Automutilação em abutre real (Sarcoramphus papa) mantido em cativeiro / Automutilation in real vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) maintained in captivity / Automutilación en un buitre dorado (Sarcoramphus papa) mantenido en cautividad

O abutre real (Sarcoramphus papa) é um pássaro compacto de cor extraordinária, cabeça nua, possui carúnculas e papilas carnudas vermelhas e alaranjadas em torno do bico, a íris é branca com um anel orbital vermelho. Em cativeiro, o estresse é uma condição bastante observada, o que pode levar a automutilação, podendo evoluir para lesões graves na pele e músculos. O objetivo do presente relato é descrever os procedimentos adotados em um caso de automutilação em Sarcoramphus papa, mantido em cativeiro, e a importância do manejo adequado para essa espécie em cativeiro. Foi atendido em um Hospital Veterinário Universitário, um urubu-rei apresentando ferimento contaminado, com exposição óssea na asa direita. Após tratamento o animal foi encaminhado para uma reserva conservacionista para que fosse condicionada a voltar para seu habitat natural.(AU)

The real vulture is a compact bird of extraordinary color (in adult plumage). Its bare head, as the scientific name suggests, has caricatures and fleshy red papillae applied around the beak, and an iris of the eye is white with a red orbital ring. In captivity, stress is a widely observed condition, which can lead to self-mutilation, which can progress to severe skin and muscle injuries. The purpose of this report is to describe the procedures adopted in the case of automation in Sarcoramphus papa, kept in captivity and with an importance of the appropriate manual for this species in captivity. He was seen at a University Veterinary Hospital, a king vulture showed a contaminated wound, with bone exposure on the right. After treatment or animal was sent to a conservation reserve to be conditioned and return to its natural habitat.(AU)

buitre real (Sarcoramphus papa) es un ave compacta de extraordinario color, cabeza desnuda, tiene carúnculas y papilas rojas y anaranjadas alrededor del pico, el iris es blanco con un anillo orbital rojo. En cautiverio, el estrés es una condición ampliamente observada, que puede llevar a la automutilación, posiblemente evolucionando en lesiones graves de la piel y los músculos. El objetivo del presente informe es describir los procedimientos adoptados en un caso de automutilación en Sarcoramphus papa, mantenido en cautividad, y la importancia del manejo adecuado para esta especie en cautividad. Un buitre real que presentaba una lesión contaminada con exposición ósea en el ala derecha fue tratado en un Hospital Universitario Veterinario. Tras el tratamiento, el animal fue enviado a una reserva de conservación para que pudiera ser acondicionado para volver a su hábitat natural.(AU)

How visitation affects the behavior and welfare of different species of captive amazonian primates? / Como a visitação afeta o comportamento e o bem-estar de diferentes espécies de primatas cativos da Amazônia? / ¿Cómo visitas afectan el comportamiento y bienestar de diferentes especies de primates en cautiverio en Amazonia?

This study had the purpose of understanding the effects of visitation on behavioral patterns and on the well-being of primates in captivity. Five Amazonian primate species were observed using the focal animal method: Ateles chamek, Ateles belzebuth, Ateles paniscus, Lagothrix cana, and Sapajus apella. Two categories of visitor behavioral observations were adopted - active and passive. From the total number of records, the behavior of primates could be observed in 53.7% of the notes in the presence of visitors. The behavior of the visitors in front of the cages was considered passive in 91.2% of those records. The three species of Ateles reacted in different ways in the presence and absence of visitors. The type of visitor behavior had influence on the behavior of the primate (Chi-square=22.9, p<0.001). Stress indicating behaviors (CIE) represented 3.3% of the behavioral repertoire of the species (n=253 records). The primates presented a varied number of CIE, which included indexes of reduced well-being levels. A. belzebuth was ranked first as the species most affected by visitation. These results show the importance of understanding the stress effects on the behavioral pattern of captive primates in relation to visitation and other factors, leading to alternative actions for the zoo in order to improve the level of their welfare.(AU)

O entendimento dos efeitos da visitação nos padrões comportamentais e no bem-estar dos primatas em cativeiro foi o objetivo deste estudo. Por meio do método animal focal foram realizadas observações de cinco espécies de primatas amazônicos: Ateles chamek, Ateles belzebuth, Ateles paniscus, Lagothrix cana e Sapajus apella. Para observações comportamentais dos visitantes, foram adotadas duas categorias, ativo e passivo. Do total de registros, encontrou-se que os comportamentos dos primatas foram exibidos em 53,7% das anotações na presença de visitantes. O comportamento dos visitantes diante dos recintos foi em 91,2% considerado passivo. As três espécies de Ateles reagiram de formas diferentes na presença e ausência de visitantes. O tipo de comportamento dos visitantes teve influência no comportamento dos primatas (Chi-quadrado=22,9, p<0,001). Os comportamentos indicadores de estresse (CIE) representaram 3,3% do repertório comportamental das espécies (n=253 registros). Os primatas apresentaram um número variado de CIE, apresentando indicadores de reduzido grau de bem-estar. A. belzebuth esteve em primeiro lugar no ranking das espécies mais afetadas pela visitação. Estes resultados mostraram a importância de compreender os efeitos do estresse no padrão comportamental dos primatas cativos relacionados a visitação e outros fatores, levando ao zoológico alternativas que conduzam a ações para melhorar o grau de bem-estar.(AU)

