scholarly journals Costs of Franklin’s ground squirrel (Poliocitellus franklinii) ectoparasitism reveal adaptive sex allocation

2018 ◽  
Vol 96 (6) ◽  
pp. 585-591 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen M. Pero ◽  
James F. Hare
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Sex Allocation ◽  
Indirect Costs ◽  
Ground Squirrels ◽  
Male Offspring ◽  
Social Species ◽  
Reproductive Females ◽  
Franklin's Ground Squirrel ◽  
Poliocitellus Franklinii ◽  
And Control

Parasite infestation may impose direct costs of blood, nutrient, and energy depletion, along with indirect costs of increased immune response upon hosts. We investigated how ectoparasitism influences body mass and reproduction in a free-living population of Franklin’s ground squirrels (Poliocitellus franklinii (Sabine, 1822)) located near Delta Marsh, Manitoba, Canada. We experimentally reduced ectoparasite burden by treating seven reproductive females with an insecticide following breeding and contrasted body mass and reproductive performance of those individuals to seven sham-treated control females. Insecticide-treated dams did not differ from sham-treated dams in body mass, litter size, or juvenile mass, and thus, dam growth and reproduction were not compromised by ectoparasite defense at the infestation levels experienced in this study. However, litter sex ratio differed significantly between insecticide-treated and control females, with a higher proportion of male offspring produced among females with reduced ectoparasite load. Our findings are thus consistent with the Trivers–Willard model for adaptive sex allocation, yet they provide novel comparative insight into how sociality may modulate the expression of adaptive sex allocation among small mammals given the differential payoff associated with the production of high-quality female versus male offspring in more social versus less social species.

Maternal influence on juvenile growth rates in Belding's ground squirrel (Spermophilus beldingi)

1991 ◽  
Vol 69 (8) ◽  
pp. 2140-2145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen C. Trombulak
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Sierra Nevada ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Ground Squirrels ◽  
The Body ◽  
Supplemental Food ◽  
Sierra Nevada Mountains ◽  
Extra Food ◽  
Spermophilus Beldingi ◽  
Reproductive Females

The influence of food acquisition by pregnant and lactating Belding's ground squirrels (Spermophilus beldingi) on the body mass and growth rate of their offspring was assessed in a free-ranging population. In late spring and early summer of 1985 and 1986, individual females in a population of Belding's ground squirrels in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California were given 300–500 g of sunflower seeds daily at the entrances to their burrows. Juveniles born to mothers who received supplemental food emerged from natal burrows on average 28% heavier than did controls (73.0 vs. 57.1 g, P < 0.001) and maintained a greater body mass throughout the remainder of the summer (P < 0.01). Also, females had a nonsignificant tendency towards greater survivorship during their first winter (P = 0.09). Supplemental feeding had no effect on litter size or sex ratio of offspring, or on the mass of the mothers up to the time of weaning, indicating that extra food available in the spring to reproductive females is converted primarily, if not exclusively, into larger offspring. Because the lengths of gestation and lactation are relatively invariable, the greater body mass of emerging juveniles must result from faster growth prior to weaning.

Body mass and attractivity of female offspring are negatively affected by food restriction of meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) dams during lactation

Behaviour ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 151 (12-13) ◽  
pp. 1847-1868 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramona M. Sabau ◽  
Lyndsey Pierson ◽  
Michael H. Ferkin
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Sexual Behaviour ◽  
Food Restriction ◽  
Female Offspring ◽  
Microtus Pennsylvanicus ◽  
The Body ◽  
Male Offspring ◽  
Meadow Vole ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
And Control

The environment experienced by pups during lactation (nutrition and maternal behaviour) can contribute not only to sexual development, but also to individual differences in offspring sexual behaviour. We tested the hypothesis that female offspring of meadow vole dams (Microtus pennsylvanicus) that were 30% food restricted (FR) during days 1–7 of lactation (FR 1–7), days 8–14 of lactation (FR 8–14), or days 15–21 of lactation (FR 15–21) show negative effects on their food intake, growth, and the three components of sexual behaviour (attractivity, proceptivity and receptivity) as compared with female offspring of control dams. With the exception of age 29 days or age 34 days, the body weights of female offspring of FR 1–7 dams and FR 8–14 dams between days 21 and 48 were lower than the body weights of female offspring of FR 15–21 dams and those of control dams. Female offspring of FR 1–7 dams maintained a lower body weight than the other female offspring throughout the study. Female offspring of FR 8–14 and FR 15–21 dams produced odours that were less attractive to males than odours produced by those of FR 1–7 and control dams. Female offspring of FR dams and control dams did not differ in their measures of proceptivity and receptivity. However, the total amount of time allocated for copulation by males was shorter for those males that were paired with female offspring of FR 1–7 dams than it was for those that were paired with the female offspring of FR 8–14, FR15–21, and control dams. The results of this study, coupled with those found in a study conducted on the male offspring of FR dams, indicate that for female offspring days 1–7 and for male offspring days 8–14 of lactation are the time periods during which food restriction of dams had the greatest impact on deficits in sexual behaviour and body mass in meadow voles.

