scholarly journals The tail-tale of stress: an exploratory analysis of cortisol levels in the tail-hair of captive Asian elephants

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e10445
Author(s):  
Sanjeeta Sharma Pokharel ◽  
Hiroki Yoneda ◽  
Moe Yanagi ◽  
Raman Sukumar ◽  
Kodzue Kinoshita
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Enzyme Immunoassay ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Hair Growth ◽  
Skin Infection ◽  
A Posteriori ◽  
Asian Elephants ◽  
Hair Samples ◽  
History Of ◽  
Tail Hair

Background Assessment of physiological states by measuring biomarkers, such as cortisol, has significantly contributed to the monitoring of health, welfare and management of animals. Immunoreactive cortisol in hair (hC) has been used widely for deciphering ‘stressful’ past-events in various wild and captive animals. However, no such studies have been done in long-lived mammals. Methods In this first exploratory study in elephants, we assessed (i) tail-hair growth rate (TGR) and (ii) hC levels in tail-hair samples from six captive Asian elephants from two zoos in Japan for comparing hC levels with zoo-keepers’ records of distinct biological events over a c.0.5–2.0-year period. Tail-hair samples were cut into segments (based on monthly growth rate), pulverized or minced and a validated cortisol enzyme-immunoassay employed to measure hC levels. Results When the hC levels of all individuals were compared with the keepers’ records, a posteriori, most of the high hC levels were found to be associated with ‘stressful’ or distinct behavioural events such as pathological (anaemia, colic infection, skin infection, oral sores), psychosocial (reluctance in entering the enclosure, presence of a calf) and husbandry practice-related (contact trials/ space sharing) conditions, indicating that tail-hair indeed can be a potential ‘retrospective’ calendar of physiological health of an animal. Conclusions Our observations open up the possibility of using the tail-hair as an alternative matrix to reconstruct the physiological history of elephants.

scholarly journals The action of a cosmetic hair treatment on follicle function

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham A. Turner ◽  
Sarah E. Paterson ◽  
Fiona L. Baines ◽  
Andrew E. Mayes ◽  
David M. Reilly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Protease Activity ◽  
Hair Growth ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Fibre Diameter ◽  
Double Blind Study ◽  
Ki67 Expression ◽  
Hair Samples ◽  
Zinc Salts

AbstractOBJECTIVEHuman hair changes with age: fibre diameter and density decrease, hair growth slows and shedding increases. This series of controlled studies examined the effect on hair growth parameters of a new leave-on hair treatment (LOT) formulated with DynagenTM(containing hydrolysed yeast protein) and zinc salts.METHODSHair growth data were collected from healthy women aged 18–65 years. The LOT’s effect on hair growth was measured in a randomized double-blind study and in hair samples; its effect on follicle-cell proliferation was assessed by quantifying Ki67 expression in scalp biopsies. The LOT’s effect on plucking force was determined in anex vivomodel. Dynagen’s effect on the expression of the tight-junction marker claudin-1 was analysed in cultured follicles. The effect on protease activity of zinc salts used in the LOT was examinedin vitro.RESULTSHair growth rate decreased with increasing subject age. The LOT significantly increased hair growth rate, fibre diameter, bundle cross-sectional area, Ki67 expression and the plucking force required to remove hair. Dynagen significantly increased claudin-1 expression in cultured follicles. Protease activity was reduced by zinc salts.CONCLUSIONThe Dynagen-based LOT increases hair-fibre diameter, strengthens the follicular root structure and increases hair growth rate.

Association of staphylococcal skin infections and swimming

1995 ◽  
Vol 31 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 11-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Charoenca ◽  
R. S. Fujioka
Keyword(s):  
Coastal Waters ◽  
Skin Infection ◽  
Antibiotic Sensitivity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Skin Infections ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Phage Types ◽  
History Of ◽  
Staphylococcal Skin Infections ◽  
Recreational Use

An association between using coastal waters for recreation and staphylococcal skin infections has been reported by canoe paddlers and several physicians in Hawaii. A retrospective epidemiological/microbiological monitoring study was undertaken to determine the association between S aureus skin infections in youngsters (4 months to 16 years of age) and their exposure to recreational use of coastal waters. Telephone interviews were conducted of 53 patients with such skin infections and 53 similar (controlled for age and sex) patients with no infection. A significant association between skin infection and water exposure was found, the odds showing that those developing skin infection caused by S aureus were 4 times more likely to have had a history of seawater contact than the control group. Moreover, the antibiotic sensitivity patterns and phage types of S aureus isolated from patients were similar to those isolated from seawater at bathing beaches.

scholarly journals Comparison of pregnenolone sulfate, pregnanolone and estradiol levels between patients with menstrually-related migraine and controls: an exploratory study

