scholarly journals A Standardized Protocol for Quantifying the Behavioral Dynamics of Food-seeking in Mice

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong-Soo Ha ◽  
Young Hee Lee ◽  
Kyu Sik Kim ◽  
You Bin Kim ◽  
Hyung Jin Choi
Keyword(s):  
Natural Environment ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Test Phase ◽  
Powerful Method ◽  
Multiple Forms ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Behavioral Dynamics ◽  
Standardized Protocol ◽  
Food Seeking ◽  
Taste And Smell

Food is generally hidden in a natural environment and require free-living animals to search for it. Although such food-seeking behaviors involve motivation and exploration, previous studies examined food-seeking simply by measuring the time spent in the food zone or the frequency of pursuing food-cued context. Moreover, after discovering food, animals need to taste and smell it in order to evaluate their nutritional value or possible toxicity. However, researchers could not easily distinguish food-seeking from food-evaluating behaviors because food was visible or accessible throughout each test. Herein, we describe a behavioral protocol that triggers animals to show the behavioral dynamics of food-seeking (e.g., navigation, nose-digging, and paw-digging) and that exclusively elicits food-seeking without provoking any other food-evaluating behaviors. First, we prepared an open-field box with the floor covered with bedding. After we hid foods under the bedding of each corner, the test mice were habituated in this arena for four days (pre-test phase). On the next day (test phase), they were placed under the same conditions, but the foods previously hidden were removed. This process enabled the mice to perceive their surroundings as a food-hidden environment, which induced the animal to exhibit sustained food-seeking. In conclusion, the protocol presented here is a powerful method for provoking multiple forms of food-seeking and quantifies food-seeking independently from other food-related behavioral stages.

scholarly journals Cytokinin transfer by a free-living mirid to Nicotiana attenuata recapitulates a strategy of endophytic insects

eLife ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Brütting ◽  
Cristina Maria Crava ◽  
Martin Schäfer ◽  
Meredith C Schuman ◽  
Stefan Meldau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Isotope Labeling ◽  
Striking Similarity ◽  
Nicotiana Attenuata ◽  
Feeding Damage ◽  
15N Isotope ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Transcript Levels ◽  
Fitness Consequences ◽  
Source Sink

Endophytic insects provide the textbook examples of herbivores that manipulate their host plant’s physiology, putatively altering source/sink relationships by transferring cytokinins (CK) to create ‘green islands’ that increase the nutritional value of infested tissues. However, unambiguous demonstrations of CK transfer are lacking. Here we show that feeding by the free-living herbivore Tupiocoris notatus on Nicotiana attenuata is characterized by stable nutrient levels, increased CK levels and alterations in CK-related transcript levels in attacked leaves, in striking similarity to endophytic insects. Using 15N-isotope labeling, we demonstrate that the CK N6-isopentenyladenine (IP) is transferred from insects to plants via their oral secretions. In the field, T. notatus preferentially attacks leaves with transgenically increased CK levels; plants with abrogated CK-perception are less tolerant of T. notatus feeding damage. We infer that this free-living insect uses CKs to manipulate source/sink relationships to increase food quality and minimize the fitness consequences of its feeding.

Pneumoconiosis in the Captive New Zealand Kiwi

1973 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. L. Smith ◽  
W. S. H. Poole ◽  
D. Martinovich
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Plant Material ◽  
Anatomical Location ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Distal Extremity ◽  
Food Seeking

Pneumoconiosis characterised by focal accumulations of dust-laden macrophages in the bronchial walls of lungs was found in 16 captive kiwis. The dust was shown to contain a large proportion of silica, some iron and probable plant material. The condition appears to be associated with dry, dusty aviaries. It was not seen in free-living kiwis. The characteristic food-seeking habits of the kiwi and the unique anatomical location of the external nares at the distal extremity of the beak probably predispose this bird to the disease.

scholarly journals Virulence and Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern of Aeromonas spp. Colonizing European Pond Turtles Emys orbicularis and Their Natural Environment. First Study from Poland

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2772
Author(s):  
Leszek Guz ◽  
Aneta Nowakiewicz ◽  
Krzysztof Puk ◽  
Przemysław Zięba ◽  
Sebastian Gnat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Natural Environment ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Virulence Gene ◽  
Infectious Agent ◽  
Resistance Pattern ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Emys Orbicularis

