scholarly journals Living with the enemy: activity rhythms of the red fox and some potential preys in an urban environment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Nardotto
Keyword(s):  
Urban Environment ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Activity Rhythm ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Wood Mouse ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Antipredator Behaviour ◽  
Potential Prey ◽  
Norway Rat ◽  
Activity Rhythms

The present study aimed at investigating the activity rhythms of the red fox Vulpes vulpes and three potential preys (i.e. the European hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus, the wood mouse Apodemus sylvaticus, and the Norway rat Rattus norvegicus) in an urban environment. Data were collected as a part of a camera trapping survey, carried out within the municipality of Padua (northeastern Italy). In order to analyse species activity patterns, the R overlap package was used and then the Watson-Wheeler test was run to evaluate whether two overlaps were significantly different. Results show that all the investigated species have nocturnal activities, with “moderate” temporal activity overlap between the red fox and its potential prey. The Watson-Wheeler test showed that the hedgehog was the only potential prey that did not show significant differences in the hours of activity compared to those of the red fox. Instead, statistically significant differences were recorded when the activity rhythm of the red fox was compared with that of the wood mouse or the Norway rat. This may indicate the development of antipredator behaviour or the possibility that the red fox is seeking anthropogenic food sources instead of wild prey or, alternatively, other preferred food items.

758 Circadian rest-activity signatures in women with major depressive disorder

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A295-A296
Author(s):  
Hui-Wen Yang ◽  
Sarah Chellappa ◽  
Arlen Gaba ◽  
Christian Cajochen ◽  
Kun Hu
Keyword(s):  
Major Depressive Disorder ◽  
Depressive Disorder ◽  
Motor Activity ◽  
Activity Rhythm ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Wearable Devices ◽  
Scaling Exponent ◽  
Major Depressive ◽  
Activity Rhythms ◽  
Rest Activity

Abstract Introduction Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) show disrupted circadian rhythms and sleep, including reduced daytime physical activity and poor sleep quality. However, previous findings are masked by psychotropic medication intake, co-morbid diseases and years of chronic mental illness. Here, we aim at identifying circadian motor activity patterns in unmedicated women at the onset of MDD. Methods Twelve young unmedicated women with MDD (Mean+-SD: 24.9+-5.2y; range: 18-33y) and eight age-matched healthy women (Mean+-SD: 24.5+-3.2y; range: 20-31y) participated in our study. Activity recordings were collected using wrist-worn wearable devices (actigraphs) for ~7 days in real-life settings. Cosinor analyses were performed to assess the amplitude and phase of the 24-h rest-activity activity rhythms. Non-parametric analyses were used to quantify interdaily stability and intradaily variability of the rest-activity rhythm. Furthermore, we calculated the mean activity level and scaling exponent alpha, which quantifies the temporal correlation in activity fluctuations, per 3-h bins across the 24-h sleep-wake cycle. Results Women with MDD showed a significantly higher amplitude of the 24-h rest-activity activity rhythm (Mean+-SD: 332.7+-120.8 arbitrary units) than the controls (179.7+-122.9; p=0.002), elicited by higher activity levels during the daytime (0-12h after habitual wake-up time; p<0.01). In contrast, women with MDD showed a trend for lower interdaily stability levels than controls (respectively, 0.41+-0.07 and 0.46+-0.08; p=0.05). Interestingly, a significant interaction effect of “group” and “time since habitual wake” was elicited for scaling exponent alpha (p<0.001). Accordingly, women with MDD had higher alpha values during habitual sleep (0–6 hours before habitual wake-up time) than controls (respectively, 1.18+-0.22 and 1.12+-0.22). Conclusion Unmedicated women at the onset of MDD had altered circadian motor activity patterns, as indexed by higher amplitude particularly during daytime while awake, less stable 24-h activity rhythms, and highly correlated activity patterns during sleep that closely resemble those typically occurring during wakefulness. These findings suggest that MDD per se may be associated with impaired rest-activity profiles. Ultimately, the use of wearable devices might hold important prospects for the early detection of individuals at risk for mood disorders. Support (if any) Swiss National Science Foundation Grants START #3100–055385.98, 3130-0544991.98 and 320000-108108; NIH RF1AG064312, RF1AG059867

The Effect of Light Regimes on the Circadian Rhythm of Flight Activity in the Mosquito Aedes Taeniorhynchus

