Validation of the three-chamber strategy for studying mate choice in medaka

The three-chamber experiment, in which one test animal can choose between two animals placed in physically inaccessible compartments, is a widely adopted strategy for studying sexual preference in animals. Medaka, a small freshwater teleost, is an emerging model for dissecting the neurological/physiological mechanisms underlying mate choice for which intriguing findings have been accumulating. The three-chamber strategy has rarely been adopted in this species; therefore, here we investigated its validity using medaka colour variants that mate assortatively. First, a total of 551 movies, in which a test male and two choice females interacted for 30 min under a free-swimming condition, were manually analysed. The sexual preference of the males, calculated as a courtship ratio, was highly consistent between human observers (r > 0.96), supporting the objectivity of this manual-counting strategy. Second, we tested two types of three-chamber apparatuses, in which choice fish were presented in either a face-to-face or side-by-side location. Test fish (regardless of sex) spent most of the time associating with choice fish in the compartments. However, their sexual preference, calculated as an association ratio, was poorly reproduced when the locations of the choice fish were swapped. Third, the sexual preferences of males quantified using the manual-counting and either of the three-chamber strategies did not correlate (r = 0.147 or 0.297). Hence, we concluded that, even for individuals of a species like medaka, which spawn every day, sexual preference could not be reliably evaluated using the three-chamber strategy. Optimization of the protocol may solve this problem; however, the explanation for the observation that animals that are ready for spawning persist with never-accessible mating partners must be reconsidered.

Using touchscreen equipped operant chambers to study animal cognition. Benefits, limitations, and advice

Operant chambers are small enclosures used to test animal behavior and cognition. While traditionally reliant on simple technologies for presenting stimuli (e.g., lights and sounds) and recording responses made to basic manipulanda (e.g., levers and buttons), an increasing number of researchers are beginning to use Touchscreen-equipped Operant Chambers (TOCs). These TOCs have obvious advantages, namely by allowing researchers to present a near infinite number of visual stimuli as well as increased flexibility in the types of responses that can be made and recorded. We trained wild-caught adult and juvenile great-tailed grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus) to complete experiments using a TOC. We learned much from these efforts, and outline the advantages and disadvantages of our protocols. Our training data are summarized to quantify the variables that might influence participation and success, and we discuss important modifications to facilitate animal engagement and participation in various tasks. Finally, we provide a “training guide” for creating experiments using PsychoPy, a free and open-source software that was incredibly useful during these endeavors. This article, therefore, should serve as a resource to those interested in switching to or maintaining a TOC, or who similarly wish to use a TOC to test the cognitive abilities of non-model species or wild-caught individuals.

Effect of fermented rice bran concentration using Lactobacillus sp in artificial feed on growth performance and enzyme activity of tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)

This study aims to determine the effect of the dose of fermented rice bran using Lactobacillus sp. on growth performance and enzyme activity in tilapia. This research was conducted in Sidenreng Rappang Regency. The test animal used was tilapia larvae measuring 1.17 g. The maintenance container is a tarp pool with a size of 1 m x 1 m x 1 m filled with fresh water as much as 85 L. The study was designed using a completely randomized design consisting of four treatments and three replications, thus there were 12 experimental units. The treatment was determined based on the dose of fermented rice bran using Lactobacillus sp. which differ, namely 0, 10, 15 and 20%. The test feed was given to tilapia larvae, which were stocked with 20 fish per container for 60 days of rearing. The specific growth rate data of tilapia were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and enzyme activity was analysed descriptively based on the viability of tilapia. The results showed that tilapia fed with 20% fermented rice bran had a significant effect on the specific growth rate, protease and amylase enzyme activity. The optimal dosage of fermented rice bran using Lactobacillus sp. is 15-20%.