The aim of the study was to isolate and identify species belonging to the Aeromonas genus and evaluate the antimicrobial resistance and virulence patterns of isolates colonizing European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) from natural environment of Eastern Poland. In total, 74 turtles and 15 samples of water from their natural environment were examined. More than 40 strains were isolated and identified: A. bestiarum (n = 1), A. hydrophila (n = 13), A. allosaccharophila (n = 2), A. salmonicida (n = 3), and A. veronii (n = 23). The highest incidence of resistance was noted for ampicillin (100%) and sulfamethoxazole (62.0%), followed by erythromycin and colistin (both 40.5%). Moreover, eight strains were intermediately resistant to meropenem (19%). Most Aeromonas isolates were found to possess more than one virulence gene among fla, aer, hlyA, act, ela, alt, and ast. We showed that the population of free-living European pond turtles was highly colonized by Aeromonas spp. Such strains may be an infectious agent not only for the population of turtles but also for other species of animals inhabiting their natural environment. Moreover, the undesirable properties of water quality caused by the presence of drug-resistant aeromonads could have a negative impact on human health.

scholarly journals Personality predicts spatial responses to food manipulations in free-ranging great tits ( Parus major )

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thijs van Overveld ◽  
Erik Matthysen
Keyword(s):  
Natural Environment ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Abrupt Change ◽  
Parus Major ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Personality Differences ◽  
Spatial Response ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
Induced Changes ◽  
Free Ranging

Personality differences measured under standardized lab-conditions are assumed to reflect differences in the way individuals cope with spatio-temporal changes in their natural environment, but few studies have examined how these are expressed in the field. We tested whether exploratory behaviour in a novel environment predicts how free-living individual great tits ( Parus major ) react to a change in food supply. We temporarily removed food at feeding stations during two summers and recorded the behavioural response of juvenile birds to these food manipulations using radio-tracking. When challenged by an abrupt change in food supply, fast-exploring individuals more rapidly switched to different foraging areas at longer distances from the feeder. This study is the first to show that personality traits predict the spatial response to experimentally induced changes in their natural environment.

scholarly journals Milk Composition of Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus) in a Natural Environment in Myanmar during Late Lactation

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 725 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen S. Dierenfeld ◽  
Yadana A. M. Han ◽  
Khyne U. Mar ◽  
Aung Aung ◽  
Aung Thura Soe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Environment ◽  
Diet Composition ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Asian Elephants ◽  
Feeding Management ◽  
Captive Populations

The nutritional content of milk from free-living Asian elephants has not previously been reported, despite being vital for better management of captive populations. This study analyzed both milk composition and consumed plant species of Asian elephants managed in their natural environment in Myanmar. Longitudinal samples (n = 36) were obtained during both the wet and the dry season from six mature females in mid to late lactation in 2016 and 2017. Milk composition averaged 82.44% water, with 17.56% total solids containing 5.23% protein, 15.10% fat, 0.87% ash, and 0.18 µg/mL vitamin E. Solids and protein increased with lactation month. Total protein in milk was higher during the wet vs. the dry season. Observed factors linked with maternal (age, parity, size and origin) and calf traits (sex) had significant associations with milk nutrient levels. Primary forages consumed contained moderate protein and fiber. Higher dietary protein during the wet season (11–25%) compared to the dry season (6–19%) may be linked with increased milk protein observed. Our results call for further field studies of milk and diet composition, over entire seasons/lactation periods, and across maternal and calf traits, to improve feeding management, with an overall goal of maximized health and survival.

scholarly journals Weight Loss Following Use of a Smartphone Food Photo Feature: Retrospective Cohort Study

10.2196/11917 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. e11917
Author(s):  
Daniela Ben Neriah ◽  
Allan Geliebter
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Technological Developments ◽  
Loss Effect

Background Tracking of dietary intake is key to enhancing weight loss. Mobile apps may be useful for tracking food intake and can provide feedback about calories and nutritional value. Recent technological developments have enabled image recognition to identify foods and track food intake. Objective We aimed to determine the effectiveness of using photography as a feature of a smartphone weight loss app to track food intake in adults who were overweight or obese. Methods We analyzed data from individuals (age, 18-65 years; body mass index≥25 kg/m2; ≥4 days of logged food intake; and ≥2 weigh-ins) who used a mobile-based weight loss app. In a retrospective study, we compared those who used the photo feature (n=9871) and those who did not use the feature (n=113,916). Linear regression analyses were used to assess use of the photo feature in relation to percent weight loss. Results Weight loss was greater in the group using the photo feature (Δ=0.14%; 95% CI 0.06-0.22; P<.001). The photo feature group used the weight loss app for a longer duration (+3.5 days; 95% CI 2.61-4.37; P<.001) and logged their food intake on more days (+6.1 days; 95% CI 5.40-6.77; P<.001) than the nonusers. Mediation analysis showed that the weight loss effect was absent when controlling for either duration or number of logged days in the program. Conclusions This study was the first to examine the effect of a food photo feature to track food intake on weight loss in a free-living setting. Use of photo recognition was associated with greater weight loss, which was mediated by the duration of app use and number of logged days in the program.

