OrganismsPsychiatry and Psychology
OctodonRodentiaPaternal Deprivation
Octodon
A genus of diurnal rats in the family Octodonidae, found in South America. The species Octodon degus is frequently used for research.
Rodentia
A mammalian order which consists of 29 families and many genera.
Paternal Deprivation
Prolonged separation of the offspring from the father.

Wheel-running and rest activity pattern interaction in two octodontids (Octodon degus, Octodon bridgesi). (1/17)

Wheel-running and other non-photic stimuli influence the rest-activity pattern of diurnal and nocturnal mammals. A day to night inversion of phase preference of activity was described among Octodon degus, when exposed to ad-libitum wheel running. We have studied the rest-activity pattern response in presence of ad libitum wheel-running in wild-captured male individuals from two species of genus Octodon: O. degus (n = 9, crepuscular-diurnal) and O. bridgesi (n = 3, nocturnal). After two months of habituation to laboratory conditions, recordings were performed in isolation chambers under a 12:12 light-dark schedule with or without access to a running wheel. Actograms were constructed from data obtained by an automated acquisition system. O. bridgesi were also recorded under constant darkness, with or without access to wheel-running. Entrained to the light-dark schedule, a crepuscular pattern of activity was evident for O. degus, whereas O. bridgesi displayed a robust nocturnal chronotype. The activity of O. degus observed during the dark phase was enhanced when wheel-running was allowed. No significant change in phase preference was observed for O. bridgesi when wheel-running was allowed. A lengthening of endogenous period was observed in O. bridgesi after wheel-running exposure under constant darkness. Nocturnal and diurnal octodontids exhibit different masking responses to wheel-running.  (+info)

What explains the trot-gallop transition in small mammals? (2/17)

The transition from trot to gallop in quadruped mammals has been widely hypothesized to be a strategy to minimize the energetic costs of running. This view, however, has been challenged by some experimental evidence suggesting instead that this transition might be triggered by mechanical cues, and would occur when musculoskeletal stresses reach a certain critical value. All previous experiments to test those hypotheses have used relatively large species and their results, therefore, may not be applicable to small mammals. In this study we evaluated the effect of carrying loads on the locomotor energetics and gait transitions of the rodent Octodon degus running on a treadmill. Metabolic rate and cost of transport increased about 30% with a 20% increment in body mass. This increment was higher than expectations based on other mammals, where energy consumption increases in proportion to the added mass, but similar to the response of humans to loads. No abrupt change of energy consumption between gaits was observed and therefore no evidence was found to support the energetic hypothesis. The trot-gallop transition speed did not vary when subjects were experimentally loaded, suggesting that the forces applied to the musculoskeletal system do not trigger gait transition.  (+info)

Trypanosoma cruzi detection in blood by xenodiagnosis and polymerase chain reaction in the wild rodent Octodon degus. (3/17)

We detected Trypanosoma cruzi in blood samples of the wild rodent Octodon degus by xenodiagnosis and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the domestic and wild vectors of Chagas disease, Triatoma infestans and Mepraia spinolai, respectively. We captured 35 rodents and extracted DNA from blood samples and intestinal contents of vectors fed on O. degus. Our results indicate that the percentage of rodents naturally infected with T. cruzi depends on the biologic sample used for PCR and on the vector species for xenodiagnosis. The PCR with blood samples did not detect T. cruzi DNA, but the PCR with intestinal contents showed that both vectors were positive for T. cruzi. The PCR performed with M. spinolai intestinal contents detected four times more T. cruzi-positive O. degus than the PCR with Triatoma infestans intestinal contents (22.9% and 5.7%, respectively). We report the improvement of T. cruzi detection in sylvatic animals by a combination of PCR and xenodiagnosis using sylvatic vectors, especially in disease-endemic areas with low parasitemias in mammals.  (+info)

Evaluation of the Chagas Stat-Pak assay for detection of Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies in wildlife reservoirs. (4/17)

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Period gene expression in the diurnal degu (Octodon degus) differs from the nocturnal laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus). (5/17)

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Regulation of Bacillus subtilis aprE expression by glnA through inhibition of scoC and sigma(D)-dependent degR expression. (6/17)

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The response of Per1 to light in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the diurnal degu (Octodon degus). (7/17)

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Experimental infection of two South American reservoirs with four distinct strains of Trypanosoma cruzi. (8/17)

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An 'Octodon' is a genus of small, burrowing rodents native to South America, specifically Chile, characterized by their distinctive, elongated incisors that resemble the shape of an octopus's tentacles.

"Octodon" is the genus name for a group of rodents that are native to South America, also known as "degu." They are small animals, typically weighing between 200-350 grams, with a body length of about 10-15 inches including their tail.

Octodons have a distinct appearance, with a pointed snout, large ears, and a bushy tail that is longer than their body. They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plant materials such as grasses, leaves, and seeds.

In a medical context, "octodon" may be used in scientific research to refer to this species of animal. Researchers may study octodons to learn more about various aspects of biology and medicine, including their physiology, behavior, genetics, and responses to drugs or diseases. However, it is important to note that the use of animals in research should always be done in an ethical and responsible manner, with careful consideration given to their welfare and well-being.

Rodentia is a large order of small to medium-sized mammals characterized by a single pair of continuously growing incisors in each of the upper and lower jaws, which they use to gnaw materials, and a dental formula that begins with the incisors.

"Rodentia" is not a medical term, but a taxonomic category in biology. It refers to the largest order of mammals, comprising over 40% of all mammal species. Commonly known as rodents, this group includes mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, squirrels, prairie dogs, capybaras, beavers, and many others.

While "Rodentia" itself is not a medical term, certain conditions or issues related to rodents can have medical implications. For instance, rodents are known to carry and transmit various diseases that can affect humans, such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV). Therefore, understanding the biology and behavior of rodents is important in the context of public health and preventive medicine.

'Paternal deprivation' in a medical or psychological context refers to the condition where an individual, particularly a child, experiences the absence or loss of a father figure, which can potentially lead to emotional, social, and cognitive developmental issues.

Paternal deprivation is not a formal medical diagnosis, but it is a term used in psychology and psychiatry to describe the emotional and psychological impact on a child who has been separated from their father or lacks a positive, involved father figure. This can occur due to various reasons such as death, divorce, incarceration, abandonment, or neglect.

The consequences of paternal deprivation may include:

1. Emotional and behavioral problems: Children who experience paternal deprivation are at risk for developing emotional issues like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. They might also exhibit behavioral problems such as aggression, delinquency, and difficulty forming healthy relationships.
2. Attachment difficulties: Secure attachment to a father figure is essential for a child's social and emotional development. Paternal deprivation can lead to insecure attachment styles, which may negatively affect the child's ability to form healthy relationships throughout their life.
3. Cognitive and academic performance: Children who experience paternal deprivation might struggle academically due to cognitive delays or difficulties concentrating on tasks. They are also more likely to have lower educational attainment compared to children with involved fathers.
4. Social development: Paternal deprivation can impact a child's social skills and peer relationships, making them more susceptible to social isolation and loneliness.
5. Vulnerability to mental health issues: Children who experience paternal deprivation are at increased risk for developing mental health disorders later in life, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders.

It is important to note that the impact of paternal deprivation can vary depending on factors such as the child's age, gender, resilience, and the quality of alternative caregiving relationships. Interventions like therapy, support groups, and family counseling can help mitigate some of the negative effects of paternal deprivation.

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