Seasonal reproduction in the highveld mole-rat, Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae (Rodentia: Bathyergidae)

2002 ◽  
Vol 80 (5) ◽  
pp. 810-820 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Janse van Rensburg ◽  
N C Bennett ◽  
M van der Merwe ◽  
A S Schoeman
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Seasonal Breeding ◽  
Nonbreeding Season ◽  
Ovarian Histology ◽  
Mole Rat ◽  
Reproductive Females

The highveld mole-rat, Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae, is a cooperatively breeding rodent that exhibits seasonal breeding and a reproductive division of labour. Body mass, reproductive-tract morphometrics, ovarian histology, and plasma oestrogen and progesterone concentrations were studied for both reproductive and non-reproductive females from 55 colonies, the main objective being to determine the inclination of this species towards seasonal breeding. Offspring are born from July through to November. However, qualitative analysis of ovarian histology revealed that reproductive females retain the potential for ovulation and subsequent production of corpora lutea during the late-summer nonbreeding period (December–March). Seasonal differences were found in ovarian morphometrics and hormone concentrations that are associated with enhanced follicular activation in April and May and subsequent conceptions from July through to November during the breeding period. The nonbreeding period coincides with maximal dispersal opportunities in the summer-rainfall areas inhabited by the highveld mole-rat. Body mass, reproductive-tract morphometrics, testicular histology, and plasma testosterone concentrations were determined for reproductive and non-reproductive males from 37 colonies. Available evidence suggests that there is a gradual increase in testicular mass for reproductive males as the breeding season approaches, but after September the testicular parameters fall. Seminiferous-tubule diameter was significantly greater in reproductive males but exhibited no seasonal variation. Testosterone concentrations were higher in reproductive males. Current data support a lack of gonadal regression in males during the nonbreeding season.

scholarly journals Sonographic Evaluation of Plantar Fasciitis and its Relation to Body Mass Index and Heel Pad Thickness

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 32-39
Author(s):  
Prashant Khatiwada ◽  
Dinesh Chataut ◽  
Kamal Subedi
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Plantar Fasciitis ◽  
Plantar Fascia ◽  
Skin Surface ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Heel Pad ◽  
And Control ◽  
Calcaneal Tuberosity ◽  
Symptomatic Side

Introduction: To study the sonographic appearance of plantar fascia in clinically suspected cases of plantar fasciitis (PFs) using both quantitative and qualitative parameters, and to establish the correlation between plantar fasciitis, body mass index (BMI) and heel pad thickness (HPT). Methods: In this case controlled analytical study, we sonographically evaluated 100 patients with clinical plantar fasciitis (unilateral: 90, bilateral: 10 with mean age 46.9yrs) and control group of 60 (120 heels) healthy volunteers with mean age 45.3yrs. Plantar Fascia Thickness (PFT), HPT, hypoechogenity, biconvexity, perifascial fluid, intrafascial calcification and subcalcaneal spurs were evaluated sonographically. PFT was measured 5mm distal to the calcaneal insertion of plantar aponeurosis. The unloaded HPT was measured from the skin surface to the nearest calcaneal tuberosity. Results: Mean Plantar Fascia Thickness (PFT) and Heel Pad Thickness (HPT) are greater on the symptomatic side for patients with unilateral and bilateral PFs than on the asymptomatic side for patients with unilateral PFs, and also control subjects (PFT values are 4.41 ± 0.59, 4.63 ± 0.55, 2.83 ± 0.36, 2.62± 0.37 mm, and HPT values 17.64 ± 1.07, 17.28 ± 1.10, 16.91 ± 1.06, 16.73 ± 1.13 mm, respectively) (p <0.0001). Mean BMI values of the case and control groups are 26.14 ± 1.9 and 24.42 ± 0.89 Kg/m2, respectively (p <0.05). We found hypoechogenicity of plantar fascia in 80 cases (72.7%), calcaneal spur in 69 cases (62.7%), biconvexity in 11 cases (10%) and perifascial fluid in 16 cases (14.5%) within the plantar fasciitis group (110 symptomatic heels). Conclusion: Increased plantar fascia thickness, increased heel pad thickness and hypoechogenicity of plantar fascia are consistent sonographic findings in plantar fasciitis. Its occurrence has significant relation to high BMI.