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia Rustichelli ◽  
Elisa Bellei ◽  
Stefania Bergamini ◽  
Emanuela Monari ◽  
Flavia Lo Castro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Allosteric Modulator ◽  
Positive Allosteric Modulator ◽  
Pregnenolone Sulfate ◽  
Menstrually Related Migraine ◽  
History Of ◽  
Estradiol Levels

Abstract Background Neurosteroids affect the balance between neuroexcitation and neuroinhibition but have been little studied in migraine. We compared the serum levels of pregnenolone sulfate, pregnanolone and estradiol in women with menstrually-related migraine and controls and analysed if a correlation existed between the levels of the three hormones and history of migraine and age. Methods Thirty women (mean age ± SD: 33.5 ± 7.1) with menstrually-related migraine (MM group) and 30 aged- matched controls (mean age ± SD: 30.9 ± 7.9) participated in the exploratory study. Pregnenolone sulfate and pregnanolone serum levels were analysed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, while estradiol levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Serum levels of pregnenolone sulfate and pregnanolone were significantly lower in the MM group than in controls (pregnenolone sulfate: P = 0.0328; pregnanolone: P = 0.0271, Student’s t-test), while estradiol levels were similar. In MM group, pregnenolone sulfate serum levels were negatively correlated with history of migraine (R2 = 0.1369; P = 0.0482) and age (R2 = 0.2826, P = 0.0025) while pregnenolone sulfate levels were not age-related in the control group (R2 = 0.04436, P = 0.4337, linear regression analysis). Conclusion Low levels of both pregnanolone, a positive allosteric modulator of the GABAA receptor, and pregnenolone sulfate, a positive allosteric modulator of the NMDA receptor, involved in memory and learning, could contribute either to headache pain or the cognitive dysfunctions reported in migraine patients. Overall, our results agree with the hypothesis that migraine is a disorder associated with a loss of neurohormonal integrity, thus supporting the therapeutic potential of restoring low neurosteroid levels in migraine treatment.

Public University Use of Social Infrastructure Public–Private Partnerships (P3s): An Exploratory Examination

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 298-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard L. Levey ◽  
Ashley W. Connors ◽  
Lawrence L. Martin
Keyword(s):  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Public Universities ◽  
Public University ◽  
Student Housing ◽  
Public Private Partnerships ◽  
Housing Project ◽  
Social Infrastructure ◽  
Deep Dive ◽  
History Of ◽  
Using Data

Using data from the 50 states, this exploratory study looks at public university use of public–private partnerships (P3s) for a particular type of social infrastructure, student housing. The relation between state social infrastructure P3s enabling legislation and public university P3 student housing project closures is analyzed. A deep dive is conducted into the legislative requirements of four states (California, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia) that have specific enabling legislation governing public university use of P3s for social infrastructure. The study finds that public universities have a 20-year history of utilizing social infrastructure P3s for student housing. A relationship is found between state social infrastructure P3 enabling legislation and increased public university use of P3s for student housing. The study also finds that states with specific public university P3 social infrastructure enabling legislation place decidedly different requirements on their use.

Jaw movements in patients with a history of pain: an exploratory study

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Bhaskaracharya ◽  
S. M. Memon ◽  
T. Whittle ◽  
G. M. Murray
Keyword(s):  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Jaw Movements ◽  
History Of ◽  
History Of Pain

scholarly journals Brain Injury and Mental Health Among the Victims of Intimate Partner Violence: A Case-Series Exploratory Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gunnur Karakurt ◽  
Kathleen Whiting ◽  
Stephen E. Jones ◽  
Mark J. Lowe ◽  
Stephen M. Rao
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
History Of

Intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors frequently report face, head, and neck as their injury site. Many mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are undiagnosed or underreported among IPV survivors while these injuries may be linked to changes in brain function or pathology. TBI sustained due to IPV often occurs over time and ranges in severity. The aim of this case-series study was to explore risk factors, symptoms, and brain changes unique to survivors of intimate partner violence with suspicion of TBI. This case-series exploratory study examines the potential relationships among IPV, mental health issues, and TBI. Participants of this study included six women: 3 women with a history of IPV without any experience of concussive blunt force to the head, and 3 women with a history of IPV with concussive head trauma. Participants completed 7T MRI of the brain, self-report psychological questionnaires regarding their mental health, relationships, and IPV, and the Structured Clinical Interview. MRI scans were analyzed for cerebral hemorrhage, white matter disturbance, and cortical thinning. Results indicated significant differences in resting-state connectivity among survivors of partner violence as well as differences in relationship dynamics and mental health symptoms. White matter hyperintensities are also observed among the survivors. Developing guidelines and recommendations for TBI-risk screening, referrals, and appropriate service provision is crucial for the effective treatment of TBI-associated IPV. Early and accurate characterization of TBI in survivors of IPV may relieve certain neuropsychological consequences.

