Using feeding ecology to influence captive Slow Loris (Nycticebus spp.) nutrition and husbandry

Despite the advancement of science within the animal nutrition field, specifically production and domestic animals, exotic animal nutrition is very little studied. Some species are so understudied or shrouded in routine and anecdotes that both zoos and rescue centres manage them the same way, the wrong way. The slow lorises Nycticebus spp. are one of these species. I aimed to investigate the diet of wild Javan slow lorises, in order to create an appropriate captive diet for them. My objectives were to assess the current state of captive slow loris diets, calculate the nutrient intake rates and energy expenditure in wild individuals, assess the importance of natural food items within their diet, and finally, to trial a new diet and assess its long term impacts on health. From June 2014 to June 2015 I collected behavioural and feeding data on 17 radio-collared wild Javan slow lorises near Cipaganti, Indonesia. Food samples were collected and analysed for proximate and fibre analyses. Our diet trials were conducted in a rescue centre where we introduced gum into their diets and recorded food passage time. We collecte faecal samples of wild and captive individuals and analysed them for chitinolytic activity. We developed a new diet and compared nutrient intake, digestion and passage rate of the old and new diets. Wild diet was gum, insects and plant parts with seasonal variations in intake. Average intake was high in protein and fibre, low in sugars. They are able to vary their behavior to adjust energy expenditure. Captive animals increased passage rates when fed gum and potentially can digest chitin. Our new diet of gum, insects and vegetables had similar physiological effects than wild diets: slower and more efficient digestion and more appropriate nutrient intake. It was conducive to optimum weight and health

Identifying factors likely to influence compliance with diagnostic imaging guideline recommendations for spine disorders among chiropractors in North America: a focus group study using the Theoretical Domains Framework

Background: The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) was developed to investigate determinants of specific clinical behaviors and inform the design of interventions to change professional behavior. This framework was used to explore the beliefs of chiropractors in an American Provider Network and two Canadian provinces about their adherence to evidence-based recommendations for spine radiography for uncomplicated back pain. The primary objective of the study was to identify chiropractors’ beliefs about managing uncomplicated back pain without xrays and to explore barriers and facilitators to implementing evidence-based recommendations on lumbar spine xrays. A secondary objective was to compare chiropractors in the United States and Canada on their beliefs regarding the use of spine x-rays. Methods: Six focus groups exploring beliefs about managing back pain without x-rays were conducted with a purposive sample. The interview guide was based upon the TDF. Focus groups were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed by two independent assessors using thematic content analysis based on the TDF. Results: Five domains were identified as likely relevant. Key beliefs within these domains included the following: conflicting comments about the potential consequences of not ordering x-rays (risk of missing a pathology, avoiding adverse treatment effects, risks of litigation, determining the treatment plan, and using x-ray-driven techniques contrasted with perceived benefits of minimizing patient radiation exposure and reducing costs; beliefs about consequences); beliefs regarding professional autonomy, professional credibility, lack of standardization, and agreement with guidelines widely varied (social/professional role & identity); the influence of formal training, colleagues, and patients also appeared to be important factors (social influences); conflicting comments regarding levels of confidence and comfort in managing patients without x-rays (belief about capabilities); and guideline awareness and agreements (knowledge). Conclusions: Chiropractors’ use of diagnostic imaging appears to be influenced by a number of factors. Five key domains may be important considering the presence of conflicting beliefs, evidence of strong beliefs likely to impact the behavior of interest, and high frequency of beliefs. The results will inform the development of a theorybased survey to help identify potential targets for behavioral-change strategies

Associations Between Nutrition, Gut Microbiome, and Health in A Novel Nonhuman Primate Model.

