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Primary cilia are dynamic sensory organelles that continuously undergo structural modifications in response to environmental and cellular signals, many of which exhibit rhythmic patterns. Building on our previous findings of rhythmic cilia-related gene expression in diurnal primates (baboon), this study extends the investigation to the nocturnal mouse brain to identify circadian patterns of cilia gene expression across brain regions. We used computational techniques and transcriptomic data from four publicly available databases, to examine the circadian expression of cilia-associated genes within six brain areas: brainstem, cerebellum, hippocampus, hypothalamus, striatum, and suprachiasmatic nucleus. Our analysis reveals that a substantial proportion of cilia transcripts exhibit circadian rhythmicity across the examined regions, with notable overrepresentation in the striatum, hippocampus, and cerebellum. We also demonstrate region-specific variations in the abundance and timing of circadian cilia genes' peaks, indicating an adaptation to the distinct physiological roles of each brain region. Additionally, we show that the rhythmic patterns of cilia transcripts are shifted under various physiological and pathological conditions, including modulation of the dopamine system, high-fat diet, and epileptic conditions, indicating the adaptable nature of cilia transcripts' oscillation. While limited to a few mouse brain regions, our study provides initial insights into the distinct circadian patterns of cilia transcripts and highlights the need for future research to expand the mapping across wider brain areas to fully understand the role of cilia's spatiotemporal dynamics in brain functions.

Many unique high‐altitude mountain ecosystems have been declining due to climate change, posing a threat to flora and fauna that have adapted to these ecosystems. This study explores the evolution of high‐altitude adaptations, focusing on female flightlessness and diel activity, in geometrid moths (Lepidoptera: Ennominae, Gnophini) within the European Alps. We constructed a phylogeny of Gnophini moths using a dataset of 157 taxa, with up to seven genetic markers and traced the evolutionary history of diel activity and wing length reduction in females. Analysis of divergence times suggested that female flightlessness has evolved at least three times independently between the early and late Miocene. The evolution of wing length reduction is likely correlated with elevation, indicating adaptations to cold and windy conditions in high altitude. The evolutionary events leading to shifts in adult diel activity, from ancestral nocturnality to diurnality, have occurred independently at least three times and may also be a consequence of adaptations at high elevations. Strikingly, among diurnal Sciadia, two species have evolved further to become nocturnal like their ancestors. Our findings highlight how phylogenies can provide new insights into evolutionary patterns in moths. We provided a robust basis for resolving taxonomic ambiguities in Alpine Gnophini, leading us to propose 10 changes to the current classification: Scrupodes Lee & Sihvonen gen. n., Elophos Boisduval (type species Geometra operaria Hübner) is considered a junior synonym of Sciadia Hübner syn. n., Yezognophos dilucidaria (Denis & Schiffermüller) and Y. sproengertsi (Püngeler) are transferred to Parietaria Leraut comb. n., Yezognophos serotinaria (Denis & Schiffermüller) is transferred to Scrupeus Lee & Sihvonen comb. n., Elophos caelibaria (Heydenreich), E. zirbitzensis (Pieszcek), E. operaria (Hübner) and E. andereggaria (De La Harpe) are transferred to Sciadia Hübner comb. n. and Dichrognophos Wehrli (type species Gnophos orthogonia Wehrli) is transferred from Ennominae: Cassymini to Ennominae: Gnophini. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As many aspects of animal, human and plant behavior and survival are being perturbed by widespread exposure to artificial light at night (ALAN), lighting professionals are in the middle, attempting to make design decisions that directly affect these life forms. Research shows any light exposure higher than the nighttime natural environment will have a negative impact on various life forms during the nocturnal phase. This paper aims to provide a design process for "life-centric" lighting with good human and non-human outcomes for all life-sustaining behaviors on earth driven by phototropism, phototaxis, photoperiodism and circadian entrainment as the foundational consideration. Fundamental understandings of how light information is used by these life forms in a way crucial for development, growth and survival is provided in the paper. Key references are consolidated and synthesized using PRISMA 2020 with goals of supporting knowledge translation into pragmatic lighting strategies in a manner useful for lighting professionals. A process for life-centric lighting design using an existing process for human-centric lighting design involving lighting intensity and spectrum along with spatial and temporal patterns is provided, which can dovetail with decision-making processes that are within the workflow of lighting professionals. Well-designed studies with a wider range of light intensities and spectrum and well-defined lighting properties, along with better modes of communication between lighting professionals and ALAN researchers are recommended to facilitate the realization of biodynamic lighting solutions that will support good human and non-human outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evolutionary theory suggests that the ancestors of all placental animals were nocturnal. Visual perceptive function of mammalian brain has evolved extensively, but nearly 70 % of today's mammals are still nocturnal. While placental influence on brain development is known, if placenta plays a role in the visual perceptive function of mammalian brain remains untested. The present study aims to test this hypothesis. In this study, single-nuclei RNA sequencing was performed to identify genes expressed in the pig placenta and fetal brain, and then compared with the orthologous genes expressed in the placenta and fetal brain cells of mouse. Differential gene expression analysis was performed to identify placental genes regulated differentially between nocturnal and diurnal animals. Phylogenetic modeling was performed to test correlated evolution between placenta type, and the nocturnal or diurnal activity among different mammals. The results showed that genes differentially regulated in the fetal brain were related to visual perception whereas the placental genes were related to the nocturnal or diurnal activity in placental animals. Phylogenetic modeling of these genes in thirty-four diverse mammalian species showed evidence for evolutionary link between placenta and the nocturnal/diurnal activity in animals. The findings of this study suggest that the placenta plays a role in the evolution of visual perceptive function of brain to shape the nocturnal or diurnal activity of placental animals. • Single-nuclei gene expression profiles of pig placenta and fetal brain. • Comparative analysis of brain-placental axis between pig and mouse. • Visual perception genes differentially regulated between placenta and fetal brain. • Evidence for correlated evolution between placenta and animal activity. • Genes regulated in the placenta and fetal brain are differentially expressed in eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Horometer instrument in Peter Apian's 1533 Instrument Buch is described and analyzed. This paper is illustrated by several examples of how to manipulate and set up the instrument using the Sun, the Moon and stars to determine time. The paper also contains an Appendix on the mathematics behind its construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most mammals rely on vocal communication to increase survival and reproductive success. While the functions of audible vocalizations have been well‐studied across mammal species, ultrasonic vocalizations in small mammals outside of bats are less understood. North American flying squirrel species (Glaucomys spp.), including the newly described Humboldt's flying squirrel (Glaucomys oregonensis), produce numerous call‐types that extend into the ultrasonic range. To investigate the potential function of ultrasonic call‐types in the Humboldt's flying squirrels, we used ultrasonic recorders to record squirrels in the wild across multiple seasons to determine if there are temporal and seasonal patterns in nightly vocal activity and rates of different call‐types. We recorded Humboldt's flying squirrels in two geographic locations ‐ Humboldt and San Bernardino counties—in California from 2018 to 2022 in the summer and winter across multiple study areas. We found that although seasonal weather conditions differ between locations, flying squirrels in Humboldt and San Bernardino had similar vocal activity patterns across nightly active periods between locations and between summer and winter. Nightly activity patterns of when the three main chirp‐like call‐types (arc chirps, tonal chirps, upsweeps) were given varied between seasons in both geographic locations, and these call‐types were given at greater rates in the summer in San Bernardino, but rates did not vary by season in Humboldt. Trills, the most structurally complex of the four main call‐types, were produced more in the summer than in winter, and also differed in their nightly activity patterns, in both geographic locations. Flying squirrels may use certain call‐types earlier or later in the nightly active period due to their potentially varying functions, and may produce more trills in the summer coinciding with the breeding season. Further understanding of the function of different call‐types can provide insight into social, foraging, and antipredator behavior of this nocturnal and elusive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study retrospectively examines the effectiveness of low-frequency electrical stimulation for addressing nocturia in patients experiencing urinary incontinence after undergoing radical prostatectomy. We reviewed the outcomes of 32 patients who had undergone radical prostatectomy and subsequently experienced urinary incontinence. These patients were divided into the control group (n = 16) who received pelvic floor muscle training and the treatment group (n = 16) who underwent electrophysiological appropriate technique treatment in conjunction with pelvic floor muscle training. We assessed changes in nocturnal voided volume, polyuria index, and nocturia-related quality of life at three different time points: before treatment, after 2 weeks, and at the 3-month follow-up. After 3-month follow-up, both groups exhibit reductions in nocturnal voided volume, and polyuria index compared with baseline and the 2-week mark (p <.05). Treatment group outperformed the control group (p <.05). The quality of life in the treatment group remained consistently high, while the control group did not show a statistically significant difference from baseline (p >.05). The total effective rate was significantly higher in the treatment group (93.75%) than in the control group (75.00%, p =.044). This retrospective analysis suggests that electrophysiological appropriate technique treatment effectively mitigates nocturnal, leading to improved quality of life in patients with urinary incontinence following radical prostatectomy in the near term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Primary cilia are dynamic sensory organelles that continuously undergo structural modifications in response to environmental and cellular signals, many of which exhibit rhythmic patterns. Building on our previous findings of rhythmic cilia-related gene expression in diurnal primates (baboon), this study extends the investigation to the nocturnal mouse brain to identify circadian patterns of cilia gene expression across brain regions. We used computational techniques and transcriptomic data from four publicly available databases, to examine the circadian expression of cilia-associated genes within six brain areas: brainstem, cerebellum, hippocampus, hypothalamus, striatum, and suprachiasmatic nucleus. Our analysis reveals that a substantial proportion of cilia transcripts exhibit circadian rhythmicity across the examined regions, with notable overrepresentation in the striatum, hippocampus, and cerebellum. We also demonstrate region-specific variations in the abundance and timing of circadian cilia genes’ peaks, indicating an adaptation to the distinct physiological roles of each brain region. Additionally, we show that the rhythmic patterns of cilia transcripts are shifted under various physiological and pathological conditions, including modulation of the dopamine system, high-fat diet, and epileptic conditions, indicating the adaptable nature of cilia transcripts’ oscillation. While limited to a few mouse brain regions, our study provides initial insights into the distinct circadian patterns of cilia transcripts and highlights the need for future research to expand the mapping across wider brain areas to fully understand the role of cilia’s spatiotemporal dynamics in brain functions.