1971 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 745-756
Author(s):  
J. K. NAYAR ◽  
D. M. SAUERMAN
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythm ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Activity Rhythm ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Flight Activity ◽  
Activity Rhythms ◽  
Light Regimes ◽  
Aedes Taeniorhynchus ◽  
First Time ◽  
Pipiens Pallens

1. The flight activity patterns of groups and individuals of sugar-fed A. taeniorhynchus females have been studied under different light regimes, by recording of flight sound as an indicator of flight activity. 2. In an LD 12:12 regime, flight activity occurs both at light-off and light-on, forming a bimodal ‘alternans’ pattern. This basic pattern of flight activity persists with a periodicity of 23.5 h under continuous DD, but under continuous LL is masked over by irregular excessive outbursts of activity. 3. The flight activity rhythm originates for the first time in the adult stage, and it is not carried over from rhythms of developmental stages. 4. Flight activity rhythms can be entrained to a new light regime within 24-36 h which is rather fast. An early light-off does not reset the phase of the rhythm, but a delayed light-off does. 5. The flight activity rhythm can be entrained to 24 h light regimes other than LD 12:12. But a single stimulus of less than 12 h is not effective in initiating the bimodal circadian rhythm. 6. Frequency demultiplication within certain limits can entrain the flight activity rhythm to 24 h. 7. This flight activity rhythm of A. taeniorhynchus is compared with the activity rhythms of Aopheles gambiae and Culex pipiens pallens. 8. It is concluded that the basic bimodal alternans pattern of flight activity is a persistent property of the circadian oscillating system, which suggests that other activity rhythms involving flight are dependent on the same rhythm.

Disrupted circadian rhythms in VIP- and PHI-deficient mice

2003 ◽  
Vol 285 (5) ◽  
pp. R939-R949 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher S. Colwell ◽  
Stephan Michel ◽  
Jason Itri ◽  
Williams Rodriguez ◽  
J. Tam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
Wheel Running ◽  
Activity Rhythm ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Circadian System ◽  
Diurnal Rhythms ◽  
Constant Darkness ◽  
Light Cycle ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Deficient Mice

The related neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI) are expressed at high levels in the neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), but their function in the regulation of circadian rhythms is unknown. To study the role of these peptides on the circadian system in vivo, a new mouse model was developed in which both VIP and PHI genes were disrupted by homologous recombination. In a light-dark cycle, these mice exhibited diurnal rhythms in activity which were largely indistinguishable from wild-type controls. In constant darkness, the VIP/PHI-deficient mice exhibited pronounced abnormalities in their circadian system. The activity patterns started ∼8 h earlier than predicted by the previous light cycle. In addition, lack of VIP/PHI led to a shortened free-running period and a loss of the coherence and precision of the circadian locomotor activity rhythm. In about one-quarter of VIP/PHI mice examined, the wheel-running rhythm became arrhythmic after several weeks in constant darkness. Another striking example of these deficits is seen in the split-activity patterns expressed by the mutant mice when they were exposed to a skeleton photoperiod. In addition, the VIP/PHI-deficient mice exhibited deficits in the response of their circadian system to light. Electrophysiological analysis indicates that VIP enhances inhibitory synaptic transmission within the SCN of wild-type and VIP/PHI-deficient mice. Together, the observations suggest that VIP/PHI peptides are critically involved in both the generation of circadian oscillations as well as the normal synchronization of these rhythms to light.

Nonparametric parameters of 24-hour rest-activity rhythms and long-term cognitive decline and incident cognitive impairment in older men

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Xiao ◽  
Joshua N Sampson ◽  
Andrea Z LaCroix ◽  
Aladdin H Shadyab ◽  
Jamie M Zeitzer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mini Mental State Examination ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Medication Use ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Activity Rhythms ◽  
Early Biomarkers ◽  
State Examination ◽  
Rest Activity

