Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ciska P. J. Scheijen, Sean van der Merwe, Andre Ganswindt, Francois Deacon
Summary: The study found that giraffes walked further distances and had increased stress hormone levels in the presence of humans, but these effects decreased as the giraffes became habituated. Giraffes remained vigilant towards human observers, with no decrease in observation time as habituation increased.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andrew J. Loveridge, Matthew Wijers, Roseline Mandisodza-Chikerema, David W. Macdonald, Guillaume Chapron
Summary: Many large predator populations are declining globally, with significant implications for ecosystem integrity. Trophy hunting, while potentially beneficial, can become unsustainable when combined with other anthropogenic mortality sources. The spatial distribution and protection of populations are important factors in their viability. Incorrect aging of hunted lions can hinder sustainable quota settings. Resource managers should focus on older demographics and exercise precaution when setting hunting quotas for carnivore populations affected by other sources of anthropogenic mortality.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Satoshi Kusuda, Takashi Funahashi, Itsuki Adachi, Hanae Yamamoto, Eiji Nagao, Kirito Matsui, Yuki Akiba
Summary: The measurement of glucocorticoid metabolites (GCMs) in feces is a useful method for improving the husbandry and health management of the endangered Tsushima leopard cats. Changes in fecal GCM concentrations were observed during health examinations and treatment, indicating the role of GCMs in evaluating stress and disease.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Tina Kroll, Nikola Kornadt-Beck, Angela Oskamp, David Elmenhorst, Chadi Touma, Rupert Palme, Andreas Bauer
Summary: The study investigated the concordance between standardized score sheets and fecal corticosterone metabolites in assessing animal welfare in a preclinical neuroscientific setup. The results showed that subjective scores did not mirror the stress response assessed via fecal corticosterone metabolites, indicating a need for more reliable assessment methods.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Chloe C. Josefson, Amy L. Skibiel
Summary: This study used a new experimental paradigm to simulate the effects of chronic stress on maternal corticosterone metabolism during lactation, finding that FCM levels were elevated in chronically stressed mothers and were time-dependent due to repeated exposure to stressors or lactation stage. This highlights the importance of repeated temporal sampling, as glucocorticoid levels in response to chronic stress may change across lactation.
GENERAL AND COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Evolutionary Biology
Michael B. Morrissey, Anne Hubbs, Marco Festa-Bianchet
Summary: The article discusses trends in horn size of bighorn sheep and suggests stable or increasing growth over nearly 3 decades in most hunt areas in western U.S. and Canada. However, there is evidence of declining horn sizes in Alberta due to selective harvest practices. The biases in the data may lead to underestimation of the trends in horn sizes.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Eric M. Gese, Patricia A. Terletzky, Cole A. Bleke, Erika T. Stevenson, Susannah S. French
Summary: This study examined the stress levels of captive coyotes during breeding and pup production using fecal sampling. The results showed that producing pups did not significantly impact the stress levels in coyotes.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Malin Larm, Anne Lene Hovland, Rupert Palme, Anne-Mathilde Thierry, Andrea L. Miller, Arild Landa, Anders Angerbjorn, Nina E. Eide
Summary: A study on wild Arctic foxes showed significant increases in fGCM concentrations under stressors, not influenced by sex or age, but correlated with boldness levels. Additionally, sample storage at various temperatures did not significantly alter fGCM metabolite concentrations, allowing for flexible sample collection in the wild.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaomei Zhang, Liu Liu, Jianming Luo, Xichun Peng
Summary: This study compared the anti-aging activities of different in vitro fungal polysaccharides fermented by human feces on Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). The results showed that fermented Lanmaoa asiatica polysaccharides (FLAP) and Hohenbuehelia serotina polysaccharides (FHSP) exhibited the best anti-aging activities. Beneficial bacteria (Romboutsia and Weissella) and metabolites with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-protective effects were found to be positively correlated and enriched in FLAP and FHSP. These findings suggest that the anti-aging potency of the fermented polysaccharides is related to the metabolites produced by specific bacteria during fermentation.
Article
Fisheries
Jingwen Ding, Bengt Finstad, Lars Christian Gansel, Ann-Kristin Tveten, Steffen Hageselle Blindheim, Yanran Cao
Summary: This study evaluated the use of fecal corticoid metabolites (FCM) as stress indicators in farmed Atlantic salmon. The results showed that FCM levels correlated well with plasma cortisol levels during long-term stress. Standard sampling procedures and good experimental designs are necessary for reliable FCM measurements.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ellen M. Pero, M. Colter Chitwood, Aaron M. Hildreth, Barbara J. Keller, Rami J. Millspaugh, Jason A. Sumners, Lonnie P. Hansen, Jason L. Isabelle, Creagh W. Breuner, Joshua J. Millspaugh
Summary: Conservation translocations have become more common in the past 30 years, but the challenges faced by translocated animals must be considered for successful restoration programs. Assessing the physiological acclimation period of translocated animals is crucial for post-release management. This study focused on elk translocated to Missouri and found that they acclimated relatively quickly, allowing for effective use of temporary post-release management efforts.
CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Raven Ouellette, Gabriela Mastromonaco, Colin J. J. Garroway, Albrecht Schulte-Hostedde
Summary: Urban spaces have both benefits and costs for wildlife, including elevated food resources and stress response related to human activity. A study in Sudbury, Canada investigated the impact of urbanization on chipmunks, finding higher levels of stress-related metabolites in chipmunks living in more urban habitats compared to those in less urban areas. However, body condition was not affected by urbanization, possibly due to readily available food resources in cities. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the effects of urbanization on stress-related metrics and diet in small mammal species.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Flavia Santamaria, Rolf Schlagloth, Rupert Palme, Joerg Henning
Summary: This study highlights the importance of considering the suitability of faecal field samples for FCM analysis, with water loss being the main driver of FCM changes. Freshly defecated koala pellets are recommended for collection despite potential challenges in obtaining them, as environmental conditions can impact FCM stability.
Review
Biology
Monica Pirastru, Paolo Mereu, Laura Manca, Daniela Bebbere, Salvatore Naitana, Giovanni G. Leoni
Summary: This article discusses the impact of human activities on ecosystem health, with a particular focus on the adaptive responses of vultures to environmental changes. The importance of genetic information for improving species management and protecting genetic integrity is emphasized, highlighting the challenges in linking scientific research with management practices.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Leticia Martinez, Gema Silvan, Sara Caceres, Jose Manuel Caperos, Jesus Fernandez-Moran, Miguel Casares, Belen Crespo, Paloma Jimena de Andres, Juan Carlos Illera
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of different social environments and management systems on cortisol secretion in white rhinoceroses. The results showed that management systems, social interactions, and sex influenced the secretion of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites. This research provides insight into the glucocorticoid production in white rhinoceroses and its impact on reproductive biology.
Article
Surgery
Annika Bach-Hagemann, Ekaterina Harder, Laura Warner, Catharina Conzen-Dilger, Tobias Philip Schmidt, Sarah Pinkernell, Rupert Palme, Ute Lindauer
Summary: This study aimed to assess the burden inflicted on animals after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) or sham surgery in order to provide a scientific evaluation. Using a multimodal approach, the researchers conducted various behavior tests, clinical scoring, and biochemical marker analysis in male Wistar rats. The results showed an increase in clinical scores and weight loss after surgery, indicating impairment in the animals. However, further research is needed to classify the severity of suffering experienced by the animals.
EUROPEAN SURGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Renee Michele Girbig, Jasmin Baier, Rupert Palme, Rene Tolba, Anne Rix, Fabian Kiessling
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the possible effects of ultrasound imaging on the welfare of healthy mice and explore the potential influence of ultrasound and molecular ultrasound on the well-being and therapy response in breast cancer-bearing mice. The results showed that repeated ultrasound examinations had no detectable impact on the welfare of healthy and tumor-bearing mice. However, the combination of ultrasound and isoflurane anesthesia may attenuate immunological processes in tumor-bearing animals and affect responses to antitumor therapy.
EUROPEAN SURGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Anna Maria Kuemmecke, Leonie Zieglowski, Lisa Ernst, Rupert Palme, Rene H. Tolba
Summary: This study investigated sex differences in rats following partial hepatectomy. The results suggest that males and females respond similarly, indicating the importance of examining both sexes in translational research. However, further investigation is needed to explore a broader spectrum of measures.
EUROPEAN SURGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Olivier Kaisin, Felipe Bufalo, Rodrigo Amaral, Rupert Palme, Pascal Poncin, Fany Brotcorne, Laurence Culot
Summary: By using non-invasive methods, the study explored the relationship between glucocorticoid levels and behavior in black lion tamarins. The results showed that fecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels varied according to changes in activity and resting time on a long-term scale, and were influenced by interspecific competition on a short-term scale. These findings provide insights into the physiological stress responses of wild species to environmental and social pressures.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
C. Toinon, S. Waiblinger, R. Palme, J. -L. Rault
Summary: Early maternal deprivation has long-term effects on the social behavior and stress-coping strategy of goat kids. In this study, we investigated the effects of early maternal deprivation on 18-month-old goats, and found differences in their social behaviors and responses to stressors between goats raised with their dams and those artificially reared.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Flavia Santamaria, Rupert Palme, Rolf Schlagloth
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A-MOLECULAR & INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lydia Smith Osborne, Anh Duorg, Alexis Resendez, Rupert Palme, Jonathan P. Fadok
Summary: Social species form dominance hierarchies to ensure survival and promote reproductive success. Female hierarchies are thought to be less despotic and rank is conferred by intrinsic traits. Both social buffering and elevated social status confer resilience to chronic stress. In this study, we investigate how female social hierarchies and individual traits influence stress resilience. The results show that stable female hierarchies emerge rapidly and individual traits are characteristic of rank. Female rank is associated with behavior, stress status, and neurobiology. Hierarchies exert context-specific influence upon stress outcomes.