Simple Summary: The behaviours and needs of nocturnal animals can be overlooked by humans, potentially because of our poor night vision and diurnal waking hours. Despite certain challenges in studying many nocturnal animals, appropriate provisions for their welfare should be supported in both wild and managed environments. To investigate this issue and explore ways to offer technology-enhanced welfare, husbandry practices and enrichment opportunities for nocturnal species, we conducted a multidisciplinary workshop (Moon Jam). During the event, species experts provided animal welfare briefs that related to specific challenges for nocturnal animals in different contexts. Teams of participants addressed these challenges in collaborative design sessions, producing a collection of hand-crafted models to share their ideas. An important aspect of the workshop was to be inclusive of all the stakeholders involved, including zoo management teams, animal stewards and zoo visitors, as well as the individual species. In this paper, we present our reflections on managed nocturnal animal welfare, framing these within current practices and Moon Jam workshop outputs. We contribute a set of guidelines for those involved with caring for zoo-housed nocturnal species, emphasizing the provision of technology-enhanced husbandry and enrichment opportunities. This paper addresses the potential for technology to support husbandry and enrichment opportunities that enhance the welfare of zoo and sanctuary-housed nocturnal and crepuscular species. This topic was investigated through the medium of a multidisciplinary workshop (Moon Jam) that brought together species experts, zoo designers, Animal-Computer Interaction researchers and post-graduate students in collaborative discussions and design sessions. We explain the context through an examination of existing research and current practices, and report on specific challenges raised and addressed during the Moon Jam, highlighting and discussing key themes that emerged. Finally, we offer a set of guidelines to support the integration of technology into the design of animal husbandry and enrichment that support wellbeing, to advance the best practices in keeping and managing nocturnal and crepuscular animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a response to a letter to the editor regarding an article on the implications of oxybate dosing regimen for sleep in patients with narcolepsy. The authors acknowledge an error in Table 2 of the original article and provide a corrected version. They state that the correction does not affect the interpretation of the data or conclusions drawn in the article. The authors hope that these corrections, along with the original article's caveats related to cross-study comparisons, will allow readers to draw their own conclusions about the implications of oxybate dosing regimen on sleep in patients with narcolepsy. The authors also address a discussion on the potential benefits of increased exposure to oxybate in the second half of the night, suggesting that it may enhance slow-wave sleep. However, there is currently no evidence to support this speculation, highlighting the need for further research. The authors also disclose their conflicts of interest and funding sources for the publication of the letter. [Extracted from the article]

Summary: The temperature sensitivity (e.g. Q10) of night‐time leaf respiratory CO2 efflux (RCO2) is a fundamental aspect of leaf physiology. The Q10 typically exhibits a dependence on measurement temperature, and it is speculated that this is due to temperature‐dependent shifts in the relative control of leaf RCO2. Two decades ago, a review hypothesized that this mechanistically caused change in values of Q10 is predictable across plant taxa and biomes. Here, we discuss the most appropriate measuring protocol among existing data and for future data collection, to form the foundation of a future mechanistic understanding of Q10 of leaf RCO2 at different temperature ranges. We do this primarily via a review of existing literature on Q10 of night‐time RCO2 and only supplement this to a lesser degree with our own original data. Based on mechanistic considerations, we encourage that instantaneous Q10 of leaf RCO2 to represent night‐time should be measured: only at night‐time; only in response to short‐term narrow temperature variation (e.g. max. 10°C) to represent a given midpoint temperature at a time; in response to as many temperatures as possible within the chosen temperature range; and on still attached leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing mitigation strategies for invasive species requires a clear understanding of their ecology and behaviour. Chilla (or grey fox; Lycalopex griseus) were introduced to Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego Island) in 1951 to control European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) populations. Although this management strategy was unsuccessful, the chilla spread across the island and are now considered invasive. Despite this, there is a lack of research concerning their ecology and behavioural patterns, particularly on the Argentinian side of the island. We assessed the detection rates and temporal activity patterns of chillas using camera traps in the Argentinian region of Tierra del Fuego Island. Chilla had average detection rates of 61.7 (SD ± 33.3, range = 13.5–105.7) per 100 trap nights. Although analysis by clock time suggested cathemeral activity patterns, when analysed by sun time the chillas exhibited distinct nocturnal activity patterns. These findings offer the first information on the detection rates of chilla on the Argentinian side of Tierra del Fuego Island and reveal new insights into their temporal activity patterns, providing an important basis for future research that may aid the development of more effective management and conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposePredicting 24-hour peak and average intraocular pressure (IOP) is essential for the diagnosis and management of glaucoma. This study aimed to develop and assess a machine learning model for predicting 24-hour peak and average IOP, leveraging advanced techniques to enhance prediction accuracy. We also aimed to identify relevant features and provide insights into the prediction results to better inform clinical practice.MethodsIn this retrospective study, electronic medical records from January 2014 to May 2024 were analyzed, incorporating 24-hour IOP monitoring data and patient characteristics. Predictive models based on five machine learning algorithms were trained and evaluated. Five time points (10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 6:00 PM) were tested to optimize prediction accuracy using their combinations. The model with the highest performance was selected, and feature importance was assessed using Shapley Additive Explanations.ResultsThis study included data from 517 patients (1,034 eyes). For predicting 24-hour peak IOP, the Random Forest Regression (RFR) model utilizing IOP values at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM achieved optimal performance: MSE 5.248, RMSE 2.291, MAE 1.694, and R2 0.823. For predicting 24-hour average IOP, the RFR model using IOP values at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 6:00 PM performed best: MSE 1.374, RMSE 1.172, MAE 0.869, and R2 0.918.ConclusionThe study developed machine learning models that predict 24-hour peak and average IOP. Specific time point combinations and the RFR algorithm were identified, which improved the accuracy of predicting 24-hour peak and average intraocular pressure. These findings provide the potential for more effective management and treatment strategies for glaucoma patients.

