Evidence Of Physiological Stress Research Articles

Response of Bolivian gray titi monkeys (Plecturocebus donacophilus) to an anthropogenic noise gradient: behavioral and hormonal correlates.

Worldwide urban expansion and deforestation have caused a rapid decline of non-human primates in recent decades. Yet, little is known to what extent these animals can tolerate anthropogenic noise arising from roadway traffic and human presence in their habitat. We studied six family groups of titis residing at increasing distances from a busy highway, in a park promoting ecotourism near Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. We mapped group movements, sampled the titis’ behavior, collected fecal samples from each study group and conducted experiments in which we used a mannequin simulating a human intrusion in their home range. We hypothesized that groups of titi monkeys exposed to higher levels of anthropogenic noise and human presence would react weakly to the mannequin and show higher concentrations of fecal cortisol compared with groups in least perturbed areas. Sound pressure measurements and systematic monitoring of soundscape inside the titis’ home ranges confirmed the presence of a noise gradient, best characterized by the root-mean-square (RMS) and median amplitude (M) acoustic indices; importantly, both anthropogenic noise and human presence co-varied. Study groups resided in small, overlapping home ranges and they spent most of their time resting and preferentially used the lower forest stratum for traveling and the higher levels for foraging. Focal sampling analysis revealed that the time spent moving by adult pairs was inversely correlated with noise, the behavioral change occurring within a gradient of minimum sound pressures ranging from 44 dB(A) to 52 dB(A). Validated enzyme-immunoassays of fecal samples however detected surprisingly low cortisol concentrations, unrelated to the changes observed in the RMS and M indices. Finally, titis’ response to the mannequin varied according to our expectation, with alarm calling being greater in distant groups relative to highway. Our study thus indicates reduced alarm calling through habituation to human presence and suggests a titis’ resilience to anthropogenic noise with little evidence of physiological stress.

Potential hyperaccumulator plants for sustainable environment in tropical habitats

Hyperaccumulators are rare ability of plants to accumulate excessive concentration of elements on roots and shoot tissues without any evidence of physiological stress. However, less research has been conducted in different environmental habitats. Hence, this study was conducted in Mount Magdiwata and Peatland Forest of La Paz, Philippines. The objectives of this research were to identify hyperaccumulator plants as well as analyze soil and plant elemental accumulations. Sampling stations were designated in stratified habitats. Collected soil and plant specimens were analyzed in the laboratory and data were interpreted using SPSS software. Cratoxylum sumatranum (Jack ) Blume, Syngramma alismifolia ( C. Presl ) J.Sm., Mitragyna speciosa Korth, Pneumatopteris laevis ( Mett ) Holtta and Pneumatopteris glabra ( Cope ) Holtt were species that shown hyperaccumulation criterion and had significant accumulation capacity in respective habitats. Manganese had accumulation capacity in the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa Korth above the thresholds level for heavy metal concentrations at 22393 mg/kg−1. Soil element Mg has higher accumulation in the leaves at 5257 mg/kg−1and Fe at 4298 mg/kg−1 both major soil elements had shown significant results. The accumulation capability of this identified species were prospective sources of hyperaccumulator plants onwards to phytoremediation technology to cleanse environmental toxicity.

Effects of Doubling the Standard Space Allowance on Behavioural and Physiological Responses of Sheep Experiencing Regular and Irregular Floor Motion during Simulated Sea Transport.