Red-shanked doucs (Pygathrix nemaeus) are endangered, foregut-fermenting colobine primates which are difficult to maintain in captivity. There are critical gaps in our understanding of their natural lifestyle, including dietary habits such as consumption of leaves, unripe fruit, flowers, seeds, and other plant parts. There is also a lack of understanding of enteric adaptations, including their unique microflora. To address these knowledge gaps, we used the douc as a model to study relationships between gastrointestinal microbial community structure and lifestyle. We analyzed published fecal samples as well as detailed dietary history from doucs with four distinct lifestyles (wild, semi-wild, semi-captive, and captive) and determined gastrointestinal bacterial microbiome composition using 16S rRNA sequencing. A clear gradient of microbiome composition was revealed along an axis of natural lifestyle disruption, including significant associations with diet, biodiversity, and microbial function. We also identified potential microbial biomarkers of douc dysbiosis, including Bacteroides and Prevotella, which may be related to health. Our results suggest a gradient-like shift in captivity causes an attendant shift to severe gut dysbiosis, thereby resulting in gastrointestinal issues

Understanding diagnosis and management of dementia and guideline implementation in general practice: a qualitative study using the theoretical domains framework

Dementia is a growing problem, causing substantial burden for patients, their families, and society. General practitioners (GPs) play an important role in diagnosing and managing dementia; however, there are gaps between recommended and current practice. The aim of this study was to explore GPs' reported practice in diagnosing and managing dementia and to describe, in theoretical terms, the proposed explanations for practice that was and was not consistent with evidence-based guidelines

LGBTIQ + Community in a rural context and happiness in times of pandemic

Las representaciones sociales hacia la comunidad gay, lésbica, bisexual, transgénero, intersexual, queer, se enmarcan en un contexto social influenciado por la crianza y el imaginario social, estas ideas elaboradas colectiva y generacionalmente han afectado el derecho a la felicidad de los grupos LGTBI+, de manera que el objetivo principal del estudio fue develar cuáles son estas representaciones sociales en una zona rural de Palmar de Varela/Atlántico-Colombia, y como afectan su derecho a la felicidad. Se planteó y utilizó la metodología cualitativa con el fin de interpretar los procesos sociales, a través de los resultados obtenidos por la entrevista abierta y a profundidad aplicada de manera virtual a 12 participantes, donde se evidencio discriminación, opiniones negativas, poca interacción social con las personas pertenecientes al colectivo, falta de aceptación, carencia de igualdad y poco respeto por su derecho a una vida plena y feliz. Basando sus opiniones principalmente en las creencias inculcadas de generación en generación.Social representations toward the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer community are framed in a social context influenced by upbringing and social imaginary. Given that these collectively and generationally elaborated ideas have affected the right to happiness of LGTBI+ groups, the main objective of this study was to reveal what these social representations are in a rural area of Palmar de Varela/Atlántico-Colombia, and how they have affected the right to happiness of these groups. Qualitative methodology applied to results obtained by open and in-depth interviews applied virtually to 12 participants was used to interpret social processes. Our analysis showed evidence of discrimination, negative opinions, little social interaction with people belonging to the group, lack of acceptance, lack of equality and little respect for the right to a full and happy life. The participants based their opinions primarily on beliefs instilled from generation to generation

Low risk, high return: Exploring the outperformance of value and momentum-driven low-volatility equity portfolios

The volatility and perceived risks of the stock market have been deterring many people from investing in it, even if some still fall for get-rich-quick investment scams. Only less than 1% of the Philippine population have equity exposures. This study was conducted with the purpose of introducing low-volatility investing to the local market and possibly entice more people to invest, especially those who are risk-averse. The study was undertaken to determine the manifestation of the low-volatility anomaly in the Philippine stock market with CAPM beta as the measure of risk used. The researchers constructed and simulated beta quintile portfolios from July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2016. Book-to-price spread quintiles and the Carhart four-factor model were used to determine if the factors of value and momentum influenced the performance of the lowest beta quintile portfolio. The researchers found that the lowest-risk portfolio underperformed its higher-volatility peers and the benchmark, PSEi, which means that the relationship between risk and return is positive, failing to defy the concept of the risk-return tradeoff. The returns of the portfolio have a positive relationship with value and momentum, indicating influence. These relationships, however, were found to be statistically insignificant from zero. This study is the first locally-written literature that explores the potential of a low-risk strategy to generate outperformance in the financial markets