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Simple Summary: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in humans, characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Evidence suggests that family dogs can exhibit behaviours similar to symptoms of ADHD seen in humans. While past research mainly used questionnaires to assess ADHD-like behaviours in dogs, we aimed to create a simple behavioural test battery covering key ADHD symptom dimensions: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Using our previously validated questionnaire (Dog ADHD and Functionality Rating Scale–DAFRS; 2024) in a study involving 59 dogs, we correlated owner-rated DAFRS scores with behavioural test outcomes to further validate our questionnaire. In a subsample of 38 dogs, we also determined whether there is a difference in how owner- and trainer-rated ADHD scores are linked with the test variables. Our test battery included attention, plush dog, leash, and sit tests, all showing significant correlations with the relevant questionnaire scores in an expected direction. Both owner- and trainer-rated ADHD questionnaire factor scores showed correspondence with the relevant behavioural test variables. Dogs' training status only showed association with the sit test. The test battery proved to be consistent in time; test–retest analyses demonstrated moderate-to-excellent agreement across all tests. Our findings endorse the validity of our questionnaire and behavioural tests, providing valuable tools for assessing inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in dogs. Family dogs exhibit neuropsychological deficits similar to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in humans. Questionnaire methods have mostly been used to assess ADHD-like behaviours in dogs. In addition to our validated questionnaire (Dog ADHD and Functionality Rating Scale–DAFRS; 2024), we developed a simple behavioural test battery covering the ADHD symptom domains (i.e., inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity) in dogs. Our main aim was (i) to provide a final external validation step to the DAFRS by examining its associations with the test variables (N = 59); and (ii) to compare owner- and trainer-rated factor scores' associations with the test variables (n = 38). We developed four tests covering the ADHD symptom domains: the attention test (inattention), the plush dog test (impulsivity), the leash test, and the sit test (hyperactivity). All four behavioural variables correlated with their respective questionnaire scores, i.e., the strongest for hyperactivity, and the least strong for inattention. Both owner- and trainer-rated scores (n = 38) correlated with the relevant test variables in an expected direction. Dogs' training status was linked only to the sit test results. Test–retest analyses (n = 34) indicated moderate-to-excellent agreement across all behavioural variables. Our findings support the validity of our novel human-analogue questionnaire for dogs as the behavioural tests strongly correlate with the relevant questionnaire scores, indicating that the two constructs together can effectively assess inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last decades, behavioural tests in animals, especially rodents, have been a standard screening method to determine the mechanisms of action and efficacy of psychopharmacological compounds. Yet, recently the reproducibility of some of these tests has been questioned. Based on a systematic review of the sensitivity of mouse behavioural tests to anxiolytic drugs, we analysed behavioural outcomes extracted from 206 studies testing the effect of diazepam in either the open-field test or the hole-board test. Surprisingly, we found that both the rationale given for using the test, whether to detect anxiolytic or sedative effects, and the predicted effect of diazepam, anxiolytic or sedative, strongly depended on the reported test results. The most likely explanation for such strong dependency is post hoc reasoning, also called hypothesizing after the results are known (HARKing). HARKing can invalidate study outcomes and hampers evidence synthesis by inflating effect sizes. It may also lead researchers into blind alleys, and waste animals, time and resources for inconclusive research.

Stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Between 1990 and 2010, its global burden increased notably with reference to the absolute number of incident events, number of deaths, and disability-adjusted life-years lost. Trazodone is a triazolopyridine derivative that was approved for more than 40 years as monotherapy or in combination with other antidepressant drugs for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adult patients. The aim was investigated if trazodone can improve behavioural outcome after stroke in a mice model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) due to the potential neuroprotective and neurodegenerative effects by using three behavioural tests: adhesive tape test, beam test and hole board test. Trazodone administration show modest improvements regarding the motor-sensorial function after stroke especially in the acute post-stroke phase in aged and young animals. The antidepressant effect of the drug was observed in the post-stroke period in aged animals and to a lesser extent in young animals. Future research is needed to evaluate the effects of trazodone at the cellular level to be sure that it has no benefit in stroke patients who do not suffer from depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boldness, defined as the behavioural response of individuals when facing a risky situation, is a major personality trait and often phenotypically correlates with other behavioural traits, in particular aggressiveness, exploration behaviour and neophobia. Yet, whether such links result from among-individual correlations, i.e. form behavioural syndromes sensu stricto, is often ignored and whether such syndromes may yield individual fitness benefits, and thus be selected for, remains poorly explored. We measured boldness as the nest defence behaviour against a dummy nest predator in a natural population of a small passerine bird, the collared flycatcher, Ficedula albicollis , and investigated the existence of a behavioural syndrome between boldness and two other behavioural traits, aggressiveness (measured as the agonistic response to competitors) and neophobia (measured as the behavioural response to a novel object in a known environment). Then we assessed the links between this potential syndrome and reproductive success, measured as fledging and recruitment success. Boldness score differed between the sexes and depended on whether the partner was present during the test. Nevertheless, it was repeatable, showing that boldness can be considered as a personality trait in our population. We found a positive among-individual correlation between boldness and aggressiveness, showing the existence of a behavioural syndrome between both personality traits. This syndrome was related to reproductive success: the number of fledged young (but not recruitment probability) increased with one integrative value of the boldness–aggressiveness syndrome. Conversely, boldness score was not correlated with neophobia. Our results thus clearly reveal a behavioural syndrome between boldness and aggressiveness with possible consequences for reproductive success in the study population, and therefore raise the question of the evolutionary implications of such a behavioural syndrome. • Boldness is an important personality trait often correlated with other traits. • We measured boldness in a nest defence context in collared flycatchers. • Boldness was repeatable but not heritable in the study population. • We found a behavioural syndrome between boldness and aggressiveness but not neophobia. • A measure of this behavioural syndrome was related to the number of fledged young. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It remains controversial whether general anaesthetic drugs contribute to perioperative neurocognitive disorders in adult patients. Preclinical studies have generated conflicting results, likely because of differing animal models, study protocols, and measured outcomes. This scoping review of preclinical studies addressed the question: 'Do general anaesthetic drugs cause cognitive deficits in adult animals that persist after the drugs have been eliminated from the brain?'Methods: Reports of preclinical studies in the MEDLINE database published from 1953 to 2021 were examined. A structured review process was used to assess original studies of cognitive behaviours, which were measured after treatment (≥24 h) with commonly used general anaesthetic drugs in adult animals.Results: The initial search yielded 380 articles, of which 106 were fully analysed. The most frequently studied animal model was male (81%; n=86/106) rodents (n=106/106) between 2-3 months or 18-20 months of age. Volatile anaesthetic drugs were more frequently studied than injected drugs, and common outcomes were memory behaviours assessed using the Morris water maze and fear conditioning assays. Cognitive deficits were detected in 77% of studies (n=82/106) and were more frequent in studies of older animals (89%), after inhaled anaesthetics, and longer drug treatments. Limitations of the studies included a lack of physiological monitoring, mortality data, and risk of bias attributable to the absence of randomisation and blinding.Conclusions: Most studies reported cognitive deficits after general anaesthesia, with age, use of volatile anaesthetic drugs, and duration of anaesthesia as risk factors. Recommendations to improve study design and guide future research are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Burrowing behaviour is used to assess pain-associated behaviour in laboratory rodents. To gain insight into how models of disease-associated persistent pain and analgesics affect burrowing behaviour, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that assessed burrowing behaviour. A systematic search in March 2020 and update in September 2020 was conducted in 4 databases. Study design characteristics and experimental data were extracted, followed by a random-effects meta-analysis. We explored the association between burrowing and monofilament-induced limb withdrawal. Dose response relationship was investigated for some analgesics. Forty-five studies were included in the meta-analysis, in which 16 model types and 14 drug classes were used. Most experiments used rat (79%) and male (72%) animals. Somatic inflammation and trauma-induced neuropathy models were associated with reduced burrowing behaviour. Analgesics (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and gabapentinoids) attenuated burrowing deficits in these models. Reporting of measures to reduce risk of bias was unclear except for randomisation which was high. There was not a correlation ( R2 = 0.1421) between burrowing and monofilament-induced limb withdrawal. Opioids, gabapentin, and naproxen showed reduced burrowing behaviour at high doses, whereas ibuprofen and celecoxib showed opposite trend. The findings indicate that burrowing could be used to assess pain-associated behaviour. We support the use of a portfolio of composite measures including spontaneous and stimulus-evoked tests. The information collected here could help in designing experiments involving burrowing assessment in models of disease-associated pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anorexia nervosa disease is an eating deficiency that occurs around 1 per 100 individuals. The present study was conducted to assess the effects of malnutrition (animal anorexia nervosa models) via removing certain elements from food on liver functions and behaviours of female rats. Eighteen Females of rats were divided into three groups: Control, in which food intake quantity was 25 g /day, moderately food-restricted Group, in which food intake quantity was 15 g /day, and severe food-restricted Group, in which food intake quantity was 5 g /day, for 90 days. Physiological parameters, liver histopathological analysis, and the behaviour measurement by multiple T maze tests were examined. All food-restricted groups observed a significant increase (p<0.05) in aminotransferase, Malondialdehyde and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Antioxidant activity, acid phosphatase, hepatic protein, glycogen and serotonin levels were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in all food-restricted groups. The hyperactivity behaviour appeared as a feature of restricted rats. Histopathological examinations indicated a marked alteration in the hepatocyte with features of autophagy in the restricted Group. Food-restriction (animal anorexia nervosa model) in rats caused disorders in hepatic aminotransferase and serotonin levels and antioxidant activity in addition to hyperactivity behaviours with changes in the liver histological structure in the restricted Group. The study focused on the effect deficiency in essential nutrients needed by the body may have side effects on liver functions and behavioural activity of the animals linked with food searching was measured by multiple T maze tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context In folk medicine, erxian decoction (EXD) is used to treat perimenopausal syndrome in women. It is also used clinically to treat depression, but the mechanism remains unknown. Objectives To investigate the neuroprotective effect of EXD, and its antidepressant potential. Materials and methods ICR mice were treated with EXD (0.5, 1.5 and 4.5 g/kg i.g.) and fluoxetine (6.0 mg/kg i.g.) for 10 days. On day 10 of the treatment, depression-like behaviour was induced by reserpine (2.5 mg/kg injected i.p.), and after 24 h of reserpine administration, it was assessed using the tail suspension and forced swimming tests. MTT assay, lactate dehydrogenase test, flow cytometry analysis, Hoechst staining and western blotting were used to assess the apoptosis of PC12 cells. Apoptosis proteins and neurotransmitter were tested in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Results MTT assay results showed corticosterone prevented cell growth, but EXD at concentrations of 100, 200 and 400 μg/mL restored cell viability (EC50: 204.016 μg/mL). EXD decreased lactate dehydrogenase leakage from 63.48 to 43.60 U/L, and upregulated expression of Bcl-2 while the expression of Bax, caspase-3 and caspase-8 were decreased in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, EXD improved depression-like behaviour in mice, and 4.5 g/kg EXD treatment increased the secretion of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine by 67.44, 28.12 and 42.12 pg/mg, respectively, in hypothalamus compared to that of reserpine group. Discussion and conclusions EXD demonstrated neuroprotective effects and improved depression-like behaviour in mice. Further research should be focussed on the mechanism of the active components in EXD.

Objective: To investigate the neuroprotective efficacy of pomegranate and ellagic acid on the histopathological changes in the hippocampus of an aluminium chloride (AlCl3) induced rat model of Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups (n=10 each): Group I : serving as negative control; Group II, Alzheimer model, induced by administration of 17 mg/kg bw AlCl3; Group III, administered the same dose of AlCl3 with 50 mg/kg of pomegranate peel extract and Group IV : administered ellagic acid (50 mg/kg) in addition to the same dose of AlCl3. The medication given to all groups continued for 28 days. All were given the compounds by gastric gavage. Radial arm maze test, hippocampus antioxidant markers, histopathology of the dentate gyrus, and CA3 of the hippocampus were evaluated. Results: Rats treated with pomegranate peel extract exposed to radial arm maze test showed less number of errors and reduced time needed to reach the criterion. There was an increase in the levels of glutathione, catalase, and total antioxidant capacity and decreased lipid peroxidation products. Histopathological features in dentate gyrus and CA3 as apoptosis and chromatolysis of pyramidal cells and granular layer, respectively, were decreased. Alzheimer characteristic neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques were reduced. Treatment with ellagic acid ameliorated the pathological results but to a statistically lower level. Conclusions: Pomegranate peel extract alleviates memory deficit and restores antioxidant homeostasis following degenerative changes in the hippocampus induced by aluminium chloride in rats.