Article
Ecology
Phoebe D. Edwards, Rupert Palme, Rudy Boonstra
Summary: Chronic stress is hypothesized to play a role in population cycles. Our study found that high density does not directly impair the stress axis in meadow voles, but high density populations have elevated glucocorticoid levels early in the breeding season and decreased levels towards late summer.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Sophia Marie Quante, Viktoria Siewert, Rupert Palme, Sylvia Kaiser, Norbert Sachser, S. Helene Richter
Summary: Touchscreen-based procedures are increasingly used in experimental animal research as a promising approach to translational research and to reduce experimenter effects. However, the training phase required for the animals to adapt to the touchscreen test may cause stress and anxiety-like behavior. This study aimed to investigate the effects of terminating touchscreen training on mice, specifically looking at behavior, hormone levels, and exploratory activity. The results suggest that the termination of touchscreen training did not have a significant impact, contradicting the hypothesis of enrichment loss.
FRONTIERS IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Marisol Parada Sarmiento, Lydia Lanzoni, Leandro Sabei, Matteo Chincarini, Rupert Palme, Adroaldo Jose Zanella, Giorgio Vignola
Summary: This study demonstrates that lameness in pregnant sows can lead to decreased placental efficiency in inactivating stress hormones, potentially impacting the welfare of the offspring. Therefore, greater attention should be paid to the lameness of sows as it may affect the welfare of both the sow and her offspring.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Sara Corsetti, Eugenia Natoli, Rupert Palme, Emanuela Viggiano
Summary: Shelters are stressful environments for domestic dogs. Evaluating dogs' welfare is crucial to improve their life condition and to promote a better management of shelters. This research aimed to analyse the physiological and behavioural responses of dogs in different environmental conditions. The presence of conspecifics is the best way to reduce stress in shelter dogs. This research could provide some useful guidelines for managing shelters and improving dogs' life condition.
Article
Zoology
Jeffrey Carbillet, Rupert Palme, Marie-Line Maublanc, Nicolas Cebe, Emmanuelle Gilot-Fromont, Helene Verheyden, Benjamin Rey
Summary: The use of fecal corticosteroid metabolites (FCMs) is suitable for assessing adrenocortical activity in wildlife. However, sample preservation and storage can affect FCM stability and result interpretations. It is generally acceptable to temporarily store samples at low above-zero temperature before freezing them. This study found that storing feces at +4 degrees C for 24 h and 48 h before freezing resulted in a decrease in FCM levels over time.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART A-ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dorota Kidawa, Katarzyna Wojczulanis-Jakubas, Dariusz Jakubas, Rupert Palme, Mateusz Barcikowski
Summary: This study found individual differences in chick calls of little auks and a high acceptance rate of cross-fostered chicks by parents. This suggests the potential usage of vocal recognition in offspring identification by seabirds, although parents may disregard individual characteristics enabling chick discrimination.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Anna Staffeld, Sadaf Gill, Annelie Zimmermann, Natalie Boege, Katharina Schuster, Stephan Lang, Markus Kipp, Rupert Palme, Linda Frintrop
Summary: This study aimed to establish a murine AN model and found that only when the weight reduction reached 25%, the AN-related symptoms could be observed. These findings provide new targets for the study of the pathophysiology and treatment interventions of AN.
Article
Biology
Martina Stocker, Eoin P. O'Sullivan, Rupert Palme, Eva Millesi, Ruth Sonnweber
Summary: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are mammalian steroid hormones that play important roles in various physiological processes. Measuring GC levels, especially in saliva samples, can provide valuable information for conservation and welfare assessment in animal populations. This study validated the method of measuring salivary GC levels using high-pressure liquid chromatography and enzyme immunoassay in squirrel monkeys and brown capuchin monkeys. Our findings support the reliability of salivary cortisol measurements and their potential use in research and welfare assessment for these non-human primates.
