS losses during lactation without influencing offspring growth. Free-choice may enable ewes to meet their individual nutrient needs, with benefits to their welfare and postpartum ovarian activity.

scholarly journals The Effect of Improved Dietary Control on Cognitive and Psychiatric Functioning in Adults With Phenylketonuria: The ReDAPT Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas M. Burgess ◽  
Wendy Kelso ◽  
Charles B. Malpas ◽  
Toby Winton-Brown ◽  
Timothy Fazio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Dietary Control ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Psychiatric Sequelae ◽  
Depression Ratings

Abstract Background Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder characterised by a deficiency in phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH). Untreated, PKU is associated with a wide range of cognitive and psychiatric sequelae. Contemporary management guidelines recommend lifetime dietary control of phenylalanine (Phe) levels, however many individuals may – due to erroneous treatment recommendations or patient factors – discontinue dietary control and subsequently suffer symptoms of anxiety, depression and disturbances to cognition. We undertook a prospective cohort study of patients with early-treated phenylketonuria who had ceased dietary control to test the hypothesis that resumption of dietary control of PKU is associated with improvements in measures of psychiatric morbidity and cognitive functioning. Methods We re-initiated dietary control for early-treated patients with PKU and monitored cognitive and psychiatric outcomes over a twelve-month period. Assessments included objective cognitive function (measured by cognitive proficiency index (CPI)), anxiety and depression scales. General linear mixed model (GLMM) analyses were performed to assess change in psychometric variables from baseline over twelve months after resumption of dietary control. Results A total of nine patients were recruited. Mean age was 34 years, five were female. Mean time off dietary control was 20.4 years, and mean baseline phenylalanine (Phe) levels were 1108 µmol/L. GLMM analysis demonstrated a positive relationship between CPI and time on diet (b = 0.56 [95% CI = 0.17, 0.95]). Age, time off diet, Phe levels and depression scores were not associated with cognitive function. There was a negative relationship between time on diet and anxiety (b = -0.88 95% CI = [-1.26, -0.50]) and depression ratings (b = -0.61, 95% CI = [-0.95, -0.26]). Conclusions This study demonstrated improvements in cognitive function, anxiety, and depression ratings associated with resumption of dietary control of PKU. Raw Phe levels were not strongly associated with psychiatric or cognitive scores in this cohort. These findings support the importance of lifelong treatment for PKU, and demonstrate the reversibility of cognitive and psychiatric sequelae of the disease.

Analyzing discontinuities in longitudinal count data: A multilevel generalized linear mixed model.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
James L. Peugh ◽  
Sarah J. Beal ◽  
Meghan E. McGrady ◽  
Michael D. Toland ◽  
Constance Mara
Keyword(s):  
Count Data ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Generalized Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Longitudinal Count Data

Predicting bycatch hotspots based on suitable habitat derived from fishery-independent data

2020 ◽  
Vol 641 ◽  
pp. 159-175
Author(s):  
J Runnebaum ◽  
KR Tanaka ◽  
L Guan ◽  
J Cao ◽  
L O’Brien ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Gulf Of Maine ◽  
Homarus Americanus ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
American Lobster ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Suitability Index

Bycatch remains a global problem in managing sustainable fisheries. A critical aspect of management is understanding the timing and spatial extent of bycatch. Fisheries management often relies on observed bycatch data, which are not always available due to a lack of reporting or observer coverage. Alternatively, analyzing the overlap in suitable habitat for the target and non-target species can provide a spatial management tool to understand where bycatch interactions are likely to occur. Potential bycatch hotspots based on suitable habitat were predicted for cusk Brosme brosme incidentally caught in the Gulf of Maine American lobster Homarus americanus fishery. Data from multiple fisheries-independent surveys were combined in a delta-generalized linear mixed model to generate spatially explicit density estimates for use in an independent habitat suitability index. The habitat suitability indices for American lobster and cusk were then compared to predict potential bycatch hotspot locations. Suitable habitat for American lobster has increased between 1980 and 2013 while suitable habitat for cusk decreased throughout most of the Gulf of Maine, except for Georges Basin and the Great South Channel. The proportion of overlap in suitable habitat varied interannually but decreased slightly in the spring and remained relatively stable in the fall over the time series. As Gulf of Maine temperatures continue to increase, the interactions between American lobster and cusk are predicted to decline as cusk habitat continues to constrict. This framework can contribute to fisheries managers’ understanding of changes in habitat overlap as climate conditions continue to change and alter where bycatch interactions could occur.

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