The fly liquid-food electroshock assay (FLEA) reveals opposite roles for neuropeptide F in avoidance of bitterness and shock

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Puskar Mishra ◽  
Shany E. Yang ◽  
Austin B. Montgomery ◽  
Addison R. Reed ◽  
Aylin R. Rodan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Aversive Stimulus ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Electrical Current ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Incentive Motivation ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Liquid Food ◽  
Neuropeptide F ◽  
External Incentives

ABSTRACTProper regulation of feeding is important for an organism’s well-being and survival. Food intake in Drosophila can be determined in a number of ways, including by measuring the time a fly’s proboscis interacts with a food source in the fly liquid-food interaction counter (FLIC). Here, we show that electrical current flowing through flies during this interaction is aversive and leads to a reduction in food intake. Based on the FLIC, we engineer a novel assay, the fly liquid-food electroshock assay (FLEA), which allows for current adjustments for each feeding well. Using the FLEA, we show that both external incentives as well as internal motivational state can serve as drivers for flies to overcome higher current (electric shock) to obtain superior food. Unlike similar assays in which bitterness is the aversive stimulus for the fly to overcome, we show that current perception is not discounted as flies become more food-deprived. The FLEA is therefore a novel assay to accurately measure incentive motivation in Drosophila. Using the FLEA, we also show that neuropeptide F is required for proper perception or processing of an electroshock, a novel function for this neuropeptide involved in processing of external and internal stimuli.Significance StatementMany neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression or addiction, are associated with alterations in motivated behavior. Assays measuring incentive motivation determine how driven an organism is to attain a goal, like food, or how attractive an incentive is. These tests require the animal to put effort into obtaining the reward, which can include physical work or overcoming an aversive stimulus. Such assays for Drosophila feeding have relied on flies overcoming bitterness to obtain their food. However, the perception of bitterness is discounted as flies become food deprived, confounding the interpretation. Here, we developed a novel assay that does not suffer from the same shortcomings and thus allows for more accurate assessments of incentive motivation in this widely used model organism.

scholarly journals The fly liquid-food electroshock assay (FLEA) suggests opposite roles for neuropeptide F in avoidance of bitterness and shock

BMC Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Puskar Mishra ◽  
Shany E. Yang ◽  
Austin B. Montgomery ◽  
Addison R. Reed ◽  
Aylin R. Rodan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Aversive Stimulus ◽  
Electrical Current ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Incentive Motivation ◽  
Liquid Food ◽  
Motivated Behavior ◽  
Neuropeptide F ◽  
Genetically Manipulated ◽  
External Incentives

Abstract Background Proper regulation of feeding is important for an organism’s well-being and survival and involves a motivational component directing the search for food. Dissecting the molecular and neural mechanisms of motivated feeding behavior requires assays that allow quantification of both motivation and food intake. Measurements of motivated behavior usually involve assessing physical effort or overcoming an aversive stimulus. Food intake in Drosophila can be determined in a number of ways, including by measuring the time a fly’s proboscis interacts with a food source associated with an electrical current in the fly liquid-food interaction counter (FLIC). Here, we show that electrical current flowing through flies during this interaction is aversive, and we describe a modified assay to measure motivation in Drosophila. Results Food intake is reduced during the interaction with FLIC when the electrical current is turned on, which provides a confounding variable in studies of motivated behavior. Based on the FLIC, we engineer a novel assay, the fly liquid-food electroshock assay (FLEA), which allows for current adjustments for each feeding well. Using the FLEA, we show that both external incentives and internal motivational state can serve as drivers for flies to overcome higher current (electric shock) to obtain superior food. Unlike similar assays in which bitterness is the aversive stimulus for the fly to overcome, we show that current perception is not discounted as flies become more food-deprived. Finally, we use genetically manipulated flies to show that neuropeptide F, an orthologue of mammalian NPY previously implicated in regulation of feeding motivation, is required for sensory processing of electrical current. Conclusion The FLEA is therefore a novel assay to accurately measure incentive motivation in Drosophila. Using the FLEA, we also show that neuropeptide F is required for proper perception or processing of an electroshock, a novel function for this neuropeptide involved in the processing of external and internal stimuli.

scholarly journals Perceived hazardous physical work environments and job-related affective well-being of navy officers aboard the Republic of Korea Navy ships and submarines in South Korea

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjmilitary-2020-001702
Author(s):  
Doseon Jo ◽  
C K Koh
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Personal Space ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work Environments ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Republic Of Korea ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Thermal Discomfort ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Naval Officers

