Thermal ecology of the Atlas day gecko Quedenfeldtia moerens in an arid area of Morocco, and a comparison with its congener Q. trachyblepharus

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-91
Author(s):  
Jalal Mouadi ◽  
El Hassan El Mouden ◽  
Abdellah Bouazza ◽  
Mohamed Aourir
Keyword(s):  
Adult Males ◽  
Body Temperatures ◽  
Active Season ◽  
Air Temperatures ◽  
Data Loggers ◽  
Atlas Mountains ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Substrate Temperatures ◽  
Operative Temperatures

Abstract The Atlas day gecko, Quedenfeldtia moerens, a Moroccan endemic lizard, is strictly diurnal and widely distributed across the dry Atlas Mountains. We quantified thermoregulation in adult males and adult females during their active season in the L’kest Mountain at 1300 m a.s.l., Anti-Atlas region of Morocco. The operative temperatures and air temperatures were sampled using data-loggers in the field from 2016 to 2018. Body temperatures of active lizards and substrate temperatures in the field were simultaneously measured. Finally, we measured preferred body temperatures (Tset) in a laboratory thermal gradient for 24 adult geckos. Mean Tset was 33.3 ± 0.3°C, with the mean 25% and 75% quartiles being 32.3 ± 0.3°C and 34.6 ± 0.3°C, respectively. Active lizards rarely reached their Tset range from March to June, but spent most of the day within Tset in July and August. Our study suggests that Q. moerens have higher Tset than its congeneric Q. trachyblepharus living at high altitude. Likewise, thermoregulatory effectiveness of Q. moerens showed an increase from spring to summer while it was the opposite for Q. trachyblepharus.

Standardizing Instructions for Ice and Cold Pack Use Can Mitigate Summer Temperatures on Two Commercially Available Outdoor Courier Lockboxes

2021 ◽  
Vol 156 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S119-S120
Author(s):  
S A Hart ◽  
J R Wiencek
Keyword(s):  
Extreme Temperatures ◽  
Direct Sunlight ◽  
Data Loggers ◽  
Summer Temperatures ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Cold Pack ◽  
The Impact ◽  
And Storage

Abstract Introduction/Objective Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute document GP44 recommends samples avoid temperatures >22°C during sample transport and storage. Outdoor courier lockboxes used in external sample transport can experience extreme temperatures (>40°C) in the summer. Ice (frozen at -20°C) and cold (refrigerated at 4-8°C) packs can be used to reduce internal lockbox temperatures during hot summer days. Unfortunately, there are no universally accepted instructions to maintain internal lockbox temperatures during these conditions. Therefore, our goal was to elucidate the impact of placing ice and cold packs at two specific time points to mitigate external summer temperatures in two commercially available outdoor courier lockboxes used at our institution. Methods/Case Report Two pairs of uniquely manufactured courier lockboxes (steel vs. urethane polymer) were placed outside in direct sunlight in Nashville, Tennessee during the second week of June 2021. Ambient outdoor and lockbox temperatures were monitored using data loggers during a four-day cycle. Each type of lockbox design had a control with no ice or cold packs. These controls were then compared to each experimental, paired lockbox with four ice packs placed at 8am and replaced with four cold packs at 4pm. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) The mean ambient outdoor temperature over these four days was 27.7°C (range: 22.2-39.8°C). Temperatures within the steel and urethane polymer lockboxes without ice or cold packs was 28.3°C (range: 22.4-40.8°C) and 31.6°C (range: 23.8-41.0°C), respectively. The addition of four ice packs at 8am and replaced with four cold packs at 4pm reduced temperatures in the steel box to 24.3°C (range: 17.4-27.9°C) whereas in the urethane polymer box temperatures were reduced to 13.4°C (range: 6.6-18.1°C). Conclusion Temperatures inside outdoor lockboxes can increase in summer commonly above the outdoor ambient temperature. Standardizing instructions for ice and cold packs can reduce internal outdoor courier lockbox temperatures during summer months, especially in urethane polymer lockboxes.