scholarly journals Cortical Transcriptomic Alterations in Association With Appetitive Neuropeptides and Body Mass Index in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren A Stone ◽  
Matthew J Girgenti ◽  
Jiawei Wang ◽  
Dingjue Ji ◽  
Hongyu Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Postmortem Brain ◽  
Pathway Annotation ◽  
Postmortem Brain Tissue ◽  
And Control ◽  
Upstream Regulators

Abstract Background The molecular pathology underlying posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains unclear mainly due to a lack of human PTSD postmortem brain tissue. The orexigenic neuropeptides ghrelin, neuropeptide Y, and hypocretin were recently implicated in modulating negative affect. Drawing from the largest functional genomics study of human PTSD postmortem tissue, we investigated whether there were molecular changes of these and other appetitive molecules. Further, we explored the interaction between PTSD and body mass index (BMI) on gene expression. Methods We analyzed previously reported transcriptomic data from 4 prefrontal cortex regions from 52 individuals with PTSD and 46 matched neurotypical controls. We employed gene co-expression network analysis across the transcriptomes of these regions to uncover PTSD-specific networks containing orexigenic genes. We utilized Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software for pathway annotation. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among individuals with and without PTSD, stratified by sex and BMI. Results Three PTSD-associated networks (P &lt; .01) contained genes in signaling families of appetitive molecules: 2 in females and 1 in all subjects. We uncovered DEGs (P &lt; .05) between PTSD and control subjects stratified by sex and BMI with especially robust changes in males with PTSD with elevated vs normal BMI. Further, we identified putative upstream regulators (P &lt; .05) driving these changes, many of which were enriched for involvement in inflammation. Conclusions PTSD-associated cortical transcriptomic modules contain transcripts of appetitive genes, and BMI further interacts with PTSD to impact expression. DEGs and inferred upstream regulators of these modules could represent targets for future pharmacotherapies for obesity in PTSD.

scholarly journals The cut-off limits of the GH response to GH-releasing hormone-arginine test related to body mass index

2005 ◽  
Vol 153 (2) ◽  
pp. 257-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ginevra Corneli ◽  
Carolina Di Somma ◽  
Roberto Baldelli ◽  
Silvia Rovere ◽  
Valentina Gasco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Gh Deficiency ◽  
Pituitary Hormone ◽  
Obese Patients ◽  
Releasing Hormone ◽  
Gh Secretion ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Optimal Separation ◽  
And Control

Objective: The diagnosis of growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) in adults is based on a reduced peak GH response to provocative tests, such as the insulin tolerance test (ITT) and the GH-releasing hormone-arginine (GHRH-ARG) test. However, the cut-off limits of peak GH response in lean subjects are not reliable in obese patients; this is noteworthy since adult GHD is often associated with obesity. Aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic cut-off limits of peak GH response to the GHRH-ARG test in overweight and obese as well as in lean population. Design and methods: The GH responses to the GHRH-ARG test were studied in 322 patients with organic hypothalamic-pituitary disease and in 318 control subjects. Patients were subdivided into two groups on the basis of the number of pituitary hormone deficits, except for GH deficiency: (a) patients with total pituitary hormone deficit (TPHD) and (b) patients without or with no more than two pituitary hormone deficits (PHD). Both patients and control subjects were divided into three subgroups according to body mass index (BMI): lean (BMI <25 kg/m2), overweight (BMI ≥25 and <30 kg/m2) and obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). TPHD patients were assumed to be GH deficient, whereas PHD patients may include subjects with either normal or impaired GH secretion. The statistical analysis was carried out by the Receiver-Operating Characteristic curve analysis (Medcalc 7.2). The diagnostic cut-off points were calculated for lean, overweight and obese subjects to provide optimal separation of GH-deficient patients and control subjects according to two criteria: (1) a balance between high sensitivity and high specificity; (2) to provide the highest pair of sensitivity/specificity values for GH deficiency. Results: In the lean population the best pair of values, with highest sensitivity as 98.7% and highest specificity as 83.7%, was found using a peak GH cut-off point of 11.5 μg/l. In the overweight population the best pair of values, 96.7 and 75.5%, respectively, was found using a peak GH cut-off point of 8.0 μg/l. In the obese population the best pair of values, 93.5 and 78.3%, respectively, was found using a peak GH cut-off point of 4.2 μg/l. Applying the above mentioned cut-off points, among PHD patients we found that 80 subjects (72%) were GHD whereas 31 (28%) had normal GH secretion. Conclusions: In conclusion the GHRH-ARG test is a reliable tool for the diagnosis of adult GH deficiency in lean, overweight and obese patients, provided that specific BMI-related cut-off limits are assumed.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of the Power Dry-Land Training Programmes in Youth Swimmers