Comprender los efectos de visitaciones en los estándares comportamentales y en el bienestar de los primates en cautiverio fue el objetivo de este estudio. Mediante el método de animales focales se realizaron observaciones en cinco especies de primates amazónicos: Ateles chamek, Ateles belzebuth, Ateles paniscus, Lagothrix cana y Sapajus apella. Para observaciones comportamentales de los visitantes, se adoptaron dos categorías, activa y pasiva. Del total de registros, se encontró que los comportamientos de los primates se mostraron en 53,7% de las notas en presencia de visitantes. El comportamiento de los visitantes frente a los recintos fue considerado pasivo en un 91,2%. Las tres especies de Ateles reaccionaron de manera diferente a la presencia y ausencia de visitantes. El tipo de comportamiento de los visitantes influyó en el comportamiento de los primates (Chi-cuadrado=22,9, p<0,001). Los comportamientos indicadores de estrés (CIE) representaron el 3,3% del repertorio conductual de la especie (n=253 registros). Los primates presentaron un número variado de CIE, mostrando indicadores de un reducido grado de bienestar. A. belzebuth ocupó el primer lugar en el ranking de las especies más afectadas por las visitas. Estos resultados mostraron la importancia de comprender los efectos del estrés en el estándar comportamental de los primates en cautivos relacionados con las visitas y otros factores, llevando al zoológico alternativas que conduzcan a acciones para mejorar el grado de bienestar.(AU)

Ethological aspects of Helicoverpa armigera in the reproductive phase of cotton

Pest behavior studies are important to inform the periods when the pest is more exposed to pesticide. This study aimed to evaluate the movement and feeding of Helicoverpa armigera larvae in the first three instars during the reproductive phase of cotton. First, larval behavior was evaluated with a completely randomized design in a 3 × 5 factorial design with eight replications. The treatments were the instars versus behaviors (crawling, resting, waving, eating and dropping-off). In addition, another 3 × 6 factorial design with eight replications was performed to evaluate the plant region most preferred by the caterpillars. The treatments were the instars versus six parts of the plant (abaxial surface, adaxial surface, on floral bud, internal surface of bract, petiole, and terminal growth). Then, the period of the day when caterpillars are more active was also evaluated by a 3 × 2 factorial essay. The treatments were the instars versus periods of the day. Eating and resting are the most frequent behaviors for all instars. The plant regions preferred by the caterpillars for crawling are on the floral bud and the adaxial face of the leaf. There is no preferred period of the day for eating, resting, waving or dropping-off. Caterpillars (until the third instar) prefer to walk in the morning and other behaviors can occur at any period. Therefore, sprays should preferably occur in the morning, and the insecticide drops/spray should reach the flower buds and the adaxial surface of the leaves to contaminate the larvae.

MouseVenue3D: A Markerless Three-Dimension Behavioral Tracking System for Matching Two-Photon Brain Imaging in Free-Moving Mice / 神经科学通报·英文版

Understanding the connection between brain and behavior in animals requires precise monitoring of their behaviors in three-dimensional (3-D) space. However, there is no available three-dimensional behavior capture system that focuses on rodents. Here, we present MouseVenue3D, an automated and low-cost system for the efficient capture of 3-D skeleton trajectories in markerless rodents. We improved the most time-consuming step in 3-D behavior capturing by developing an automatic calibration module. Then, we validated this process in behavior recognition tasks, and showed that 3-D behavioral data achieved higher accuracy than 2-D data. Subsequently, MouseVenue3D was combined with fast high-resolution miniature two-photon microscopy for synchronous neural recording and behavioral tracking in the freely-moving mouse. Finally, we successfully decoded spontaneous neuronal activity from the 3-D behavior of mice. Our findings reveal that subtle, spontaneous behavior modules are strongly correlated with spontaneous neuronal activity patterns.

A Network Pharmacology-Based Study on Antidepressant Effect of Salicornia europaea L. Extract with Experimental Support in Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Model Mice / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the pharmacodynamic material basis, mechanism of actions and targeted diseases of Salicornia europaea L. (SE) based on the network pharmacology method, and to verify the antidepressant-like effect of the SE extract by pharmacological experiments.@*METHODS@#Retrieval tools including Chinese medicine (CM), PubMed, PharmMapper, MAS 3.0 and Cytoscape were used to search the components of SE, predict its targets and related therapeutic diseases, and construct the "Component-Target-Pathway" network of SE for central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Further, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) function annotation of depression-related targets were analyzed to predict the antidepressant mechanism of SE. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model was used to construct a mouse model with depression-like symptoms. And the animals were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=10) including the normal group (nonstressed mice administered with distilled water), the CUMS group (CUMS mice administered with distilled water), the venlafaxine group (CUMS mice administered with venlafaxine 9.38 mg/kg), SE high-, medium-, and low-dose groups (CUMS mice administered with SE 1.8, 1.35 and 0.9 g/kg, respectively). Then some relevant indicators were determined for experimental verification by the forced swim test (FST), the tail suspension test (TST) and open-field test (OFT). Dopamine (DA) concentration in hippocampus and cerebral cortex, IL-2 and corticosterone (CORT) levels in blood, and nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), kelch-like epichlorohydrin related protein 1 (Keap1), NAD(P) H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels in mice were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot respectively to explore the possible mechanisms.@*RESULTS@#The "target-disease" network diagram predicted by network pharmacology, showed that the potential target of SE involves a variety of CNS diseases, among which depression accounts for the majority. The experimental results showed that SE (1.8, 1.35 g/kg) significantly decreased the immobility period, compared with the CUMS group in FST and TST in mice after 3-week treatment, while SE exhibited no significant effect on exploratory behavior in OFT in mice. Compared with CUMS group, the SE group (0.9 g/kg) showed significant differences (P<0.05) in DA levels in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. In addition, compared with CUMS control group, SE (1.8 g/kg) group showed a significant effect on decreasing the activities of CORT (P<0.05), and serum IL-2 level with no statistical significance. Finally, Western blot results showed that compared with the model group, Nrf2, Keap1, NQO1 and HO-1 protein expressions in SE group (1.8 g/kg) were up-regulated (all P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#The SE extract may have an antidepressant effect, which appeared to regulate Nrf2-ARE pathway and increased levels of DA and CORT in the hippocampus and cortex.