IntroductionNavy ships and submarines are important military measures that protect the Republic of Korea. They also comprise naval officers’ workplace. However, few studies have examined naval officers’ working environment and their job-related well-being. This study aimed to explore exposure to hazardous work environments among navy officers aboard ships and submarines and their association with job-related affective well-being.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional descriptive study. The sample comprised 146 officers from 4 navy ships and 98 officers from 5 submarines. Items of exposure to the eight types of hazardous work environments and the Job-related Affective Well-being Scale (JAWS) were included in the self-report survey questionnaires.ResultsThe most common hazards reported by officers aboard navy ships were vibration (63.7%) and air pollution (56.2%). For submarine officers, these hazards were lack of personal space (72.4%) and air pollution (67.3%). The average JAWS score for ship officers and submarine officers was 69.81 (SD=10.89) and 70.50 (SD=10.83), respectively. For ship officers, exposure to air pollution, noise, vibration, thermal discomfort during summer or winter and lack of personal space were significantly correlated with lower JAWS scores. For submarine officers, exposure to fire, burning or electrical shock, air pollution, noise, thermal discomfort during summer or winter and lack of personal space were significantly correlated with lower JAWS scores.ConclusionsThis study revealed that some naval officers aboard ships or submarines are exposed to hazardous work environments. Moreover, certain types of hazardous work environments were associated with naval officers’ job-related affective well-being.

scholarly journals Ergonomic risk assessment in medical-dental clinics

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Ferreira ◽  
Ana Lança ◽  
João Paulo Figueiredo ◽  
Silvia Seco ◽  
António Loureiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Tension ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Cognitive Stress ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Dental Clinics ◽  
Rapid Changes ◽  
Level 3 ◽  
Improve Health

Abstract Background The ergonomic applied to Dental Medicine aims to develop an ergonomically planned environment, with equipment rationally distributed, to reduce physical and cognitive stress, prevent diseases related to professional exercise, increasing productivity, improving the quality of service provided and reducing fatigue in the working team. However, physical work usually imposes muscle tension on the musculoskeletal system that can culminate in work-related trauma, commonly called Musculoskeletal Disorder. Methods We proposed as an objective, to evaluate how the ergonomic risks in Medical-Dental Clinics, which can cause work-related Musculoskeletal Injuries, influence the quality of life and health of the workers. The checklist was applied based on the legislation in force and, at the same time, a questionnaire was applied for consultation with the workers; identification of the tasks of all workers and their associated risks has been carried out; ergonomic studies of the workstations concerned have been carried out and, in the light of the results obtained, preventive measures have been indicated to address the problems. Results Through the Rula Method, we evaluated the level of performance in relation to the tasks performed and found that most of these corresponded to level 3, which corresponded to values between 5 and 6 and indicated that changes should occur briefly. Conclusion It was concluded that the most outstanding area in need of rapid changes was the surgical area, since it requires more effort on the part of these professionals. It is therefore proposed to implement new measures to improve health and well-being and avoid ergonomically incorrect postures.

Work environment transformation in the post COVID-19 based on work values of the future workforce

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fruzsina Pataki-Bittó ◽  
Kata Kapusy
Keyword(s):  
Work Environment ◽  
Work Values ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Value Theory ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Generation Z ◽  
The Future ◽  
Work Value

Purpose The purpose of this study is to find out the future workforce’s work values and, based on them, to examine the work environment Generation Z are looking for in the situation of job search. Moreover, this study aims to provide ideas for organizations on how to transform the work environment for the post-COVID-19 era to attract and retain employees, especially the members of Generation Z. Design/methodology/approach The research design is based on the theory development method. Data were generated and collected from 28 focus groups and a survey (n = 773). First, initial coding was done with an affinity diagram, followed by the intermediate coding phase, when the authors compared the codings’ results and selected the core data. Finally, the advanced coding resulted in a work value model, which presents Generation Z’s core work value categories. Findings The paper presents a work value theory for Generation Z, which reflects their expectations of the physical work environment and the flexible work arrangements among the work values. To prepare for the post-COVID-19 era, this study suggests organizations applying hybrid working models. Practical implications Based on impacts and expected transformations in office work in the post-COVID-19 era, the paper calls attention to the critical management issues concerning Generation Z’s preferences and expectations. Originality/value The findings propose a broader work value theory approach that highlights the work environment’s convenience features and integrates values that support the employees’ desired lifestyle and well-being.

scholarly journals The Contribution of Food Consumption to Well-Being

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (Suppl. 2) ◽  
pp. 44-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark D. Holder
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Food Consumption ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Personal Strengths ◽  
The Relationship