Notes on the thermal ecology of Testudo hermanni hermanni in Menorca (Balearic Islands, Spain)

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-112
Author(s):  
Zaida Ortega ◽  
Abraham Mencía ◽  
Valentín Pérez-Mellado
Keyword(s):  
Substrate Temperature ◽  
Sunlight Exposure ◽  
Balearic Islands ◽  
Late Spring ◽  
Thermal Ecology ◽  
Body Temperatures ◽  
Air Temperatures ◽  
Testudo Hermanni ◽  
Substrate Temperatures ◽  
Testudo Hermanni Hermanni

We studied the thermal ecology of Testudo hermanni hermanni in Menorca during late spring. We measured body temperatures of adult individuals, together with air and substrate temperatures at points of capture. Sunlight exposure (full sun, filtered sun, or shade) and type of substrate were also recorded. Body temperatures were similar between sexes (mean = 29.95°C) as were air temperatures between gender capture sites (mean = 28.33°C). Conversely, females were found in areas with a higher substrate temperature (31.60°C) than males were (29.15°C). Moreover, the correlation between body and air temperatures was stronger than it was between body and substrate temperatures, as found in other populations of this species. The tortoises were usually found in full sun, and the proportion of animals found in each sunlight category was similar between sexes. Our results contribute to the knowledge of the thermal ecology of the western Hermann’s tortoise.

Effect of environmental temperature on body temperature and metabolic heat production in a heterothermic rodent,Spermophilus tereticaudus

2002 ◽  
Vol 205 (14) ◽  
pp. 2099-2105 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Mark Wooden ◽  
Glenn E. Walsberg
Keyword(s):  
Body Temperature ◽  
Ground Squirrel ◽  
Environmental Temperature ◽  
Body Temperatures ◽  
Metabolic Heat ◽  
Thermoneutral Zone ◽  
Air Temperatures ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Maximum Body ◽  
Over Time

SUMMARYThis study quantifies the thermoregulatory ability and energetics of a mammal, the round-tailed ground squirrel Spermophilus tereticaudus,that can relax thermoregulatory limits without becoming inactive. We measured body temperature and metabolic rate in animals exposed for short periods (1 h)to air temperatures ranging from 10 to 45 °C and for long periods (8 h) to air temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 °C. Within 45 min of exposure to air temperatures ranging from 10 to 45 °C, the mean body temperatures of alert and responsive animals ranged from 32.1 °C(Tair=10 °C) to 40.4 °C(Tair=45 °C). This thermolability provided significant energetic savings below the thermoneutral zone, ranging from 0.63 W (18 %) at 10 °C to 0.43 W (43 %) at 30 °C. When exposed for 8 h to air temperatures between 10 and 30 °C, animals varied their body temperature significantly over time. At all air temperatures, the lowest body temperature(maintained for at least 1 h) was 31.2 °C. The highest body temperatures(maintained for at least 1 h) were 33.6 °C at 10 °C, 35.3 °C at 20°C and 36.3 °C at 30 °C. The energetic savings realized by maintaining the minimum rather than the maximum body temperature was 0.80 W(25 %) at 10 °C, 0.71 W (33 %) at 20 °C and 0.40 W (47 %) at 30°C. This study demonstrates in several ways the ability of this species to adjust energy expenditure through heterothermy.

Skin and abdominal temperatures recorded by data loggers attached to Merino sheep voluntarily staying out of shade

1990 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 781 ◽  
Author(s):  
CM Sherwin ◽  
KG Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Dorsal Surface ◽  
Diurnal Rhythms ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Body Temperatures ◽  
Ambient Conditions ◽  
Data Loggers ◽  
Thermal Status ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Skin Temperatures

To investigate individual differences in thermal status of sheep during voluntary shading, a method of recording body temperatures was developed using data loggers attached to free-ranging animals. During summer, recordings were made of body temperatures of Merino wethers grazing irrigated pasture. Despite shade being readily accessible, the sheep voluntarily stayed in the sun throughout the day. Twenty, 24-h records of intra-abdominal temperature and 12 of concurrent skin temperature were obtained. Both core and skin temperatures exhibited diurnal rhythms influenced by ambient conditions. Short-term fluctuations without obvious cause also occurred in both body temperatures. Skin temperatures of the dorsal surface were considerably higher than previously reported. Core temperatures of sheep voluntarily staying in the sun were not hyperthermic. The maximum 24-h range in intra-abdominal temperature (i.e. 1.9�C) does not support previous data (Bligh and Harthoorn 1965) that indicated sheep might be more thermostable than other mammalian species. The effective heat load and thermal displacement were apparently insufficient to cause the sheep to seek shade in competition with other factors influencing their behaviour.