Effect of high-intensity interval exercise on depression-related behavior in mice / 生理学报

This paper was aimed to clarify the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on depression. Animal running platforms were used to establish HIIT exercise models, depression models were prepared by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), and depression-related behaviors were detected by behavioral experiments. The results showed that HIIT exercise improved depression-related behavior in CUMS model mice. Western blot and ELISA results showed that in the hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and amygdala of the CUMS model mice, glucocorticoid receptor (GR) protein expression was down-regulated, and the content of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) was increased, compared with those in the control group, whereas HIIT exercise could effectively reverse these changes in CUMS model mice. These results suggest that HIIT exercise can exert antidepressant effect, which brings new ideas and means for the clinical treatment of depressive diseases.

Evaluation of subchronic formaldehyde exposure in rats with open field test / Evaluación de la exposición al formaldehído subcrónico en ratas con prueba de campo abierto

SUMMARY: Formaldehyde (FA), which is an indispensable chemical substance in anatomy and pathology, is a very harmful substance for living things. In our study, the purpose was to investigate the changes in behavior of rats exposed to subchronic formaldehyde with open field test. We divided 24 Wistar-Albino rats into 3 groups. The first group (n=8) was identified as the control group, and normal air breathing was ensured. Low-dose FA (mean 1 ppm) was inhaled in the second group, and high-dose FA (mean 10 ppm) was inhaled in the third group. FA exposure was done for 4 hours, 12 weeks, and 5 days a week. The rats were subjected to open field test during the first week and the last week of FA exposure. We observed significant decreases in the number of vertical movements and grooming in rats in the experimental group compared to the control group in the open field test (p 0.05). As a conclusion, we can argue that FA causes changes in the behaviors of rats regardless of dose and duration.

RESUMEN: El formaldehído (FA), una sustancia química indispensable en la anatomía y patología, pero es un elemento sumamente nocivo para todos los seres vivos., El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue investigar los cambios en el comportamiento de ratas expuestas a formaldehído subcrónico con prueba de campo abierto. Utilizamos 24 ratas Wistar-Albino divididas en 3 grupos. El primer grupo (n = 8) se identificó como el grupo de control y se aseguró una respiración normal de aire. En el segundo grupo se inhalaron dosis bajas de FA (media de 1 ppm) y en el tercer grupo se inhalaron dosis altas de FA (media de 10 ppm). La exposición a FA se realizó durante 4 horas, 12 semanas y 5 días a la semana. Las ratas fueron sometidas a una prueba de campo abierto durante la primera semana y la última semana de exposición a FA. Observamos disminuciones significativas en el número de movimientos verticales y acicalamiento en ratas en el grupo experimental en comparación con el grupo control en la prueba de campo abierto (p 0,05). Como conclusión, podemos argumentar que la AF provoca cambios en el comportamiento de las ratas independientemente de la dosis y la duración.

Effectiveness of aerial wildlife crossings: Do wildlife use rope bridges more than hazardous structures to cross roads? / Eficacia de los pasos aéreos sobre carretera: ¿Cruza la fauna más por puentes de cuerda que por otras estructuras peligrosas?

Abstract Introduction: Although wildlife crossing structures have proven successful at reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and linking fragmented habitat, their ability to prevent electrocutions of arboreal wildlife has not been closely examined. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of aerial rope bridges in restoring habitat connectivity for arboreal species in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, while preventing electrocutions by determining 1) what species are using the rope bridges and 2) whether wildlife prefer to use rope bridges instead of other hazardous structures that cross the roads (such as telephone cables, which are often in close proximity to electric wires). Methods: From January to May 2016, nine rope bridges along the highly-trafficked main road that extends from Quepos to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, were monitored using camera traps, and ten rope bridges were observed directly along a paved side road off the main road. Results: A total of 11 species were seen using the bridges, and 1 540 crossings were witnessed via camera traps and observations (1 234 via camera traps, 306 during observations). Results from a paired t-test showed no significant difference in the average number of individuals crossing the road via rope bridges versus telephone cables (t(8) = 1.027, P = 0.334). Conclusions: Rope bridges are used by a variety of arboreal wildlife species with a high degree of frequency; however, due to the equally high usage of telephone cables by arboreal wildlife, they are insufficient to prevent wildlife electrocutions on their own. Rope bridges should be installed in tandem with other methods to prevent electrocutions, such as insulating electric wires, to facilitate the safe passage of wildlife over roads.