Objective For many generations, most species of farm animals have been subjected to intense and strictly targeted selection for improvement of their performance traits. This has led to substantial changes in animal anatomy and physiology, which resulted in considerable differences between the current animal breeds and their wild ancestors. The aim of the study was to determine whether there is breed-specific variability in behaviour as well as differences in emotional reactivity and preferences of laying hens. Methods The investigations involved 50 Green-legged Partridge, 50 Polbar, and 50 Leghorn hens. All birds were kept in the same conditions, and the behavioural tests were carried out at 30 weeks of age. We used the tonic immobility test and a modified open-field test including such objects as water, commercial feed, feed enriched with cereal grains, finely cut straw, and insect larvae, a sandpit, a mirror, and a shelter imitating a hen nest. Results The research results demonstrate that the birds of the analysed breeds differ not only in the excitability and emotional reactivity but, importantly, also in the preferences for environment-enriching elements. Ensuring hens’ well-being should therefore be based on environmental modifications that will facilitate acquisition of essential elements of chickens’ behaviour. The greatest emotional reactivity was found in the Leghorn breed, which may be a result of correlated selection aimed at an increase in chicken productivity. Conclusion The differences in the behaviour of the birds from the analysed breeds indicate that laying hens cannot be regarded as one group of animals with the same environmental requirements.

Psychiatric drugs are among the leading medications prescribed for humans, with their presence in aquatic environments raising concerns relating to potentially harmful effects on non-target organisms. Nortriptyline (NTP) is a selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor antidepressant, widely used in clinics and found in environmental water matrices. In this study, we evaluated the toxic effects of NTP on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos and early larval stages. Developmental and mortality analyses were performed on zebrafish exposed to NTP for 168 h at concentrations ranging from 500 to 46,900 µg/L. Locomotor behaviour and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were evaluated by exposing embryos/larvae to lower NTP concentrations (0.006–500 µg/L). The median lethal NTP concentration after 168 h exposure was 2190 µg/L. Although we did not identify significant developmental changes in the treated groups, lack of equilibrium was already visible in surviving larvae exposed to ≥ 500 µg/L NTP. The behavioural analyses showed that NTP was capable of modifying zebrafish larvae swimming behaviour, even at extremely low (0.006 and 0.088 µg/L) environmentally relevant concentrations. We consistently observed a significant reduction in AChE activity in the animals exposed to 500 µg/L NTP. Our results highlight acute toxic effects of NTP on the early-life stages of zebrafish. Most importantly, exposure to environmentally relevant NTP concentrations may affect zebrafish larvae locomotor behaviour, which in turn could reduce the fitness of the species. More studies involving chronic exposure and sensitive endpoints are warranted to better understand the effect of NTP in a more realistic exposure scenario.

In folk medicine, erxian decoction (EXD) is used to treat perimenopausal syndrome in women. It is also used clinically to treat depression, but the mechanism remains unknown. To investigate the neuroprotective effect of EXD, and its antidepressant potential. ICR mice were treated with EXD (0.5, 1.5 and 4.5 g/kg i.g.) and fluoxetine (6.0 mg/kg i.g.) for 10 days. On day 10 of the treatment, depression-like behaviour was induced by reserpine (2.5 mg/kg injected i.p.), and after 24 h of reserpine administration, it was assessed using the tail suspension and forced swimming tests. MTT assay, lactate dehydrogenase test, flow cytometry analysis, Hoechst staining and western blotting were used to assess the apoptosis of PC12 cells. Apoptosis proteins and neurotransmitter were tested in vitro and in vivo, respectively. MTT assay results showed corticosterone prevented cell growth, but EXD at concentrations of 100, 200 and 400 μg/mL restored cell viability (EC50: 204.016 μg/mL). EXD decreased lactate dehydrogenase leakage from 63.48 to 43.60 U/L, and upregulated expression of Bcl-2 while the expression of Bax, caspase-3 and caspase-8 were decreased in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, EXD improved depression-like behaviour in mice, and 4.5 g/kg EXD treatment increased the secretion of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine by 67.44, 28.12 and 42.12 pg/mg, respectively, in hypothalamus compared to that of reserpine group. EXD demonstrated neuroprotective effects and improved depression-like behaviour in mice. Further research should be focussed on the mechanism of the active components in EXD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is a notorious invasive weed that has spread across most temperate regions of the world. The beetle (Ophraella communa) is considered to be an effective control agent against A. artemisiifolia. As an oligophagous insect, its olfactory system is extremely important for host seeking in the wild. To the best of our knowledge, there is no report on the molecular mechanisms underlying olfaction recognition in this beetle. Hence, in this study, we characterized the odorant receptor co‐receptor of O. communa and named it as 'OcomORco'. Real‐time quantitative PCR (qRT‐PCR) showed that, compared to the control treatment, RNA interference (RNAi) strongly reduced the expression of OcomORco by 89% in male and 90% in female beetles. Electroantennogram assay showed that the antennal response of both male and female beetles to four volatiles of A. artemisiifolia was significantly reduced. The injected male or female beetles lost their preference for plant leaves as observed in the behavioural tests. In addition, disruption of the expression of OcomORco resulted in a reduction of oviposition, while there was no difference in larval hatching rate between control and knockdown females. We demonstrated that OcomORco plays a vital role in olfactory perception and host search in O. communa, and it is involved in oviposition in an indirect way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gustatory system plays vital roles in food selection and feeding behaviours, as well as in other life activities in insects. In the process of taste perception, the functions of gustatory receptors are extremely important for insects. Trichogramma chilonis, a species of egg parasitoid, is often used as an effective biocontrol agent for agricultural and forestry pests. The utilization of T. chilonis has been well established, but the gustatory receptors, constituting the key factor in the molecular mechanism of gustation, are still unknown. In this study, we obtained two full-length cDNAs encoding putative sugar receptors (TchiGR64f1 and TchiGR64f2), and the qRT-PCR results showed that TchiGR64f1 and TchiGR64f2 were expressed from the larval to adult stages. The expression of TchiGR64f1 and TchiGR64f2 differed between male and female adults. Functional analysis of TchiGR64f1 and TchiGR64f2 was conducted based on the Xenopus oocyte expression system and the two-electrode voltage-clamp system. The electrophysiological results showed that the combination of TchiGR64f1 + TchiGR64f2 was exclusively tuned to sucrose. Then, T. chilonis adults showed a preference for sucrose in a behavioural experiment. Additionally, sucrose consumption prolonged the lifespan and improved the fecundity of T. chilonis. These results not only enrich the reservoir of information on gustatory receptors in T. chilonis but also provide basic knowledge for further research on taste reception and for the development of a better strategy for the application of T. chilonis in biocontrol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine whether birds of different breeds, with different preferences for environmental elements and kept in identical conditions, would exhibit different behaviour and stress levels. The research material consisted of 50 laying hens of the Green-legged partridge (Zk), Polbar (Pb), and Leghorn (Lg) breeds. The birds were provided with identical environmental conditions. They were kept on litter in separate boxes, with 25 individuals of one breed per box, in the same building. An open field test was used in determining the behaviour of the birds. Levels of cortisol in serum and corticosterone in feathers were evaluated, and haematological