Simple SummarySheep are sometimes transported long distances by ship, and space allowance is one of the most contentious aspects of welfare provision. Previous research has not examined major increases in space allowances, so we investigated sheep responses to a doubling of the standard Australian allowance. Sheep were exposed to simulated ship motion of a regular or irregular nature, representing smooth sailing or high seas, or a control treatment without motion. Doubling space allowance provided evidence of reduced stress: less pushing each other, less need for the sheep to hold their heads close together, less leaning against their enclosure and lower heart rates and LF/HF ratio. It did, however, increase stepping by the sheep to correct their balance. Irregular motion reduced the time sheep spent chewing the cud, also evidence of stress, however, balance corrections were more common in regular motion, possibly because the sheep could predict the movement and step accordingly. We conclude that doubling sheep’s space allowance during simulated ship transport improves their welfare, and that irregular motion limits balance control and may reduce welfare.Transporting livestock at high stocking density by ship presents significant risks to their welfare, especially if it is over long distances. Previous research has investigated small variations in density for long periods or a moderate variation for short periods. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of a doubling of space allowance during two types of simulated ship movement, regular and irregular floor motion, on the welfare of sheep for a short one-hour period. Six 25 kg sheep were restrained in pairs in a crate on a programmable platform that generated roll and pitch motion typical of that experienced on board ship. Sheep were subjected to regular or irregular movement or a control treatment at high and low stocking densities (0.26 and 0.52 m2/sheep) in a multilevel changeover design. Irregular movement was programmed as a sequence of 30 different amplitude and duration values for pitch and roll movements, which were randomly selected by computer software controlling the movement. Regular movement was the mean of these values, which represented approximately 33% of the recommended maximum tolerance for livestock carriers. Behaviour was recorded by six cameras positioned around the crate. The low space allowance increased sheep pushing each other (Low: 4.51 events/h, High: 1.37 events/h, p < 0.001), affiliative behaviour, with their heads one on top of the other (Low 8.64, High 3.75 s/h, p = 0.02) and standing supported by the crate (Low 96, High 3.2 s/h, p < 0.001). Sheep stepped more frequently when more space was provided, particularly in the forward (Low 6.4, High 8.4 steps/h, p = 0.02) and left (Low 4.0, High 4.7 steps/h, p = 0.03) directions. The low space allowance group also had i heart rates, providing evidence of physiological stress. Irregular movement reduced rumination (Irregular 288, Control 592, Regular 403 s/h, p = 0.02), which was evidence of reduced welfare, but balance corrections by stepping were more common if the motion was regular. Thus, there was evidence that the low space allowance increased interactions between sheep and was stressful, and that irregular floor motion in simulated ship transport limited balance control and reduced welfare.

No evidence of physiological stress in an urban animal: Comparison of fecal cortisol metabolites between urban and rural Eurasian red squirrels

AbstractOver the last few decades, urban environments have been regarded as alternative habitats for wildlife. Given the continuous anthropogenic disturbance, however, it remains largely unknown whether urban environments are truly beneficial to some animals or whether the animals are merely just surviving. Glucocorticoids, which play an important role in coping with environmental challenges, are often measured as primary biomarkers of physiological stress. Chronic secretions of these hormones can have deleterious effects on animal health. Some urban stressors are constantly present and may increase the risk of chronic stress. In this study, we compared fecal cortisol metabolite (FCM) levels to evaluate stress levels between an urban and rural population of Eurasian red squirrels Sciurus vulgaris. We hypothesized that if squirrels suffer from greater stress in urban environments, their FCM levels would be significantly higher than that of rural squirrels. Our results showed that FCM levels were not significantly different between the urban and rural squirrel populations, and urban squirrels did not weigh less than rural squirrels. We conclude that the urban squirrels were not subjected to greater stress than their rural counterparts. Urban environments may be preferable for red squirrels, possibly because of release from predators and increased food availability through artificial feeding.

Double inhumation in the Medieval Islamic Necropolis of Sahl ben Malik in Granada (Spain).

Despite the high mortality that have been associated with pregnancy and childbirth in past populations, few cases of the remains of pregnant women burials are described in the bioarchaeological reports. This paper is focused on the case of a double inhumation found in the Medieval Muslim Necropolis (11th to 15th centuries) of Sahl ben Malik in Granada (Spain). A complete skeleton of a woman and the skeletal remains of a full-term fetus located under the mother's left femur, were discovered in this burial. None of the evidence for the mother was decisive in determining the cause of death. However, evidence of physiological stress in the woman and possible gynecological complications may have contributed to the death of both individuals. The link between the individuals and their cause of death is examined, discussed and compared with similar archaeological records.

Sudden Unexpected Death in Neonates: A Clinico-pathological Study.