Resumen Introducción: Aunque los pasos de fauna han demostrado ser exitosos para reducir las colisiones entre vehículos y vida silvestre y vincular el hábitat fragmentado, su capacidad para prevenir electrocuciones de la vida silvestre arbórea no se ha examinado a fondo. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de los puentes aéreos de cuerdas para restaurar la conectividad del hábitat de las especies arbóreas en Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica y al mismo tiempo prevenir las electrocuciones al determinar 1) qué especies están usando los puentes de cuerda y 2) si la vida silvestre prefiere usar puentes de cuerda en lugar de otras estructuras peligrosas que cruzan las carreteras (como cables telefónicos, que frecuentemente están muy cerca de cables eléctricos). Métodos: De enero a mayo de 2016, se monitorearon nueve puentes de cuerda a lo largo de la carretera principal altamente transitada que se extiende desde Quepos a Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, utilizando cámaras trampa y la observación directa en diez puentes de cuerda a lo largo de una carretera pavimentada más pequeña fuera de la carretera principal. Resultados: Se observaron un total de 11 especies utilizando los puentes y se presenciaron 1 540 cruces mediante cámaras trampa y observaciones (1 234 mediante cámaras trampa, 306 durante las observaciones). Los resultados de una prueba t pareada no mostraron diferencias significativas en el número promedio de individuos que cruzan la carretera a través de puentes de cuerda versus cables telefónicos, t (8) = 1.027, P = 0.334. Conclusiones: Los puentes de cuerdas son utilizados por una variedad de especies de vida silvestre arbóreas con un alto grado de frecuencia; sin embargo, debido al uso igualmente elevado de cables telefónicos por parte de la vida silvestre arbórea, se considera que son insuficientes para prevenir las electrocuciones de la vida silvestre por sí solas. Los puentes de cuerda deben instalarse junto con otros métodos para evitar electrocuciones, como cables eléctricos aislados, para facilitar el paso seguro de la vida silvestre por las carreteras.

Correlação entre sexo, idade e estado reprodutivo com o comportamento canino avaliado pela ferramenta C-BARQ / Correlation between gender, age and reproductive status with canine behavior assessed by the C-BARQ tool

Este estudo objetivou avaliar o comportamento de cães de responsáveis brasileiros, através do Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) e estabelecer se estes comportamentos apresentam relação significativa com a idade, sexo e castração do animal. O questionário foi respondido pelos participantes entre novembro de 2018 a abril de 2020. As amostras foram divididas de acordo com o sexo (fêmeas ou machos), a idade (um ano ou menos, de um a três anos, de três a sete anos, de sete a dez anos ou mais de dez anos) e o status reprodutivo do animal (castrados ou inteiros). Para cada questionário respondido, foram calculados os escores das 14 categorias de comportamento investigados pelo C-BARQ e, através do programa Biostat 5.3, utilizou-se o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman com nível de significância de 5% para avaliar a correlação entre estes escores com os fatores idade, sexo e status reprodutivo dos animais. Os resultados sugerem maiores escores de comportamentos agressivos em cães mais velhos e em cães castrados. A castração também obteve associação com maiores escores de medo de outros cães. Os achados evidenciam necessidade de estudos que busquem investigar de que modo a castração se vincula com estes comportamentos que podem comprometer a convivência entre o responsável e seu cão.

This study investigated Brazilian's dogs behavior through the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) and establish if these behaviors have a significant relationship with the age, sex and neutering status of the animal. The questionnaire was answered by owners between November 2018 and April 2020. The sample was divided according to sex (female or male), age (one year or less, from one to three years, from three to seven years, from seven to ten years or more than ten years) and the reproductive status of the animal (neutered or not). For each questionnaire answered, the scores of the 14 behavior categories investigated by C-BARQ were calculated and Spearman's correlation coefficient with a significance level of 5% was used to assess the correlation between these scores with the factors age, sex and reproductive status of the animals (Biostat 5.3 program). The results suggest higher scores for aggressive behavior in older dogs and in neutered dogs. Neutering was also associated with higher scores of fear from other dogs. The findings suggest the need for studies that seek to investigate how castration is linked to these behaviors that can deteriorate the owner-dog relationship.

Long-term obesity is associated with depression and neuroinflammation

ABSTRACT Objective: Obesity is characterized by a state of chronic, low-intensity systemic inflammation frequently associated with insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Materials and methods: Given that chronic inflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of mood disorders, we investigated if chronic obesity that was initiated early in life - lasting through adulthood - could be more harmful to memory impairment and mood fluctuations such as depression. Results: Here we show that pre-pubertal male rats (30 days old) treated with a high-fat diet (40%) for 8-months gained ~50% more weight when compared to controls, exhibited depression and anxiety-like behaviors but no memory impairment. The prefrontal cortex of the obese rats exhibited an increase in the expression of genes related to inflammatory response, such as NFKb, MMP9, CCl2, PPARb, and PPARg. There were no alterations in genes known to be related to depression. Conclusion: Long-lasting obesity with onset in prepuberal age led to depression and neuroinflammation but not to memory impairment.

Effects of Jiaotai Pills on CUMS-induced depression model in mice based on changes of SIRT1 expression in hippocampus / 中国中药杂志

