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Fan YL, Hsu FR, Wang Y, Liao LD. Unlocking the Potential of Zebrafish Research with Artificial Intelligence: Advancements in Tracking, Processing, and Visualization. Med Biol Eng Comput 2023; 61:2797-2814. [PMID: 37558927 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-023-02903-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish have become a widely accepted model organism for biomedical research due to their strong cortisol stress response, behavioral strain differences, and sensitivity to both drug treatments and predators. However, experimental zebrafish studies generate substantial data that must be analyzed through objective, accurate, and repeatable analysis methods. Recently, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have enabled automated tracking, image recognition, and data analysis, leading to more efficient and insightful investigations. In this review, we examine key AI applications in zebrafish research, including behavior analysis, genomics, and neuroscience. With the development of deep learning technology, AI algorithms have been used to precisely analyze and identify images of zebrafish, enabling automated testing and analysis. By applying AI algorithms in genomics research, researchers have elucidated the relationship between genes and biology, providing a better basis for the development of disease treatments and gene therapies. Additionally, the development of more effective neuroscience tools could help researchers better understand the complex neural networks in the zebrafish brain. In the future, further advancements in AI technology are expected to enable more extensive and in-depth medical research applications in zebrafish, improving our understanding of this important animal model. This review highlights the potential of AI technology in achieving the full potential of zebrafish research by enabling researchers to efficiently track, process, and visualize the outcomes of their experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ling Fan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, 35, Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
- Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science, Feng Chia University, Taichung, 407, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Rong Hsu
- Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science, Feng Chia University, Taichung, 407, Taiwan
| | - Yuhling Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, 35, Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National United University, 2, Lien-Da, Nan-Shih Li, Miaoli, 360302, Taiwan
| | - Lun-De Liao
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, 35, Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan.
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2
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Garg V, André S, Giraldo D, Heyer L, Göpfert MC, Dosch R, Geurten BRH. A Markerless Pose Estimator Applicable to Limbless Animals. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:819146. [PMID: 35418841 PMCID: PMC8997243 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.819146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The analysis of kinematics, locomotion, and spatial tasks relies on the accurate detection of animal positions and pose. Pose and position can be assessed with video analysis programs, the “trackers.” Most available trackers represent animals as single points in space (no pose information available) or use markers to build a skeletal representation of pose. Markers are either physical objects attached to the body (white balls, stickers, or paint) or they are defined in silico using recognizable body structures (e.g., joints, limbs, color patterns). Physical markers often cannot be used if the animals are small, lack prominent body structures on which the markers can be placed, or live in environments such as aquatic ones that might detach the marker. Here, we introduce a marker-free pose-estimator (LACE Limbless Animal traCkEr) that builds the pose of the animal de novo from its contour. LACE detects the contour of the animal and derives the body mid-line, building a pseudo-skeleton by defining vertices and edges. By applying LACE to analyse the pose of larval Drosophila melanogaster and adult zebrafish, we illustrate that LACE allows to quantify, for example, genetic alterations of peristaltic movements and gender-specific locomotion patterns that are associated with different body shapes. As illustrated by these examples, LACE provides a versatile method for assessing position, pose and movement patterns, even in animals without limbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vranda Garg
- Department of Cellular Neuroscience, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Gottingen, Germany
| | - Selina André
- Department of Cellular Neuroscience, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Gottingen, Germany
| | - Diego Giraldo
- Department of Cellular Neuroscience, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Gottingen, Germany
| | - Luisa Heyer
- Department of Cellular Neuroscience, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Gottingen, Germany
| | - Martin C. Göpfert
- Department of Cellular Neuroscience, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Gottingen, Germany
| | - Roland Dosch
- Institute for Humangenetics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Gottingen, Germany
| | - Bart R. H. Geurten
- Department of Cellular Neuroscience, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Gottingen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Bart R. H. Geurten
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3
