The functional response, i.e. the change in per capita food intake rate per time unit with changed food availability, is a widely used tool for understanding the ecology and behaviour of animals. However, waterfowl remain poorly explored in this context. In an aviary experiment we derived a functional response curve for teal (Anas crecca) foraging on rice (Oryza sativa) seeds. We found a linear relationship between intake rate and seed density, as expected for a filter-feeder. At high seed densities we found a threshold, above which intake rate still increased linearly but with a lower slope, possibly reflecting a switch from filter-feeding to a scooping foraging mode. The present study shows that food intake rate in teal is linearly related to food availability within the range of naturally occurring seed densities, a finding with major implications for management and conservation of wetland habitats.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2007.01.001 | DOI Listing |
Sci Rep
December 2024
National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
The phenomenon of population aging in China has evolved into an irreversible trend. The state places significant emphasis on the health-related initiatives for the elderly and has implemented pertinent policies. This study aims to identify the primary health issues affecting the elderly population in China, ascertain the key risk factors influencing their health, and offer a scientific foundation for the government to develop ongoing policies and strategies, as well as to allocate health resources efficiently.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMol Biotechnol
December 2024
Department of Intensive Care Unit, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, China.
This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on digestive function and intestinal barrier integrity in septic mice, and to explore its underlying mechanisms. A total of 70 healthy male BALB/C mice were randomly assigned into five groups: blank control group (BG, n = 12), control group (CG, n = 12), low-dose group (LDG, n = 12, 200 mg/kg), medium-dose group (MDG, n = 12, 400 mg/kg), and high-dose group (HDG, n = 12, 800 mg/kg). A sepsis model was established by cecal ligation and puncture, followed by treatment with different doses of LBP.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLife Sci
December 2024
School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China. Electronic address:
Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by excessive nutrient intake leading to increased subcutaneous or visceral fat, resulting in pathological and physiological changes. The incidence rate of obesity, an important form of metabolic syndrome, is increasing worldwide. Excess appetite is a key pathogenesis of obesity, and the inflammatory response induced by obesity has received increasing attention.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAnimal
December 2024
Institute of Animal Science and Technology, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera, s/n. 46022 Valencia, Spain.
Genetic selection for growth rate has often been related with potential negative effects on various reproductive traits across different species. Using rabbit as a model, this study has evaluated for the first time how genetic selection for growth rate has affected feed efficiency, resource allocation, blood traits, reproductive performance and survival during five reproductive cycles in rabbit does. To this end, we used 88 reproductive rabbit females from two vitrified and rederived populations of the same paternal line, differing only in 18 generations of genetic selection for growth rate (n = 44 for R19V and n = 44 for RV37V).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Surg
December 2024
Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China.
Background: The role of robotic surgery for the treatment of locally advanced gastric cancer remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the short-term outcomes between robotic gastrectomy (RG) and laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) for patients with locally advanced gastric cancer using data collected from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and propensity score-matched (PSM) studies.
Materials And Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases for RCTs and PSM studies comparing RG and LG.
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