The present study investigated the effects and mechanisms of Jiaotai Pills on depressed mice induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS). The CUMS-induced depression model mice were established and the depression behaviors of mice were evaluated by sucrose preference test, open field test, tail suspension test, and forced swimming test. Molecular docking was employed to simulate the interaction of six main active ingredients in Jiaotai Pills with SIRT1. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the level of SIRT1 in the hippocampus of mice. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of SIRT1, p-NF-κB p65, NF-κB p65, and FoxO1 in the hippocampus of mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) kits were used to detect the levels of interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) in the hippocampus and serum of mice. Biochemical kits were used to detect superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity and malondialdehyde(MDA) and glutathione(GSH) levels in the hippocampus and serum of mice. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS) was used to detect the levels of dopamine(DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT), and norepinephrine(NE) in the hippocampus and serum of mice. The results showed that the sucrose preference rate, movement distance, and the number of crossing centers were reduced in the model group(P<0.01), and the tail suspension time and swimming immobility time were increased(P<0.01). Molecular docking results indicated good binding of six main active ingredients in Jiaotai Pills to SIRT1. In the hippocampus, the expression level of SIRT1 was reduced(P<0.01), and the levels of p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 and FoxO1 were increased(P<0.01). In the hippocampus and serum, the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA were increased(P<0.01), and the activity of SOD and the levels of GSH, DA, 5-HT, NE, and BDNF were reduced(P<0.01). The treatment with high-dose Jiaotai Pills increased the sucrose preference rate, movement distance, and the number of crossing centers(P<0.05), reduced tail suspension time and swimming immobility time(P<0.01), elevated hippocampal SIRT1 expression level(P<0.01), decreased hippocampal and serum IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA levels(P<0.01), potentiated SOD activity, and up-regulated GSH, DA, 5-HT, NE, and BDNF levels in the hippocampus and serum(P<0.05, P<0.01) in model mice. In conclusion, the results showed that Jiaotai Pills could improve the depression behaviors of model mice with CUMS-induced depression, and the underlying mechanism was related to the up-regulation of SIRT1 in the hippocampus of mice to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects.

Effects of maternal exposure to arsenic on social behavior and related gene expression in F2 male mice

BACKGROUND@#Arsenic is a developmental neurotoxicant. It means that its neurotoxic effect could occur in offspring by maternal arsenic exposure. Our previous study showed that developmental arsenic exposure impaired social behavior and serotonergic system in C3H adult male mice. These effects might affect the next generation with no direct exposure to arsenic. This study aimed to detect the social behavior and related gene expression changes in F2 male mice born to gestationally arsenite-exposed F1 mice.@*METHODS@#Pregnant C3H/HeN mice (F0) were given free access to tap water (control mice) or tap water containing 85 ppm sodium arsenite from days 8 to 18 of gestation. Arsenite was not given to F1 or F2 mice. The F2 mice were generated by mating among control F1 males and females, and arsenite-F1 males and females at the age of 10 weeks. At 41 weeks and 74 weeks of age respectively, F2 males were used for the assessment of social behavior by a three-chamber social behavior apparatus. Histological features of the prefrontal cortex were studied by ordinary light microscope. Social behavior-related gene expressions were determined in the prefrontal cortex by real time RT-PCR method.@*RESULTS@#The arsenite-F2 male mice showed significantly poor sociability and social novelty preference in both 41-week-old group and 74-week-old group. There was no significant histological difference between the control mice and the arsenite-F2 mice. Regarding gene expression, serotonin receptor 5B (5-HT 5B) mRNA expression was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the arsenite-F2 male mice compared to the control F2 male mice in both groups. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and dopamine receptor D1a (Drd1a) gene expressions were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) only in the arsenite-F2 male mice of the 74-week-old group. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene expression was significantly increased (p < 0.001) in the arsenite-F2 male mice of both groups, but plasma 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expression were not significantly different. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) mRNA expression was significantly increased only in 41-week-old arsenite-F2 mice.@*CONCLUSIONS@#These findings suggest that maternal arsenic exposure affects social behavior in F2 male mice via serotonergic system in the prefrontal cortex. In this study, COX-2 were not increased although oxidative stress marker (HO-1) was increased significantly in arsnite-F2 male mice.

Welfare during pre-slaughter handling and carcass lesions of beef cattle submitted to different loading densities / Bem-estar durante o manejo pré abate e lesões em carcaça de bovinos submetidos às diferentes densidades de carregamento

Inadequate pre-slaughter handling conditions can compromise animal welfare and productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the animal welfare (AW) indexes during pre-slaughter handling and quantify the carcass lesions of beef cattle submitted to different loading densities. A total of 270 Nellore cattle, at 30 months of age, from three farms were used in the study. Each farm presented a different loading density: higher density (500kg/m2), intermediate density (450kg/m2), and lower density (420kg/m2). Three shipments of cattle from each farm with 30 animals each were used in the AW analysis. Ten animals from each shipment were considered for quantification of carcass bruises. The AW indexes were classified according to the five-freedom criterion (physiological, environmental, sanitary, behavioral, and psychological). After slaughter, the carcasses were inspected in the routine line and evaluated for the presence of lesions. Statistically significant differences (p<0.001) were found for all variables studied as a function of AW and bruises. The best AW index and the lowest mean weight of lesions were found at the loading density of 450kg/m2. The highest carcass weight was observed at the loading density of 500kg/m2. Lesions were found in 100% of the animals at the loading densities of 500 and 420kg/m2. In conclusion, the best AW indexes and the smallest occurrence of bruises were verified at the loading density of 450kg/m2. This study confirmed the importance of adequate pre-slaughter handling to ensure cattle welfare and, consequently, greater profitability for producers and slaughterhouses.(AU)

