Effects of water dilution, housing, and food on rat urine collected from the metabolism cage

The objective of the study reported here was to investigate three factors that may affect the amounts of water consumed and urine excreted by a rat in the metabolism cage: water dilution, housing, and food. Young F344/N rats (eight per group) were used for all experiments. Food was withheld from rats before each 16-h urine collection, then rats were transferred into a metabolism cage. For trial A (water dilution), urine was collected from rats supplied with dyed water (0.05%, vol/vol). This was repeated three times over a 2-week period. Dye in water or urine was quantified, using a spectrophotometer. For trial B (housing), rats were individually housed in wire cages for 3 weeks before the first urine collection. Then they were group housed in the solid-bottom cage (four per cage). After 2 weeks of acclimation, urine collection was repeated. For trial C (food), one group of rats was provided with food, the other was not, during urine collection. About 8% of urine samples of small volume (< or = 3 ml) from trial A were contaminated with drinking water up to 13% of volume. The average urine volume associated with individual housing was approximately twice as large as that associated with group housing. When food was provided during urine collection, rats consumed similar amounts of water but excreted significantly smaller amounts of urine than did rats without food. It was concluded that water dilution of a urine sample from a sipper bottle is relatively small; rats individually housed in wire caging before urine collection can consume and excrete a larger quantity of water, compared with rats group housed in solid-bottom cages; and highly variable urine volumes are, in part, associated with lack of access to food during urine collection.     

Urine collection in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) and its applicability to endocrinological studies

We investigated a new method of urine collection in the common marmoset. We entered the cage as soon as the light cycle started in the breeding room and collected urine from the animal directly without any restraint. We were able to take separate samples from completely different individuals housed together for behavioral studies in the same cage. Urine and blood samples were taken from individuals from late pregnancy through postpartum nursing period. Cortisol and prolactin concentrations measured in urine were compared to those measured in blood to evaluate this collection method. LH/CG level in the urine samples was also measured. Urine data in females indicated a tendency toward high cortisol values during late pregnancy, a sharp drop before parturition, and increase after delivery. In females cortisol levels measured in blood closely resembled concentrations measured in urine. Urine cortisol in males clearly indicated an increase postpartum, but the increase was not indicated in plasma. Plasma and urine prolactin concentrations in females made a similar increase during lactation. Male's plasma prolactin clearly indicated an increase directly proportional to strong behavioral contact with the infant. We also confirmed hormonal changes during pregnancy, and postpartum ovulation and subsequent pregnancies, from urine LH/CG data. We found this method extremely useful because of the high correlation between cortisol, prolactin and LH/CG data from blood and urine. Additionally, we collected urine samples with little stress to the animal from fear, irritation, pain, etc.     

Identification, capture, and biotelemetry of socially living monkeys.

Remote monitoring of physiologic function using socially living monkeys differs from that using individually housed animals in that access to subjects may be limited. Some logistic aspects of working with socially housed monkeys are reviewed, including identification of individuals and capturing subjects. Methods of remote sampling include hormonal assays of urine and fecal samples, measurement of physical indices as estimates of reproductive status, and the use of telemetry devices to record activity and biopotentials. Key factors in the selection of a telemetry system are discussed. In many cases, remote monitoring may permit assessment of physiologic function without the stress of handling or restraint.     

