scholarly journals Differences in running performance of single- and group-housed mice

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uma T Plenz ◽  
Patrick O Kanold
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Limited Resource ◽  
High Temporal Resolution ◽  
Light Cycle ◽  
Dark Cycle ◽  
Power Law Decay ◽  
Running Activity ◽  
Running Wheels

Mice are one of several common animal models in neuroscience and mouse behavior is becoming increasingly relevant. Mice are housed either in groups or alone in standard cages during which they show a variety of different behaviors. Moreover, housing conditions might alter the behavior of the mice as do social interactions. When given access to running wheels as an environmental enrichment, mice tend to run long distances preferentially during their dark cycle. However, it is currently not well understood whether and how mice utilize running wheels when single-housed or group-housed. Here we developed a low-cost running wheel data acquisition system to study running in adult C57BL/6 mice at high temporal resolution under different social conditions. As expected, adult C57BL/6 mice prefer to run in stretches during the dark cycle and mostly rest during the light cycle. When single-housed, running bouts occur independent from each other as indicated by an exponential decaying autocorrelation. In contrast, mice run ~50% less when housed in groups of n = 3 and their temporal pattern of running exhibits a power law decay in the autocorrelation indicative of potential social interactions. Our results demonstrate that running wheels are a limited resource for which mice compete for when they are group-housed, thereby reducing their overall running activity.

Sex differences in the circadian control of hamster wheel-running activity

1983 ◽  
Vol 244 (1) ◽  
pp. R93-R105 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. C. Davis ◽  
J. M. Darrow ◽  
M. Menaker
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Sex Difference ◽  
Wheel Running ◽  
Phase Shifts ◽  
Light Cycle ◽  
Dark Cycle ◽  
Running Activity ◽  
Wheel Running Activity ◽  
Activity Onset ◽  
Males And Females

The circadian pacemaker that underlies the wheel-running activity of hamsters was studied in males and females. Sex differences were found in the mechanism by which the pacemaker entrains to light-dark cycles and in the timing of activity onset. When exposed to a light-dark cycle with a period of 24.75 h (with 1 h of light/cycle), males show a greater ability to maintain entrainment than do females. This difference in the upper limit of entrainment appears due to a sex difference in the magnitude of light-induced phase shifts. A small difference in free-running period may also contribute to the sex difference in entrainment. Two weeks after castration of adults, the sex difference in entrainment is not affected, indicating that the difference does not depend on circulating gonadal steroids or on estrous cyclicity of the female. However, castration of females at an early age increases their ability to entrain, whereas long-term castration of males seems to reduce entrainment ability. During entrainment to a 24-h light-dark cycle (LD 14:10), females were found to begin their daily activity before males and before castrated females. This difference is consistent with a sex difference in the magnitude of light-induced phase shifts and in entrainment of the pacemaker. However, evidence is given that the sex difference in activity onset might also be caused by a sex difference in the relationship of locomotor activity to the pacemaker in intact males and females.

scholarly journals Does voluntary wheel running exist in Neotropical wild mammals?

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter van Lunteren ◽  
Marnix A. Groenewold ◽  
Gabor Pozsgai ◽  
Joseph Sarvary
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Wheel Running ◽  
Lower Probability ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Voluntary Wheel Running ◽  
Running Activity ◽  
Wheel Running Activity ◽  
Running Wheels ◽  
Voluntary Wheel

AbstractRunning wheels are frequently used to improve the welfare of captive animals, increase environmental enrichment, and, by doing so, reduce stereotypic behaviors. It is, however, still debated whether or not wheel running itself is a stereotypy. New evidence emerged when Meijer and Robbers (2014, Proc. Royal Soc. B) reported voluntary wheel running of wild animals in the Netherlands. Since stereotypic behaviors are exclusively attributed to captive animals, the occurrence of wheel running in the wild suggests that this behavior is non-stereotypic. Our study explores that same line of investigation, examining whether wild animals will voluntarily use running wheels in a natural area in Paraguay in comparison to the urban and semi-urban settings in the Netherlands. Of the 1857 small mammal visits we recorded, only two occasions showed evidence of what could be considered as wheel running behavior; over hundredfold fewer than previously reported. The potential reasons for the observed difference in wheel running activity, such as different species pool or seasonality, are discussed. The difference, however, is likely to be due to the much lower probability of Neotropical mammals in a remote natural site encountering man-made objects and experiencing urbanization-related behavioral patterns. Additionally, in the light of our findings, we review the definition of wheel running as a stereotypic behavior.