Using Touchscreen Equipped Operant Chambers to Study Comparative Cognition. Benefits, Limitations, and Advice

Operant chambers are small enclosures used to test animal behavior and cognition. While traditionally reliant on simple technologies for presenting stimuli (e.g., lights and sounds) and recording responses made to basic manipulanda (e.g., levers and buttons), an increasing number of researchers are beginning to use Touchscreen-equipped Operant Chambers (TOCs). These TOCs have obvious advantages, namely by allowing researchers to present a near infinite number of stimuli as well as increased flexibility in the types of responses that can be made and recorded. Here, we trained wild-caught adult and juvenile great-tailed grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus) to complete experiments using a TOC. We have learned much from these efforts, and outline the advantages and disadvantages of these two approaches. We report data from our training sessions and discuss important modifications we made to facilitate animal engagement and participation in various tasks. Finally, we provide a “training guide” for creating experiments using PsychoPy, a free and open-source software that we have found to be incredibly useful during these endeavors. This article, therefore, should serve as a useful resource to those interested in switching to or maintaining a TOC, or who similarly wish to use a TOC to test the cognitive abilities of non-model species or wild-caught individuals.

Immunomodulatory Efficiency of Abelmoschus esculentus in Swiss Albino Mice

Background: Immunomodulation through natural or synthetic substances may be considered as an alternative for prevention and cure of infections. Methods: A total of nineteen groups of Swiss albino mice were experimented for immunological studies with an inclusion of control and immunised control. Lymphocyte count and DTH response in the experimental groups after the administration of plant drugs. The result showed remarkable changes in all kind of treated animals when compared to control. The increment in ‘B’ and “T lymphocyte number was much pronounced in mice by the administration of A. esculentus in combination with immuno-enhansive drug. Result: In DTH responses directly correlated with cell mediated immunity and were found to be highest at the maximum dose (100 mg/Kg) of plant extracts A. esculuntus. From the results it was clear that the plant extract induced immunomodulating potential of the test animal. On administration of plant extract an enhanced and visible DTH responses were observed.

Depurasi timbal (Pb) dari ikan nila nirwana(Oreochromis niloticus) menggunakan pakan yang disubstitusi bungkil kelapa dan kelapa sawit

Nila fish called Nirwana, which is widely consumed in Indonesia, is an important aquaculture species. Nirwana is extensively cultivated in ponds with different water characteristics that can certainly make the fish contaminated by various toxic and hazardous substances, including lead (Pb). This study analyzed the potential of coconut cake and palm kernel cake to depurate Pb from nirwana. The treatments in this study consisted of 100% commercial feed (Pk), 30% coconut cake + 70% commercial feed (PBK) and 30% palm kernel cake + 70% commercial feed (PBS). Each nirwana used was 100±15 g in weight and injected with 1 mg L-1 of Pb(NO3)2 intraperitoneally. Each test animal was fed at satiation twice a day for eight days. The result of AAS analysis on flesh and feces proved that most Pb was excreted through feces. The highest concentration of Pb which was excreted through feces was PBS treatment (1,46 mg kg-1) on days two, four, six and eight when the Pb concentration was less than 0,001 mg kg-1. The highest fat content in feed was on PBK treatment (13,33%) and PBS (4,78%) with crude fiber content in PBK 0,38% and PBS 7,23%. The results indicated that the coconut cake and palm kernel cake that were added to the feed used could serve as a depuration agent and can reduce Pb from fish through the feces.

Possibility of developing a trace conditioned reflex to a soundstimulus in a gray seal.

In this scientific work, we present the materials obtained during studies of the possibility of developing a trace conditioned reflex ingray seals. A delayed reaction to a sound stimulus was formed in the test animal after 8 experiments. Thanks to the technique we used, there was a gradual increase in the number of correct clicks in the process of testing, coupled with a longer development in comparison with reflexes that do not require attention retention. The study suggests the further effectiveness of its use.

Uji Efektivitas Anthelmintik Formula Suspensi Biji Mentimun (Cucumissativus L.) Terhadap Cacing Gelang (Ascaris Lumbricoides)

The Effectiveness Test of Cucumber Seeds Suspension Formula (Cucumis sativus L) towards Roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides) as in Vitro Anthelmintic, It has been conducted research to know cucumber seeds powder (Cucumis sativus L) can be made into form of suspension stock and to know stock of cucumber seeds suspension (Cucumis sativus L) can give effect of anthelmintic toward roundwoms Ascaris lumbricoides. The research was conducted by using experimental method. Powder of cucumber seeds (Cucumis sativus L) were made into suspension stock with 3 concentratios such as 5%, 10%, 15% concetrations and suspension without powder of cucumber seeds (Cucumis sativus L) with different addition subtance concentration. Test animal used was roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) that was taken by pig’s intestine. Treatment group consisted into five categories such as 125 mg positive control of pamoat pirantel (Combantrin®), negative control of suspension without powder of cucumber seeds (Cucumis sativus L), and category of cucumber seeds suspension (Cucumis sativus.L) as 5%, 10%, and 15%. Each group was soaked with 40 ml test ingredient into petri dish. Then it was observed and writte the number of died worms in every minute. 100% observation of died worm was group of positive control at 405 minutes, negative control at 1710 minutes, 5% concetration of cucumber seeds suspension stock at 540 minutes, 10%concentration at 465 minutes and 15% concentration at 420 minutes. The result of research showed that cucumber seeds (Cucumis sativus L) can be made into suspension stock and effective as anhelmintic toward roundworms Ascaris lumbricoides.