Abstract Most mammals rely on vocal communication to increase survival and reproductive success. While the functions of audible vocalizations have been well‐studied across mammal species, ultrasonic vocalizations in small mammals outside of bats are less understood. North American flying squirrel species (Glaucomys spp.), including the newly described Humboldt's flying squirrel (Glaucomys oregonensis), produce numerous call‐types that extend into the ultrasonic range. To investigate the potential function of ultrasonic call‐types in the Humboldt's flying squirrels, we used ultrasonic recorders to record squirrels in the wild across multiple seasons to determine if there are temporal and seasonal patterns in nightly vocal activity and rates of different call‐types. We recorded Humboldt's flying squirrels in two geographic locations ‐ Humboldt and San Bernardino counties—in California from 2018 to 2022 in the summer and winter across multiple study areas. We found that although seasonal weather conditions differ between locations, flying squirrels in Humboldt and San Bernardino had similar vocal activity patterns across nightly active periods between locations and between summer and winter. Nightly activity patterns of when the three main chirp‐like call‐types (arc chirps, tonal chirps, upsweeps) were given varied between seasons in both geographic locations, and these call‐types were given at greater rates in the summer in San Bernardino, but rates did not vary by season in Humboldt. Trills, the most structurally complex of the four main call‐types, were produced more in the summer than in winter, and also differed in their nightly activity patterns, in both geographic locations. Flying squirrels may use certain call‐types earlier or later in the nightly active period due to their potentially varying functions, and may produce more trills in the summer coinciding with the breeding season. Further understanding of the function of different call‐types can provide insight into social, foraging, and antipredator behavior of this nocturnal and elusive species.

Introduction: Postictal thoracocervicofacial purpura (PTP) is a rare clinical sign after a seizure episode and may be the only objective sign seen in patients who are unaware of their own seizure disorder. Moreover, it can be the only reason a patient seeks medical care after a seizure activity. Case Presentation: Herein, we report a 23-year-old, living alone and not known to have any medical illnesses, who presented to our emergency department complaining of asymptomatic purpuric facial rash extending to his neck and upper chest that started suddenly when he woke up that morning. Tongue and distal lateral thigh erosions were also noticed during physical examination, as well as conjunctival hemorrhage. In addition, the patient stated that he experienced similar prior episode of purpuric rash over the face, and disappeared uneventfully within 2 weeks. Blood work was remarkable for elevated urine creatinine (21,692 mg/L) and creatine kinase (1,207 mg/L). Given his clinical features and initial laboratory results, a diagnosis of PTP was made. Conclusion: Patients who present with petechial rash over the chest, neck, malar area along with conjunctival hemorrhage as an only complaint should be suspected to have or evaluated for seizure disorder.

Abstract Moonlight exerts profound ecological, behavioural and physiological effects on animals. However, lunar cycles are characterised by complex changes in the illuminance and timing of illumination, making it challenging to re‐create and manipulate moonlight cycles in the laboratory using artificial lights. As a result, ecological experiments on the effects of moonlight cycles are uncommon, and existing studies often oversimplify the re‐creation of moonlight. This limitation extends to experimental studies of the effects of light pollution on nocturnal animals, which often fail to adequately represent natural nocturnal light. To address the lack of open‐source solutions for re‐creating and manipulating moonlight cycles, we developed the software‐hardware system MoonShine. This has two components: (1) MoonShineR, an R package with additional R scripts, which predicts moonlight ground illuminance (in lux) at defined intervals, for a specified location and time range; (2) MoonShineP, a Python program running on a Raspberry Pi computer, which uses the illuminance values from MoonShineR to gradually dim and brighten a diffused array of individually addressable LEDs, allowing realistic natural light regimes to be re‐created in a laboratory environment. MoonShine includes multiple features to re‐create and manipulate light cycles. It supports colour‐shifting of the LED light (by adjustment of RGBW intensity ratios) to approximate the spectrum of natural moonlight, and to mimic habitat‐specific conditions or certain types of light pollution. We tested the accuracy of MoonShineR's moonlight illuminance predictions by comparison to field radiometer measurements at equatorial and temperate latitude sites. We demonstrated the accuracy of MoonShineP's moonlight re‐creation, by comparing its measured LED illuminances to the intended values and its measured LED spectrum against natural moonlight. MoonShine allows researchers to re‐create a range of natural nocturnal lighting scenarios in the laboratory. It can be used to re‐create full natural moonlight cycles with a relatively realistic spectral composition, generate manipulated moonlight schedules, or simulate light pollution. Furthermore, the moonlight illuminance predicted by MoonShineR is useful for field ecologists who require moonlight as a quantitative model predictor. Finally, to provide laboratory‐housed animals with full diurnal light cycles, MoonShine allows researchers to re‐create natural twilight and sunlight regimes.

