scholarly journals Mass fluctuation in breeding females, males, and helpers of the Florida scrub-jay Aphelocoma coerulescens

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e5607
Author(s):  
Marco Cucco ◽  
Reed Bowman
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Mass Gain ◽  
Adult Bird ◽  
Florida Scrub ◽  
Central Florida ◽  
South Central ◽  
Energy Needs ◽  
Term Basis ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Mass Fluctuation

Much evidence suggests that birds actively regulate their body mass reserves relative to their energy needs. Energy requirements during reproduction may differ in relation to sex-specific behavioural roles or, in the case of cooperative breeders, breeders relative to helpers. We measured body mass of free-living Florida scrub-jays throughout the nesting season by training them to land on an electronic balance. Jays exhibited a pattern of diurnal linear mass gain, from morning to afternoon. Day-to-day mass fluctuations, defined as the difference between mass on two consecutive days, were small (>80% were within 2 g, less than 3% of the mass of an adult bird) for all classes of jays: female breeders, male breeders and prebreeding helpers. The jays, which live in subtropical south-central Florida, did not exhibit changes in day-to-day mass fluctuation relative to weather or climate variables or calendar date. Day-to-day mass fluctuations influenced mass fluctuation between the following third and fourth days. These changes were usually compensatory, indicating that jays are able to regulate their body mass on a short-term basis, despite strong differences in their roles in reproduction. During reproduction, jays have a relatively predictable and abundant food supply, thus the appropriate strategy may be to maintain a stable body mass that balances some energy reserves against maintaining a low body mass for efficient flight, as required during reproduction.

scholarly journals Changes in Children’s Body Composition and Posture during Puberty Growth

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 288
Author(s):  
Wojciech Rusek ◽  
Joanna Baran ◽  
Justyna Leszczak ◽  
Marzena Adamczyk ◽  
Rafał Baran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Pelvic Obliquity ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Posture ◽  
Older Children ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Right

The main goal of our study was to determine how the age of children, puberty and anthropometric parameters affect the formation of body composition and faulty body posture development in children. The secondary goal was to determine in which body segments abnormalities most often occur and how gender differentiates the occurrence of adverse changes in children’s body posture and body composition during puberty. The study group consisted of 464 schoolchildren aged from 6–16. Body posture was assessed with the Zebris system. The composition of the body mass was tested with Tanita MC 780 MA body mass analyzer and the body height was measured using a portable stadiometer PORTSTAND 210. The participants were further divided due to the age of puberty. Tanner division was adopted. The cut-off age for girls is ≥10 years and for boys it is ≥12 years. The analyses applied descriptive statistics, the Pearson correlation, stepwise regression analysis and the t-test. The accepted level of significance was p < 0.05. The pelvic obliquity was lower in older children (beta = −0.15). We also see that age played a significant role in the difference in the height of the right pelvis (beta = −0.28), and the difference in the height of the right shoulder (beta = 0.23). Regression analysis showed that the content of adipose tissue (FAT%) increased with body mass index (BMI) and decreased with increasing weight, age, and height. Moreover, the FAT% was lower in boys than in girls (beta negative equal to −0.39). It turned out that older children (puberty), had greater asymmetry in the right shoulder blade (p < 0.001) and right shoulder (p = 0.003). On the other hand, younger children (who were still before puberty) had greater anomalies in the left trunk inclination (p = 0.048) as well as in the pelvic obliquity (p = 0.008). Girls in puberty were characterized by greater asymmetry on the right side, including the shoulders (p = 0.001), the scapula (p = 0.001) and the pelvis (p < 0.001). In boys, the problem related only to the asymmetry of the shoulder blades (p < 0.001). Girls were characterized by a greater increase in adipose tissue and boys by muscle tissue. Significant differences also appeared in the body posture of the examined children. Greater asymmetry within scapulas and shoulders were seen in children during puberty. Therefore, a growing child should be closely monitored to protect them from the adverse consequences of poor posture or excessive accumulation of adipose tissue in the body.

scholarly journals Contributions of source population and incubation temperature to phenotypic variation of hatchling Chinese skinks