The newly emerging field of positive psychology focuses on the positive facets of life, including happiness, life satisfaction, personal strengths, and flourishing. Research in this field has empirically identified many important benefits of enhanced well-being, including improvements in blood pressure, immune competence, longevity, career success, and satisfaction with personal relationships. Recognizing these benefits has motivated researchers to identify the correlates and causes of well-being to inform them in the development and testing of strategies and interventions to elevate well-being. As positive psychology researchers throughout the world have turned their attention toward facets of food intake, a consensus is developing that the consumption of healthy foods can enhance well-being in a dose-response fashion. The link between unhealthy foods and well-being is less clear. Some studies suggest that under certain conditions, fast food may increase happiness, though other studies demonstrate that fast food can indirectly undermine happiness. The positive impact of food consumption on well-being is not limited to what people consume but extends to how they consume it and social factors related to eating. Though the research suggests that our food intake, particularly fruits and vegetables, increases our well-being, this research is in its infancy. Research specifically focused on subpopulations, including infants and pregnant mothers, is mostly lacking, and the mechanisms that underlie the relationship between food consumption and well-being remain to be elucidated.

scholarly journals ANÁLISE DA CARGA DE TRABALHO FÍSICO EM ATIVIDADES DE IMPLANTAÇÃO FLORESTAL EM ÁREAS DECLIVOSAS

FLORESTA ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 241
Author(s):  
Nilton César Fiedler ◽  
Ronie Silva Juvanhol ◽  
Elizabeth Neire da Silva Oliveira Paula ◽  
Saulo Boldrini Gonçalves ◽  
Flavio Cipriano de Assis Carmo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
The South ◽  
Physical Demands ◽  
Espírito Santo ◽  
Physical Requirement ◽  
Cardiac Frequency ◽  
Light Activity ◽  
Espirito Santo

Esta pesquisa teve o objetivo de avaliar a carga de trabalho físico em atividades de implantação florestal em áreas declivosas no sul do Espírito Santo e propor uma reorganização ergonômica para melhoria dos níveis de saúde, bem-estar e satisfação dos trabalhadores. A carga de trabalho físico foi avaliada por intermédio do levantamento da frequência cardíaca, com o uso de monitores de frequência cardíaca nas atividades de construção de cercas, roçada manual, capina química, marcação de covas, coroamento, coveamento manual, enchimento de covas, adubação pré-plantio e plantio. A maior exigência física no trabalho foi verificada na atividade de coveamento manual (125 bpm), sendo esta classificada como moderadamente pesada. A menor exigência física no trabalho foi observada na atividade de adubação pré-plantio, com frequência cardíaca média de 87 bpm, sendo classificada como atividade leve. Foram verificadas diferenças significativas entre as atividades de implantação (médias da carga cardiovascular) pelo teste de Scott-Knott ao nível de 5%, e a necessidade de reorganizar o ambiente de trabalho com inserção de pausas orientadas.Palavras-chave:  Ergonomia florestal; frequência cardíaca; plantio florestal; fisiologia do trabalho florestal. AbstractAnalysis of the load of physical work in activities of forest implementation insteepareas.This research had the objective to evaluate the load of physical work in activities of forest implementation in steep areas in the south of the Espírito Santo, Brazil and to propose an ergonomic reorganization for improvement of the levels of health, well-being and satisfaction of the workers. The load of physical work was evaluated by the survey of the cardiac frequency with the use of monitors of cardiac frequency in the activities of construction of fencing, manual mowing, weeding chemical, marking of graves, weeding, manual pit, filling of pits, adubation pre-planting and planting. The biggest physical requirement in the work was verified in the activity of manual pit (125 bpm), being classified as moderately heavy activity. The lower physical demands at work were observed in adubation pre-planting, frequently average cardiopath of 87 bpm, being classified as light activity. Significant differences had been verified enter the averages of the cardiovascular load and necessity to reorganize the environment of work with insertion of target pauses.Keywords: Forestry ergonomics; cardiac frequency; forestry activities; physiology of forest work.

scholarly journals Cloning and Expression of the Neuropeptide F and Neuropeptide F Receptor Genes and Their Regulation of Food Intake in the Chinese White Pine Beetle Dendroctonus armandi

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Liu ◽  
Danyang Fu ◽  
Haiming Gao ◽  
Hang Ning ◽  
Yaya Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Amino Acid Sequences ◽  
Cloning And Expression ◽  
White Pine ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Chinese White ◽  
Pine Beetle ◽  
Neuropeptide F ◽  
G Protein Coupled