Abstract Altered 24-hour rest-activity rhythms may be associated with cognitive impairment in older adults, but evidence from prospective studies is limited. Non-parametric methods were used to assess actigraphy-based activity patterns in 2,496 older men. Incident cognitive impairment was assessed four times over 12 years using the Modified Mini Mental State Examination (3MS) and Trails B tests, self-reported medication use, and clinical diagnosis. The highest quartile (vs. the lowest) of intradaily variability and the lowest quartiles (vs. the highest) of interdaily stability and relative amplitude were associated with incident cognitive impairment ((Hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.82 (1.31, 2.53)), 1.36 (0.99, 1.86), and 1.85 (1.33, 2.56), respectively). A larger increase in intradaily variability over 7.5 years was associated with a greater subsequent decline in 3MS scores but not in Trails B performance. In conclusion, less stable and more variable rest-activity rhythms may represent early biomarkers of cognitive impairment in older men.

scholarly journals Adaptations of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) to urban environments in Sydney, Australia

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Margarita Gil-Fernández ◽  
Robert Harcourt ◽  
Thomas Newsome ◽  
Alison Towerton ◽  
Alexandra Carthey
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Canis Lupus Familiaris ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Sydney Australia ◽  
Site Types

Abstract With urban encroachment on wild landscapes accelerating globally, there is an urgent need to understand how wildlife is adapting to anthropogenic change. We compared the behaviour of the invasive red fox (Vulpes vulpes) at eight urban and eight peri-urban areas of Sydney, Australia. We observed fox behaviour around a lure and compared fox activity patterns to those of potential prey and to two domestic predators (dogs—Canis lupus familiaris and cats—Felis catus). We assessed the influence of site type, vegetation cover, and distance from habitation on fox behaviour, and compared the temporal activity patterns of urban and peri-urban red foxes. Urban red foxes were marginally more nocturnal than those in peri-urban areas (88% activity overlap). There was greater overlap of red fox activity patterns with introduced mammalian prey in urban areas compared with peri-urban areas (90% urban vs 84% peri-urban). Red fox temporal activity overlapped 78% with cats, but only 20% with dogs, across both site types. The high degree of overlap with cats and introduced mammalian prey is most likely explained by the nocturnal behaviour of these species, while pet dogs are generally kept in yards or indoors at night. The behavioural differences we documented by urban red foxes suggest they may adapt to human modifications and presence, by being more nocturnal and/or more confident in urban areas.

Activity rhythms of southern brown bandicoots Isoodon obesulus (Marsupialia: Peramelidae) in captivity.

2003 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 81 ◽  
Author(s):  
AN Larcombe
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Late Afternoon ◽  
Activity Rhythms ◽  
Natural Lighting ◽  
Infra Red ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
The Times

The temporal activity patterns of individually housed captive southern brown bandicoots (Isoodon obesulus) were recorded using time-lapse infra-red videorecording. Recordings were made over a period of four continuous days per animal under natural lighting and climatic conditions for Perth, Western Australia during March 2002. Analysis showed that all bandicoots were almost entirely nocturnal and spent ~71% (~17 hr day-1) of their time in their nests. The times of onset of activity were remarkably regular, and occurred both following feeding during the late afternoon and again after dusk (average 1841 hrs). Bandicoots were active for an average of ~7 hr night-1. Virtually all activity involved the bandicoots running around their enclosures (~6.5 hr day-1). This running was interspersed with shorter periods spent feeding (~25 min day-1), grooming (~8 min day-1) and drinking (~2 min day-1). No other behaviours were observed. There was a greater degree of variation in the time of cessation of activity between individuals. Time of cessation ranged from 0039 hrs ± 20 min to 0504 hrs ± 25 min. The average time of cessation of activity was 0315 hrs ± 61 min and was not related to either time of onset of activity or sunrise.

Ancient canids of the Aleutian Islands (new archaeological discoveries from the Islands of Four Mountains)

2019 ◽  
Vol 91 (03) ◽  
pp. 1028-1044
Author(s):  
Dmitry D. Vasyukov ◽  
Olga A. Krylovich ◽  
Dixie L. West ◽  
Virginia Hatfield ◽  
Arkady B. Savinetsky
Keyword(s):  
Red Fox ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Domestic Dog ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
History Of ◽  
Human Use ◽  
The Rich ◽  
Cultural Roles ◽  
Rich History ◽  
Reserve Food