Radiotelemetry of body temperatures of free-ranging snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) during summer

1990 ◽  
Vol 68 (8) ◽  
pp. 1659-1663 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory P. Brown ◽  
Ronald J. Brooks ◽  
James A. Layfield
Keyword(s):  
Body Temperature ◽  
Chelydra Serpentina ◽  
Body Temperatures ◽  
Mean Body Temperature ◽  
Mean Temperature ◽  
Snapping Turtles ◽  
Air Temperatures ◽  
Foraging Tactics ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Free Ranging

We wished to determine whether free-ranging snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) would use aquatic and atmospheric basking to maintain body temperature at the mean temperature (28–30 °C) selected by snapping turtles placed in a controlled aquatic thermal gradient. Body temperatures from eight adult snapping turtles in three different lakes in Algonquin Provincial Park were monitored by radiotelemetry during July and August 1987. Mean body temperature of all eight turtles over the study period was 22.7 °C, and mean temperature of every individual was well below the reported mean selected temperature for this species. The turtles did not maintain body temperatures near the available maximum environmental temperature. The mean body temperatures of the turtles were not significantly different among the three study lakes although these lakes had different physical characteristics. Similarly, there were no significant differences, among individual turtles, between air temperatures or operative environmental temperatures recorded concurrently with their body temperatures Nevertheless, mean body temperatures differed significantly among individuals; foraging tactics, metabolic rates, and home range structure may account for these differences.

HAPTEN-RADIOIMMUNOASSAY OF PLASMA OESTRADIOL

1973 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 330-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Doerr
Keyword(s):  
Adult Male ◽  
Normal Values ◽  
Normal Adult ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Reagent Blank ◽  
Keyhole Limpet Haemocyanin ◽  
Ether Extraction ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Assay Precision ◽  
Plasma Oestradiol

ABSTRACT A hapten-radioimmunoassay for plasma oestradiol is described and information about the reliability of the method is given in detail. Oestradiol-3-hemisuccinate coupled to keyhole limpet haemocyanin is used for immunization of rabbits. The antiserum utilized for the assay is characterized by its titer, affinity and specificity. Following ether extraction and NaOH-light petroleum partition oestradiol is separated from crossreacting oestrogens by TLC. Oxidation of oestradiol on the plate is prevented by mercaptoethanol. To separate free and antibody bound ligand 250 μg dextran-coated charcoal per tube is used in the presence of bovine serum gammaglobulin (1 mg/ml). The between-assay precision based on 15 different determinations of control samples from normal adult male plasma was 9.4% (C. V.). The mean reagent blank value of 31 determinations was equivalent to 0.3 pg oestradiol and the detection limit in terms of the 99% confidence limit for a single blank value, was equivalent to 4.3 pg oestradiol. A procedure for detecting plasma blanks is described. Plasma oestradiol is separated from approximately all concomitant substances originally present in the sample by enzymatic conversion into oestrone and a second TLC. No plasma blanks could be detected with respect to normal adult male plasma. Normal values for adult males based on 51 subjects were characterized by a median of 17.2 pg/ml and the 95 percentiles of 9.5–27.6.

scholarly journals Trends in incidence rate, health care use, and costs due to rib fractures in the Netherlands

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonne T. H. Prins ◽  
Mathieu M. E. Wijffels ◽  
Sophie M. Wooldrik ◽  
Martien J. M. Panneman ◽  
Michael H. J. Verhofstad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Incidence Rate ◽  
Health Care Costs ◽  
Indirect Costs ◽  
Rib Fractures ◽  
Work Absence ◽  
Lost Productivity ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Care Costs

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to examine population-based trends in the incidence rate, health care consumption, and work absence with associated costs in patients with rib fractures. Methods A retrospective nationwide epidemiologic study was performed with data from patients with one or more rib fractures presented or admitted to a hospital in the Netherlands between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2018 and have been registered in the Dutch Injury Surveillance System (DISS) or the Hospital Discharge Registry (HDR). Incidence rates were calculated using data from Statistics Netherlands. The associated direct health care costs, costs for lost productivity, and years lived with disability (YLD) were calculated using data from a questionnaire. Results In the 4-year study period, a total of 32,124 patients were registered of which 19,885 (61.9%) required hospitalization with a mean duration of 7.7 days. The incidence rate for the total cohort was 47.1 per 100,000 person years and increased with age. The mean associated direct health care costs were €6785 per patient and showed a sharp increase after the age of 75 years. The mean duration of work absence was 44.2 days with associated mean indirect costs for lost productivity of €22,886 per patient. The mean YLD was 0.35 years and decreased with age. Conclusion Rib fractures are common and associated with lengthy HLOS and work absenteeism as well as high direct and indirect costs which appear to be similar between patients with one or multiple rib fractures and mostly affected by admitted patients and age.

scholarly journals Association between Dyslipidemia and Mercury Exposure in Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 775
Author(s):  
Purum Kang ◽  
Hye Young Shin ◽  
Ka Young Kim
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Interventions ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Targeted Prevention ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Subjective Health Status ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Metal Levels ◽  
Using Data