and biochemical analyses of blood were performed. Leghorns proved to be a highly excitable and active breed whose needs cannot be fully satisfied in the standard conditions of large farms. Based on a differential leukocyte count, their hyperactivity was associated with increased stress. The Green-legged partridge exhibited the lowest stress levels. Birds kept in the same environmental conditions were found to differ significantly in the level of stress, probably because of differences in their behavioural needs and the possibilities of satisfying them. To reduce stress levels and improve the welfare of hens, it is necessary to verify their preferences first. Stress indicators are elevated in highly excitable birds, and the conditions on large farms are not conducive to meeting their behavioural needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Lymnaea stagnalis , a reductionistic, yet sophisticated model to address fundamental questions in learning and memory. • Learning and memory in snails have been highly conserved. • The "molecular actors" memory are similar both across phylogenetic groups and learning paradigms. • Lymnaea stagnalis teach us the importance of context. • Lymnaea stagnalis to understand in what conditions we memorize, we eat, we memorize, we age. • Lymnaea is a valid and reliable model to move research from pond to bench to bedside. The purpose of this review is to illustrate how a reductionistic, but sophisticated, approach based on the use of a simple model system such as the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis (L. stagnalis) , might be useful to address fundamental questions in learning and memory. L. stagnalis, as a model, provides an interesting platform to investigate the dialog between the synapse and the nucleus and vice versa during memory and learning. More importantly, the "molecular actors" of the memory dialogue are well-conserved both across phylogenetic groups and learning paradigms, involving single- or multi-trials, aversion or reward, operant or classical conditioning. At the same time, this model could help to study how, where and when the memory dialog is impaired in stressful conditions and during aging and neurodegeneration in humans and thus offers new insights and targets in order to develop innovative therapies and technology for the treatment of a range of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: For many generations, most species of farm animals have been subjected to intense and strictly targeted selection for improvement of their performance traits. This has led to substantial changes in animal anatomy and physiology, which resulted in considerable differences between the current animal breeds and their wild ancestors. The aim of the study was to determine whether there is breed-specific variability in behaviour as well as differences in emotional reactivity and preferences of laying hens. Methods: The investigations involved 50 Green-legged Partridge, 50 Polbar, and 50 Leghorn hens. All birds were kept in the same conditions, and the behavioural tests were carried out at 30 weeks of age. We used the tonic immobility test and a modified open-field test including such objects as water, commercial feed, feed enriched with cereal grains, finely cut straw, and insect larvae, a sandpit, a mirror, and a shelter imitating a hen nest. Results: The research results demonstrate that the birds of the analysed breeds differ not only in the excitability and emotional reactivity but, importantly, also in the preferences for environment-enriching elements. Ensuring hens' well-being should therefore be based on environmental modifications that will facilitate acquisition of essential elements of chickens' behaviour. The greatest emotional reactivity was found in the Leghorn breed, which may be a result of correlated selection aimed at an increase in chicken productivity. Conclusion: The differences in the behaviour of the birds from the analysed breeds indicate that laying hens cannot be regarded as one group of animals with the same environmental requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to assess the behaviour of chicks of three different breeds of laying hens differing in the activity, emotional reactivity, and environmental preferences. Another objective was to answer the question whether the behavioural differences between adult birds would be evident already in the chick period or whether they are an effect of the further modifying impact of the environment. 60 green-legged partridge, 60 Polbar, and 60 Leghorn chicks were used in the experiments. The chicks hatched in a flock where hens were previously assessed with behavioural tests and the corticosterone levels in their feathers was determined, indicating significant differences in the temperament and stress level between the breeds. Five tests were carried out: two on competitiveness, activity, interest and fearfulness/curiosity. The experiments revealed considerable differences between the chicks. The Zk birds coped better with situations requiring swiftness and initiative. The Pb chicks were slower than Zk and Lg and did not make quick decisions. Hence, a lower number of these birds entering and leaving the test cage and staying inside was recorded. The Zk chicks exhibited a higher level of fearfulness than the other breeds. In terms of the environment enrichment elements, sand and woodchips were more attractive to the Zk chicks, whereas the Lg and Pb birds preferred pecking the string. No differences in the time of undertaking the analysed activities were found between the breeds.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease, resulting not only in liver dysfunction, glucose and lipid metabolism disorder, but also in neuropsychiatric damage. In the present study, a NAFLD rat model was established via feeding of a high-fat diet, and behaviour was observed via the open field test (OFT), the sucrose preference test (SPT), the elevated plus maze (EPM), the forced swimming test (FST) and the Morris water maze (MWM). The plasma concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glucose, free fatty acid (FFA), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were detected using chemiluminescence technique. The plasma levels of nesfatin-1, leptin and insulin were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the protein expressions of p-glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), GSK-3β, p-β-catenin, β-catenin, cyclinD and copine 6 in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) were detected using western blotting. After 4 consecutive weeks of feeding with a high-fat diet, the rats showed obesity; increased plasma concentrations of ALT, glucose, FFA, TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C; decreased plasma levels of leptin and insulin; and inflammation and mild hepatocyte steatosis in the liver. Although there was no significant difference between groups with regard to performance in the OFT, EPM or FST, the NAFLD rats showed a decreased sucrose preference index in the SPT and impaired learning and memory in the MWM task. Moreover, the present study provides the first evidence of an increased plasma nesfatin-1 concentration in NAFLD rats, which was significantly correlated with plasma lipid concentrations and behavioural performance. Furthermore, copine 6 and p-β-catenin protein expression decreased and p-GSK-3β increased in the hippocampus and PFC of NAFLD rats. These results suggest that consuming of a high-fat diet for 4 consecutive weeks could successfully induce a NAFLD rat model. More importantly, these results provide the first evidence that impaired learning and memory in NAFLD rats was, at least partly, associated with increased plasma nesfatin-1 concentration and decreased copine 6 expression in the hippocampus and PFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of regular daily handling on weight gain and on the fear reaction towards a new environment and human beings in domestic kits (Tonic Immobility test: TI, Emergence test: ET). Two groups in the same environment and fed the same diet were analysed: handled group and control (17 litters, 9 kits/litter per group). No differences in weight gain were recorded. During ET at 33 days of age, handled kits took less time to enter the arena than control group kits. TI duration was shorter in handled kits, which required more inductions than the control group. It was found that minimal human contact imposed before nursing reduced the fear of humans in rabbit kits. Our handling method requires minimal contact and can be used to reduce fear and improve welfare in rabbits. Moreover, the short length of the handling procedure allows stockpersons to produce tamer rabbits, reducing stress levels.