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong-Liang Lu ◽  
Yan-Fu Qu ◽  
Hong Li ◽  
Xiang Ji
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Phenotypic Variation ◽  
Incubation Temperature ◽  
Tail Length ◽  
Population Variation ◽  
Phenotypic Traits ◽  
Source Population ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Hatchling Size

Abstract Phenotypic plasticity and local adaptation are viewed as the main factors that result in between-population variation in phenotypic traits, but contributions of these factors to phenotypic variation vary between traits and between species and have only been explored in a few species of reptiles. Here, we incubated eggs of the Chinese skink (Plestiodon chinensis) from 7 geographically separated populations in Southeast China at 3 constant temperatures (24, 28, and 32 °C) to evaluate the combined effects of clutch origin, source population, and incubation temperature on hatchling traits. The relative importance of these factors varied between traits. Nearly all examined hatchling traits, including body mass, snout–vent length (SVL), tail length, head size, limb length, tympanum diameter, and locomotor speed, varied among populations and were affected by incubation temperature. Measures for hatchling size (body mass and SVL) varied considerably among clutches. Source population explained much of the variation in hatchling body mass, whereas incubation temperature explained much of the variation in other examined traits. Our results indicate that between-population variation in hatchling traits of P. chinensis likely reflects the difference in natural incubation conditions and genetic divergence.

Effects of neurosecretory protein GL on food intake and fat accumulation under different dietary nutrient compositions in rats

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keisuke Fukumura ◽  
Kenshiro Shikano ◽  
Yuaki Narimatsu ◽  
Eiko Iwakoshi-Ukena ◽  
Megumi Furumitsu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Feeding Behavior ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Mass Gain ◽  
Chow Diet ◽  
Tissue Mass ◽  
Fat Accumulation ◽  
Intracerebroventricular Infusion ◽  
Body Mass Gain ◽  
Sucrose Diet

Abstract We recently identified a novel hypothalamic small protein, named neurosecretory protein GL (NPGL), which is involved in energy homeostasis in birds and mammals. However, whether the action of NPGL is influenced by nutritional composition remains unknown. Thus, we investigated the effect of chronic intracerebroventricular infusion of NPGL for 13 days on feeding behavior and body mass gain under a normal chow diet (NC), high-fat diet, high-sucrose diet (HSD), and medium-fat/medium-sucrose diet (MFSD) in rats. NPGL stimulated food intake of NC and MFSD, especially during the light period. By contrast, NPGL decreased body mass gain under NC and increased total white adipose tissue mass in HSD- and MFSD-fed rats. These data suggest that the effects of NPGL on feeding behavior, body mass gain, and fat accumulation depend on nutrient type. Among them, sucrose in diets seems to contribute to fat accumulation elicited by NPGL.

scholarly journals Measuring the effectiveness of catch-up MMR delivered by school nurses compared to signposting to general practice on improving MMR coverage

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 416-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Altinoluk-Davis ◽  
S Gray ◽  
I Bray
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
School Nurse ◽  
School Nurses ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
School Year ◽  
South Central ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Immunization Services ◽  
Catch Up ◽  
The Difference

Abstract Background This study assesses whether increased coverage of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination differs between areas where school nurses deliver catch-up MMR doses to adolescents in school settings, compared to signposting to general practice. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted using Child Health Information Services records within the NHS England South (South Central) commissioning boundary. The sample population included children born 1 September 2000–31 August 2001, in school year 9 during the 2014–15 academic year. Results The primary outcome findings show an increase in coverage of at least one dose of MMR by 1.6% (n = 334) in the cohort receiving catch-up MMR, compared to 0.2% (n = 12) in the cohort signposted to general practice. Over time, the difference in increase between the two cohorts was 1.4%, analysed using the chi-squared comparison of proportions test, providing strong evidence (P &lt; 0.0001) that school nurse delivery of catch-up MMR is effective at increasing coverage. The findings also suggest that school nurse delivery of catch-up MMR may benefit Black, Asian and minority ethnic children and those from more deprived backgrounds. Conclusions It is recommended that commissioners of school-aged immunization services incorporate the delivery of catch-up MMR doses in their contracts with school nurses.

scholarly journals Comparison of Energy Expenditure Observed between Scheduled Activities in Collegiate Team-Sport Female Athletes