2012 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerzy Sadowski ◽  
Andrzej Mastalerz ◽  
Wilhelm Gromisz ◽  
Tomasz Niźnikowski
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Power Training ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Dry Land ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
And Control ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
And Training

Effectiveness of the Power Dry-Land Training Programmes in Youth Swimmers The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of the dry-land power training on swimming force, swimming performance and strength in youth swimmers. Twenty six male swimmers, free from injuries and training regularly at least 6 times a week, were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to one of two groups: experimental (n=14, mean age 14.0 ± 0.5 yrs, mean height 1.67±0.08 m and mean body mass 55.71 ±9.55 kg) and control (n=12, mean age 14.1 ± 0.5 yrs, mean height 1.61±0.11 m and mean body mass 49.07 ±8.25 kg). The experimental group took part in a combined swimming and dry-land power training. The control group took part in swimming training only. The training programmes in water included a dominant aerobic work in front crawl. In this research the experimental group tended to present slightly greater improvements in sprint performance. However, the stroke frequency insignificantly decreased (-4.30%, p>0.05) in the experimental group and increased (6.28%, p>0.05) in the control group. The distance per stroke insignificantly increased in the experimental group (5.98%, p>0.05) and insignificantly decreased in the control group (-5.36%, p>0.05). A significant improvement of tethered swimming force for the experimental group (9.64%, p<0.02) was found, whereas the increase was not statistically significant in the control group (2.86%, p>0.05). The main data cannot clearly state that power training allowed an enhancement in swimming performance, although a tendency to improve swimming performance in tethered swimming was noticed.

Increased heat loss affects hibernation in golden-mantled ground squirrels

2004 ◽  
Vol 287 (1) ◽  
pp. R167-R173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander S. Kauffman ◽  
Matthew J. Paul ◽  
Irving Zucker
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Heat Loss ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Complete Removal ◽  
Ground Squirrels ◽  
Control Procedure ◽  
Ambient Temperatures ◽  
Spermophilus Lateralis ◽  
Maintain Body Temperature ◽  
Body Heat

During hibernation at ambient temperatures (Ta) above 0°C, rodents typically maintain body temperature (Tb) ∼1°C above Ta, reduce metabolic rate, and suspend or substantially reduce many physiological functions. We tested the extent to which the presence of an insulative pelage affects hibernation. Tb was recorded telemetrically in golden-mantled ground squirrels ( Spermophilus lateralis) housed at a Ta of 5°C; food intake and body mass were measured at regular intervals throughout the hibernation season and after the terminal arousal. Animals were subjected to complete removal of the dorsal fur or a control procedure after they had been in hibernation for 3–4 wk. Shaved squirrels continued to hibernate with little or no change in minimum Tb, bout duration, duration of periodic normothermic bouts, and food intake during normothermia. Rates of rewarming from torpor were, however, significantly slower in shaved squirrels, and rates of body mass loss were significantly higher, indicating increased depletion of white adipose energy stores. An insulative pelage evidently conserves energy over the course of the hibernation season by decreasing body heat loss and reducing energy expenditure during periodic arousals from torpor and subsequent intervals of normothermia. This prolongs the hibernation season by several weeks, thereby eliminating the debilitating consequences associated with premature emergence from hibernation.

Effect of Prey Density on Reproduction, Foraging and Other Activities in the Adder, Vipera berus

1982 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claes Andrén
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Prey Density ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Cost Of Reproduction ◽  
Food Resources ◽  
Island Population ◽  
Food Density ◽  
Vipera Berus ◽  
One Year ◽  
Reproductive Females

AbstractReproduction, foraging and other activities of an island population of adder, Vipera berus, were documented in 1974 after a high density of rodents in 1973. The study was repeated in 1975 after one year of diminished food resources. In spring 1974 the weight status (body mass/length) of all categories of island adders was significantly higher than in adjacent mainland populations. After one year of food scarcity mean body mass had decreased significantly in all categories of adders. At the same time mean body length in males, (but not in females) increased significantly. Survival after one year of low food resources was markedly higher in non-reproductive females than in reproductive ones, pointing to a high cost of reproduction at low food density. In 1975, spring sloughing in males was delayed and prolonged, and reproduction failed completely. The foraging period was prolonged and included spring. Most adders then left their normal spring habitats close to the hibernation area and moved to foraging habitats. Predator evasion distance was much shorter than in well-nourished adders.

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