利用潮间带大型底栖动物群落评估茅尾海生态环境质量

正强化采血训练后可在动物没有物理或化学保定的条件下获取其血液样品,最大限度减少因应激对动物带来的伤害。常规的正强化采血训练中,动作的保持主要靠食物作为强化物,用非固定强化的方法进行。本研究在使用非固定强化的方法对3只黑猩猩(Pan troglodytes)进行采血训练失败后,根据黑猩猩喜爱音乐并能识别音乐旋律的特征,将音乐加入到采血训练中,起到了连续正强化物和计时器的作用。结果发现,使用音乐进行采血训练时,3只黑猩猩的动作保持时间极显著高于非固定强化方法(无音乐)的动作保持时间。3只黑猩猩完成训练的次数,即达到训练效果所需的最少次数有所不同,个体贝贝的训练次数最多(177次),训练难点是尖针脱敏4 min;其次是个体亚亚(69次),训练难点是动作保持4 min;个体明明的训练次数最少(42次)。训练完成后,3只黑猩猩均可以在4 min的音乐播放中完成采血,中途不用饲喂任何食物。结果表明,音乐可以延长黑猩猩在采血训练中的动作保持时间,增加训练的稳定性。本研究的方法与结果可为同行业的相关工作者提供参考和借鉴。     

Sex estimation using the first cervical vertebra

The articular surfaces and vertebral foramen area of the first cervical vertebra are sexually dimorphic and can be used to sex complete or fragmentary specimens. Eight measurements were taken from the articular regions (superior and inferior) of 100 first cervical vertebrae from Terry collection specimens housed at the Smithsonian Institution. Seven regression and seven discriminant function equations were created that predict sex with 77–85% and 75–85% accuracy, respectively. In separate control tests, measurements from 100 first cervical vertebrae from Hamann-Todd collection individuals (Cleveland Museum of Natural History) and from 34 archaeological specimens were used with the Terry equations. The control samples were sexed with 60—85% accuracy. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Evaluation of filter paper collection of urine samples for detection and measurement of organic acidurias by capillary electrophoresis

There is little doubt that mental retardation has been prevented in most babies diagnosed by newborn screening programs for inborn errors and the cost-benefit ratios of these programs have been reported as highly positive. In a previous work we optimised a CE method for quick profiling of organic acidurias, which characterize a large number of inborn errors, so that it permits the separation, detection and even identification in less than 15 min of 22 organic acids in urine samples related to a wide range of metabolic disorders. In the present work we have studied the adequacy of filter paper collection of urine samples to simplify this step, always difficult in babies, when it is not performed by training personnel. The studied parameters were: media and conditions for re-extraction to give the best sensitivity and a more simple procedure when the samples are measured by CE, interferences coming from the diaper, recoveries obtained, possible correction of recoveries with creatinine and stability of the compounds. The whole method we report has the advantages of easy sample collection, easy shipping or delivery, and rapid analysis. Moreover, this method of collection and analysis allows the identification and quantitation of fumaric, methylmalonic, N-acetylaspartic, pyroglutamic and homogentisic acids, as well as glutaric acid for which screening is considered especially advisable.     

Effects of social and inanimate enrichment on the behavior of yearling rhesus monkeys

Certain types of inanimate environmental enrichment have been shown to positively affect the behavior of laboratory primates, as has housing them in appropriate social conditions. While social housing is generally advocated as an important environmental enhancement, few studies have attempted to measure the influence of social conditions on the effects of inanimate enrichment or to compare the relative merits of social and inanimate enhancements. In the present study, inanimate enrichment (predominately physical and feeding enhancements) resulted in increased species-typical behavior for socially restricted subjects. However, social enrichment (living in groups) appeared to be more beneficial for young rhesus monkeys, leading to increased species-typical activities and decreased abnormal activities. The behavior of one cohort of yearling rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) housed in small peer groups was compared with the behavior of four yearling cohorts housed in single cages. Half the animals in each cohort received a three-phase enrichment program and the rest served as controls. Group-housed yearlings spent significantly more time feeding and exploring and significantly less time behaving abnormally, self-grooming, and drinking than did singly housed yearlings. Enriched subjects spent significantly more time playing by themselves, and significantly less time self-grooming and exploring than did controls. Among group-housed subjects only, there were no differences between enriched and control monkeys. Captive primates should be housed socially, whenever appropriate, as the first and most important step in an enrichment program, with the provision of inanimate enhancements being considerably less important. Limited resources for inanimate enrichment programs instead should be focused on those individuals who can not be housed socially. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Close Proximity of the Heterosexual Partner Reduces the Physiological and Behavioral Consequences of Novel-Cage Housing in Black Tufted-Ear Marmosets (Callithrix kuhli)