Introduction: Transitions in temporal niche have occurred many times over the course of mammalian evolution. These are associated with changes in sensory stimuli available to animals, particularly with visual cues, because levels of light are so much higher during the day than at night. This relationship between temporal niche and available sensory stimuli elicits the expectation that evolutionary transitions between diurnal and nocturnal lifestyles will be accompanied by modifications of sensory systems that optimize the ability of animals to receive, process, and react to important stimuli in the environment. Methods: This study examines the influence of temporal niche on investment in sensory brain tissue of 13 rodent species (five diurnal; eight nocturnal). Animals were euthanized and the brains immediately frozen on dry ice; olfactory bulbs were subsequently dissected and weighed, and the remaining brain was weighed, sectioned, and stained. Stereo Investigator was used to calculate volumes of four sensory regions that function in processing visual (lateral geniculate nucleus, superior colliculus) and auditory (medial geniculate nucleus, inferior colliculus) information. A phylogenetic framework was used to assess the influence of temporal niche on the relative sizes of these brain structures and of olfactory bulb weights. Results: Compared to nocturnal species, diurnal species had larger visual regions, whereas nocturnal species had larger olfactory bulbs than their diurnal counterparts. Of the two auditory structures examined, one (medial geniculate nucleus) was larger in diurnal species, while the other (inferior colliculus) did not differ significantly with temporal niche. Conclusion: Our results indicate a possible indirect association between temporal niche and auditory investment and suggest probable trade-offs of investment between olfactory and visual areas of the brain, with diurnal species investing more in processing visual information and nocturnal species investing more in processing olfactory information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Threatened species monitoring is challenging for small, cryptic endotherms that are most effectively detected at night. Low detectability is a challenge for monitoring programmes, resulting in low statistical power and sparse or zero‐inflated datasets. To advance conservation management programmes, efforts to address this are required. In recent years thermal scanners have emerged as an effective tool for detecting small endotherms, but the diversity of available thermal tools, focal habitats and target species mean that their applicability in many key scenarios remain untested. We directly compared vehicle‐mounted thermal surveys with vehicle‐based spotlighting targeting small endotherms in Australian native grasslands. Our targets included both common species that occur at high densities, and species that are notoriously difficult to detect with spotlights, which may occur at very low densities. We completed paired surveys of roosting grassland birds, and nocturnally active small mammals at 22 sites, once using thermal scanners and once using spotlights. Ultimately, distance sampling was conducted across 136 km of transects. Thermal scanners facilitated greater detection distances and higher total detections for small endotherms when compared with spotlighting. Species of greatest conservation concern, the Plains‐wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus—Pedionomidae) and Fat‐tailed Dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata—Dasyuridae) were only detected using thermal scanners. Detection distances generated for thermal scanners were reduced by higher vegetation density; however, thermal scanners continued to outperform spotlights under this scenario. Observers also detected more stationary animals and fewer birds were flushed upon detection using thermal scanners when compared with spotlighting. Thermal scanners have the potential to improve the quality of monitoring datasets by increasing detection probabilities for small endotherms. We recommend the adoption of thermal scanners as a best‐practice tool for monitoring small endotherms in open grassland habitats at night, offering new opportunities to monitor endotherms where monitoring has historically been challenging, inadequate or impossible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three photoperiods designed as 24L:0D; 0L:24D and 12L:12D were used to culture Hoplobatrachus occipitalis (Günther 1858) tadpoles to evaluate the growth performance and survival rate. One hundred and eighty tadpoles were distributed into the three photoperiodic ponds for 20 weeks and fed with duck weed. The frogs reared using the 0L:24D photoperiod had significantly higher growth performance, survival rate and metamorphosis where the tadpoles reached full metamorphosis after 20 weeks, than the other two photoperiods (P <.05.) Full metamorphosis of the tadpoles was seen when the limbs have been fully formed, tails and gills have been completely absorbed, the eyes become bulgy and they are completely out of water breathing by their lungs. Higher growth performance, survival rate and metamorphosis in 0L:24D photoperiod could be attributed to complete utilization of food, low ammonia concentration and high dissolved oxygen. Commercial aquaculture of H. occipitalis tadpoles should be done in 0L:24D to obtain complete metamorphosis, survival and faster growth in less time. Using 0L:24D to culture the tadpoles and releasing them into the wild will decrease overexploitation of the species, thereby aiding in their conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bird–building collisions account for 365–988 million bird fatalities every year in the United States alone. Understanding conditions that heighten collision risk is critical to developing effective strategies for reducing this source of anthropogenic bird mortality. Meteorological factors and regional migration traffic may increase collision rates but also may be difficult to disentangle from other effects.We used 5 years of bird collision counts in New York City to examine the influence of nocturnal weather conditions and bird migration traffic rates on collisions with buildings during spring and fall.We found that seasonally unfavourable winds and conditions that impede visibility are important factors that increase the rates of bird–building collisions during both seasons. Specifically, northerly and westerly winds and low visibility in the spring and southerly and westerly winds and low cloud ceiling height in the fall are associated with higher collision risks.Generally, these weather variables associated most strongly with increased collisions when nocturnal bird migration traffic was high, with the exception of low visibility in spring, which was predicted to triple collision rates compared to high visibility, independent of bird migration traffic.Synthesis and applications: Although legislation to turn off unnecessary nocturnal lighting for the entirety of the migration seasons may be an ultimate goal, a proximate goal invaluable for reducing collisions will be predicting which nights will be of highest risk and using this information to determine when mitigation efforts could be most effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Squamate fitness is affected by body temperature, which in turn is influenced by environmental temperatures and, in many species, by exposure to solar radiation. The biophysical drivers of body temperature have been widely studied, but we lack an integrative synthesis of actual body temperatures experienced in the field, and their relationships to environmental temperatures, across phylogeny, behaviour and climate. Location: Global (25 countries on six continents). Taxa: Squamates (210 species, representing 25 families). Methods: We measured the body temperatures of 20,231 individuals of squamates in the field while they were active. We examined how body temperatures vary with substrate and air temperatures across taxa, climates and behaviours (basking and diel activity). Results: Heliothermic lizards had the highest body temperatures. Their body temperatures were the most weakly correlated with substrate and air temperatures. Body temperatures of non‐heliothermic diurnal lizards were similar to heliotherms in relation to air temperature, but similar to nocturnal species in relation to substrate temperatures. The correlation of body temperature with air and substrate temperatures was stronger in diurnal snakes and non‐heliothermic lizards than in heliotherms. Body‐substrate and body‐air temperature correlations varied with mean annual temperatures in all diurnal squamates, especially in heliotherms. Thermal relations vary with behaviour (heliothermy, nocturnality) in cold climates but converge towards the same relation in warm climates. Non‐heliotherms and nocturnal species body temperatures are better explained by substrate temperature than by air temperature. Body temperature distributions become left‐skewed in warmer‐bodied species, especially in colder climates. Main Conclusions: Squamate body temperatures, their frequency distributions and their relation to environmental temperature, are globally influenced by behavioural and climatic factors. For all temperatures and climates, heliothermic species' body temperatures are consistently higher and more stable than in other species, but in regions with warmer climate these differences become less pronounced. A comparable variation was found in non‐heliotherms, but in not nocturnal species whose body temperatures were similar to air and substrate irrespective of the macroclimatic context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the marked variation in abiotic and biotic conditions between day and night, many species specialise their physical activity to being diurnal or nocturnal, and it was long thought that these strategies were commonly fairly fixed and invariant. The term 'cathemeral', was coined in 1987, when Tattersall noted activity in a Madagascan primate during the hours of both daylight and darkness. Initially thought to be rare, cathemerality is now known to be a quite widespread form of time partitioning amongst arthropods, fish, birds, and mammals. Herein we provide a synthesis of present understanding of cathemeral behaviour, arguing that it should routinely be included alongside diurnal and nocturnal strategies in schemes that distinguish and categorise species across taxa according to temporal niche. This synthesis is particularly timely because (i) the study of animal activity patterns is being revolutionised by new and improved technologies; (ii) it is becoming apparent that cathemerality covers a diverse range of obligate to facultative forms, each with their own common sets of functional traits, geographic ranges and evolutionary history; (iii) daytime and nighttime activity likely plays an important but currently neglected role in temporal niche partitioning and ecosystem functioning; and (iv) cathemerality may have an important role in the ability of species to adapt to human‐mediated pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moonlight exerts profound ecological, behavioural and physiological effects on animals. However, lunar cycles are characterised by complex changes in the illuminance and timing of illumination, making it challenging to re‐create and manipulate moonlight cycles in the laboratory using artificial lights. As a result, ecological experiments on the effects of moonlight cycles are uncommon, and existing studies often oversimplify the re‐creation of moonlight. This limitation extends to experimental studies of the effects of light pollution on nocturnal animals, which often fail to adequately represent natural nocturnal light.To address the lack of open‐source solutions for re‐creating and manipulating moonlight cycles, we developed the software‐hardware system MoonShine. This has two components: (1) MoonShineR, an R package with additional R scripts, which predicts moonlight ground illuminance (in lux) at defined intervals, for a specified location and time range; (2) MoonShineP, a Python program running on a Raspberry Pi computer, which uses the illuminance values from MoonShineR to gradually dim and brighten a diffused array of individually addressable LEDs, allowing realistic natural light regimes to be re‐created in a laboratory environment. MoonShine includes multiple features to re‐create and manipulate light cycles. It supports colour‐shifting of the LED light (by adjustment of RGBW intensity ratios) to approximate the spectrum of natural moonlight, and to mimic habitat‐specific conditions or certain types of light pollution.We tested the accuracy of MoonShineR's moonlight illuminance predictions by comparison to field radiometer measurements at equatorial and temperate latitude sites. We demonstrated the accuracy of MoonShineP's moonlight re‐creation, by comparing its measured LED illuminances to the intended values and its measured LED spectrum against natural moonlight.MoonShine allows researchers to re‐create a range of natural nocturnal lighting scenarios in the laboratory. It can be used to re‐create full natural moonlight cycles with a relatively realistic spectral composition, generate manipulated moonlight schedules, or simulate light pollution. Furthermore, the moonlight illuminance predicted by MoonShineR is useful for field ecologists who require moonlight as a quantitative model predictor. Finally, to provide laboratory‐housed animals with full diurnal light cycles, MoonShine allows researchers to re‐create natural twilight and sunlight regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seascape connectivity can facilitate key ecosystem functions in complex ecosystems like coral reefs. Many reef fishes move across the seascape, bridging different ecosystems. However, their role in shaping important functions, such as biomass production and nutrient cycling, is still poorly understood. This study, therefore, assesses the extent of natural movements of cardinalfishes (Apogonidae), one of the major contributors to nocturnal fish biomass production with the potential for a major role in transferring energy and nutrients between sandy ecosystems and adjacent coral reefs. Consistent with previous work, showing their ability to move distances of 100 s to 1000 s of metres when displaced, we reveal that these small fishes undergo major voluntary nocturnal foraging forays extending up to at least 145 m from reef structures. Their estimated daily movement distances are at least 430 times greater than expected based solely on body size-home range expectations. Given their large travel distances and strong homing abilities, apogonids may provide a major conduit for material transfer between lagoonal soft sediment habitats and adjacent coral reefs. These results highlight the potential importance of apogonids in the cross-system or cross-habitat transport of energy and nutrients on coral reefs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates and discusses four instruments found in a sixteenth century Spanish book of navigation. The night clock is a rather standard application of similar instruments known since the fourteenth century in Europe. Cortés' explanation of the causes of the deviation of the magnetic and geographical north is quite original. His instrument to correct for that the Polaris deviates from the North Celestial Pole is an original way of presenting the practical tradition of Spanish mariners. The general sundial is essentially a copy of the same instrument appearing in in Peter Apian's books Cosmographia LIber and Ein kunstlich Instrument but with an addition for finding the azimuth of sunrise and sunset. The paper also investigates a simple rule for finding the age of the Moon for any date. Observations of the Moon and its phases were an important part of navigational art for predicting with the tides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gliding is only present in six extant groups of mammals-interestingly, despite divergent evolutionary histories, all mammalian gliders are strictly nocturnal. Gliding mammals also seem to have relatively high rates of ultrasound use and ultravioletinduced photoluminescence (UVP) in contrast with their close relatives. Therefore, we hypothesized that, despite diverging lineages, gliding mammals use similar modes of cryptic communication compared to their non-gliding counterparts. We developed two datasets containing the vocal range (minimum-maximum of the dominant harmonic; kHz) and UVP of 73 and 82 species, respectively; we report four novel vocal repertoires and 57 novel observations of the presence or absence of UVP. We complemented these datasets with information about body size, diel activity patterns, habitat openness, and sociality to explore possible covariates related to vocal production and UVP. We found that the maximum of the dominant harmonic was significant higher in gliding mammals when vocalizing than their non-gliding relatives. Additionally, we found that nocturnality was the only significant predictor of UVP, consistent with the previous hypothesis that luminophores primarily drive UVP in mammal fur. In contrast, however, we did not find UVP ubiquitous in nocturnal mammals, suggesting that some unknown process may contribute to variation in this trait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Designing mitigation strategies for invasive species requires a clear understanding of their ecology and behaviour. Chilla (or grey fox; Lycalopex griseus) were introduced to Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego Island) in 1951 to control European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) populations. Although this management strategy was unsuccessful, the chilla spread across the island and are now considered invasive. Despite this, there is a lack of research concerning their ecology and behavioural patterns, particularly on the Argentinian side of the island. We assessed the detection rates and temporal activity patterns of chillas using camera traps in the Argentinian region of Tierra del Fuego Island. Chilla had average detection rates of 61.7 (SD ± 33.3, range = 13.5–105.7) per 100 trap nights. Although analysis by clock time suggested cathemeral activity patterns, when analysed by sun time the chillas exhibited distinct nocturnal activity patterns. These findings offer the first information on the detection rates of chilla on the Argentinian side of Tierra del Fuego Island and reveal new insights into their temporal activity patterns, providing an important basis for future research that may aid the development of more effective management and conservation strategies.