Neuropeptide F (NPF) is an important signaling molecule that acts as a neuromodulator to regulate a diversity of physiological and behavioral processes from vertebrates to invertebrates by interaction with NPF receptors, which are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). However, nothing is known about NPF in Chinese white pine beetle, Dendroctonus armandi, a destructive pest of natural and coniferous forests in the middle Qinling Mountains of China. We have cloned and characterized cDNAs encoding one NPF precursor and two NPF receptors in D. armandi and made bioinformatics predictions according to the deduced amino acid sequences. They were highly similar to that of Dendroctonus ponderosa. The transcription levels of these genes were different between larvae and adults of sexes, and there were significant differences among the different developmental stages and tissues and between beetles under starvation and following re-feeding states. Additionally, downregulation of NPF and NPFR by injecting dsRNA into beetles reduced their food intake, caused increases of mortality and decreases of body weight, and also resulted in a decrease of glycogen and free fatty acid and an increase of trehalose. These results indicate that the NPF signaling pathway plays a significant positive role in the regulation of food intake and provides a potential target for the sustainable management of this pest.

scholarly journals Operating room nurses’ experiences of limited access to daylight in the workplace – a qualitative interview study

BMC Nursing ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Golvani ◽  
Linda Roos ◽  
Maria Henricson
Keyword(s):  
Operating Room ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Qualitative Interview ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Limited Access ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
Operating Room Nurses ◽  
Sense Of Time ◽  
Physical Work Environment ◽  
New Construction

Abstract Background The operating room nurse is, among other things, responsible for patient safety and maintaining an aseptic environment. For hygienic reasons unnecessary traffic in the operating room should be avoided, which may mean that the operating room nurse works long shifts without relief. Operating departments are usually separated, where there might be no daylight opportunities in the operating room. The purpose of the study was to describe operating room nurses’ experiences of limited access to daylight in the workplace. Method Qualitative design with four semi-structured focus groups of totally 15 operating room nurses. The analysis was performed with a content analysis with an inductive approach. Results The study generated two main categories, difference in light and contact with the outer world. Operating room nurses felt that daylight affected them differently from the light from lamps, where daylight was considered important for experiencing well-being. Daylight could lead to a sensation of joy but also increased awareness and energy which seemed to improve the ability to perform at work. The limited access to daylight contributed to fatigue and led to an internal stress that affected the nurses even after work. Having opportunities to look out through windows under a workday was important to experience contact with the outside world and created a sense of time. Conclusion To look out can reduce the feeling of being trapped in the closed context that the operating department entails. It can also lead to increased well-being and comfort in the workplace. We consider that daylight is an important component in the physical work environment that needs to be taken into consideration in further research as well as in new construction of operations departments.

scholarly journals Health Status Perception of People Close to Retirement Age: Relationship with Mental Health and Healthy Habits

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Monge-Martín ◽  
Fernando Caballero-Martínez ◽  
Maria João Forjaz ◽  
Manuel J. Castillo ◽  
Carmen Rodríguez-Blázquez
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Healthy Ageing ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Retirement Age ◽  
Sleep Habits ◽  
Work Activity ◽  
Healthy Habits

Abstract Background: The ageing of today's society intensifies the need for the correct and healthy ageing of the elderly, in order to ensure their overall well-being. Practical strategies are needed to acquire healthy habits at this stage of life. The aim of this study is to analyse the life habits of subjects close to retirement age and the factors that could influence these habits (gender, physical and mental health). Methods: A national (Spain) observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study, in which people close to retirement age are surveyed. The online survey included matters regarding socio-demographic, family, work, leisure, social participation and health indicators. Results: The study comprised of 1,700 participants (581 working; 714 retired), average age = 63 years (DT 5.7); 52% women. Most reported having a satisfactory social life (90%), living in pairs (74%), not smoking (80%), following a Mediterranean diet (73%) and taking medicines daily (70%). Disability (WHODAS-12) was higher in men (8.2 vs 6.5, p<0.001) although women showed more health problems and depression (mild-severe) (27% vs 17%, p<0.001), with a healthier diet and lower physical/work activity. The multivariate model showed a significant association of health status (EQ-VAS) with disability level, number of chronic diseases, sleep habits, exercise, diet, and alcohol consumption. When the level of depression was introduced, age and being a woman were also found to be related. In the subgroup of those retired or working (n=1295), retirees reported a better health status, associated with less disability, fewer chronic illnesses, lower depression, good eating and sleeping habits, and exercise. Conclusions: The results show that retirement does not necessarily mean worse health, but rather an opportunity in life to reinforce favourable health activities and correct those lifestyle factors that deteriorate it. This, together with the differences observed according to gender in the perception of clinical and psychological health, will allow for the design of strategies that promote healthy ageing.

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