The present studies assessed the extent to which heterosexual pairmates could buffer marmosets (Wied's black tufted-ear marmoset,Callithrix kuhli)against stress. Six male and six female marmosets from established groups were exposed to two experimental manipulations together with a control condition. Each condition lasted a total of 4 days. For the two experimental conditions, animals were removed from the family group and housed in a novel cage for 48 h in either the presence or the absence of the heterosexual pairmate. During the 48-h novel-cage housing period and for 48 h upon reunion of the subjects with the family group, concentrations of urinary cortisol were measured in the first void sample of the day and behavioral observations were conducted. When animals were housed alone in a novel cage they exhibited significant elevations in levels of urinary cortisol after 24 and 48 h of novel-cage exposure. In contrast, when marmosets were housed in the novel cage in the presence of the pairmate, levels of urinary cortisol did not change across the 4-day period. The presence of the social partner also reduced the behavioral manifestations of exposure to novelty. Upon reunion with the family group, animals that had been housed in the novel cage alone spent significantly more time in close proximity to the pairmate than animals that had been housed with the partner. A second experiment was conducted to determine the effect that separation from the pairmate, only (independent of any effects of novelty), had on levels of cortisol. Concentrations of urinary cortisol were measured in subjects housed in the familiar home cage, but in the absence of the pairmate, over a 48-h period and compared to concentrations of excreted cortisol immediately prior to separation. Separation from the pairmate did not elevate cortisol levels when the subject was housed in the home cage, suggesting that elevated cortisol levels in animals housed alone in the novel cage were in response to novelty exposure rather than to separation from the pairmate. Since the physical presence of the heterosexual partner reduced the physiological and behavioral effects of novel-cage housing, social attachments might function as homeostatic regulators of HPA function in marmosets.     

The influence of urine from asymptotic laboratory populations on sexual maturation in prairie deermice

Male and female prairie deermice housed singly from weaning (21 days) until 40 days of age had urine from one of the following sources applied daily to their nostrils: sexually mature laboratory population males or females, and sexually mature breeder males or females from our laboratory colony. Other males and females were treated with water. Records were obtained of the weights of the tests, seminal vesicles and bacula of males and the ovaries and uteri of females at 40 days of age. The major results of this study were as follow: Female urine from sexually mature and inhibited population or isolated mice stimulated the development of the male reproductive organs significantly more than water or male urine. Male urine applied to young males did not differentially affect the weights of their reproductive organs compared with water and thus showed no inhibition effects. The reproductive organs of females treated with male urine did not differ significantly in weight from those of females treated with female urine. Females treated with water developed significantly larger uteri than those treated with urine from sexually mature population females (P≤0.02), inhibited population females (P<0.001) and inhibited population males (P<0.007).     

Collection fluid helps preservation in voided urine cytology

Objectives:  Degenerative change caused by delay in processing contributes to false-negative and false-positive diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma in cytology. The aim of the study was to see if the use of a collection fluid for urine samples made a significant difference to urine cytology diagnosis, and if one was better suited for routine use in the hospital laboratory. Three cell collection fluids were evaluated by analysing the preservation and degeneration of cells in urine samples, as was the routine preparation which did not use a collection fluid.
Methods:  In the design study 50 voided urine specimens were taken at random from the hospital haematuria clinic. Three commercially available collection fluids cytolyt^TM, cytospin^® and cytoRich^®Blue and the hospital's routine conventional preparation of urine were compared. The degree of degeneration, and so preservation, was assessed by a table of chosen criteria; then ranked and analysed by Friedman's nonparametric test, at P  = 0.05. A second table showing the cell content of each slide was also made.
Results:  These showed no significant diagnostic difference between the collection fluids, but there was a significant difference between the collection fluids and the routine preparation. Minor differences that do not affect diagnosis, such as crystals and ghost red blood cells, were noted in cytospin^® and cytoRich^®Blue.
Conclusion:  It is recommended that a collection fluid is used. This choice should be made after health and safety issues and cost are considered.     

