Measuring the repertoire of age-related behavioral changes in Drosophila melanogaster

Mapping Intimacies ◽

10.1101/2021.06.13.448265 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Katherine E. Overman ◽

Daniel M. Choi ◽

Kawai Leung ◽

Joshua W. Shaevitz ◽

Gordon J. Berman

Keyword(s):

Drosophila Melanogaster ◽

Energy Budget ◽

Behavioral Changes ◽

Sexually Dimorphic ◽

Behavioral Repertoire ◽

Biological Mechanisms ◽

Age Related ◽

Using Data ◽

Almost All ◽

And Behavior

Aging affects almost all aspects of an organism – its morphology, its physiology, its behavior. Isolating which biological mechanisms are regulating these changes, however, has proven difficult, potentially due to our inability to characterize the full repertoire of an animal’s behavior across the lifespan. Using data from fruit flies (D. melanogaster) we measure the full repertoire of behaviors as a function of age. We observe a sexually dimorphic pattern of changes in the behavioral repertoire during aging. Although the stereotypy of the behaviors and the complexity of the repertoire overall remains relatively unchanged, we find evidence that the observed alterations in behavior can be explained by changing the fly’s overall energy budget, suggesting potential connections between metabolism, aging, and behavior.

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How Old Is My Dog? Identification of Rational Age Groupings in Pet Dogs Based Upon Normative Age-Linked Processes

Frontiers in Veterinary Science ◽

10.3389/fvets.2021.643085 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Naomi D. Harvey

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Deficits ◽

Cognitive Aging ◽

Developmental Trajectories ◽

Behavioral Changes ◽

Future Research ◽

Education Programs ◽

Mature Adults ◽

Age Related ◽

Conducting Research ◽

And Behavior

Behavioral development is a lifelong process where cognitive traits such as learning and memory may be expected to take quadratic or linear trajectories. It is common practice for operational purposes to reduce study subjects into chronological categories when conducting research. However, there are no agreed-upon thresholds for this practice, and the lack of standardization may hinder comparison between studies of normative and pathological aging. In this perspective review, chronological categories have been identified that can be considered to represent normative cognitive and neurological aging in domestic family dogs. These categories work to capture age-related developmental trajectories for the majority of dog breeds. It is encouraged that researchers studying cognition and behavior, pathological cognitive deficits, or welfare of dogs across age categories utilize the categories presented here to best enable comparison between studies. The proposed groups could also support education programs informing owners of what behavioral changes to expect in their dog as they age, but they cannot be used to reflect health-based needs associated with breed-specific morbidity. The use of the age categories proposed here highlights significant welfare issues for breeds with the shortest average lifespans (e.g., the Great Dane). Studies show no evidence of an increased rate of behavioral or cognitive aging in short-lived breeds, and the shortest-lived breeds are most likely to die when classified by the proposed categories as Mature Adults. Adoption of these chronological categories in future research would aid comparison between studies and identification of non-normative age-related pathologies.

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IDENTIFYING EXOSOME-DERIVED MICRORNAS AS CANDIDATE BIOMARKERS OF FRAILTY

Journal of Frailty & Aging ◽

10.14283/jfa.2017.45 ◽

2017 ◽

pp. 1-4

Author(s):

B.R. IPSON ◽

M.B. FLETCHER ◽

S.E. ESPINOZA ◽

A.L. FISHER

Keyword(s):

Target Genes ◽

Molecular Biomarkers ◽

Geriatric Syndrome ◽

Cellular Activity ◽

Older Individuals ◽

Biological Mechanisms ◽

Physical Decline ◽

Kegg Analysis ◽

Age Related ◽

And Behavior

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome associated with progressive physical decline and significantly increases risk for falls, disability, hospitalizations, and death. However, much remains unknown regarding the biological mechanisms that contribute to aging and frailty, and to date, there are no clinically used prognostic or diagnostic molecular biomarkers. The present study profiled exosome-derived microRNAs isolated from the plasma of young, robust older, and frail older individuals and identified eight miRNAs that are uniquely enriched in frailty: miR-10a-3p, miR-92a-3p, miR-185-3p, miR-194-5p, miR-326, miR-532-5p, miR-576-5p, and miR-760. Furthermore, since exosomes can deliver miRNAs to alter cellular activity and behavior, these miRNAs may also provide insights into the biological mechanisms underlying frailty; KEGG analysis of their target genes revealed multiple pathways implicated in aging and age-related processes. Although further validation and research studies are warranted, our study identified eight novel candidate biomarkers of frailty that may help to elucidate the multifactorial pathogenesis of frailty.

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The Biological Clock and Sleep in the Elderly

Zeitschrift für Gerontopsychologie & -psychiatrie ◽

10.1024/1011-6877.19.1.45 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 45-51 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Myriam Juda ◽

Mirjam Münch ◽

Anna Wirz-Justice ◽

Martha Merrow ◽

Till Roenneberg

Keyword(s):

Circadian Rhythms ◽

Biological Clock ◽

The Elderly ◽

Early Morning ◽

Behavioral Changes ◽

Older Age ◽

Age Related ◽

Theoretical Considerations ◽

Sleep Difficulties ◽

Circadian Biology

Abstract: Among many other changes, older age is characterized by advanced sleep-wake cycles, changes in the amplitude of various circadian rhythms, as well as reduced entrainment to zeitgebers. These features reveal themselves through early morning awakenings, sleep difficulties at night, and a re-emergence of daytime napping. This review summarizes the observations concerning the biological clock and sleep in the elderly and discusses the documented and theoretical considerations behind these age-related behavioral changes, especially with respect to circadian biology.