Meta-analysis of venom toxicity of 167 most lethal ophidian species provides a basis for estimating human lethal doses

Background: This is the first meta-analysis to characterize intra-ophidian-species variation in whole venom. The largest possible meta-analysis possible at this time, it encompasses all known records of animal lethality studies over the past 100 years. These results are not artifacts of resistant test-animal-species, and show orders of magnitude beyond the 1.6 logs (40 fold change) range of lethal dose documented in literature between amphibians, lizards and mice. Methods: 1198 lethal dose study results for 167 of the most lethal venomous ophidian species in the world are analyzed. Results: LDLo does not differentiate from LD50 across studies, indicating the true range of toxicity is probably larger. The belief that for route of inoculation, IC<IV<IP<IM<SC has good support (R2 = 0.90). However, 5% of ICs were the highest dose, and 7% of SC inoculations were the lowest dose. Within the mouse test species, for one route of inoculation, the widest LD range is 3 logs (1000 fold change, N = 14). Within mouse, for multiple routes of inoculation, the widest LD range is 3.6 logs (4,150 fold change), N = 20, SC/IM. The strongest correlate for range of lethal dose results is the number of studies (R2 = 0.56); followed by the number of test-animal-species (R2 = 0.55); then by the number of routes of inoculation (R2 = 0.43). Conclusions: Scientists working with humans should use combined LDLo and LD50 meta-datasets for all data and calculate: mean, median, minimum, range, and standard deviations. Standard deviation multiples will provide desired coverage. For estimating LD50 range and minimum lethal dose for species with little data, I recommend curating a meta-dataset of related snakes, and computational research to strengthen this.

DYNAMICS OF WOUND HEALING AFTER INTRAORAL PIERCING WITH MEDICAL STEEL CLIPS IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS

Introduction. In modern dentistry, medical steel, along with other materials used for dental implantation, is considered as biocompatible or bio-tolerant materials. Among the commonest complications caused by piercing, there are hypertrophic scarring, pain, swelling and infection. Therefore, the research on clinical and morphological changes in tongue and cheek tissues during experimental piercing with medical steel clips on animals and further evaluation of the consequences of this procedure seem to be quite relevant. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of clips made of medical steel on the dynamics of the wound healing in tissues of the cheek and tongue following the implantation in test animals. Materials and methods. The experiment was conducted on the chinchilla line rabbits (n=8) in 2015. The animals were implanted with medical steel clips in soft tissue of the tongue and cheeks. Histological studies were performed on 7th, 14th, 28th and 60th days following the implantation to study the dynamics of the change in the pierced channel. Results and conclusions. The study has shown the purulent process in the tongue and cheeks tissues following the implantation of medical steel clips can be observed from the 7th to 60th days. Thus, we can suggest that the damaging effect of medical steel clips on tongue and cheek tissues in the test animal promotes purulent inflammation. The rabbits with implanted clips in the tongue and cheek had broad wound channels, containing purulent exudates, inflammatory infiltrates were found in the walls of the wound channel. During the experiment, the histological specimens of the cheeks and tongue showed a large amount of granulation tissue, signs of immaturity and secondary inflammation, slow transformation of granulation tissue into the connective tissue that causes a lack of complete epithelisation and promotes deep skin wounds. The impairment of nerve endings in the form of oedema of the endo- and perineuria as a consequence of the implantation of medical steel clips can be manifested by persistent pain syndrome, loss of local sensitivity and distortion of taste sensation. In future, we are planning to investigate the dynamics of the wound healing after intraoral implantation of clips made of other materials in the test animals.