Fecundity in the captive howler monkey,Alouatta caraya

Seven female Black howler monkeys, Alouatta caraya, from both wild- and captive-born origins have reproduced at Riverbanks Zoological Park. Three of the five wild-born females arrived as juveniles and grew to maturity; the other two were already mature upon arrival and reproduced shortly therafter. Two females which were born within the park's collection have since reached maturity and also reproduced. The interval between the first and second young of wild-born howlers is longer than between subsequent birth intervals. Subsequent young are also more precocious than their preceding siblings. In at least one case, a socially inferior female did not reproduce until placed within a different troop situation which elevated her social status. Females born in captivity conceived when 42 and 35 months old, the former situation being linked to low social status. Young born to females housed under both seasonal and regulated conditions of photoperiod demonstrated no difference in breeding intervals and seasonality of birth does not appear to be a factor in howler monkey reproduction.     

Using training to moderate chimpanzee aggression during feeding

The effects of human and nonhuman primate interactions on the well-being of captive nonhuman primates have been studied less rigorously than other forms of environmental improvement. Human intervention might be used to moderate severe aggression of socially housed animals at feeding times, one of the most common behavioral management problems. In this study, positive reinforcement training techniques were applied to reduce a dominant male chimpanzee's aggression and chasing during meals. Verbal commands and food reinforcers were used to train him to sit and remain seated while other group members received and ate their share of produce. Observational data were collected recording all instances of agonism in the group during periods when meals were fed and during times when no meals were offered, both before and after the training was accomplished. Multivariate analysis of variance for repeated measures results indicated that the training program successfully reduced the group's incidence of displaying, submission, and aggression during feeding periods. This effect was specific to the times meals were fed; there was no generalized reduction in the group's agonism after the training. This study exemplifies the use of positive reinforcement techniques to modify chimpanzee social dynamics during a problematic situation and of observational data to evaluate quantitatively the behavioral effects of the training. Training can be employed to help solve behavioral management problems among socially housed animals, and it can help improve the psychological well-being of captive chimpanzees. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

A comparison of two methods to assess apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients in dogs

ABSTRACT

The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients can be assessed by total collection of faeces (TC), which is the reference method, or by the indicator method (IM). Little information is available on proper faecal sampling methodologies for IM in canines to obtain results comparable to TC. The objective of this study was to determine the minimum number of sub-samples required for the IM to make it comparable with TC. A total of 11 adult male dogs were individually housed in metabolism cages. Dogs had access to a grass yard to facilitate defaecation. Faecal sub-samples (1/day) were taken from the daily faecal output to prepare the pooled samples for IM, obtaining cumulative sample combinations of 3 (IM3), 4 (IM4), 5 (IM5), 6 (IM6) and 7 d (IM7). Digestibility of dry matter, gross energy, crude protein and crude fibre was similar between TC and IM5, IM6 and IM7 (p > 0.05). The IM7 presented the greatest statistical similarity with TC. Nevertheless, IM was not a good predictor of crude fibre digestibility. In conclusion, IM can replace the TC method in dogs to evaluate ATTD of several nutritional fractions as long as the composite sample is collected during seven consecutive days. For estimation of fibre digestibility by IM, longer collection periods are probably required.     