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Influence of Confucian culture on entrepreneurial decision making using data from China's floating population

Social Behavior and Personality An International Journal ◽

10.2224/sbp.9309 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 48 (7) ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Ran Xiong ◽

Ping Wei

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Floating Population ◽

Positive Role ◽

Confucian Culture ◽

Chinese Nation ◽

Using Data ◽

Entrepreneurial Decision ◽

And Behavior ◽

The Relationship

Confucian culture has had a deep-rooted influence on Chinese thinking and behavior for more than 2,000 years. With a manually created Confucian culture database and the 2017 China floating population survey, we used empirical analysis to test the relationship between Confucian culture and individual entrepreneurial choice using data obtained from China's floating population. After using the presence and number of Confucian schools and temples, and of chaste women as instrumental variables to counteract problems of endogeneity, we found that Confucian culture had a significant role in promoting individuals' entrepreneurial decision making among China's floating population. The results showed that, compared with those from areas of China not strongly influenced by Confucian culture, individuals from areas that are strongly influenced by Confucian culture were more likely to choose entrepreneurship as their occupation choice. Our findings reveal cultural factors that affect individual entrepreneurial behavior, and also illustrate the positive role of Confucianism as a representative of the typical cultures of the Chinese nation in the 21st century.

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Development of central auditory processes in Polish children and adolescents at the age from 7 to 16 years

Current Psychology ◽

10.1007/s12144-021-01540-x ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Monika Lewandowska ◽

Rafał Milner ◽

Małgorzata Ganc ◽

Elżbieta Włodarczyk ◽

Joanna Dołżycka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Children And Adolescents ◽

School Students ◽

Frequency Pattern ◽

Speech In Noise ◽

Age Related ◽

Right Ear Advantage ◽

The Right ◽

Almost All ◽

Test Retest Reliability ◽

Auditory Processes

AbstractThere are discrepancies in the literature regarding the course of central auditory processes (CAP) maturation in typically developing children and adolescents. The purpose of the study was to provide an overview of age – related improvement in CAP in Polish primary and secondary school students aged 7–16 years. 180 children/adolescents, subdivided into 9 age categories, and 20 adults (aged 18–24 years) performed the Dichotic Digit Test (DDT), Duration Pattern Test (DPT), Frequency Pattern Test (FPT), Gap Detection Test (GDT) and adaptive Speech-in-Noise (aSpN). The 12-year-olds was retested after w week. We found the age effects only for the DDT, DPT and FPT. In the right ear DDT the 7-year-olds performed more poorly than all groups ≥12. In the left ear DDT both 7- and 8-year-olds achieved less correct responses compared with the 13-, 14-, 15-year-olds and with the adults. The right ear advantage was greater in the 7-year-olds than in the 15-year-olds and adult group. At the age of 7 there was lower DPT and FPT scores than in all participants ≥13 whereas the 8-year-olds obtained less correct responses in the FPT than all age categories ≥12. Almost all groups (except for the 7-year-olds) performed better in the DPT than FPT. The test-retest reliability for all tests was satisfactory. The study demonstrated that different CAP have their own patterns of improvement with age and some of them are specific for the Polish population. The psychoacoustic battery may be useful in screening for CAP disorders in Poland.

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Fears for the future among Finnish adolescents in 2019

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.883 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

P Lindfors ◽

L Lahti ◽

J Kinnunen ◽

A Rimpelä

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Age Groups ◽

Nationwide Survey ◽

Working Life ◽

Political Values ◽

Global Issues ◽

Age Related ◽

The Future ◽

And Behavior ◽

Images Of The Future

Abstract Background Adolescents' images of the future emerge from knowledge built on experiences of the past and present and their age-related developmental tasks. Images of the future direct adolescents' decision-making, choices, and behavior. The images of the future can act as a mirror of our times, reflecting the political values and ethos of society. The aim of this study was to examine the fears for the future among Finnish adolescents in the era of climate change. Methods Data from a nationwide survey on the health and health behavior of 12-, 14-, 16-, and 18-year-olds (n = 3520, the response rate 37 %) in 2019 in Finland. An open-ended question on fears for the future was employed as a final question on the survey. The data was analyzed first by inductive content analysis and then by statistical methods. Altogether 7829 fears were reported. These were constructed into 12 main categories. Results Fears for the social relationships and loneliness were the most common (35 %). Fears related to death (33 %), physical health and wellbeing (25 %), life management and success (19 %) and working life (17 %) were next common. Only 9 % of the adolescents reported climate and the environment related fears. In age group comparisons, 12-14-year-olds reported more global and social fears, while 16-18-year-olds reported more personal fears, such as study, working life and relationships. The most common fears among boys and girls were similar in all age groups. Conclusions The most common fears among Finnish adolescents are related to personal life and less to global issues. Against our hypothesis, climate and environmental related fears were not among the top fears, even these topics are figured prominently in media and other research has also reported high proportions of climate change related fears among adolescents. The inconsistencies might be explained by the differences in the research methodologies: whether open-ended questions or structured questions are used. Key messages Most common fears for the future are related to personal issues like relationships, health and work. Fears for climate change were not among the most common ones when open-ended questions were used.