Today, there is good knowledge of the physiological basis of bird colour vision and how mathematical models can be used to predict visual thresholds. However, we still know only little about how colour vision changes between different viewing conditions. This limits the understanding of how colour signalling is configured in habitats where the light of the illumination and the background may shift dramatically. I examined how colour discrimination in zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) is affected by adaptation to different backgrounds. I trained finches in a two-alternative choice task, to choose between red discs displayed on backgrounds with different colours. I found that discrimination thresholds correlate with stimulus contrast to the background. Thresholds are low, and in agreement with model predictions, for a background with a red colour similar to the discs. For the most contrasting green background, thresholds are about five times higher than this. Subsequently, I trained the finches for the detection of single discs on a grey background. Detection thresholds are about 2.5 to 3 times higher than discrimination thresholds. This study demonstrates close similarities in human and bird colour vision, and the quantitative data offer a new possibility to account for shifting viewing conditions in colour vision models.

Selection during the last decades has split some established dog breeds into morphologically and behaviourally divergent types. These breed splits are interesting models for behaviour genetics since selection has often been for few and well-defined behavioural traits. The aim of this study was to explore behavioural differences between selection lines in golden and Labrador retriever, in both of which a split between a common type (pet and conformation) and a field type (hunting) has occurred. We hypothesized that the behavioural profiles of the types would be similar in both breeds. Pedigree data and results from a standardized behavioural test from 902 goldens (698 common and 204 field) and 1672 Labradors (1023 and 649) were analysed. Principal component analysis revealed six behavioural components: curiosity, play interest, chase proneness, social curiosity, social greeting and threat display. Breed and type affected all components, but interestingly there was an interaction between breed and type for most components. For example, in Labradors the common type had higher curiosity than the field type ( F1,1668 = 18.359; P < 0.001), while the opposite was found in goldens ( F1,897 = 65.201; P < 0.001). Heritability estimates showed considerable genetic contributions to the behavioural variations in both breeds, but different heritabilities between the types within breeds was also found, suggesting different selection pressures. In conclusion, in spite of similar genetic origin and similar recent selection criteria, types behave differently in the breeds. This suggests that the genetic architecture related to behaviour differs between the breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It may be assumed that the satisfaction from horse riding ultimately results in positive feelings for the mount and stimulates motivation for supplying high standards of welfare to the horse. The aim of the present study was to assess the usefulness of a simple behavioural test enabling the differentiation of horses in terms of their potential to be satisfying mounts. Seventeen leisure horses were subjects of behavioural tests and a test ride. The tests comprised leading the horse in hand and riding through a 30-m path containing in its middle novel objects: a coloured carton (C) on the side or a blanket (B) on the ground. Test riders were surveyed to rate their satisfaction from the ride, general feelings for the horse, its sensitivity to the rider's seat and hands, focus on the rider and on the surroundings, as well the perceived safety and obedience of the horse. The more time a given horse needed to cross the path, the less satisfaction and less positive feelings were declared by riders after a test ride. Responsiveness to hands, seat and the focus on the rider were highly predictive of rider's satisfaction, as well as obedience during the ride in trot and canter. Similarly, the perception of safety in walk, trot and canter was an important factor of satisfaction. For testing the differences in behavioural characteristics which contribute to a satisfactory and safe use of horses, we propose CB tests for preliminary appraisal of horses designated for recreational pursuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a comprehensive overview of methods for evaluating the suitability of trainee dogs for assistance and guide work. It presents both current practices in industry as well as modern techniques with the aim of identifying important behavioural traits. It is divided into (1) selection and training methods, including breed, genetics, and training programme considerations; (2) behaviour assessment methods such as traditional test batteries, individual ratings and observational tests plus emerging techniques such as canine activity monitoring; (3) physiological assessment methods including cardiac, respiratory and hormonal biomarkers. Assistance dog organisations around the world share a similar overall structure of their training programmes and behavioural assessment methods, however the implementation details vary as no standardised technique is widely employed. Physiological indicators have demonstrated great potential to estimate affective states and personality characteristics such as emotional regulation and coping style. Further investigation is encouraged to validate and define the use of physiological measures to complement behavioural scores in evaluating the suitability of prospective dogs for assistance work. A number of commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) devices are discussed in the terms of their suitability and reliability for monitoring canine activities and cardio-respiratory parameters. This interdisciplinary collaboration is key to further understanding the connection between behaviour and physiology, allowing a more complete evaluation of an individual's capability which will ultimately enable a highly accurate prediction of their training outcome. We recommend that assistance dog organisations and researchers work together to design new assessment protocols considering validated practices and promising techniques from state-of-the-art literature. • Current considerations include breed, genetics, age and training programme. • Popular behavioural assessments are test batteries, ratings and observational tests. • Studies are needed to validate canine activity monitor's measures of behaviour. • Physiological sensors should be validated against gold standard for use in dogs. • A combination of behavioural and physiological assessment methods is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ipomoea carnea is a toxic plant that affects goats, with symptoms being characterised by nervous disorders and death. Swainsonine and calystegines are the principal toxic components isolated from I. carnea, which also yields lysergic acid derivatives. The aim of this study was to improve the clinical characterisation of experimental intoxication by I. carnea in guinea pigs through the evaluation of behavioural changes and to perform a thorough histopathological analysis of the affected CNS. Leaves of I. carnea were administered to guinea pigs. Open-field gait analysis and monoamine levels were measured. The poisoned animals exhibited increased vocalisation, lethargy, and a reduction in the locomotion frequency after the fourth week of intoxication, as demonstrated in the open-field test. Significant differences were observed in hind-limb gait width by the last week of intoxication. After 65 days, the guinea pigs were euthanised, necropsied, and examined using light and electron microscopy. At the end of the experiment, plasma serotonin decreased. In contrast, dopamine decreased, and noradrenaline increased in urine. Brain sections were evaluated with conventional histological methods and immunohistochemistry (IHC), as well as by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Vacuoles were observed throughout the brain, but they were particularly prominent in the brainstem. In addition, there were PAS-negative regions, and the Nissl substance was dispersed or absent, which was confirmed with the Kluver-Barreda stain. Moderate microgliosis was observed by immunohistochemistry. In the medulla oblongata, numerous ubiquitin-positive spheroids together with neuronal degeneration were observed in the nucleus gracilis/cuneatus. Furthermore, vacuoles were observed in astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and endothelial cells by TEM. Our results showed that the behavioural effects may have been caused by alterations in the brain in