Sports ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 50
Author(s):  
Jessica M. Moon ◽  
Hannah A. Zabriskie ◽  
Patrick S. Harty ◽  
Bradley S. Currier ◽  
Julia C. Blumkaitis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Expenditure ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Team Sport ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Ncaa Division Ii ◽  
Activity Monitors ◽  
Energy Needs ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Academic Year ◽  
Activity Energy

Energy needs of female team-sport athletes are poorly understood with no evidence highlighting differences present between scheduled activities. The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in energy expenditure between NCAA Division II female basketball (BBALL) and lacrosse (LAX) athletes during different scheduled team activities. Female BBALL (n = 13; 19.8 ± 1.3 yrs; 173.9 ± 13.6 cm; 74.6 ± 9.1kg; 27.1 ± 3.2%fat) and LAX (n = 20; 20.4 ± 1.8yrs; 168.4 ± 6.6cm; 68.8 ± 8.9kg; 27.9 ± 3.1%fat) athletes were outfitted with heart rate and activity monitors during four consecutive days on five different occasions (20 days total) across an entire academic year to assess differences in total daily activity energy expenditure (TDEE), activity energy expenditure (AEE), and physical activity level (PAL). Data were categorized by type of scheduled daily activities: Practice, Game, Conditioning, or Off. Independent of day type, TDEE, AEE, and PAL levels were greater (p < 0.05) in BBALL athletes. For each sport, TDEE, AEE, and PAL were significantly different (p < 0.05) between classified activity days. BBALL and LAX athletes experienced higher values on game days for TDEE, AEE, and PAL, with the lowest values experienced on off days. In conclusion, calculated levels of TDEE, AEE, and PAL in female collegiate BBALL and LAX athletes were determined to be different, irrespective of the scheduled activity.

Are roads and traffic sources of physiological stress for the Florida scrub-jay?

2012 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gina M. Morgan ◽  
Travis E. Wilcoxen ◽  
Michelle A. Rensel ◽  
Stephan J. Schoech
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Condition Index ◽  
Physiological Effects ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Florida Scrub ◽  
The Road ◽  
Threatened And Endangered Species ◽  
Chronic Stressor

Context Anthropogenic disturbances induce physiological and behavioural responses in numerous species. The negative effects of human disturbance are of special concern to threatened and endangered species. Aims The present study aims to compare physiological stress measures and reproductive success of Florida scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) living near roads with jays that live away from roads. Specifically, it aims to test whether roads are stressful. Methods We assessed physiological measures that can serve as indicators of ‘stress’ to determine whether a highway that bisects our study site had physiological effects on adult male Florida scrub-jays. We captured male breeders from three territory types, including scrub habitat that (1) bordered a highway with a grassy shoulder that created an ‘edge’ habitat (roadside), (2) bordered human-maintained habitat (a plowed firebreak of sand with adjacent pasture) that served as a control for the edge-effect of the road (pasture) and (3) contained only natural scrub habitat (interior). We measured baseline concentrations of the stress hormone corticosterone (CORT), body mass, and a suite of longitudinal body measures to generate a body condition index in males from each territory type over three breeding seasons. Key results Roadside jays had greater body mass than did interior and pasture jays, although there were no differences in overall baseline CORT concentrations or body condition among territory classes. There was no difference in clutch initiation date or size and nestling and independent-young survival. Conclusions Our results suggest that the road through our study site has physiological effects on Florida scrub-jays; however, there is mixed evidence as to whether it acts as a chronic stressor. Implications Our findings provide evidence that roads and road-associated disturbance has neutral or potentially beneficial physiological effects of roads on Florida scrub-jays. Knowledge of these effects of roads and disturbance on jays will hopefully provide additional opportunities to improve conservation of this species.