Present study on Egyptian Fruit Bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) conduct on 60 apparently healthy bats (19 young, 36 adults and 5 neonate) and designed to investigate data base in this species, bat’s morphometric measurements needed to determine all bat’s external characters which help in identification of different species and different age or sex. morphometric parameters measured by ruler, show significant difference between different age and no effect of sex, overall mean of body weight 111.1±34.29 g, Forearm 8.74±0.85 cm, body length 14.26±1.58 cm and Wingspan 61.18±6.41 cm. Evaluation of hematological and biochemical parameters of animals are very important to diagnosis diseases and to determine a requirements of nutrition to them. hematological parameters measured by Hemocytometer show significant difference between different age in RBC, MCV, Eosinophil and no effect of sex, overall mean of RBC 7.19±2.56 1012/l, WBC 6.87±3.96 109 /l, HB 13.99±1.96 g/dl and Platelets 199.3±118.9 109 /l. biochemical parameters measured by Spectrophotometer show significant difference between different age in triglyceride and between different sex in total calcium and cholesterol, overall mean of AST 219.5±191.2 IU/l, ALT 115.6±77.68 IU/l, Total calcium 1.85±0.40 mmol/l, Urea 3.98±3.48 mmol/l, Cholesterol 0.26±0.15 mmol/l, Glucose 5.37±1.70 mmol/l.