scholarly journals Yak Meat as a Lucrative Raw Material for Meat Products

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 16-33
Author(s):  
Баяна Баженова ◽  
Bayana Bazhenova ◽  
Юлия Забалуева ◽  
Yuliya Zabalueva ◽  
Михаил Данилов ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
Production And Consumption ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Taste And Smell

The present research features comparative data on the dynamics of meat production and consumption in the Republic of Buryatia. The analysis revealed stability and a slight increase in meat production and consumption per capita. The main sources of raw meat in Buryatia are cattle, sheep, and pigs, whereas goats, horses, and yaks make up a small part of farm animals in the region and serve as an additional source of valuable animal protein. The article contains a review of academic literature that showed a growing interest in yak meat studies, e.g. its nutritional value and use in meat products. The present research demonstrated that the nutritional and biological value of yak meat was similar to beef. However, yak meat proved to be tough, dark in color, and with a specific taste and smell. According to the experimental studies, the nutritional value of yak meat depends on the altitude of habitat. For instance, the higher the altitude, the larger the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The content of connective proteins, which can affect the consistency of the end product, was higher by 12.1% in yak meat than in beef. The experiment showed that the process of glycolysis in yak meat was 24 hours longer than in beef. The yak meat was tough due to the higher level of connective proteins, while its darker colour could be explained by the high content of myoglobin. These properties should be taken into account in the production of highquality meat products.

The use of non-traditional raw materials in the technology of cupcake for pregnant women

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (12) ◽  
pp. 36-39
Author(s):  
N.G. Ivanova ◽  
◽  
I.A. Nikitin ◽  
S.N. Tepfikova ◽  
M.V. Klokonos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Shelf Life ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Storage Capacity ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Control Sample ◽  
Organoleptic Evaluation ◽  
Date Syrup ◽  
Taste And Smell

The article presents the results of research on the development of a technology for low-sugar cake with the use of date syrup and avocado puree intended for nutrition of pregnant women. Based on the storage capacity results, it was found that the weight loss of the control cake sample does not depend on the addition of date syrup and avocado puree to the recipe. The results of the organoleptic evaluation of the samples showed that at the end of the shelf life the muffins were suitable for consumption with only a slight loss of the severity of taste and smell. Calculation of the nutritional value of the developed products showed that the consumption of 100 g of the developed cake will increase the coverage of the daily requirement of pregnant women in potassium by 4,9 % compared to the control sample, in calcium – by 0,7 %, in magnesium – by 3,2 %, in iron – by 0,7 %, in vitamins B9 – by 3,5 % and E – by 2,4 %. The energy value of the developed product is reduced by 64 kcal in comparison with the control sample.

scholarly journals Cell-cycle progress in obligate predatory bacteria is dependent upon sequential sensing of prey recognition and prey quality cues

2015 ◽  
Vol 112 (44) ◽  
pp. E6028-E6037 ◽  
Author(s):  
Or Rotem ◽  
Zohar Pasternak ◽  
Eyal Shimoni ◽  
Eduard Belausov ◽  
Ziv Porat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Prey Cell ◽  
Cultivation System ◽  
Prey Recognition ◽  
Predatory Bacteria ◽  
Transitory Phase ◽  
Attack Phase ◽  
Regulatory Effects

Predators feed on prey to acquire the nutrients necessary to sustain their survival, growth, and replication. InBdellovibrio bacteriovorus, an obligate predator of Gram-negative bacteria, cell growth and replication are tied to a shift from a motile, free-living phase of search and attack to a sessile, intracellular phase of growth and replication during which a single prey cell is consumed. Engagement and sustenance of growth are achieved through the sensing of two unidentified prey-derived cues. We developed a novel ex vivo cultivation system forB.bacteriovoruscomposed of prey ghost cells that are recognized and invaded by the predator. By manipulating their content, we demonstrated that an early cue is located in the prey envelope and a late cue is found within the prey soluble fraction. These spatially and temporally separated cues elicit discrete and combinatory regulatory effects on gene transcription. Together, they delimit a poorly characterized transitory phase between the attack phase and the growth phase, during which the bdelloplast (the invaded prey cell) is constructed. This transitory phase constitutes a checkpoint in which the late cue presumably acts as a determinant of the prey’s nutritional value before the predator commits. These regulatory adaptations to a unique bacterial lifestyle have not been reported previously.

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