Abstract 17944: Effects of School-Based Interventions on Body Mass Index in Children and Adolescents: a Systematic Overview and Meta-analysis

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiyoon J Park ◽  
Randa Bakhet ◽  
Danica Karl ◽  
Fei Yuan ◽  
Eva Lonn
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
School Based ◽  
School Based Interventions ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Dietary Modifications

Background: Childhood obesity is a major public health threat. Various school-based interventions (SBIs) to prevent obesity through physical activity and/or dietary modifications were implemented. However, the effectiveness of such SBIs remains unproven. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of SBIs. Methods: We searched for RCTs of SBIs published since 1990. To be eligible studies had to have an RCT design, to include children aged 6-18 years and SBIs were defined as non-pharmacological and non-surgical interventions carried out in a school setting with a minimum duration of 12 weeks. The primary outcome was change in body mass index (BMI. For each study the difference in the mean change in BMI between the intervention and the control groups was computed. The summary estimate for the difference in mean change in BMI and the 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed using a weighted inverse variance approach and a random- effects model. The I 2 statistic was used to test for heterogeneity. Results: Of 504 studies identified, 41 involving 42 430 participants met the inclusion criteria. SBIs varied greatly between studies by type, duration and delivery. In 10 RCTs the SBI focused on physical activity, in 6 on dietary modifications and in 25 on both physical activity and dietary modifications. SBIs duration ranged from 12 weeks to 4 years. There was no significant difference in mean BMI change between the intervention and the control groups (mean difference = -0.281kg/m 2 ; 95% CI -0.584 to 0.022), although there was significant heterogeneity between the RCTs’ findings (Figure). We found also no consistent impact on other measures of adiposity, physical activity patterns, dietary intakes and psychosocial health and wellbeing. Conclusions: SBIs had no substantial impact on BMI in children aged 6-18 years. Further research is needed to identify effective interventions to prevent childhood obesity.

564 Effects of Biofix® Plus PRO supplemented in liquid feed on the performance of cow-calf pairs in south central Florida

2017 ◽  
Vol 95 (suppl_4) ◽  
pp. 276-276
Author(s):  
P. N. Gott ◽  
A. Johns ◽  
A. Stam ◽  
B. G. Miller ◽  
B. Bell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Florida ◽  
South Central ◽  
Liquid Feed ◽  
Cow Calf

The Role of Lean Body Mass as a Nutritional Index in Chinese Peritoneal Dialysis Patients—Comparison of Creatinine Kinetics Method and Anthropometric Method

2000 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 708-714 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheuk-Chun Szeto ◽  
Johnathan Kong ◽  
Alan K.L. Wu ◽  
Teresa Y.H. Wong ◽  
Angela Y.M. Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peritoneal Dialysis ◽  
Serum Albumin ◽  
Lean Body Mass ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Chinese Patients ◽  
Nutritional Indices ◽  
Protein Nitrogen ◽  
Creatinine Kinetics ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference

Objective To compare, in Chinese continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients, the creatinine kinetics method (LBM-CK) and the anthropometric method (LBM-AM) for determining lean body mass (LBM). Design Single-center cross-sectional study. Patients and Methods We studied 151 unselected CAPD patients (78 males, 73 females). We calculated LBM-CK and LBM-AM using standard formulas. The results of the two methods were then compared by the Bland and Altman method. Dialysis adequacy and other nutritional indices, including total Kt/V, weekly creatinine clearance (CCr), residual glomerular filtration rate (GFR), protein nitrogen appearance (PNA), subjective global assessment (SGA), and serum albumin, were measured simultaneously. Results The mean age of the patients was 55.6 ± 12.2 years, and the mean duration of dialysis was 33.6 ± 28.5 months. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 22.7 ± 3.7. The average LBM-AM was 43.6 ± 8.0 kg; the average LBM-CK was 33.0 ± 9.3 kg. The difference between the calculated LBM-AM and LBM-CK was 10.7 kg, with LBM-AM always giving a higher value; the limits of agreement were –5.8 kg and 27.1 kg. The difference between the two measures correlated with residual GFR (Pearson r = 0.629, p < 0.001). After normalizing for desired body weight, LBM-AM was only modestly correlated with serum albumin level. No correlations were found between overall SGA score or normalized protein nitrogen appearance (nPNA) and LBM-AM or LBM-CK. Conclusions In Chinese patients at least, a substantial discrepancy exists between LBM-AM and LBM-CK. The difference is especially marked in patients with significant residual renal function. The optimal method for determining LBM remains obscure in Chinese CAPD patients. Moreover, LBM correlated poorly with other nutritional indices. Multiple parameters should be taken into consideration in an assessment of nutritional status of CAPD patients.

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