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Khazaei S, Keshavarz G, Bozorgi A, Nazari H, Khazaei M. Adipose tissue-derived stem cells: a comparative review on isolation, culture, and differentiation methods. Cell Tissue Bank 2021; 23:1-16. [PMID: 33616792 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-021-09905-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are an available source of mesenchymal stem cells with the appropriate capacity to in vitro survive, propagate, and differentiate into cells from three lineages of ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. The biological features of ADSCs depend on the donor physiology and health status, isolation procedure, culture conditions, and differentiation protocols used. Adipose tissue samples are provided by surgery and lipoaspiration-based methods and subjected to various mechanical and chemical digestion techniques to finally generate a heterogeneous mixture named stromal vascular fraction (SVF). ADSCs are purified through varied cell populations that exist within SVF and cultured under standard conditions to give rise to a highly rich resource of stem cells directly applied in the clinic or differentiated into a wide range of cells. The development and optimization of conventional isolation, expansion, and differentiation methods seem noteworthy to preserve the desirable biological functions of ADSCs in pre-clinical and clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Khazaei
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Ghazal Keshavarz
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Azam Bozorgi
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.,Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Nazari
- Department of Orofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mozafar Khazaei
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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4
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Macrì S, Clément RJG, Spinello C, Porfiri M. Comparison between two- and three-dimensional scoring of zebrafish response to psychoactive drugs: identifying when three-dimensional analysis is needed. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7893. [PMID: 31637136 PMCID: PMC6800527 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have recently emerged as a valuable laboratory species in the field of behavioral pharmacology, where they afford rapid and precise high-throughput drug screening. Although the behavioral repertoire of this species manifests along three-dimensional (3D), most of the efforts in behavioral pharmacology rely on two-dimensional (2D) projections acquired from a single overhead or front camera. We recently showed that, compared to a 3D scoring approach, 2D analyses could lead to inaccurate claims regarding individual and social behavior of drug-free experimental subjects. Here, we examined whether this conclusion extended to the field of behavioral pharmacology by phenotyping adult zebrafish, acutely exposed to citalopram (30, 50, and 100 mg/L) or ethanol (0.25%, 0.50%, and 1.00%), in the novel tank diving test over a 6-min experimental session. We observed that both compounds modulated the time course of general locomotion and anxiety-related profiles, the latter being represented by specific behaviors (erratic movements and freezing) and avoidance of anxiety-eliciting areas of the test tank (top half and distance from the side walls). We observed that 2D projections of 3D trajectories (ground truth data) may introduce a source of unwanted variation in zebrafish behavioral phenotyping. Predictably, both 2D views underestimate absolute levels of general locomotion. Additionally, while data obtained from a camera positioned on top of the experimental tank are similar to those obtained from a 3D reconstruction, 2D front view data yield false negative findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Macrì
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA.,Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Romain J G Clément
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Chiara Spinello
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Maurizio Porfiri
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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5
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Geng Y, Peterson RT. The zebrafish subcortical social brain as a model for studying social behavior disorders. Dis Model Mech 2019; 12:dmm039446. [PMID: 31413047 PMCID: PMC6737945 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.039446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Social behaviors are essential for the survival and reproduction of social species. Many, if not most, neuropsychiatric disorders in humans are either associated with underlying social deficits or are accompanied by social dysfunctions. Traditionally, rodent models have been used to model these behavioral impairments. However, rodent assays are often difficult to scale up and adapt to high-throughput formats, which severely limits their use for systems-level science. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have used zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model system to study social behavior. These studies have demonstrated clear potential in overcoming some of the limitations of rodent models. In this Review, we explore the evolutionary conservation of a subcortical social brain between teleosts and mammals as the biological basis for using zebrafish to model human social behavior disorders, while summarizing relevant experimental tools and assays. We then discuss the recent advances gleaned from zebrafish social behavior assays, the applications of these assays to studying related disorders, and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Geng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, 30 S. 2000 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Randall T Peterson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, 30 S. 2000 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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6