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The hobo Transposable Element Excises and Has Related Elements in Tephritid Species

Genetics ◽

10.1093/genetics/143.3.1339 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 143 (3) ◽

pp. 1339-1347

Author(s):

Alfred M Handler ◽

Sheilachu P Gomez

Keyword(s):

Drosophila Melanogaster ◽

Ceratitis Capitata ◽

Bactrocera Dorsalis ◽

Parsimony Analysis ◽

Wild Type ◽

Anastrepha Suspensa ◽

Tephritid Species ◽

Mutant Strains ◽

Almost All ◽

Horizontal Transfers

Abstract Function of the Drosophila melanogaster hobo transposon in tephritid species was tested in transient embryonic excision assays. Wild-type and mutant strains of Anastrepha suspensa, Bactrocera dorsalis, B. cucurbitae, Ceratitis capitata, and Toxotrypana curvicauda all supported hobo excision or deletion both in the presence and absence of co-injected hobo transposase, indicating a permissive state for hobo mobility and the existence of endogenous systems capable of mobilizing hobo. In several strains hobo helper reduced excision. Excision depended on hobo sequences in the indicator plasmid, though almost all excisions were imprecise and the mobilizing systems appear mechanistically different from hobo. hobe-related sequences were identified in all species except T. curvicauda. Parsimony analysis yielded a subgroup including the B. cucurbitae and C. capitata sequences along with hobo and Hermes, and a separate, more divergent subgroup including the A. suspensa and B. dorsalis sequences. All of the sequences exist as multiple genomic elements, and a deleted form of the B. cucurbitae element exists in B. dorsalis. The hobo-related sequences are probably members of the hAT transposon family with some evolving from distant ancestor elements, while others may have originated from more recent horizontal transfers.

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Testing Common Knowledge: Are Northern Europeans and Millennials More Concerned about the Environment?

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13010045 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 45

Author(s):

Cristina Gómez-Román ◽

Maria Luisa Lima ◽

Gloria Seoane ◽

Mónica Alzate ◽

Marcos Dono ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Generation X ◽

Common Knowledge ◽

European Social Survey ◽

Common Belief ◽

Environmentally Conscious ◽

Personal Norms ◽

Northern European ◽

Using Data ◽

And Behavior ◽

North And South

This study explores whether there are differences in several environmental dimensions, when the European Region and Generation cohort are considered. In doing so, this study compares millennials in North and South Europe with members of Generation X in three environmental dimensions: attitudes, personal norms, and behavior. Using data from the European Social Survey (n = 6.216), the researchers tested the hypothesis that Northern Europeans and millennials have more pro-environmental standing than southerners and Generation Xers. The findings challenge the common belief that millennials are more committed to being environmentally conscious, showing that many millennials do not feel responsible for their climate footprint, nor do they behave in a way that shows more concern than previous generations to improve their environmental performance. Furthermore, contrary to expectations, Northern European participants are not the most committed, in all environmental dimensions, compared to Southern Europeans.

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Pleiotropic Roles of the Orthologue of the Drosophila melanogaster Intersex Gene in the Brown Planthopper

Genes ◽

10.3390/genes12030379 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 379

Author(s):

Hou-Hong Zhang ◽

Yu-Cheng Xie ◽

Han-Jing Li ◽

Ji-Chong Zhuo ◽

Chuan-Xi Zhang

Keyword(s):

Drosophila Melanogaster ◽

Reproductive System ◽

Splice Variants ◽

Brown Planthopper ◽

Nilaparvata Lugens ◽

Vital Role ◽

Sexually Dimorphic ◽

Specific Product ◽

Reproductive Ability ◽

Female Specific

Intersex(ix), a gene involved in the sex-determining cascade of Drosophila melanogaster, works in concert with the female-specific product of doublesex (dsx) at the end of the hierarchy to implement the sex-specific differentiation of sexually dimorphic characters in female individuals. In this study, the ix homolog was identified in the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, which contained two splice variants expressed in both female and male insects. We found that Nlix played a vital role in the early nymphal development of BPH, showing an accumulated effect. RNAi-mediated knockdown of Nlix at 4th instar led to the external genital defects in both sexes, consequently resulting in the loss of reproductive ability in female and male individuals. After dsRNA injection, the males were normal on testes, while the females had defective ovarian development. Nlix was also required for early embryogenesis. Notably, when the dsNlix microinjection was performed in newly emerged females, the copulatory bursas were abnormally enlarged while the other tissues of the reproductive system developed normally. Our results demonstrated the pleiotropic roles of Nlix in embryogenesis and development of the reproductive system in a hemimetabolous insect species.

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