Moderate to vigorous physical activity performed regularly is cardioprotective and reduces all-cause mortality, concomitant with increased resting heart rate variability (HRV). However, there are contradictory reports regarding the effects of chronic and acute exercise on nocturnal HRV in those performing exercise well-beyond physical activity guidelines. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the power spectral analysis components of HRV in middle-aged endurance athletes (EA) and recreationally active individuals (REC) and explore acute exercise effects in EA. A total of 119 EA (52, 49–57 years) and 32 REC (56, 52–60 years) were recruited to complete 24 h Holter monitoring (GE SEER 1000) in the absence of exercise. Fifty one EA (52, 49–57 years) then underwent 24 h Holter monitoring following an intense bout of endurance exercise. Power spectral HRV analysis was completed hourly and averaged to quantify morning (1000–1200 h), evening (1900–2100 h), and nocturnal (0200–0400 h) HRV. EA had greater very low frequency (VLF) and low frequency (LF) (both p < 0.001) compared to REC. LF/high frequency (HF) was greater in EA at 0200–0400 h (p = 0.04). Among all participants, the change in HR and HF from 1000–1200 to 0200–0400 h was negatively correlated (r = −0.47, p < 0.001). Following acute exercise in EA, only nocturnal HRV was assessed. VLF (p < 0.001) and HF (p = 0.008) decreased, while LF/HF increased (p = 0.02). These results suggest that in EA, both long-term and acute exercises increase nocturnal sympathovagal activity through an increase in LF and decrease in HF, respectively. Further work is required to understand the mechanism underlying reduced nocturnal HRV in middle-aged EA and the long-term health implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Roses are one of the most essential ornamental flowers and are commonly used in perfumery, cosmetics, and food. They are rich in bioactive compounds, which are of interest for therapeutic effects. Objectives: The objective of this study was to understand the kinds of changes that occur between the nocturnal and diurnal metabolism of rose and to suggest hypotheses. Methods: Reversed-phase ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry or triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (TQ MS/MS) was used for nontargeted metabolomics and hormonal profiling respectively. For metabolite annotation, accurate mass spectra were compared with those in databases. Results: The hormonal profile of flowers showed an increase in jasmonate at night, while that of leaves indicated an increase in the salicylic acid pathway. Nontargeted analyses of the flower revealed a switch in the plant's defense mechanisms from glycosylated metabolites during the day to acid metabolites at night. In leaves, a significant decrease in flavonoids was observed at night in favor of acid metabolism to maintain a level of protection. Moreover, it might be possible to place back some of the annotated molecules on the shikimate pathway. Conclusion: The influence of day and night on the metabolome of rose flowers and leaves has been clearly demonstrated. The hormonal modulations occurring during the night and at day are consistent with the plant circadian cycle. A proposed management of the sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthetic pathway may explain these changes in the flower. In leaves, the metabolic differences may reflect night-time regulation in favor of the salicylic acid pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How animals use the diel period (24‐h light–dark cycle) is of fundamental importance to understand their niche. While ecological and evolutionary literature abound with discussion of diel phenotypes (e.g. diurnal, nocturnal, crepuscular, cathemeral), they lack clear and explicit quantitative definitions. As such, inference can be confounded when evaluating hypotheses of animal diel niche switching or plasticity across studies because researchers may be operating under different definitions of diel phenotypes.We propose quantitative definitions of diel phenotypes using four alternative hypothesis sets (maximizing, traditional, general and selection) aimed at achieving different objectives. Each hypothesis set is composed of mutually exclusive hypotheses defined based on the activity probabilities in the three fundamental periods of light availability (twilight, daytime and night‐time).We develop a Bayesian modelling framework that compares diel phenotype hypotheses using Bayes factors and estimates model parameters using a multinomial model with linear inequality constraints. Model comparison, parameter estimation and visualizing results can be done in the Diel.Niche R package. A simplified R Shiny web application is also available.We provide extensive simulation results to guide researchers on the power to discriminate among hypotheses for a range of sample sizes (10–1280). We also work through several examples of using data to make inferences on diel activity, and include online vignettes on how to use the Diel.Niche package. We demonstrate how our modelling framework complements other analyses, such as circular kernel density estimators and animal movement modelling.Our aim is to encourage standardization of the language of diel activity and bridge conceptual frameworks and hypotheses in diel research with data and models. Lastly, we hope more research focuses on the ecological and conservation importance of understanding how animals use diel time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Longspined sea urchins (Centrostephanus rodgersii) form extensive urchin barrens in south-eastern Australia, threatening biodiversity and lucrative fishery stocks. Although large urchins are readily visible on reefs, small or 'undersized' urchins have often been considered non-emergent, cryptic, and largely inaccessible to predators, meaning smaller predators are considered not to contribute to top-down urchin control. Aims. Here,we aimto investigate variation in nocturnalmovement across urchin size classes and discuss the associated ecological implications. Methods. Using timelapse footage we measured timing of movement, distance covered, and displacement of different sized sea urchins in various habitats. Key results. Small urchins emerge from cryptic habitats and are active overnight on open reef areas. At dusk, smaller urchins emerge later than larger urchins, whereas at dawn, movement of all size classes of urchins decline at a similar rate. Conclusions. The nocturnal emergence and movement of small urchins on open reef spaces makes them accessible to nocturnal predators, such as the southern rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii). Implications. This time- space overlap of predator and prey implies that rock lobsters (including small lobsters) may be inflicting higher predatory pressure than previously considered on undersized sea urchins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental differences have fostered the evolution of ecological processes and functions that are unique to the nighttime but intertwined with those occurring during the daytime. However, relative to the daytime, research at night has long been neglected. Growing realisation of this strong diurnal research bias combined with technological advances has begun to galvanise interest in how physiological processes, species interactions, communities, and thence ecosystem functions are structured across the diel cycle. In part, the importance of diel variation in ecosystem functioning is also being revealed by anthropogenic pressures that disproportionately act during the daytime or nighttime. Accounting for day–night variation promises to provide deeper insights into not only how ecosystems function but also how functions respond to human-mediated disturbances. Given the marked differences in environmental conditions and active biota between daytime and nighttime, it is almost inevitable that ecosystem functioning will also differ. However, understanding of these differences has been hampered due to the challenges of conducting research at night. At the same time, many anthropogenic pressures are most forcefully exerted or have greatest effect during either daytime (e.g., high temperatures, disturbance) or nighttime (e.g., artificial lighting, nights warming faster than days). Here, we explore current understanding of diel (daily) variation in five key ecosystem functions and when during the diel cycle they primarily occur [predation (unclear), herbivory (nighttime), pollination (daytime), seed dispersal (unclear), carbon assimilation (daytime)] and how diel asymmetry in anthropogenic pressures impacts these functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Postictal thoracocervicofacial purpura (PTP) is a rare clinical sign after a seizure episode and may be the only objective sign seen in patients who are unaware of their own seizure disorder. Moreover, it can be the only reason a patient seeks medical care after a seizure activity. Case Presentation: Herein, we report a 23-year-old, living alone and not known to have any medical illnesses, who presented to our emergency department complaining of asymptomatic purpuric facial rash extending to his neck and upper chest that started suddenly when he woke up that morning. Tongue and distal lateral thigh erosions were also noticed during physical examination, as well as conjunctival hemorrhage. In addition, the patient stated that he experienced similar prior episode of purpuric rash over the face, and disappeared uneventfully within 2 weeks. Blood work was remarkable for elevated urine creatinine (21,692 mg/L) and creatine kinase (1,207 mg/L). Given his clinical features and initial laboratory results, a diagnosis of PTP was made. Conclusion: Patients who present with petechial rash over the chest, neck, malar area along with conjunctival hemorrhage as an only complaint should be suspected to have or evaluated for seizure disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anticoagulant rodenticides are biocides that interfere with normal blood clotting, inhibit the vitamin K cycle in the liver, and cause death by hemorrhages. Even though the main target of these compounds is rodents, they may affect non-target species such as nocturnal birds of prey that feed on those rodents. To study secondary exposure to ARs, select species that specialize in rodent prey, such as nocturnal birds of prey. Besides their specialized diet in rodents, nocturnal birds of prey are one of the most widely distributed birds in Europe and live in rural and non-rural habitats, making them excellent sentinel species for several studies' ecotoxicology studies. There are numerous studies regarding secondary AR exposure in raptor species all around the world, but evidence for population-level effects is still absent. The objective of this review is to show how ARs have influenced wild nocturnal birds of prey in Europe in the last decades, most affected species, and in summary, explain how they act and the main clinical signals/lesions that can be observed in poisoned birds. Overall, a total of 19 works were included in this review, between the years 1983 to 2021 that satisfied all literature criteria. These 19 papers corresponded to 44 observations of different species, regarding eight types of anticoagulant rodenticide. In the future, more caution is needed in the use of anticoagulants for rodent control where avian predators may be exposed to poisoned prey. Some combinations can be highly lethal to the predator, putting it at risk species that are already treated, therefore new eco-friendly alternatives should be found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Narcolepsy is associated with disrupted nighttime sleep (DNS). Sodium oxybate (SXB; Xyrem®), administered twice nightly, is indicated for the treatment of cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness in patients 7 years or older with narcolepsy. Recently, low-sodium oxybate (LXB, Xywav®; for people 7 years of age and older), which contains 92% less sodium than SXB and is dosed twice nightly, and sodium oxybate for extended release (SXB-ER; Lumryz™; for adults), which contains equal sodium to SXB and is dosed once nightly, have also been approved to treat cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy. This paper reviews the evidence regarding the overall impact of oxybate administration, and impact of different oxybate dosing regimens (once nightly, SXB-ER; twice nightly, SXB), on DNS in narcolepsy utilizing polysomnographic data from five clinical trials (three assessing SXB in adults [referred to here as SXB trials 1, 2, and 3], one assessing SXB in children [referred to as the pediatric SXB trial], and one assessing SXB-ER in adults [REST-ON]). Both once-nightly and twice-nightly oxybate regimens similarly improved symptoms of DNS. Regardless of dosing regimen, people with narcolepsy treated with oxybate experience roughly 42–53 arousals and 9–38 awakenings each night, with one of these awakenings on twice-nightly oxybate being due to the second dosing requirement in studies of SXB. Additionally, for SXB, but not SXB-ER, polysomnographic data has been analyzed by half of the night, demonstrating a greater positive impact on sleep architecture in the second half of the night, which might be related to its nonlinear pharmacokinetic profile. We conclude that while once-nightly and twice-nightly oxybate dosing regimens differ in their pharmacokinetic profiles, both improve DNS in patients with narcolepsy to a similar degree. Plain Language Summary: Narcolepsy causes daytime sleepiness and difficulty sleeping (commonly called disrupted nighttime sleep). Sodium oxybate (Xyrem®) and low-sodium oxybate (Xywav®, which contains 92% less sodium than sodium oxybate), are taken twice nightly in patients with narcolepsy. Sodium oxybate for extended release (Lumryz™), which contains as much sodium as sodium oxybate, is taken once per night. All three medications improve narcolepsy symptoms and have the same active ingredient. It is important to understand how well they improve nighttime sleep. This review examined results of five clinical studies looking at disrupted nighttime sleep in people with narcolepsy: three of twice-nightly sodium oxybate in adults (called SXB trials 1, 2, and 3 here), one of twice-nightly sodium oxybate in children (called the pediatric SXB trial here), and one of once-nightly sodium oxybate for extended release in adults (called REST-ON here). No studies specifically investigated disrupted nighttime sleep with twice-nightly low-sodium oxybate in people with narcolepsy. Although the trial designs for these studies were different, both twice-nightly and once-nightly oxybate medications improved sleep similarly, and neither eliminated arousals or awakenings. Certain aspects of sleep improved more during the second half of the night in SXB trials 1 and 3 compared with the first half of the night. Both once-nightly and twice-nightly oxybate medications similarly improve nighttime sleep in people with narcolepsy. Twice-nightly oxybate may be particularly helpful in improving sleep in the second half of the night. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gliding is only present in six extant groups of mammals—interestingly, despite divergent evolutionary histories, all mammalian gliders are strictly nocturnal. Gliding mammals also seem to have relatively high rates of ultrasound use and ultraviolet-induced photoluminescence (UVP) in contrast with their close relatives. Therefore, we hypothesized that, despite diverging lineages, gliding mammals use similar modes of cryptic communication compared to their non-gliding counterparts. We developed two datasets containing the vocal range (minimum-maximum of the dominant harmonic; kHz) and UVP of 73 and 82 species, respectively; we report four novel vocal repertoires and 57 novel observations of the presence or absence of UVP. We complemented these datasets with information about body size, diel activity patterns, habitat openness, and sociality to explore possible covariates related to vocal production and UVP. We found that the maximum of the dominant harmonic was significant higher in gliding mammals when vocalizing than their non-gliding relatives. Additionally, we found that nocturnality was the only significant predictor of UVP, consistent with the previous hypothesis that luminophores primarily drive UVP in mammal fur. In contrast, however, we did not find UVP ubiquitous in nocturnal mammals, suggesting that some unknown process may contribute to variation in this trait.