Condições de manejo pré-abate inadequadas podem comprometer o bem-estar e a produtividade animal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os índices de bem-estar animal (BEA) durante o manejo pré-abate e quantificar as lesões em carcaça de bovinos submetidos às diferentes densidades de carregamento. Para isto, foram utilizados 270 bovinos Nelore, aos 30 meses de idade, provenientes de três fazendas. Cada fazenda apresentou diferente densidade de carregamento: maior densidade (500kg/m2), densidade intermediária (450kg/m2) e menor densidade (420kg/m2). Foram realizados três carregamentos de cada fazenda, compostos por 30 animais cada. Para análise do BEA e quantificação de lesões nas carcaças bovinas foram considerados 10 animais de cada carregamento. Os índices de BEA foram classificados segundo o critério das cinco liberdades (fisiológica, ambiental, sanitária, comportamental e psicológica). Após o abate, as carcaças foram inspecionadas na linha de rotina e avaliadas quanto à presença de lesões. Foram encontradas diferenças significativas (P<0,001) para todas as variáveis estudadas em função do BEA e das lesões. O melhor índice de bem-estar e o menor peso médio de lesão foi encontrado na densidade de carregamento de 450kg/m2. O maior peso da carcaça foi encontrado na densidade de carregamento de 500kg/m2. Em 100% dos animais nas densidades de carregamento de 500 e 420kg/m2 foram encontradas lesões. Pode-se concluir que a densidade de carregamento de bovino de 450kg/m2 obteve os melhores índices de bem-estar e menor ocorrência de lesões. Este estudo confirma a importância do manejo pré-abate adequado na garantia do bem-estar aos bovinos e, consequentemente, na maior rentabilidade ao produtor e ao frigorífico.(AU)

On-farm welfare assessment in dairy goats in the Brazilian Northeast / [Avaliação do bem-estar de cabras leiteiras em fazendas no nordeste brasileiro]

The objective of this study was to apply a modified AWIN Goat protocol to evaluate and compare the welfare of adult lactating and non-lactating dairy goats at pen and individual levels on small farms located in Ceará, Northeast, Brazil, and to take into consideration the application of this protocol on Brazilian Northeast goat farms. Five farms with Lactating goats (L) and five farms with non-lactating goats (NL) were evaluated. At the first level of welfare assessment, animals were evaluated in the pen and during the second level of welfare assessment, animals were evaluated in the pen and individually. Indicators assessed were animal and resource-based indicators. Significant difference between L and NL on farms was set at P<0.05. Only queuing at feeding indicator showed significant difference (P=0.027) between groups in pens at the first level welfare assessment. On individual assessments, there was significant difference between L and NL regarding body condition score (P=0.003), overgrown claws (P=0.001) and udder asymmetry (P=0.001). The application of a modified AWIN Goat protocol on farms in Ceará was considered positive. In general, these results demonstrated that both groups are submitted to welfare problems in Ceará, although lactating goats present more challenges to cope.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi aplicar o protocolo AWIN de Cabras modificado para avaliar e comparar o bem-estar de cabras adultas lactantes e não lactantes em termos de baia e individualmente, em pequenas propriedades localizadas no Ceará, nordeste, Brasil, e levar em consideração a aplicação desse protocolo em fazendas caprinas do nordeste brasileiro. Cinco fazendas com cabras lactantes (L) e cinco fazendas com cabras não lactantes (NL) foram avaliadas. No primeiro nível de bem-estar, os animais foram avaliados nas baias e, durante o segundo nível de bem-estar, os animais foram avaliados na baia e individualmente. Os indicadores avaliados foram baseados em animais e recursos. Diferença significativa entre L e NL nas fazendas foi estabelecida em P<0,05. Apenas o indicador na fila na alimentação mostrou diferença significativa (P=0,027) entre os grupos na baia no primeiro nível de bem-estar. Nas avaliações individuais, houve diferença significativa entre L e NL com relação ao escore de condição corporal (P=0,003), sobrecrescimento das unhas (P=0,001) e assimetria do úbere (P=0,001). A aplicação do protocolo AWIN de cabras modificado em fazendas no Ceará foi considerada positiva. De modo geral, esses resultados demonstraram que ambos os grupos estão submetidos a problemas de bem-estar no Ceará, embora cabras em lactação apresentem mais desafios para enfrentar.(AU)

Induction of brain injury and depression in rats by chronic unpredictable stress associated with the augmentation of nitrosative stress and apoptosis / Inducción de lesión cerebral y depresión en ratas por estrés crónico impredecible asociado con el aumento del estrés nitrosativo y la apoptosis

SUMMARY: Repeated stress is a risk factor for memory impairment and neurological abnormalities in both humans and animals. We sought to investigate the extent of (i) brain tissue injury; (ii) nitrosative and oxidative stress in brain tissue homogenates; (iii) apoptotic and survival biomarkers in brain tissue homogenates; and (iv) immobility and climbing abilities, induced over a period of three weeks by chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). Wistar rats were either left untreated (Control group) or exposed to a variety of unpredictable stressors daily before being sacrificed after 3 weeks (model group). Assessment of depression-like behavior was performed and animals were then culled and harvested brain tissues were stained with basic histological staining and examined under light microscopy. In addition, brain tissue homogenates were prepared and assayed for these parameters; inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), caspase-3, and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Histology images showed CUS induced profound damage to the cerebral cortex as demonstrated by severe neuronal damage with shrunken cells, disrupted atrophic nuclei, perineuronal vacuolation and swollen glial cells. CUS also significantly (p<0.05) induced iNOS, MDA, and caspase-3, whereas SOD and Bcl-2 brain tissue levels were inhibited by CUS. In addition, data from the depression-like behavior, forced swimming test showed significant (p<0.05) increase in animal immobility and decrease in climbing ability in the model group of rats. Thus, here we demonstrated a reliable rat model of chronic stress-induced brain injury, which can further be used to investigate beneficial drugs or agents used for a period of three weeks to protect against CUS-induced brain damage.