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Deakin AG, Buckley J, AlZu'bi HS, Cossins AR, Spencer JW, Al'Nuaimy W, Young IS, Thomson JS, Sneddon LU. Automated monitoring of behaviour in zebrafish after invasive procedures. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9042. [PMID: 31227751 PMCID: PMC6588586 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45464-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Fish are used in a variety of experimental contexts often in high numbers. To maintain their welfare and ensure valid results during invasive procedures it is vital that we can detect subtle changes in behaviour that may allow us to intervene to provide pain-relief. Therefore, an automated method, the Fish Behaviour Index (FBI), was devised and used for testing the impact of laboratory procedures and efficacy of analgesic drugs in the model species, the zebrafish. Cameras with tracking software were used to visually track and quantify female zebrafish behaviour in real time after a number of laboratory procedures including fin clipping, PIT tagging, and nociceptor excitation via injection of acetic acid subcutaneously. The FBI was derived from activity and distance swum measured before and after these procedures compared with control and sham groups. Further, the efficacy of a range of drugs with analgesic properties to identify efficacy of these agents was explored. Lidocaine (5 mg/L), flunixin (8 mg/L) and morphine (48 mg/L) prevented the associated reduction in activity and distance swum after fin clipping. From an ethical perspective, the FBI represents a significant refinement in the use of zebrafish and could be adopted across a wide range of biological disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony G Deakin
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK.,Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Integrative Biology, The BioScience Building, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Jonathan Buckley
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Integrative Biology, The BioScience Building, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Hamzah S AlZu'bi
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - Andrew R Cossins
- Department of Functional and Comparative Genomics, Institute of Integrative Biology, The BioScience Building, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Joseph W Spencer
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - Waleed Al'Nuaimy
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - Iain S Young
- Department of Functional and Comparative Genomics, Institute of Integrative Biology, The BioScience Building, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Jack S Thomson
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Nicholson Building, Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3GP, UK
| | - Lynne U Sneddon
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Integrative Biology, The BioScience Building, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK.
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7
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de Abreu MS, Friend AJ, Amstislavskaya TG, Kalueff AV. Commentary: Establishing zebrafish as a model to study the anxiolytic effects of scopolamine. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:293. [PMID: 29667652 PMCID: PMC5891632 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Murilo S de Abreu
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil.,Neuroscience Program, School of Science and Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Ashton J Friend
- Neuroscience Program, School of Science and Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States.,The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium, Slidell, LA, United States
| | | | - Allan V Kalueff
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Center, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia.,Russian National Granov's Research Center for Radiology and Surgical Technologies, Pesochny, Russia.,Laboratory of Translational Biopsychiatry, Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia.,ZENEREI Research Center, Slidell, LA, United States
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8
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Meshalkina DA, Kysil EV, Warnick JE, Demin KA, Kalueff AV. Adult zebrafish in CNS disease modeling: a tank that's half-full, not half-empty, and still filling. Lab Anim (NY) 2018; 46:378-387. [PMID: 28984854 DOI: 10.1038/laban.1345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is increasingly used in a broad array of biomedical studies, from cancer research to drug screening. Zebrafish also represent an emerging model organism for studying complex brain diseases. The number of zebrafish neuroscience studies is exponentially growing, significantly outpacing those conducted with rodents or other model organisms. Yet, there is still a substantial amount of resistance in adopting zebrafish as a first-choice model system. Studies of the repertoire of zebrafish neural and behavioral functions continue to reveal new opportunities for understanding the pathobiology of various CNS deficits. Although some of these models are well established in zebrafish, including models for anxiety, depression, and addiction, others are less recognized, for example, models of autism and obsessive-compulsive states. However, mounting data indicate that a wide spectrum of CNS diseases can be modeled in adult zebrafish. Here, we summarize recent findings using zebrafish CNS assays, discuss model limitations and the existing challenges, as well as outline future directions of research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darya A Meshalkina