Abstract Narcolepsy is associated with disrupted nighttime sleep (DNS). Sodium oxybate (SXB; Xyrem®), administered twice nightly, is indicated for the treatment of cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness in patients 7 years or older with narcolepsy. Recently, low-sodium oxybate (LXB, Xywav®; for people 7 years of age and older), which contains 92% less sodium than SXB and is dosed twice nightly, and sodium oxybate for extended release (SXB-ER; Lumryz™; for adults), which contains equal sodium to SXB and is dosed once nightly, have also been approved to treat cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy. This paper reviews the evidence regarding the overall impact of oxybate administration, and impact of different oxybate dosing regimens (once nightly, SXB-ER; twice nightly, SXB), on DNS in narcolepsy utilizing polysomnographic data from five clinical trials (three assessing SXB in adults [referred to here as SXB trials 1, 2, and 3], one assessing SXB in children [referred to as the pediatric SXB trial], and one assessing SXB-ER in adults [REST-ON]). Both once-nightly and twice-nightly oxybate regimens similarly improved symptoms of DNS. Regardless of dosing regimen, people with narcolepsy treated with oxybate experience roughly 42–53 arousals and 9–38 awakenings each night, with one of these awakenings on twice-nightly oxybate being due to the second dosing requirement in studies of SXB. Additionally, for SXB, but not SXB-ER, polysomnographic data has been analyzed by half of the night, demonstrating a greater positive impact on sleep architecture in the second half of the night, which might be related to its nonlinear pharmacokinetic profile. We conclude that while once-nightly and twice-nightly oxybate dosing regimens differ in their pharmacokinetic profiles, both improve DNS in patients with narcolepsy to a similar degree.

Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is a common sleeprelated breathing disorder characterized by recurring cessations of airflow during sleep. The gold standard for diagnosing SAS is polysomnography (PSG) which requires the patient to spend one or several nights in a sleep clinic. A PSG involves a significant amount of contact-based sensors, which leads to discomfort and deviations in sleep behavior. In this work, a contactless, multispectral camera-based approach for the autonomous detection of events of nocturnal airflow reduction is presented. The detected events are further employed in estimators of sleep diagnostic metrics, such as the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and the SAS stage. The AHI estimation resulted in a Pearson correlation coefficient of r = 0.9993. The SAS stage estimator correctly predicted the SAS stage for all three recruited patients.

This paper addresses the potential for technology to support husbandry and enrichment opportunities that enhance the welfare of zoo and sanctuary-housed nocturnal and crepuscular species. This topic was investigated through the medium of a multidisciplinary workshop (Moon Jam) that brought together species experts, zoo designers, Animal-Computer Interaction researchers and post-graduate students in collaborative discussions and design sessions. We explain the context through an examination of existing research and current practices, and report on specific challenges raised and addressed during the Moon Jam, highlighting and discussing key themes that emerged. Finally, we offer a set of guidelines to support the integration of technology into the design of animal husbandry and enrichment that support wellbeing, to advance the best practices in keeping and managing nocturnal and crepuscular animals.