Clinico-pathological studies that focus on sudden unexpected death (SUD) in the neonatal period are rare. The objective of this study was to elucidate the frequency and pathological spectrum of anatomical causes of death (CODs), found in the setting of sudden unexpected death in neonates (SUD-N), and to correlate the COD with premortem circumstantial information. We conducted a detailed review of all autopsy reports on SUD-N cases at our institution from 1997 to 2015. Analyzed clinical data included obstetrical history, postpartum/neonatal medical course, and circumstances surrounding death. Evaluated autopsy data included growth parameters, pathological findings, ancillary test results, and COD. Data from decedents in which a COD was established (COD-E) were statistically compared with that from decedents in which the COD was undetermined (COD-U). Of 104 neonates (M: 49; F: 55) who fulfilled our inclusion criteria, a COD was established at autopsy in 46 cases (44%). Infections, congenital abnormalities, and inborn errors of metabolism were the most common CODs. Single variables statistically more likely to be found in COD-E neonates were clinical history of prodromal illness, witnessed loss of vital signs, and evidence of physiological stress in the thymus or the liver. A prodrome was statistically more common in the COD-E group, but the absence of a prodrome does not reliably exclude COD-E cases, since over 50% of these patients were asymptomatic prior to their demise. In COD-U neonates, the statistically significant factors were death during sleep, death during sleep while "bed"-sharing, "heavy" lungs, and petechial hemorrhages on the epicardium or pleura. Given the frequency and wide spectrum of underlying pathologies in COD-E neonates, referral of SUD-N cases to pathologists with specialized pediatric autopsy expertise is recommended.

Density Allowances for Broilers: Where to Set the Limits?

Stocking density has critical implications for the broiler industry because higher returns can be obtained as the number of birds per unit space increases. Assigned densities have been primarily driven by cost-benefit analysis, but economic profit may come at the cost of reduced bird performance, health, and welfare if densities are excessive. These negative consequences are the primary reason for the increasing demands for guidelines that limit density allowances, even through legislation. Current recommended densities are rather variable, and therefore it is critical if guidelines are to be established that they be based on sound science. Published research consistently indicates that the health and welfare of broilers is compromised if space allowances drop below 0.0625 to 0.07 m2/bird (equivalent to about 34 to 38 kg/m2 depending on final BW). Negative consequences include reduced final BW, feed intake and food conversion, and greater incidence of foot-pad dermatitis, scratches, bruising, poorer feathering, and condemnations. A few studies have also found higher mortalities, tibial dischondroplasia, and some evidence of physiological stress. At the behavioral level, most studies indicate a reduction in space use and movement and higher frequencies of disturbances, which has been linked with a higher frequency of scratches and decline in carcass quality. Other main behavioral categories remain largely unchanged. However, results overwhelmingly suggest that while stocking density has major consequences for the health and welfare of broilers, the quality of the environment, which has been largely underestimated, is far more relevant. Advances in broiler welfare will be difficult to achieve unless some criteria for environmental quality are also established. The implications of this are that the welfare of broilers can be ensured at a range of (reasonable) densities, as long as the requirements for environmental quality are fulfilled. It is also essential for industry to realize that returns per unit of space in broiler production do tend to plateau if density is excessive, a result of the reduction in bird performance. In this paper I suggest a model that may be used to maximize productivity, health, and welfare.

LYMPHOCYTE CONCENTRATION PREDICTS WORSE PROGNOSIS IN CHF.

The more severe a patient's heart failure, the greater the evidence of physiological stress. This study evaluated the prognostic importance of a shift in the leukocyte differential toward a decreased percentage of lymphocytes in 211 patients with severe congestive heart failure who …

The effects of ambient temperature during the grain-filling period on the composition and properties of starch from four barley genotypes

Starch was isolated from four genotypes of barley (one waxy, two normal and one high-amylose) grown at constant ambient temperatures of 10, 15, and 20 °C. There was evidence of physiological stress in grain grown at the higher temperatures, notably reduced starch accumulation, smaller A- and B-granules and fewer B-granules. In the waxy and normal genotypes amylose (AM) and amylopectin (AP) contents were little affected by increasing ambient temperature, but the lipid contents of the starches did show a strong response. No differences in the fine structure of AP in response to temperature were detected. Starch gelatinization temperatures (GT) were 50–55 °C, 52–62 °C and 60–63 °C in starches from grain grown at 10, 15 and 20 °C, respectively. Since the native starches could all be annealed to give similar elevated GT values (72–73 °C, the range of GT in the native starches was probably due to differences in the perfection of AP crystallinity which increased with barley growth temperature. All starches showed marked differences in their swelling curves which clearly related to ambient temperature. Swelling began at the same temperature as gelatinization (loss of crystalline order), At 80 °C, when there was no detectable order, swelling was determined primarily by AP content (45·3–97·6% in the 12 starches) but it was markedly inhibited by lipid (a temperature-dependent variable) probably through a mechanism which involved formation of AM-lipid inclusion complexes.