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia.,The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, Louisiana, USA
| | - Elana V Kysil
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Jason E Warnick
- The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, Louisiana, USA.,Department of Behavioral Sciences, Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Konstantin A Demin
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia.,The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, Louisiana, USA
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, ITBM, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia.,ZENEREI Research Center, Slidell, Louisiana, USA
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9
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Rodriguez A, Zhang H, Klaminder J, Brodin T, Andersson M. ToxId: an efficient algorithm to solve occlusions when tracking multiple animals. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14774. [PMID: 29116122 PMCID: PMC5676683 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15104-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Video analysis of animal behaviour is widely used in fields such as ecology, ecotoxicology, and evolutionary research. However, when tracking multiple animals, occlusion and crossing are problematic, especially when the identity of each individual needs to be preserved. We present a new algorithm, ToxId, which preserves the identity of multiple animals by linking trajectory segments using their intensity histogram and Hu-moments. We verify the performance and accuracy of our algorithm using video sequences with different animals and experimental conditions. The results show that our algorithm achieves state-of-the-art accuracy using an efficient approach without the need of learning processes, complex feature maps or knowledge of the animal shape. ToxId is also computationally efficient, has low memory requirements, and operates without accessing future or past frames.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hanqing Zhang
- Department of Physics, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jonatan Klaminder
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Tomas Brodin
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden
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10
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Qian ZM, Chen YQ. Feature point based 3D tracking of multiple fish from multi-view images. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180254. [PMID: 28665966 PMCID: PMC5493374 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
A feature point based method is proposed for tracking multiple fish in 3D space. First, a simplified representation of the object is realized through construction of two feature point models based on its appearance characteristics. After feature points are classified into occluded and non-occluded types, matching and association are performed, respectively. Finally, the object's motion trajectory in 3D space is obtained through integrating multi-view tracking results. Experimental results show that the proposed method can simultaneously track 3D motion trajectories for up to 10 fish accurately and robustly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Ming Qian
- School of Computer Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Intelligent Information Processing, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Chuxiong Normal University, Chuxiong, China
| | - Yan Qiu Chen
- School of Computer Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Intelligent Information Processing, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail:
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11
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Liu X, Zhang Y, Lin J, Xia Q, Guo N, Li Q. Social Preference Deficits in Juvenile Zebrafish Induced by Early Chronic Exposure to Sodium Valproate. Front Behav Neurosci 2016; 10:201. [PMID: 27812327 PMCID: PMC5071328 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to sodium valproate (VPA), a widely used anti-epileptic drug, is related to a series of dysfunctions, such as deficits in language and communication. Clinical and animal studies have indicated that the effects of VPA are related to the concentration and to the exposure window, while the neurobehavioral effects of VPA have received limited research attention. In the current study, to analyze the neurobehavioral effects of VPA, zebrafish at 24 h post-fertilization (hpf) were treated with early chronic exposure to 20 μM VPA for 7 h per day for 6 days or with early acute exposure to 100 μM VPA for 7 h. A battery of behavioral screenings was conducted at 1 month of age to investigate social preference, locomotor activity, anxiety, and behavioral response to light change. A social preference deficit was only observed in animals with chronic VPA exposure. Acute VPA exposure induced a change in the locomotor activity, while chronic VPA exposure did not affect locomotor activity. Neither exposure procedure influenced anxiety or the behavioral response to light change. These results suggested that VPA has the potential to affect some behaviors in zebrafish, such as social behavior and the locomotor activity, and that the effects were closely related to the concentration and the exposure window. Additionally, social preference seemed to be independent from other simple behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyun Liu