scholarly journals Critical Effects on Akt Signaling in Adult Zebrafish Brain Following Alterations in Light Exposure

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 637
Author(s):  
Nicholas S. Moore ◽  
Robert A. Mans ◽  
Mackenzee K. McCauley ◽  
Colton S. Allgood ◽  
Keri A. Barksdale
Keyword(s):  
Optic Tectum ◽  
Visual Processing ◽  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Glycogen Synthase ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Hsp70 Expression ◽  
Light Cycle ◽  
Adult Zebrafish ◽  
Sleep State ◽  
Zebrafish Brain

Evidence from human and animal studies indicate that disrupted light cycles leads to alterations of the sleep state, poor cognition, and the risk of developing neuroinflammatory and generalized health disorders. Zebrafish exhibit a diurnal circadian rhythm and are an increasingly popular model in studies of neurophysiology and neuropathophysiology. Here, we investigate the effect of alterations in light cycle on the adult zebrafish brain: we measured the effect of altered, unpredictable light exposure in adult zebrafish telencephalon, homologous to mammalian hippocampus, and the optic tectum, a significant visual processing center with extensive telencephalon connections. The expression of heat shock protein-70 (HSP70), an important cell stress mediator, was significantly decreased in optic tectum of adult zebrafish brain following four days of altered light exposure. Further, pSer473-Akt (protein kinase B) was significantly reduced in telencephalon following light cycle alteration, and pSer9-GSK3β (glycogen synthase kinase-3β) was significantly reduced in both the telencephalon and optic tectum of light-altered fish. Animals exposed to five minutes of environmental enrichment showed significant increase in pSer473Akt, which was significantly attenuated by four days of altered light exposure. These data show for the first time that unpredictable light exposure alters HSP70 expression and dysregulates Akt-GSK3β signaling in the adult zebrafish brain.

Automated Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of the Left Ventricle From Multiple-Axis Echocardiography

2015 ◽  
Vol 138 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Navaneetha Krishnan Rajan ◽  
Zeying Song ◽  
Kenneth R. Hoffmann ◽  
Marek Belohlavek ◽  
Eileen M. McMahon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Left Ventricle ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Software Tool ◽  
Acquisition Time ◽  
Lv Function ◽  
High Temporal Resolution ◽  
Standard Format ◽  
Flow Simulations ◽  
Automated Method

Two-dimensional echocardiography (echo) is the method of choice for noninvasive evaluation of the left ventricle (LV) function owing to its low cost, fast acquisition time, and high temporal resolution. However, it only provides the LV boundaries in discrete 2D planes, and the 3D LV geometry needs to be reconstructed from those planes to quantify LV wall motion, acceleration, and strain, or to carry out flow simulations. An automated method is developed for the reconstruction of the 3D LV endocardial surface using echo from a few standard cross sections, in contrast with the previous work that has used a series of 2D scans in a linear or rotational manner for 3D reconstruction. The concept is based on a generalized approach so that the number or type (long-axis (LA) or short-axis (SA)) of sectional data is not constrained. The location of the cross sections is optimized to minimize the difference between the reconstructed and measured cross sections, and the reconstructed LV surface is meshed in a standard format. Temporal smoothing is implemented to smooth the motion of the LV and the flow rate. This software tool can be used with existing clinical 2D echo systems to reconstruct the 3D LV geometry and motion to quantify the regional akinesis/dyskinesis, 3D strain, acceleration, and velocities, or to be used in ventricular flow simulations.

Circadian rhythms in blinded rats: correlation between pineal and activity cycles

1978 ◽  
Vol 234 (3) ◽  
pp. R110-R114
Author(s):  
C. R. Pohl ◽  
F. P. Gibbs
Keyword(s):  
Pineal Gland ◽  
Activity Rhythm ◽  
Diurnal Rhythms ◽  
Light Cycle ◽  
Activity Phase ◽  
Running Activity ◽  
Free Running ◽  
Activity Cycles ◽  
Rat Pineal Gland ◽  
Sampling Times

The rat pineal gland exhibits diurnal rhythms in levels of N-acetyltransferase activity and its substrate serotonin. We attempted to demonstrate the endogenous nature of these changes by measuring the pineal enzyme and its substrate in rats blinded for 37 and 60 days. In order to determine the proper sampling times for these one-time, terminal measurements, the running activity rhythm of each rat was monitored continuously and the animals were killed at either midrest or midrun. Circadian changes of pineal N-acetyltransferase and serotonin were demonstrated, with enzyme levels high and substrate content low during midrun. Absolute values during each activity phase were similar to those of control rats entrained to a light cycle (LD 12:12). Levels of the pineal constituents were unrelated to local time. These results suggest that rats blinded for up to 60 days maintain their free-running pineal rhythms with undamped amplitudes and in synchronization with the activity rhythm.