scholarly journals Epistemologia Kanta jako rozwiązanie sporu empiryzmu z racjonalizmem

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-168
Author(s):  
Michał Wendland
Keyword(s):  
Turning Point ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Pure Reason ◽  
A Posteriori ◽  
Critique Of Pure Reason ◽  
German Philosophy ◽  
Copernican Revolution ◽  
Pure Intuition ◽  
History Of ◽  
Main Ideas

The article concerns some of the most important elements of I. Kant’s epistemology and its connections with earlier epistemological ideas, namely rationalism and empiricism. The history of dispute between rationalism (Descartes, Leibniz) and empiricism (Locke, Berkeley, Hume) is hereby shortly presented while Kant’s own philosophical achievements are suggested to be both alternative and synthesis of these. The main core of this paper is summary of basis of Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason; some most important categories are described: apriorism, synthetic and analytical judgements, knowledge a priori and a posteriori, main ideas of transcendental esthetics (two forms of pure intuition: time and space), main ideas of transcendental logic (forms of judgement and twelve categories). Also the meaning of Kant’s „copernican revolution” is presented as a turning point for classical German philosophy as well as for whole modern epistemology.

scholarly journals Les débats sur les fondements de la perspective linéaire de Piero della Francesca à Egnatio Danti: un cas de mathématisation à rebours

2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 474-504
Author(s):  
Dominique Raynaud
Keyword(s):  
Binocular Vision ◽  
Linear Perspective ◽  
A Posteriori ◽  
Physiological Basis ◽  
Piero Della Francesca ◽  
Broad Field ◽  
Field Of Vision ◽  
History Of

In the Quattrocento and Cinquecento the rise of linear perspective caused many polemics which opposed the supporters of an artificial geometrisation of sight to those who were praising the qualities of the drawing according to nature, or were invoking some arguments on a physiological basis. These debates can be grouped according to the four alternatives that form their central concerns: restricted vs. broad field of vision; ocular immobility vs. mobility; curvilinear vs. planar picture; monocular vs. binocular vision. By retaining the first terms of these four alternatives, the history of perspective eliminated many heterodox constructions. From the viewpoint of mathematisation the interest of these debates is that they succeeded, rather than preceded, the adoption of a perspective system defined by the intersection of the visual pyramid. Thus the history of linear perspective constitutes a genuine case of a posteriori justification, or, put differently, it gives us a case of upside down mathematisation.

Early Life History of Fishes in the San Francisco Estuary and Watershed

2004 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Striped Bass ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Early Life History ◽  
San Francisco Estuary ◽  
Annual Growth ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Juvenile Abundance ◽  
History Of

<em>Abstract.</em>—We investigated factors affecting growth of larval striped bass <em>Morone saxatilis </em>in the San Francisco Estuary from 1984 to 1993. We estimated ages and growth rates of larval striped bass from daily otolith increments. Mean annual growth rates of 6–14 mm standard length striped bass varied from 0.13 to 0.27mm/d, the lowest rate occurring in 1989 and the highest in 1992. The 1989 growth rate was significantly lower than all other years, and growth rates for 1992 and 1993 were significantly higher than all other years, but did not differ from one another. Differences in annual growth rates apparently were due mainly to differences in mean annual prey densities because growth rate increased as prey density increased. Compared to both laboratory measured growth rates and growth rates of field-caught Chesapeake Bay larvae, growth rates from the San Francisco Estuary appeared to be high for the food available, indicating that larvae can grow at relatively high rates even at low prey densities. Correlation analyses did not support density-dependent control of growth rates. Growth rate was not significantly related to mean annual conductivity, water temperature, mortality rates, or the juvenile abundance index, but was significantly and positively correlated with densities of 1-mm length-groups of 9–14-mm striped bass.

The Truth in Modalism

2019 ◽  
pp. 145-191
Author(s):  
Sanford Shieh
Keyword(s):  
A Priori ◽  
History Of Philosophy ◽  
A Posteriori ◽  
Interesting Consequence ◽  
Analytic Truth ◽  
History Of

This chapter takes up two further issues about Frege’s attitude towards modality. First, Frege doesn’t simply reject the relativization of truth. He gives amodalist explanations of linguistic phenomena that seem to show that truth is relative to time, and of talk of truth in various circumstances. Second, Frege’s truth-absolutism is not incompatible with two analyses of modality prominent in the history of philosophy: in terms of a priori knowledge and in terms of analytic truth. But Frege construes apriority and analyticity in logical terms. Thus, ultimately, Frege’s view is that if there are any modal distinctions, they amount to nothing more than logical distinctions. An interesting consequence of Frege’s accounts of apriority, analyticity, and modality is that they allow not only for synthetic a priori truths, but also necessary a posteriori and contingent a priori truths.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document