conjunction with changes in monoamine levels. This research confirms the utility of this model for studying the pathogenesis of plant-induced lysosomal storage diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The spectral sensitivity of adult male Cupiennius salei Keys, a nocturnal hunting spider, was studied in a behavioural test. As known from earlier behavioural tests, C. salei will walk towards a black target presented in front of a white background. In this study, a black target (size 42×70cm) was presented in a white arena illuminated by monochromatic light in the range 365-695nm using 19 monochromatic filters (half-width in the range 6-10nm). In the first trial, the transmission of the optical filters was between 40% and 80%. In the second trial, the transmission was reduced to 5% using a neutral density filter. At the high intensity, the spiders showed a spectral sensitivity in the range 380-670nm. In the second trial, the animals only showed directed walks if the illumination was in the range 449-599nm, indicating a lower sensitivity at the margins of the spectral sensitivity. In previous intracellular recordings, the measured spectral sensitivity was between 320 and 620nm. Interestingly, these results do not completely match the behaviourally tested spectral sensitivity of the photoreceptors, where the sensitivity range is shifted to longer wavelengths. In order to investigate the molecular background of spectral sensitivity, we searched for opsin genes in C. salei. We found three visual opsins that correspond to UV and middle to long wavelength sensitive opsins as described for jumping spiders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present study investigated the long-term consistency of individual differences in dairy cattles’ responses in tests of behavioural and hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenocortical (HPA) axis reactivity, as well as the relationship between responsiveness in behavioural tests and the reaction to first milking. Two cohorts of heifer calves, Cohorts 1 (N =25) and 2 (N =16), respectively, were examined longitudinally from the rearing period until adulthood. Cohort 1 heifers were subjected to open field (OF), novel object (NO), restraint, and response to a human tests at 7 months of age, and were again observed in an OF test during first pregnancy between 22 and 24 months of age. Subsequently, inhibition of milk ejection and stepping and kicking behaviours were recorded in Cohort 1 heifers during their first machine milking. Cohort 2 heifers were individually subjected to OF and NO tests as well as two HPA axis reactivity tests (determining ACTH and/or cortisol response profiles after administration of exogenous CRH and ACTH, respectively) at 6 months of age and during first lactation at approximately 29 months of age. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to condense correlated response measures (to behavioural tests and to milking) within ages into independent dimensions underlying heifers’ reactivity. Heifers demonstrated consistent individual differences in locomotion and vocalisation during an OF test from rearing to first pregnancy (Cohort 1) or first lactation (Cohort 2). Individual differences in struggling in a restraint test at 7 months of age reliably predicted those in OF locomotion during first pregnancy in Cohort 1 heifers. Cohort 2 animals with high cortisol responses to OF and NO tests and high avoidance of the novel object at 6 months of age also exhibited enhanced cortisol responses to OF and NO tests at 29 months of age. Measures of HPA axis reactivity, locomotion, vocalisation and adrenocortical and behavioural responses to novelty were largely uncorrelated, supporting the idea that stress responsiveness in dairy cows is mediated by multiple independent underlying traits. Inhibition of milk ejection and stepping and kicking behaviours during first machine milking were not related to earlier struggling during restraint, locomotor responses to OF and NO tests, or the behavioural interaction with a novel object. Heifers with high rates of OF and NO vocalisation and short latencies to first contact with the human at 7 months of age exhibited better milk ejection during first machine milking. This suggests that low underlying sociality might be implicated in the inhibition of milk ejection at the beginning of lactation in heifers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We tested whether suppressing disgust related thoughts, compared with no suppression, differentially affected target thought frequency and emotional responses, and whether this was related to participants'' cognitive inhibition abilities. We also tested whether different control instructions during a thought control task would affect performance on a subsequent behavioural avoidance task involving disgust related stimuli. Sixty university students, pre-selected on their level of disgust propensity/sensitivity, were instructed to either suppress or not to suppress all target-related thoughts following viewing of a disgust-related film fragment. Thought suppression immediately reduced target thought frequency, but only for participants with good inhibitory control. Thought suppression led to sustained thought frequency and levels of disgust after suppression was lifted, whereas a significant drop was observed for these measures in the no-suppression group. Thought control instructions did not affect performance on the behavioural avoidance task at the group level. However, regression analyses showed that changes in thought frequency during thought suppression interacted with beliefs concerning importance of thoughts and thought control when predicting fear and disgust reactions during the behavioural task. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Development of relevant models of Parkinson''s disease (PD) is essential for a better understanding of the pathological processes underlying the human disease and for the evaluation of promising targets for therapeutic intervention. To date, most pre-clinical studies have been performed in the well-established rodent and non-human primate models using injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) or 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydroxypyridine (MPTP). Overexpression of the disease-causing protein α-synuclein (α-syn), using adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors, has provided a novel model that recapitulates many features of the human disease. In the present study we compared the AAV-α-syn rat model with models where the nigro-striatal pathway is lesioned by injection of 6-OHDA in the striatum (partial lesion) or the medial forebrain bundle (full lesion). Examination of the behavioural changes over time revealed a different progression and magnitude of the motor impairment. Interestingly, dopamine (DA) neuron loss is prominent in both the toxin and the AAV-α-syn models. However, α-syn overexpressing animals were seen to exhibit less cell and terminal loss for an equivalent level of motor abnormalities. Prominent and persistent axonal pathology is only observed in the α-syn rat model. We suggest that, while neuronal and terminal loss mainly accounts for the behavioural impairment in the toxin-based model, similar motor deficits result from the combination of cell death and dysfunction of the remaining nigro-striatal neurons in the AAV-α-syn model. While the two models have been developed to mimic DA neuron deficiency, they differ in their temporal and neuropathological characteristics, and replicate different aspects of the pathophysiology of the human disease. This study suggests that the AAV-α-syn model replicates the human pathology more closely than either of the other two 6-OHDA lesion models. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present study aimed to evaluate an experimental approach to individually assess social reactivity among sheep. INRA401 male lambs (n =163) were reared together outdoors as part of a larger flock. Fifteen days after weaning the animals were individually exposed to an arena test of 2 phases (1-social attraction, 2-social isolation) during which proximity toward conspecifics and vocal and locomotor reactivity were measured. One day after the test their inter-individual distances were measured when grazing over a 2-h period in order to estimate their sociability on pasture. This was made using scan sampling recording the identity of the nearest neighbour for each individual, which led to the establishment of a sociability index. Overall, we found that high-pitched bleats recorded during the attraction phase (r =0.22) and the isolation phase (r =0.23) of the arena test as well as the locomotor activity measured during the isolation phase (r =0.27) were positively correlated with the sociability index. Furthermore, the behaviour of lambs during the isolation phase of the arena test (i.e. vocal and locomotor agitation) appeared to be a significant predictor explaining 13% of the variance of the sociability on pasture. The behavioural reactivity measured through the arena test thus reflects at least to some extent the sociability of sheep. Those results are very encouraging as they suggest that the sociability of lambs could indeed be evaluated through a short experimental test, which is less time consuming than field ethological observations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis, is a destructive pest that attacks many species of deciduous hardwood trees. One of its natural enemies is Dastarcus helophoroides that parasitizes many species of longhorned beetles. Larval frass from six different host tree species varied in attraction to D. helophoroides adults, and frass from one host species, Acer negundo, showed no attraction at all. This information has practical benefits to evaluating the efficacy of D. helophoroides as a biological control agent for A. glabripennis and increases our understanding of the co-evolution between this parasitoid, its host, and host food trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to develop reliable and easy-to-use tests for on-farm assessment of sow reactivity to human in different housing systems. A total of 123 gestating sows at different parities and stages of pregnancy were successively subjected to two tests according to their housing systems: an approach (AS) test and a handling (HS) test for the stall-housed sows and an approach (AG) test and a handling (HG) test for the group-housed sows. The tests were video-recorded. Intra- and inter-observer reliabilities, test–retest reliability, and reproducibility according to the experience of the observer were assessed and the effects of testing order and time of the day were studied. Intra-observer reliability was assessed by double video observation of the same tests by one observer and was high to very high (kappa coefficient κ >0.73). Inter-observer reliability between two observers was moderate to very high (κ >0.61). Test–retest reliability (i.e. consistency of the sow response over time) was medium to very high for the AS and HS tests. The effect of observer experience in pig behaviour and/or management on the reliability of video observation of the AS and HS tests was also studied. The naive group obtained higher reliability than the other groups, which were more experienced in behavioural observation and/or pig management. High to very high intra- and inter-observer reliabilities were obtained regardless of the experience of the observers for continuous variables (κ >0.83) but not for categorical ones (κ <0.71). There was no significant effect of testing order on the sow response in the AG and HG tests, and time of the day had no impact on the sow response to the AS and HS tests. Because they are quick and easy to use in various housing systems and are also reproducible and reliable, those tests are promising tools for assessing sow welfare on farms. To ensure that the reliability of the tests is high, however, appropriate training to the observers and precise definitions of the behavioural responses are required. Moreover, the ability of those tests to discriminate animals according to their reactivity to humans needs to be further investigated. Finally, studying those tests on a higher number of sows with a higher variability in their individual characteristics and housing conditions would help precise their applicability for on-farm use. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The emotion fear promotes the fitness of wild animals. In a farm environment, exaggerated fear, e.g., in horses, can cause several problems. Therefore, knowledge about fear in horses helps to prevent or to handle potential fear-inducing situations. The present study investigated which behavioural fear responses can be observed during exposure of horses to a novel stimulus, whether these behavioural responses are correlated with physiological changes, and whether and how specifically these changes are reduced after habituation training to one of the novel objects. Our data shows that behavioural and physiological fear responses in horses are correlated, are reliable to observe and to measure, and appear in a typical chronological order. Furthermore, after habituation-training to an object, the fear response to this object is specifically attenuated whereas the fear response to another object remains. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Integration into human societies requires dogs to express adaptable social attitudes, involving high levels of attention to other individuals. In the present study, we developed a new behavioural test, to characterize selective attention towards humans. In the task, the dogs were exposed to the owner and an unfamiliar person, repeatedly entering the experimental room and leaving through different doors; at the end of the sequence the dogs were allowed to approach the doors. Attention was measured as the average length of gaze bouts and as the overall duration of visual orientation towards the different targets. Dogs gave preferential attention to the owner, who received longer gaze bouts and greater overall attention than the stranger. The preference was confirmed by the significant proportion of dogs that directed attention to the owner’s door at the end of the task. A modified version of the task was employed to measure dogs’ attention when the person’s head was not visible. This condition caused a decrease in attention parameters towards the owner. To determine the effects of old age on attention, the two tasks were then administered to dogs aged 7 years and older. Compared to adults, aged dogs showed lower owner-directed attention when the owner was not in sight and were more likely not to move at the end of the task. The results provide the first evidence that dogs’ interspecific attention depends on the nature of the dog–human relationship, on the availability of some distinctive features of the social stimulus and on the age of the dog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of 2-(substituted aryloxy)-5-(substituted benzylidene)-3-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-1H-[1,2,4] triazin-6-one were designed & synthesized using appropriate synthetic route keeping in view the structural requirement of pharmacophore and evaluated for anticonvulsant activity and CNS activities. After intraperitoneal injection to mice, some synthesized derivatives were examined in the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazol (scPTZ) induced seizure and neurotoxicity screens. Those found potent were also evaluated for behavioural impairment and depression activity. Among the compound tested, 5 eIX showed protection from seizures in both the animal models at dose level of 30mg/kg while 5 bII &5 cII showed protection against scPTZ model at same dose level. Some titled compounds exhibited lesser CNS depression and neurotoxicity compared to clinically effective drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of N’-[(5-chloro-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methylene] 2/4-substituted hydrazides were synthesized using appropriate synthetic route and characterized by elemental analysis and spectral data. The anticonvulsant activity of some of the synthesized compounds were evaluated against maximal electroshock induced seizure (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazol (scPTZ) induced seizure models in mice. The neurotoxicity were assessed using the rotorod method. All the test compounds were administered at doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg body weight and the anticonvulsant activity was noted at 0.5 and 4 h time intervals after the drug administration. Among the compound tested, all except 5g showed protection from seizures in both the animal models. Some titled compounds exhibited lesser CNS depression and neurotoxicity compared to phenytoin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Batteries of tests that are thought to measure different aspects of anxiety-related behaviour are used to characterise mice after genetic or pharmacological manipulation. However, because of the potentially confounding effects of repeated testing and natural intra-individual variations in behaviour over time, subjecting mice to a succession of tests is not ideal. The aim of this study was to investigate, in mice, the utility of an integrated apparatus that combines three classical tests of anxiety, the open field, elevated plus maze (EPM) and light/dark box. Mice from four different strains (CD-1, BALB/cJ, DBA/2J, C57BL/6J) were used in a series of five experiments where their behaviour was observed for 15 min in the integrated apparatus. Responses to anxiety-modulating drugs and 2-day repeated testing were evaluated. CD-1 mice explored the apparatus thoroughly, providing measures from all areas