Abstract Background Previous research suggests an association between road traffic noise and obesity, but current evidence is inconclusive. The aim of this study was to assess the association between nocturnal noise exposure and markers of obesity and to assess whether sleep disturbance might be a mediator in this association. Methods We applied data from the Respiratory Health in Northern Europe (RHINE) cohort. We used self-measured waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) as outcome values. Noise exposure was assessed as perceived traffic noise in the bedroom and/or the bedroom window’s location towards the street. We applied adjusted linear, and logistic regression models, evaluated effect modifications and conducted mediation analysis. Results Based on fully adjusted models we found that women, who reported very high traffic noise levels in bedroom, had 1.30 (95% CI 0.24–2.37) kg/m2 higher BMI and 3.30 (95% CI 0.39–6.20) cm higher WC compared to women, who reported no traffic noise in the bedroom. Women who reported higher exposure to road traffic noise had statistically significant higher odds of being overweight and have abdominal obesity with OR varying from 1.15 to 1.26 compared to women, who reported no traffic noise in the bedroom. For men, the associations were rather opposite, although mostly statistically insignificant. Furthermore, men, who reported much or very much traffic noise in the bedroom, had a statistically significantly lower risk of abdominal obesity. Sleep disturbance fully or partially mediated the association between noise in bedroom and obesity markers among women. Conclusion Our results suggest that self-reported traffic noise in the bedroom may be associated to being overweight or obese trough sleep disturbance among women, but associations were inconclusive among men.

Level I conventional polysomnography (PSG), the gold standard for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), requires an overnight stay. This study evaluated the role of daytime PSG as an alternative diagnostic tool. A prospective cohort study was undertaken with consecutive patients with suspected OSA at a tertiary care sleep center. The primary objective was to evaluate the sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy of daytime PSG for diagnosing OSA. The secondary objective was to find out the factors associated with a falsely negative daytime PSG result. All individuals were subjected to level I daytime PSG, done in the sleep lab in the presence of an experienced sleep technician during the daytime from 12 PM to 4 PM. Out of 162 patients, 105 underwent daytime PSG. OSA was diagnosed on daytime PSG in 86.7 out of the 19 remaining patients refused a repeat PSG study. Out of the 12 individuals who underwent the nighttime PSG for confirmatory diagnosis, 10 were diagnosed as OSA (false negatives), and 2 were confirmed as not-OSA (true negatives). The sensitivity, diagnostic accuracy, and negative predictive value of daytime PSG were 89.58%, 89.80%, and 16.67%, respectively. The false negatives had a higher prevalence of mild OSA. Daytime PSG is sensitive in diagnosing OSA and can be considered in individuals with severe symptoms at centers with a high patient load or when the individual wishes to avoid a nighttime study. A negative result in daytime PSG must be followed by conventional overnight PSG for confirmatory diagnosis.

The accuracy of environmental DNA (eDNA) methods developed as innovative biological monitoring technologies can be improved by considering the ecological characteristics of a target species. In this study, we performed an aquarium experiment and field surveys to establish an effective eDNA method for an endangered Japanese bagrid catfish (Pseudobagrus ichikawai) with nocturnal habits. First, we developed a species-specific eDNA method using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for P. ichikawai. In the aquarium experiment, we demonstrated that the addition of benzalkonium chloride (BAC), a reagent that inhibits eDNA degradation, was effective for water sample storage. In the field, eDNA has consistently been detected at sites where P. ichikawai has been confirmed. There was no difference in eDNA concentration between the water samples taken at different sampling times or between those taken from pools and riffles in the rivers. This result provides evidence that researchers can collect water samples during the daytime, which would reduce the risk of water accidents (e.g., drowning or submerged in darkness) associated with field eDNA surveys of nocturnal species, such as P. ichikawai. Furthermore, we propose that researchers perform on-site surveys for collecting water samples without considering the microhabitat preferences of the target species (e.g., riffle/pool). We recommend that water samples be treated with BAC immediately after collection in the field and then stored in low-temperature conditions. The cooling procedure with BAC outlined here can be advantageous in collecting samples from many sites in a short time, because it only requires the collection of water in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Nocturnal mammals have unique sensory adaptations to facilitate foraging at night. Owl monkeys (Aotus spp.) are pair‐living nocturnal platyrrhines adept at capturing insect prey under low‐light conditions. Owl monkeys use acoustic and chemical cues in intraspecific communication and use olfaction to detect fruit as they forage. We conducted an experiment to determine which cues (auditory, olfactory, and visual) Aotus nancymaae rely upon when foraging for insects. We scored the behavior of 23 captive owl monkeys during a series of trials in which monkeys were provided sensory boxes with insect cues either present (experimental box) or absent (control box). Each cue was tested alone and in combination with all other cues (multimodal cues). We used generalized linear mixed models to determine which cues elicited the greatest behavioral response. Owl monkeys approached and spent more time near experimental boxes than control boxes. Male owl monkeys were quicker than their female partners to approach the sensory boxes, suggesting that males may be less neophobic than females. The owl monkeys exhibited behaviors associated with olfaction and foraging (e.g., sneezing, trilling) during trials with multimodal cues and when only olfactory cues were present. When only visual or auditory cues were present, owl monkeys exhibited fewer foraging‐related behaviors. After approaching a sensory box, however, they often touched boxes containing visual cues. A. nancymaae may rely on olfactory cues at night to detect a food source from several meters away and then rely more on visual cues once they are closer to the food source. Their use of sensory cues during insect foraging differs from nocturnal strepsirrhines, possibly reflecting physiological constraints associated with phylogeny, given that owl monkeys evolved nocturnality secondarily from a more recent diurnal ancestor. Research highlights: Owl monkeys exhibited the most exploratory behaviors in response to a mixture of visual, olfactory, and auditory cues while foraging for beetles at night.Owl monkeys were also successful at locating the beetles when only olfactory stimuli were present.When olfactory insect cues were present, owl monkeys regularly emitted trills; vocalizations indicative of arousal and motivation for food.Owl monkeys appeared to rely on olfactory stimuli to locate the beetles from a distance, and they relied more on visual stimuli once they were within arm's reach of the prey.Male owl monkeys displayed less neophobia and approached experimental stimuli more quickly than their female partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Global nocturnal temperatures are rising more rapidly than daytime temperatures and have a large effect on crop productivity. In particular, stomatal conductance at night (gsn) is surprisingly poorly understood and has not been investigated despite constituting a significant proportion of overall canopy water loss.Here, we present the results of 3 yr of field data using 12 spring Triticum aestivum genotypes which were grown in NW Mexico and subjected to an artificial increase in night‐time temperatures of 2°C.Under nocturnal heating, grain yields decreased (1.9% per 1°C) without significant changes in daytime leaf‐level physiological responses. Under warmer nights, there were significant differences in the magnitude and decrease in gsn, values of which were between 9 and 33% of daytime rates while respiration appeared to acclimate to higher temperatures. Decreases in grain yield were genotype‐specific; genotypes categorised as heat tolerant demonstrated some of the greatest declines in yield in response to warmer nights.We conclude the essential components of nocturnal heat tolerance in wheat are uncoupled from resilience to daytime temperatures, raising fundamental questions for physiological breeding. Furthermore, this study discusses key physiological traits such as pollen viability, root depth and irrigation type may also play a role in genotype‐specific nocturnal heat tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]