Comparison of efficiency of direct observations by scuba diver and indirect observations via video camera for measuring reef-fish behaviour

The present study investigates how the humbug damselfish Dascyllus aruanus, subject of a large number of ecological, evolutionary and behavioural studies, responds to the presence of human observers (effect of scuba diver presence-absence) and how the method of data collection (directly by a scuba diver v. indirectly via video camera) may affect the quality of behavioural data. Scuba diver presence had only subtle effects on fish behaviour. The efficiency of the method of scoring fish behaviour depended on the behaviour under consideration: those behaviours that occur in close proximity to the corals were scored more effectively directly by a scuba diver while those that are performed in a more rapid or repetitive fashion were scored more effectively indirectly via video camera. These results provide a foundation for future behavioural research on D. aruanus and other fishes where scuba divers or video cameras are the prevalent means of data collection.     

A comparison of cell-mediated immune responses in rhesus macaques housed singly, in pairs, or in groups

A variety of psychosocial factors have been shown to influence immunological responses in laboratory primates. The present investigation examined the effects of social housing condition on cell-mediated immune responses, comparing rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) in three housing conditions (single, pair, and group). Subjects included 12 adults of both sexes in each housing condition (N=36). Multiple blood samples (0, 4, 8, and 12 months) were collected for immunological analyses, including lymphocyte subsets, lymphocyte proliferation to pathogens and nonspecific mitogens, natural killer cell activity, and cytokine production. CD4(+) to CD8(+) ratios differed significantly across housing conditions and singly caged subjects had significantly lower CD4(+)/CD8(+) after the 4-month timepoint than did socially housed (pair and group) subjects. CD4(+) to CD8(+) ratios were positively correlated within subjects, suggesting a trait-like aspect to this parameter. Lymphocyte proliferation responses to all four gastrointestinal pathogens differed across housing conditions (at least at the 0.08 level), as did proliferation responses to StaphA, and the production of cytokines (IFN-gamma, IL-2, and IL-10). Proliferation responses of singly caged monkeys did not differ from socially housed monkeys and the highest levels of both IFN-gamma and IL-10 were produced by group housed subjects. The data demonstrate that social housing condition affects immune responses. While not unidirectional, these effects generally suggest enhanced immune responses for socially housed animals. Since rhesus monkeys live socially in nature, and the immune responses of singly housed animals differed from those housed socially, there is considerable motivation and justification for suggesting that the use of singly housed rhesus macaques may complicate interpretations of normal immunological responses. This may have important implications for the management, treatment, and selection of primate subjects for immunological studies.     

Reliability of urine lactate as a novel biomarker of lactate production capacity in maximal swimming

Context: Postexercise urine lactate may be a novel biomarker of lactate production capacity during exercise.

Objective: To evaluate the reliability and utility of the urine lactate concentration after maximal swimming trials between different training protocols (6?×?50?m and 3?×?100?m) and training states (active and nonactive swimmers).

Materials and methods: Lactate and creatinine were determined by spectrophotometry in blood and urine.

Results: Blood and urine lactate concentrations were correlated in-between training protocols and in participants of different training states. The reliability of the urine lactate concentration was moderate for one of the training protocols and good or moderate for the two training states. Additionally, it was lower than that of the blood lactate concentration, and did not improve after normalizing to the urine creatinine concentration.

Discussion and conclusion: Although promising as a biomarker of lactate production capacity, urine lactate requires further research to improve its reliability.     

Pregnancy in female house mice exposed to urinary chemosignals from other females.

Seven experiments were performed to investigate pregnancy termination, urinary chemosignals, and litter sex ratio variation in female house mice. Experiments tested the effects of urine from adult and prepubertal females, housed individually or in groups, on successful insemination and litter production by females treated at different times and for different periods during the 3 weeks before mating and during gestation. Treatment of females with urine from adult females housed eight per cage or with urine pooled from eight adult females housed individually for 2 or 3 weeks before mating resulted in fewer successful pregnancies and significantly more female-biased litters. Treatment with urine from adult or prepubertal females housed eight per cage or with urine pooled from eight mice housed individually for the first 6 days of gestation or throughout pregnancy resulted in a significant increase in the rate of pregnancy termination. These treatments resulted in lower body weights at birth and slower growth rates in all males and in some females. Puberty was delayed in female progeny from urine-treated dams in five of seven experiments, and these young females attained first oestrus at greater mean body weights than mice in other treatments. These findings indicate that, in mice, at high population density, communication via a urinary chemosignal can alter reproduction in recipient females. Availability of, and competition for, resources such as food would be greater at higher densities, possibly lowering the probability of reproductive success. Pregnancy termination and delays in reproduction and attainment of sexual maturity might lead to greater successful reproduction at a later time.     