Low-cost management of mushroom poisoning in a limited-resource area: a 12-year retrospective study

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-138
Author(s):  
Ratsameekhae Jongthun ◽  
Pasin Hemachudha ◽  
Supaporn Wacharapluesadee ◽  
Thiravat Hemachudha
Keyword(s):  
Medical Records ◽  
Cost Management ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Food Poisoning ◽  
Alcoholic Cirrhosis ◽  
Limited Resource ◽  
Late Presentation ◽  
Mushroom Poisoning ◽  
Accidental Ingestion ◽  
Poisonous Mushrooms

Amatoxin poisoning is the main cause of death from accidental ingestion of poisonous mushrooms and a mortality rate of 27.3% has been reported in Thailand. Symptoms of mushroom ingestion are often confused with food poisoning; thus, gastroenteritis is not recognised as the first phase of poisoning. Our study assessed the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as a treatment for amatoxin poisoning. We retrospectively analysed 74 medical records over 12 years. The majority (70/74) were treated successfully with NAC; death in the remaining 4 (5.4%) patients was attributed to late presentation in three and advanced alcoholic cirrhosis in one.

scholarly journals AnemoCheck-LRS: an optimized, color-based point-of-care test to identify severe anemia in limited-resource settings

BMC Medicine ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina S. Perez-Plazola ◽  
Erika A. Tyburski ◽  
Luke R. Smart ◽  
Thad A. Howard ◽  
Amanda Pfeiffer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Screening Tool ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Limited Resource ◽  
Absolute Difference ◽  
Severe Anemia ◽  
Detection Range ◽  
Point Of Care Test ◽  
Colour Scale ◽  
Life Saving

Abstract Background Severe anemia is common and frequently fatal for hospitalized patients in limited-resource settings. Lack of access to low-cost, accurate, and rapid diagnosis of anemia impedes the delivery of life-saving care and appropriate use of the limited blood supply. The WHO Haemoglobin Colour Scale (HCS) is a simple low-cost test but frequently inaccurate. AnemoCheck-LRS (limited-resource settings) is a rapid, inexpensive, color-based point-of-care (POC) test optimized to diagnose severe anemia. Methods Deidentified whole blood samples were diluted with plasma to create variable hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations, with most in the severe (≤ 7 g/dL) or profound (≤ 5 g/dL) anemia range. Each sample was tested with AnemoCheck-LRS and WHO HCS independently by three readers and compared to Hb measured by an electronic POC test (HemoCue 201+) and commercial hematology analyzer. Results For 570 evaluations within the limits of detection of AnemoCheck-LRS (Hb ≤ 8 g/dL), the average difference between AnemoCheck-LRS and measured Hb was 0.5 ± 0.4 g/dL. In contrast, the WHO HCS overestimated Hb with an absolute difference of 4.9 ± 1.3 g/dL for samples within its detection range (Hb 4–14 g/dL, n = 405). AnemoCheck-LRS was much more sensitive (92%) for the diagnosis of profound anemia than WHO HCS (22%). Conclusions AnemoCheck-LRS is a rapid, inexpensive, and accurate POC test for anemia. AnemoCheck-LRS is more accurate than WHO HCS for detection of low Hb levels, severe anemia that may require blood transfusion. AnemoCheck-LRS should be tested prospectively in limited-resource settings where severe anemia is common, to determine its utility as a screening tool to identify patients who may require transfusion.

scholarly journals The MEDUSA electron and ion spectrometer and the PIA ultraviolet photometers on Astrid-2

2001 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 593-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Norberg ◽  
J. D. Winningham ◽  
H. Lauche ◽  
W. Keith ◽  
W. Puccio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Technological Development ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Local Magnetic Field ◽  
High Temporal Resolution ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Spin Plane ◽  
Low Mass ◽  
Instruments And Techniques ◽  
Auroral Emissions ◽  
Auroral Phenomena