Background—Dyslipidemia is one of the prominent risk factors for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide. Dyslipidemia has various causes, including metabolic capacity, genetic problems, physical inactivity, and dietary habits. This study aimed to determine the association between dyslipidemia and exposure to heavy metals in adults. Methods—Using data from the seventh Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016–2017), 5345 participants aged ≥20 years who were tested for heavy metal levels were analyzed in this study. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to assess the factors affecting the prevalence of dyslipidemia. Results—The risks of dyslipidemia among all and male participants with mercury (Hg) levels of ≥2.75 μg/L (corresponding to the Korean average level) were 1.273 and 1.699 times higher than in those with levels of <2.75 μg/L, respectively. The factors that significantly affected the dyslipidemia risk were age, household income, body mass index, and subjective health status in both males and females. Conclusions—In adult males, exposure to Hg at higher-than-average levels was positively associated with dyslipidemia. These results provide a basis for targeted prevention strategies for dyslipidemia using lifestyle guidelines for reducing Hg exposure and healthy behavioral interventions.

Ocular surface temperature differences in glaucoma

2021 ◽  
pp. 112067212110237
Author(s):  
Ari Leshno ◽  
Ori Stern ◽  
Yaniv Barkana ◽  
Noa Kapelushnik ◽  
Reut Singer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Temperature ◽  
Thermal Imaging ◽  
Ocular Surface ◽  
Open Angle Glaucoma ◽  
Tissue Temperature ◽  
Body Temperatures ◽  
Current Thinking ◽  
Imaging Camera ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference

Purpose: Accumulating evidence suggests that neuroinflammation and immune response are part of the sequence of pathological events leading to optic nerve damage in glaucoma. Changes in tissue temperature due to inflammation can be measured by thermographic imaging. We investigated the ocular surface temperature (OST) profile of glaucomatous eyes to better understand the pathophysiology of these conditions. Methods: Subjects diagnosed with glaucoma (primary open angle glaucoma [POAG] or pseudo exfoliation glaucoma [PXFG]) treated at the Sam Rothberg Glaucoma Center (11/2019–11/2020.) were recruited. Healthy subjects with no ocular disease served as controls. The Therm-App thermal imaging camera was used for OST acquisition. Room and body temperatures were recorded, and the mean temperatures of the medial cantus, lateral cantus, and cornea were calculated with image processing software. Results: Thermographic images were obtained from 52 subjects (52 eyes: 25 POAG and 27 PXFG) and 66 controls (66 eyes). Eyes with glaucoma had a significantly higher OST compared to controls (mean 0.9 ± 0.3°C, p < 0.005). The difference between the two groups remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, intraocular pressure (IOP) and room and body temperatures. Lens status and topical IOP-lowering medication did not significantly affect OST. A subgroup analysis revealed that the OST was higher among eyes with POAG compared to eyes with PXFG, but not significantly. Conclusions: Differences in the OST between glaucomatous and normal eyes strengthens current thinking that inflammation affects the pathophysiology of glaucoma. Longitudinal studies are warranted to establish the prognostic value of thermographic evaluations in these patients.

scholarly journals The benefits of being dominant: Health correlates of male social rank and age in a marmot

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenta Uchida ◽  
Rachel Ng ◽  
Samuel A Vydro ◽  
Jennifer E Smith ◽  
Daniel T Blumstein
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Social Rank ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Dominant Male ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Active Season ◽  
Handicap Hypothesis ◽  
Variation Explained

Abstract The benefits of dominance may not come without costs, particularly for males. For example, the “immunocompetence handicap hypothesis” states that males with enhanced mating success allocate resources to enhance reproductive output at a cost to their current health, whereas the “resource quality hypothesis” predicts that high-ranking males may benefit from increased reproduction and good health. While the predictions from each have been well tested in captive animals and in a variety of highly social primates, fewer studies have been carried out in free-living, facultatively social animals. Using adult male yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventer), we evaluated predictions of these hypotheses by examining the relationship between social rank and two health indicators–fecal corticosterone metabolite (FCM) levels, and neutrophil/lymphocyte (N/L) ratios–after accounting for variation explained by age, body mass, and seasonality. We found that higher-ranking males tended to have a lower N/L ratio (reflecting good health) than lower-ranking individuals, whereas FCM levels were not significantly related to rank. In addition, heavier male marmots had lower N/L ratios, while body mass was not associated with FCM levels. We also found that older adult males had lower FCM levels (reflecting less physiological stress) but higher N/L ratios than younger adults. Finally, we found that FCM levels decreased as the active season progressed and FCM levels were associated with the time of the day. Overall, our results suggest that socially-dominant male marmots enjoyed better, not worse health in terms of lower N/L ratios.

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