The history and composition of the Raymond A. Dart Collection of Human Skeletons at the University of the Witwatersrand,Johannesburg, South Africa

The Raymond A. Dart Collection of Human Skeletons (Dart Collection) is housed in the School of Anatomical Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, and comprises one of the largest documented cadaver‐derived human skeletal assemblages in the world. This collection originated in the early 1920s as a result of the efforts of Raymond Dart and continues to grow. The skeletons included represent varied indigenous and immigrant populations from southern Africa, Europe and Asia. This contribution documents the history of the collection and provides an updated inventory and demographic assessment of this valuable research collection. According to a recent inventory the Dart Collection currently comprises 2,605 skeletons representing individuals from regional SA African (76%), White (15%), Coloured (4%) and Indian (0.3%) populations. A large proportion of the skeletons (71%) represent males. The recorded ages at death range from the first year to over 100 years of age, but the majority of individuals died between the ages of 20 and 70. The Dart Collection has been affected by collection procedures based on availability. All of the cadavers collected before 1958, and large proportions subsequently, were derived from unclaimed bodies in regional South African hospitals. Some details of documentation (age at death, population group) are estimates and some aspects of the collection demographics (sex ratios) do not closely reflect any living South African population. Our inventory and analysis of the Dart Collection is aimed to assist researchers planning research on the materials from this collection. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Hematological and serum biochemical indices in healthy bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata)

Background Blood reference values for bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata) are limited. The goal of this study was to determine reference ranges for hematological and serum biochemical indices in healthy, socially housed bonnet macaques for males and females over a range of ages. Methods Blood hematological and serum biochemical values were obtained from 50 healthy bonnet macaques of both sexes and aged 10–234 months. Results Age and sex differences were present in a number of measures. Globulins, total protein, and creatinine (CREAT) values were highest among older subjects, while alkaline phophatase, albumin, and phosphorus values were higher in juveniles. Sex differences were present in concentrations of red blood cells and CREAT, with higher values in males. Conclusion The blood parameter data reported here as age‐specific reference values for laboratory‐housed, healthy bonnet macaques may be used to inform clinical care and laboratory primate research.     

Criteria followed in the establishment of a filamentous fungal culture collection – Micoteca da Universidade do Minho (MUM)

In Portugal there are few culture collections of filamentous fungi and these are mostly in-house, and located mainly in the Lisbon area. Furthermore, open access to Portuguese databases on microorganisms is not well established. This knowledge and the continuing experimental activity in mycology, combined with an interest from the University in creating and financing reliable services to support research, led to the organization of a filamentous fungal culture collection, hosted at the Biological Engineering Centre of Minho University, in the North of Portugal. The Micoteca da Universidade do Minho (MUM), was established in 1996, with the aim of maintaining and providing strains for research on biotechnology and for use in teaching laboratories, and to act as a centre of expertise, information and training, complying with international quality standards. The use of a computerized system for the management of recorded data and the collection's holdings was envisaged from the start. The collection now holds 128 identified species, including recognized standard or test strains and isolates derived from research activities, mainly of the genera Penicillium and Aspergillus. The microbial strain database was built in-house and runs on Windows 2000. To ensure widespread availability of details of the collection's holdings, the fields intended for general searching and viewing are available on-line at http://www.micoteca.deb.uminho.pt/.