Abstract. The miniature electron and ion spectrometer MEDUSA on Astrid-2 consists of two "top-hat"-type spherical electrostatic analyzers, sharing a common top-hat. Fast energy sweeps (16 electron sweeps and 8 ion sweeps per second) allow for very high temporal resolution measurements of a two-dimensional slice of the particle distribution function. The energy range covered, is in the case of electrons, 4 eV to 22 keV and, in the case of ions, 2 eV to 12 keV. MEDUSA is mounted with its aperture close to the spin plane of Astrid-2, which allows for good pitch-angle coverage when the local magnetic field is in the satellite spin plane. The PIA-1/2 spin-scanning ultraviolet photometers measure auroral emissions. Using the spacecraft spin and orbital motion, it is possible to create two-dimensional images from the data. Spin-scanning photometers, such as PIA, are low-cost, low mass alternatives to auroral imagers, but place constraints on the satellite attitude. Data from MEDUSA are used to study processes in the auroral region, in particular, electrodynamics of aurora and "black aurora". MEDUSA is also a technological development, paving the way for highly capable, miniaturized particle spectrometers.Key words. Ionosphere (instruments and techniques) – Magnetospheric physics (auroral phenomena; instruments and techniques)

Effect of adrenalectomy and corticosterone replacement on meal patterns of Zucker rats

1985 ◽  
Vol 249 (5) ◽  
pp. R584-R594 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. R. Freedman ◽  
T. W. Castonguay ◽  
J. S. Stern
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Zucker Rats ◽  
Meal Frequency ◽  
Light Cycle ◽  
Dark Cycle ◽  
Meal Patterns ◽  
Total Food Intake ◽  
Total Food

Male obese and lean Zucker rats were adrenalectomized (ADX) or sham-operated at 10 wk of age. Approximately 16 wk later, patterns of food intake were monitored by computer-interfaced top loading balances. Data were collected from ADX rats before, during, and after access to a corticosterone-supplemented saline solution (20 micrograms/ml). Although total food intake during the precorticosterone treatment period was not different between ADX and sham controls, ADX resulted in attenuation of light cycle food intake, primarily via decreased meal frequency. With steroid replacement, light cycle meal frequency and food intake increased. Despite comparable self-administered dose (20.33 +/- 0.89 vs. 17.05 +/- 1.2 mg corticosterone/period, obese vs. lean), obese ADX rats were more responsive to steroid than were lean ADX rats. This increased responsiveness was reflected by a 30% increase in food intake and 60% increase in body weight gain of obese ADX rats during replacement. Lean ADX rats exhibited no change in total food intake or weight gain with replacement. Further, during corticosterone treatment, obese ADX rats increased meal frequency, total food intake, and consumption of large meals (greater than or equal to 4 g) during the dark cycle. Significant postprandial correlations were found only in obese ADX rats, both with and without replacement during the dark cycle. These results suggest adrenal glucocorticoids have a minimal effect on food intake and meal patterns in lean Zucker rats but significantly alter intake and meal patterns in obese rats.

scholarly journals Postnatal exposure to cocaine in rats housed in an enriched environment: effects on social interactions

2007 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 303-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Magalhães ◽  
Teresa Summavielle ◽  
Maria Amélia Tavares ◽  
Liliana de Sousa
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Wistar Rats ◽  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Postnatal Life ◽  
Postnatal Exposure ◽  
Social Investigation ◽  
Social Challenges ◽  
Play Fighting ◽  
Environment Effects ◽  
Cocaine Hydrochloride

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of environmental enrichment (EE) in rats exposed to cocaine during the first month of postnatal life by examining several categories of social behaviour (play fighting, social investigation, comfort behaviours and invitation to play). Wistar rats were divided in four groups: pups exposed to cocaine hydrochloride (15 mg/kg body weight/day), sc, in two daily doses, from postnatal day (PND) 1 to 28 and reared in EE; exposed to cocaine as previously described and reared in standard environment (SE); saline-exposed and reared in EE; pups saline-exposed and reared in SE. On PND 21, 24 and 28, social interactions were examined for 10 min. Results show that cocaine animals reared in SE decreased the frequency of play solicitation. Control animals reared in EE exhibited decreased play fighting and social investigation behaviours compared to SE-reared rats. Animals postnatally exposed to cocaine when reared in EE displayed more comfort and invitation to play behaviours and decreased social investigation compared with SE-reared animals. The results suggest that in rats postnatally exposed to cocaine, EE rearing elicited differences in both processing of environmental stimuli and a response to social challenges. Human & Experimental Toxicology (2007) 26, 303-309

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