RESUMEN: El estrés crónico es un factor de riesgo para el deterioro de la memoria y las anomalías neurológicas tanto en humanos como en animales. Intentamos investigar el alcance de lesión del tejido cerebral; (ii) estrés nitrosativo y oxidativo en homogeneizados de tejido cerebral; (iii) biomarcadores apoptóticos y de supervivencia en homogeneizados de tejido cerebral; y (iv) inmovilidad y habilidades de escalada, inducidas durante un período de tres semanas por estrés crónico impredecible (ECI). Se dejaron sin tratamiento (grupo control) ratas Wistar, o se expusieron a una variedad de factores estresantes impredecibles diariamente antes de ser sacrificadas después de 3 semanas (grupo modelo). Se realizó una evaluación del comportamiento similar a la depresión y luego se sacrificaron los animales y se tiñeron los tejidos cerebrales con tinción histológica básica y se examinaron con microscopía óptica. Además, se prepararon homogeneizados de tejido cerebral y se analizaron los siguientes parámetros; óxido nítrico sintasa inducible (iNOS), malondialdehído (MDA), superóxido dismutasa (SOD), caspasa- 3 y linfoma de células B 2 (Bcl-2). Las imágenes histológicas mostraron que el CUS indujo un daño profundo en la corteza cerebral como lo demuestra el daño neuronal severo con células encogidas, núcleos atróficos alterados, vacuolación perineuronal y células gliales inflamadas. ECI también indujo significativamente (p <0,05) iNOS, MDA y caspase-3, mientras que los niveles de tejido cerebral SOD y Bcl-2 fueron inhibidos por ECI. Además, los datos del comportamiento similar a la de- presión, la prueba de natación forzada mostró un aumento significativo (p <0,05) en la inmovilidad animal y una disminución en la capacidad de escalada en el grupo modelo de ratas. Por lo tanto, aquí demostramos un modelo confiable de daño cerebral crónico en rata inducido por el estrés, que se puede utilizar para investigar medicamentos o agentes beneficiosos usados durante un período de tres semanas para proteger el daño cerebral inducido por ECI.

Behavioral activities of white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari, Link, 1795) in a semi-intensive farming system in Brazil / [Atividades comportamentais de queixadas (Tayassu pecari, Link, 1795) em sistema semi-intensivo de criação no Brasil]

This study aimed to describe the main behaviors of white-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari) expressed in a semi-intensive production system in Brazil. The behavioral activities of two groups of peccaries allocated in two paddocks were assessed, totaling 17 adult animals and eventual pups in different developmental stages. The animals were visually observed using the ad libitum sampling and scan sample methods during the adaptation and experimental phases, respectively. The animals were evaluated in the morning, afternoon, and at night. The behavioral activities observed by ad libitum sampling comprised feeding, pool contact, moving, staying inside the handling area, resting, mud bathing, mutual rubbing, rubbing, aggression, sexual behavior, copulation, foraging, breastfeeding, sleeping, territorial marking, interactions, birthing, gnawing, and other behaviors. All behaviors observed by the ad libitum sampling method were confirmed in the experimental period by scan sample, except for territorial marking and birthing. The effects of time of day were statistically significant (p <0.05) for eating, pool contact, movement, staying inside the handling area, resting, mud bathing and sleeping. These results contribute to the understanding of instinctive animal habits and to the development of nutritional, environmental and health management protocols that meet the requirements of peccaries.(AU)

Objetivou-se descrever os principais comportamentos que os queixadas (Tayassu pecari) expressam em sistema de produção semi-intensivo no Brasil, bem como suas diferenças de frequências comportamentais em função do período do dia. Foram avaliadas as atividades comportamentais de dois grupos de queixadas alocados em dois piquetes, totalizando 17 animais adultos e eventuais filhotes em diferentes estágios comportamentais. Na fase adaptativa e experimental os animais foram observados visualmente pelos métodos ad libitum e scan sample, respectivamente. Os animais foram avaliados nos períodos da manhã, tarde e noite. As atividades comportamentais observadas pelo método ad libitum foram alimentação, contato com a piscina, movimentação, interior do brete de manejo, descanso, lameando, esfregação mútua, esfregar-se, agressão, comportamento sexual, cópula, fuçando, amamentação, dormindo, marcando território, interações, manilha, parição, roendo e outros comportamentos. Todos os comportamentos observados pelo método ad libitum foram confirmados no período experimental scan sample, exceto para as variáveis marcando território e parição. O efeito do período do dia foi estatisticamente significativo (P<0,05) sobre as frequências dos comportamentos alimentação, contato com a piscina, movimentação, interior do brete de manejo, descanso, lameando e dormindo. Os resultados contribuem para a compreensão dos hábitos instintivos dos animais e, com isso, colaborar com a elaboração de protocolos de manejo nutricional, ambiental e sanitário, buscando-se suprir as necessidades dos queixadas. Futuras pesquisas envolvendo queixadas em cativeiro fomentarão os estudos voltados aos aspectos biológicos, conservacionistas e produtivos.(AU)

Efectos de la actividad física sobre el consumo y selección de alimento en ratas que fueron expuestas a restricción alimentaria durante la gestación / Effects of physical activity on the consumption and selection of food in rats that were exposed to food restriction during pregnancy

Las alteraciones durante la vida prenatal tienen diversos efectos en los organismos. La restricción alimentaria materna ocasiona modificaciones en la conducta alimentaria como hiperfagia y su exacerbación ante la exposición a una dieta hiperlipídica. La evidencia experimental indica que aun cuando existe una preferencia por los alimentos altos en grasa, cuando las ratas realizan actividad física, esta preferencia disminuye o se elimina. Objetivo: evaluar el efecto de la restricción alimentaria materna sobre el consumo de una dieta suplementada con nuez pecana y cómo influye la actividad física. El experimento incluyó 22 ratas, 11 del grupo experimental y 11 del grupo control. De los cuales 6 realizaron actividad y 5 permanecieron sedentarias en cada grupo (machos y hembras). El experimento duró 114 días, de los cuales 42 días tuvieron disponible la rueda de actividad. Los resultados mostraron que la restricción alimentaria materna no modificó el comportamiento alimentario, sin embargo, cuando incrementaron la actividad por la disponibilidad de la rueda de actividad, los sujetos experimentales aumentaron su consumo de nuez pecana. Los resultados se consideran contradictorios con respecto a la literatura, ya que muestran ausencia de hiperfagia e incremento en el consumo a la par del incremento en actividad física.