- Translational Medical Center for Development and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University Shanghai, China
| | - Yinglan Zhang
- Translational Medical Center for Development and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Lin
- Translational Medical Center for Development and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University Shanghai, China
| | - Qiaoxi Xia
- Department of Life Sciences, Anhui Science and Technology University Anhui, China
| | - Ning Guo
- Center for Chinese Medical Therapy and Systems Biology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Translational Medical Center for Development and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University Shanghai, China
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12
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Manzano-Szalai K, Pali-Schöll I, Krishnamurthy D, Stremnitzer C, Flaschberger I, Jensen-Jarolim E. Anaphylaxis Imaging: Non-Invasive Measurement of Surface Body Temperature and Physical Activity in Small Animals. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150819. [PMID: 26963393 PMCID: PMC4786094 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In highly sensitized patients, the encounter with a specific allergen from food, insect stings or medications may rapidly induce systemic anaphylaxis with potentially lethal symptoms. Countless animal models of anaphylaxis, most often in BALB/c mice, were established to understand the pathophysiology and to prove the safety of different treatments. The most common symptoms during anaphylactic shock are drop of body temperature and reduced physical activity. To refine, improve and objectify the currently applied manual monitoring methods, we developed an imaging method for the automated, non-invasive measurement of the whole-body surface temperature and, at the same time, of the horizontal and vertical movement activity of small animals. We tested the anaphylaxis imaging in three in vivo allergy mouse models for i) milk allergy, ii) peanut allergy and iii) egg allergy. These proof-of-principle experiments suggest that the imaging technology represents a reliable non-invasive method for the objective monitoring of small animals during anaphylaxis over time. We propose that the method will be useful for monitoring diseases associated with both, changes in body temperature and in physical behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Manzano-Szalai
- Comparative Medicine, Messerli Research Institute of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabella Pali-Schöll
- Comparative Medicine, Messerli Research Institute of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Durga Krishnamurthy
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Caroline Stremnitzer
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Erika Jensen-Jarolim
- Comparative Medicine, Messerli Research Institute of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
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13
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Maaswinkel H, Zhu L, Weng W. A small-fish model for behavioral-toxicological screening of new antimalarial drugs: a comparison between erythro- and threo-mefloquine. BMC Res Notes 2015; 8:122. [PMID: 25886204 PMCID: PMC4386100 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-015-1088-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background New antimalarial drugs need to be developed because over time resistance against the existing drugs develops. Furthermore, some of the drugs have severe side effects. Here we describe a behavioral small-fish model for early detection of neurotoxic effects of new drugs. As case example we compare the effects of two mefloquine diastereomers on the behavior of goldfish using an automated 3D tracking system. Findings In a preliminary experiment, the overall toxic effects in terms of motor and respiratory impairments were determined during a 3-hour exposure to the drugs at relatively high doses (21.5 and 43 mgL). In the second experiment, behavioral testing was performed 24 h after a 3.5-h drug exposure to a low dose (14.25 mgL) of either drug. For the two high doses, erythro-mefloquine resulted in severe motor problems and respiratory problems occurred. In goldfish treated with threo-mefloquine, at 43 mgL the motor/respiratory impairments were less severe and at 21.5 mgL no such problems were observed. For the lower dose (14.25 mgL), erythro-mefloquine reduced locomotion. There was also a tendency for increased freezing, and the preference for quadrant two of the observation container was increased. No behavioral effects of threo-mefloquine were found. Conclusions The results demonstrate that in goldfish exposed to the drugs dissolved in the water, threo-mefloquine has less severe toxic effects as compared to erythro-mefloquine. These findings are consistent with other studies and support the usefulness of the small-fish model for predicting adverse effects of new antimalarial drugs during the initial phases of drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Maaswinkel
- Research and Development, xyZfish, 2200 Smithtown Ave, Ronkonkoma, NY, 11779-7329, USA.
| | - Liqun Zhu
- Research and Development, xyZfish, 2200 Smithtown Ave, Ronkonkoma, NY, 11779-7329, USA.
| | - Wei Weng
- Research and Development, xyZfish, 2200 Smithtown Ave, Ronkonkoma, NY, 11779-7329, USA.
