title: Phylogenetic analysis of vertebrate CXC chemokines reveals novel lineage specific groups in teleost fish

authors: Chen, Jun

subjects: fish

abstract: In this study, we have identified 421 molecules across the vertebrate spectrum and propose a unified nomenclature for CXC chemokines in fish, amphibians and reptiles based on phylogenetic analysis. Expanding on earlier studies in teleost fish, lineage specific CXC chemokines that have no apparent homologues in mammals were confirmed. Furthermore, in addition to the two subgroups of the CXCL8 homologues known in teleost fish, a third group was identified (termed CXCL8_L3), as was a further subgroup of the fish CXC genes related to CXCL11. Expression of the CXC chemokines found in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, was studied in response to stimulation with inflammatory and antiviral cytokines, and bacterial. Tissue distribution analysis revealed distinct expression profiles for these trout CXC chemokines. Lastly three of the trout chemokines, including two novel fish specific CXC chemokines containing three pairs of cysteines, were produced as recombinant proteins and their effect on trout leucocyte migration studied. These molecules increased the relative expression of CD4 and MCSFR in migrated cells in an in vitro chemotaxis assay.

text: Phylogenetic analysis of vertebrate CXC chemokines reveals novel lineage specific groups in teleost fish In this study, we have identified 421 molecules across the vertebrate spectrum and propose a unified nomenclature for CXC chemokines in fish, amphibians and reptiles based on phylogenetic analysis. Expanding on earlier studies in teleost fish, lineage specific CXC chemokines that have no apparent homologues in mammals were confirmed. Furthermore, in addition to the two subgroups of the CXCL8 homologues known in teleost fish, a third group was identified (termed CXCL8_L3), as was a further subgroup of the fish CXC genes related to CXCL11. Expression of the CXC chemokines found in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, was studied in response to stimulation with inflammatory and antiviral cytokines, and bacterial. Tissue distribution analysis revealed distinct expression profiles for these trout CXC chemokines. Lastly three of the trout chemokines, including two novel fish specific CXC chemokines containing three pairs of cysteines, were produced as recombinant proteins and their effect on trout leucocyte migration studied. These molecules increased the relative expression of CD4 and MCSFR in migrated cells in an in vitro chemotaxis assay.

year: 2013

title: Measurement of feeding motivation in sheep and the effects of food restriction

authors: Verbeek, Else

subjects: behavioural demand

abstract: The availability of food is a crucial factor determining the health and growth of animals. Prolonged or severe food restriction will trigger the subjective state of hunger, which could potentially reduce welfare. We refined a methodology for the measurement of feeding motivation as an indicator of hunger, evaluated the effects of food restriction on feeding motivation in ewes (Ovis aries) and applied a behavioural demand analysis to the data. Sixteen ewes were exposed to five different cost levels (i.e., 2, 6.6, 12.1, 22, or 40 m walking distances per reward) and two feeding levels (24 h restriction and an un-restricted control). We found that 24 h restricted ewes worked for a higher number of rewards (P < 0.001), walked a greater total distance (P < 0.001) and approached the feeding station faster on the first visit (P < 0.001). Therefore, the methodology was able to detect differences in feeding motivation between restricted and control ewes and is a potential indirect indicator of hunger. A generic demand function fitted to the data showed that the elasticity of demand, the maximum price paid (Pmax) and maximum expenditure (Omax) were not sensitive indicators of motivation, probably because we did not generate a complete demand curve. Imposing a cost by providing sheep with the opportunity to walk for their food could be a valuable tool in establishing acceptable feeding levels from an animals’ perspective. However, more research on validating behavioural demand measures as indicators of motivation is needed.

text: Measurement of feeding motivation in sheep and the effects of food restriction The availability of food is a crucial factor determining the health and growth of animals. Prolonged or severe food restriction will trigger the subjective state of hunger, which could potentially reduce welfare. We refined a methodology for the measurement of feeding motivation as an indicator of hunger, evaluated the effects of food restriction on feeding motivation in ewes (Ovis aries) and applied a behavioural demand analysis to the data. Sixteen ewes were exposed to five different cost levels (i.e., 2, 6.6, 12.1, 22, or 40 m walking distances per reward) and two feeding levels (24 h restriction and an un-restricted control). We found that 24 h restricted ewes worked for a higher number of rewards (P < 0.001), walked a greater total distance (P < 0.001) and approached the feeding station faster on the first visit (P < 0.001). Therefore, the methodology was able to detect differences in feeding motivation between restricted and control ewes and is a potential indirect indicator of hunger. A generic demand function fitted to the data showed that the elasticity of demand, the maximum price paid (Pmax) and maximum expenditure (Omax) were not sensitive indicators of motivation, probably because we did not generate a complete demand curve. Imposing a cost by providing sheep with the opportunity to walk for their food could be a valuable tool in establishing acceptable feeding levels from an animals’ perspective. However, more research on validating behavioural demand measures as indicators of motivation is needed.

year: 2011

title: Experiences of Māori of Aotearoa New Zealand's public health system: a systematic review of two decades of published qualitative research

authors: Graham, Rebekah Sarah

subjects: Indigenous health

abstract: Objective: This paper aims to synthesise the broader perspectives of Māori patients and their whānau (extended family, family group) of their treatment within the public health system. Our research question was ‘What are the experiences of Māori in the public health and/or hospital system in Aotearoa New Zealand?’ Methods: A systematic search using PRISMA protocols and reflexive typology organised around the categories of Māori, public healthcare and qualitative research identified 14 papers that covered all three categories. We undertook a qualitative metasynthesis on these papers using a critical community psychology approach. Results: Māori patients and whānau from the included papers mention both barriers and facilitators to health. We categorised barriers as organisational structures, staff interactions and practical considerations. Facilitators were categorised as the provision of whānau support in the form of practical assistance, emotional care and health system navigation. Conclusions: For many Māori, the existing public health system is experienced as hostile and alienating. Whānau members provide support to mitigate this, but it comes as a cost to whānau. Implications for public health: Public health providers must find ways to ensure that Māori consistently experience positive, high-quality healthcare interactions that support Māori ways of being.

text: Experiences of Māori of Aotearoa New Zealand's public health system: a systematic review of two decades of published qualitative research Objective: This paper aims to synthesise the broader perspectives of Māori patients and their whānau (extended family, family group) of their treatment within the public health system. Our research question was ‘What are the experiences of Māori in the public health and/or hospital system in Aotearoa New Zealand?’ Methods: A systematic search using PRISMA protocols and reflexive typology organised around the categories of Māori, public healthcare and qualitative research identified 14 papers that covered all three categories. We undertook a qualitative metasynthesis on these papers using a critical community psychology approach. Results: Māori patients and whānau from the included papers mention both barriers and facilitators to health. We categorised barriers as organisational structures, staff interactions and practical considerations. Facilitators were categorised as the provision of whānau support in the form of practical assistance, emotional care and health system navigation. Conclusions: For many Māori, the existing public health system is experienced as hostile and alienating. Whānau members provide support to mitigate this, but it comes as a cost to whānau. Implications for public health: Public health providers must find ways to ensure that Māori consistently experience positive, high-quality healthcare interactions that support Māori ways of being.

year: 2020