throughout the entire testing session. Factor analysis showed that measures of locomotion and anxiety-related behaviour were dissociable. BALB/cJ, DBA/2J and C57BL/6J showed markedly different behavioural profiles, largely consistent with previous studies examining individual tests. Avoidance of aversive environments did not increase with repeated testing. In CD-1 mice, the anxiolytics diazepam and alprazolam (4 and 2 mg/kg, respectively) increased the approach towards the EPM open arms. Alprazolam also had sedative effects, whereas the anxiogenic pentylenetetrazole had no effects. These findings suggest that the triple test is sensitive to genetic/pharmacological influences on anxiety and locomotion and that, by providing quasi-simultaneous measures from three different apparatuses, it may represent an alternative to the use of test batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: It has been shown that Belgian military working dogs exhibit fearful and aggressive behaviour towards human and unknown environment. This study aims to assess the effects of a Human Familiarisation and Training Programme (HFTP: based on positive and frequent dog–handler interactions and training) on fearfulness and aggressiveness of military working dogs. Authors predicted that an Experimental Group of dogs submitted to this HFTP (=EG dogs) would be less fearful and aggressive during a standardised aggression test than a Control Group of dogs (CG dogs). Higher posture, less yawning and less aggressive behaviours were observed among EG dogs. Authors interpreted those differences in fearfulness and aggressive behaviour as a positive effect of this HFTP on dog''s welfare and concluded that this HFTP induced a better working dog–handler relationship. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present study assesses the reactions of military working dogs (MWDs) to potential aggression-inducing stimuli. A standardized aggression test was conducted on the dogs (n =31) and their behaviour was recorded on videotape and subsequently analyzed. The results of the test were compared with those from a questionnaire filled out by the handler prior to the test. Most dogs (83.87%) showed at least one act characteristic of aggressive behaviour during the test. In 69.35% of the cases, the dog''s posture was lower than neutral. The results of this study showed that the dogs reacted to this test with fear-related aggression, as dogs exhibiting aggressive biting behaviour express a lower posture than dogs exhibiting either threatening or non-aggressive biting behaviour (F 3488 =10.71, p <0.001). The results of the questionnaire showed that these patrol dogs have an important impact on the social and private life of the handlers. All dogs in this sample, which live at the handler''s home, come into contact with family members including children, unknown persons and other dogs. Fearfulness has been cited as the most common reason for rejecting potential working dogs [Goddard, M.E., Beilharz, R.G., 1984. A factor analysis of fearfulness in potential guide dogs. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 12, 253–265]. Therefore, in light of the important inter-specific interactions exhibited by these working dogs, measures are proposed to prevent and mitigate this undesirable temperamental trait. Further studies must be conducted to identify aggression-specific stimuli. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present study investigated the effects of a gentling programme on the later behaviour of laboratory rats towards humans. For that purpose, 24 female Wistar rats were purchased from a laboratory animal breeding facility at the age of 21 days and allocated, genetically balanced, to an experimental and a control group. The animals were kept under standard laboratory conditions in groups of three. The experimental group was subjected to a gentling programme twice daily for 10min per cage in the fourth and fifth week of life. This involved gentling and hand-feeding the animals. In addition, the animals were talked to during gentling. At the beginning of the 6th, 8th, 10th and 14th week of life as well as at the age of 6, 6.5 and 9 months the animals of both the experimental and the control group were subjected to tests in order to assess the rats’ behaviour towards humans. In the 14th week of life as well as at the age of 6 months the same test was additionally carried out by a person not familiar to the rats for the purpose of studying the animals’ behaviour towards unfamiliar persons. At each testing point a precisely defined, standardised test procedure was carried out, including among other things, repeated catching of the animals, neck grip, a hand test and a modified open field test involving a human stressor. Evaluation of the results was based on five primary endpoints which defined and summarised the most important parameters of the test procedure for the assessment of “tameness” towards humans. Significantly higher values in the primary endpoints were noted in the experimental group when compared to the control group in the test performed during the sixth week of life. The statistically estimated difference between the experimental and control groups was present until the age of 6 months. This suggested a higher level of “tameness” in the experimental group and a long-term effect of the gentling programme. Contrary to the experimental group, the control group showed a significant increase in tameness over time, which can be attributed to the animals getting used to the repeated tests or an age-related effect. The analysis of the difference between familiar and unfamiliar experimenters showed a borderline significant effect. The experimental and control groups were both slightly tamer with the unfamiliar person. The gentling programme had a beneficial long-term effect on the behaviour of the rats and proved suitable to reduce the laboratory rats’ fear of humans. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: α-Mannosidosis is a lysosomal storage disorder resulting from a functional deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme α-mannosidase. This deficiency results in the accumulation of various oligosaccharides in the lysosomes of affected individuals, causing somatic pathology and progressive neurological degeneration that results in cognitive deficits, ataxia, and other neurological symptoms. We have a naturally occurring guinea pig model of this disease which exhibits a deficiency of lysosomal α-mannosidase and has a similar clinical presentation to human α-mannosidosis. Various tests were developed in the present study to characterise and quantitate the loss of neurological function in α-mannosidosis guinea pigs and to follow closely the progression of the disease. General neurological examinations showed progressive differences in α-mannosidosis animals from approximately 1 month of age. Significant differences were observed in hind limb gait width from 2 months of age and significant cognitive (memory and learning) deficits were observed from 3 months of age. Evoked response tests showed an increase in somatosensory P1 peak latency in α-mannosidosis guinea pigs from approximately 2 months of age, as well as progressive hearing loss using auditory brainstem evoked responses. The α-mannosidosis guinea pig therefore appears to exhibit many of the characteristics of the human disease, and will be useful in evaluating therapies for treatment of central nervous system pathology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The major issues regarding the welfare of both farmed and laboratory rabbits are reviewed, according to husbandry and management systems. The main stressors that can affect welfare and homeostatic responses in rabbits are also reviewed. An overview of the most widespread housing systems for both farmed and laboratory rabbits is presented. The main problems related to housing and management are identified, in particular those related to individual and group housing, space requirements and group size, as well as human–animal interaction. The effects of psychological and physical stressors on physiology and behaviour are illustrated through examples in various rearing conditions. Psychological stressors include social stress and fear, while physical stressors include environmental variables such as housing system and climatic factors, i.e. heat. Welfare indicators are identified that can be monitored to determine the effects of individual and environmental variables on the animals'' possible coping strategies. Physiological indicators include the neuro-endocrine and psycho-neuro-immuno-endocrine measurements, while behavioural indicators include the behavioural repertoire and responses to behavioural tests. Some possible ways to enhance welfare are indicated, such as enrichment of the environment and improved handling procedures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]