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14
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Moravec CE, Li E, Maaswinkel H, Kritzer MF, Weng W, Sirotkin HI. Rest mutant zebrafish swim erratically and display atypical spatial preferences. Behav Brain Res 2015; 284:238-48. [PMID: 25712696 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Revised: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The Rest/Nrsf transcriptional repressor modulates expression of a large set of neural specific genes. Many of these target genes have well characterized roles in nervous system processes including development, plasticity and synaptogenesis. However, the impact of Rest-mediated transcriptional regulation on behavior has been understudied due in part to the embryonic lethality of the mouse knockout. To investigate the requirement for Rest in behavior, we employed the zebrafish rest mutant to explore a range of behaviors in adults and larva. Adult rest mutants of both sexes showed abnormal behaviors in a novel environment including increased vertical swimming, erratic swimming patterns and a proclivity for the tank walls. Adult males also had diminished reproductive success. At 6 days post fertilization (dpf), rest mutant larva were hypoactive, but displayed normal evoked responses to light and sound stimuli. Overall, these results provide evidence that rest dysfunction produces atypical swimming patterns and preferences in adults, and reduced locomotor activity in larvae. This study provides the first behavioral analysis of rest mutants and reveals specific behaviors that are modulated by Rest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara E Moravec
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; Genetics Gradate Program Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Edward Li
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | | | - Mary F Kritzer
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Wei Weng
- xyZfish, 2200 Smithtown Ave, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779, USA
| | - Howard I Sirotkin
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; Genetics Gradate Program Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
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15
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Tran S, Gerlai R. Recent advances with a novel model organism: alcohol tolerance and sensitization in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2014; 55:87-93. [PMID: 24593943 PMCID: PMC4225077 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2014.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2014] [Revised: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol abuse and dependence are a rapidly growing problem with few treatment options available. The zebrafish has become a popular animal model for behavioral neuroscience. This species may be appropriate for investigating the effects of alcohol on the vertebrate brain. In the current review, we examine the literature by discussing how alcohol alters behavior in zebrafish and how it may affect biological correlates. We focus on two phenomena that are often examined in the context of alcohol-induced neuroplasticity. Alcohol tolerance (a progressive decrease in the effect of alcohol over time) is often observed following continuous (chronic) exposure to low concentrations of alcohol. Alcohol sensitization also called reverse tolerance (a progressive increase in the effect of alcohol over time) is often observed following repeated discrete exposures to higher concentrations of alcohol. These two phenomena may underlie the development and maintenance of alcohol addiction. The phenotypical characterization of these responses in zebrafish may be the first important steps in establishing this species as a tool for the analysis of the molecular and neurobiological mechanisms underlying human alcohol addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Tran
- University of Toronto, Department of Cell and Systems Biology, Canada
| | - Robert Gerlai
- University of Toronto, Department of Cell and Systems Biology, Canada; University of Toronto at Mississauga, Department of Psychology, Canada.
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16
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Maaswinkel H, Zhu L, Weng W. Assessing social engagement in heterogeneous groups of zebrafish: a new paradigm for autism-like behavioral responses. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75955. [PMID: 24116082 PMCID: PMC3792997 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 08/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of its highly developed social character, zebrafish is a promising model system for the study of the genetic and neurochemical basis of altered social engagement such as is common in autism and schizophrenia. The traditional shoaling paradigm investigates social cohesion in homogeneous groups of zebrafish. However, the social dynamics of mixed groups is gaining interest from a therapeutic point of view and thus warrants animal modeling. Furthermore, mutant zebrafish are not always available in large numbers. Therefore, we developed a new paradigm that allows exploring shoaling in heterogeneous groups. The effects of MK-801, a non-competitive antagonist of the glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, on social cohesion were studied to evaluate the paradigm. The drug has previously been shown to mimic aspects of autism and schizophrenia. Our results show that a single MK-801-treated zebrafish reduced social cohesion of the entire shoal drastically. Preliminary observations suggest that the social dynamics of the shoal as a whole was altered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Maaswinkel
- Research and Development, xyZfish, Ronkonkoma, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Liqun Zhu
- Research and Development, xyZfish, Ronkonkoma, New York, United States of America
| | - Wei Weng
- Research and Development, xyZfish, Ronkonkoma, New York, United States of America
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