AbstractWe discuss the cultural roles of dog and red fox recovered from Carlisle Island, Islands of Four Mountains, Alaska, within the context of Aleutian ethnographic and zooarchaeological records. Three dog bones were recovered from the Ulyagan archaeological site, Unit 5, in levels that date to AD 1450–1645. Three red fox bones come from the Ulyagan site, Unit 4, in levels that date 460 BC–AD 95. Our analyses show that both red fox and domestic dog date earlier than the contact with Russians and that these canids do not extend west of the Islands of Four Mountains archipelago. Given the rich history of human intervention on the Aleutians ecosystems over the last 250 years, we argue that indigenous red fox inhabited the Islands of the Four Mountains region prior to western contact; however, foxes did not have a pronounced cultural role for prehistoric Aleuts. Domestic dogs accompanied humans in the Aleutians after AD 950, suggesting that these canids might be linked with the Neo-Aleut culture. In the light of Arctic and oceanic cases of human use of dogs considered in the paper, we suggest that dogs might have served as reserve food sources during long trips for people migrating west.

scholarly journals Characterizing Behavioral Activity Rhythms in Older Adults Using Actigraphy

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 549
Author(s):  
Ariel B. Neikrug ◽  
Ivy Y. Chen ◽  
Jake R. Palmer ◽  
Susan M. McCurry ◽  
Michael Von Korff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Additive Models ◽  
Behavioral Activity ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Activity Rhythms ◽  
Activity Measurements ◽  
Wrist Actigraphy

Wrist actigraphy has been used to assess sleep in older adult populations for nearly half a century. Over the years, the continuous raw activity data derived from actigraphy has been used for the characterization of factors beyond sleep/wake such as physical activity patterns and circadian rhythms. Behavioral activity rhythms (BAR) are useful to describe individual daily behavioral patterns beyond sleep and wake, which represent important and meaningful clinical outcomes. This paper reviews common rhythmometric approaches and summarizes the available data from the use of these different approaches in older adult populations. We further consider a new approach developed in our laboratory designed to provide graphical characterization of BAR for the observed behavioral phenomenon of activity patterns across time. We illustrate the application of this new approach using actigraphy data collected from a well-characterized sample of older adults (age 60+) with osteoarthritis (OA) pain and insomnia. Generalized additive models (GAM) were implemented to fit smoothed nonlinear curves to log-transformed aggregated actigraphy-derived activity measurements. This approach demonstrated an overall strong model fit (R2 = 0.82, SD = 0.09) and was able to provide meaningful outcome measures allowing for graphical and parameterized characterization of the observed activity patterns within this sample.

scholarly journals Blunted rest–activity rhythms link to higher body mass index and inflammatory markers in children

SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingyi Qian ◽  
Nuria Martinez-Lozano ◽  
Asta Tvarijonaviciute ◽  
Rafael Rios ◽  
Frank A J L Scheer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Duration ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Activity Rhythm ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Relative Amplitude ◽  
Early Age ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Activity Rhythms ◽  
Daytime Activity ◽  
Rest Activity

Abstract Study Objectives Disturbances of rest–activity rhythms are associated with higher body mass index (BMI) in adults. Whether such relationship exists in children is unclear. We aimed to examine cross-sectional associations of rest–activity rhythm characteristics with BMI z-score and obesity-related inflammatory markers in school-age children. Methods Participants included 411 healthy children (mean ± SD age 10.1 ± 1.3 years, 50.8% girls) from a Mediterranean area of Spain who wore wrist accelerometers for 7 consecutive days. Metrics of rest–activity rhythm were derived using both parametric and nonparametric approaches. Obesity-related inflammatory markers were measured in saliva (n = 121). Results In a multivariable-adjusted model, higher BMI z-score is associated with less robust 24-h rest–activity rhythms as represented by lower relative amplitude (–0.16 [95% CI –0.29, –0.02] per SD, p = 0.02). The association between BMI z-score and relative amplitude persisted with additional adjustment for sleep duration, and attenuated after adjustment for daytime activity level. Less robust rest–activity rhythms were related to increased levels of several salivary pro-inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein, which is inversely associated with relative amplitude (–32.6% [–47.8%, –12.9%] per SD), independently of BMI z-score, sleep duration, and daytime activity level. Conclusion Blunted rest–activity rhythms are associated with higher BMI z-score and salivary pro-inflammatory markers already at an early age. The association with BMI z-score seem to be independent of sleep duration, and those with pro-inflammatory markers further independent of BMI z-score and daytime activity. Novel intervention targets at an early age based on improving the strength of rest–activity rhythms may help to prevent childhood obesity and related inflammation. Clinical Trials Registration NCT02895282

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document