Alterations during prenatal life have various effects on organisms. Maternal food restriction causes changes in feeding behavior such as hyperphagia and its exacerbation when exposed to a hyperlipidic diet. Experimental evidence indicates that even when there is a preference for high-fat foods, when rats do physical activity, this preference decreases or is eliminated. Objective: to evaluate the effect of maternal dietary restriction on the consumption of a diet supplemented with pecan nuts and how physical activity influences this relationship. The experiment included 22 rats, 11 experimental and 11 controls. Of these, 6 performed physical activity and 5 remained sedentary in each group (males and females). The experiment lasted 114 days; the activity wheel was available on 42 days. The results showed that maternal food restriction did not modify eating behavior, however, when rats increased physical activity, experimental subjects increased their consumption of pecan nuts. The results are contradictory with respect to the literature, as they show an absence of hyperphagia and an increase in consumption along with an increase in physical activity.

Comportamento de vacas da raça Holandesa em ordenha robotizada / Behaviour of Holstein cows in robotic milking

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o comportamento ingestivo de concentrado e de ordenha de vacas em lactação em sistema de ordenha robotizada (SOR) conforme a paridade. O experimento foi realizado de março a junho de 2014, em Castro, PR, com vacas da raça Holandesa, confinadas em free stall, ordenhadas automaticamente e classificadas de acordo com a ordem de parto (1, 2 e +3 partos). Os dados foram extraídos do software de gerenciamento, sendo consideradas as atividades de um dia por mês (24h), por quatro meses, no dia seguinte após a realização do controle leiteiro oficial. Os dados foram analisados por técnicas de análise multivariada (análise fatorial, canônica e de agrupamento), utilizando-se o pacote computacional SAS. O comportamento ingestivo de concentrado influenciou toda a atividade das vacas no SOR, sendo fundamental para o desempenho dos animais nesse sistema. A ordem de parto não influenciou o comportamento na ordenha, somente o comportamento ingestivo, devido à dominância social das vacas multíparas. As vacas mais produtivas apresentaram um comportamento ingestivo mais agressivo. Conclui-se que a ordem de parto influencia o comportamento ingestivo de concentrado, porém não interfere no comportamento de ordenha de vacas com maior paridade. No SOR, primíparas devem ser manejadas em grupo específico.(AU)

The aim of this study was to assess the ingestive behavior of concentrate and milking of dairy cows in automatic milking system (AMS) according to parity. The experiment was conducted from March to June 2014, in Castro, PR, with Holstein cows housed in a free stall, milked automatically, and classified according to the lactation order (1, 2 and +3 lactations). Data were extracted from the management software, considering the activities of one day a month (24 hours) for four months, the day after the official milk production control. The data were analyzed by multivariate analysis (factorial analysis, canonical and cluster), using the statistical package SAS. The ingestive behavior of concentrate influenced the entire activity of the cows in the AMS, being a fundamental factor in the performance of animals in this system. Parity did not influence the milking behavior, only the ingestive behavior, due to the social dominance of multiparous cows. High-yielding cows had a more aggressive ingestive behavior. It was concluded that parity influenced the ingestive behavior of concentrate, but does not interfere in milking behavior in cows with higher parity. In the AMS, primiparous should be managed in a specific group.(AU)

Cafeteria diet in breastfeeding dams promotes anxiolytic effects, accumulation of adipose tissue, and impacts offspring development / La dieta de la cafetería en las madres que amamantan promueve los efectos ansiolíticos y la acumulación de tejido adiposo, y afecta el desarrollo de la descendencia

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional and behavioral effects of a cafeteria diet in dams during the breastfeeding period and in their offspring from weaning until early adulthood (70 days old). Pregnant Wistar rats were fed a chow diet until delivery. Postnatally (D0), litters were culled to 8 pups and lactating dams received control (CTRL n= 6) or cafeteria (CAF n= 6) diets and water ad libitum. At the end of the breastfeeding period, male offspring were placed in individual boxes receiving the same treatment from their respective dams (CTRL or CAF) until adulthood (70 days). All nutritional and behavioral evaluations were performed with the dams (n= 12) during the breastfeeding phase and with the male offspring (n= 24) after weaning to adulthood. CAF dams demonstrated a lower caloric and protein intake; higher intake of fats; loss of weight; greater accumulation of adipose tissue; and an anxiolytic effect. CAF male offspring showed lower caloric intake; higher intake of fats; and accumulation of adipose tissue. In addition, these animals continued to have decreased body weight, body length and tibia-femur length in relation to CTRL. In dams, a cafeteria diet promoted alterations in body composition and anxiety, and in offspring the diet resulted in adequate development.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos nutricionales y de comportamiento de la dieta de la cafetería en las madres durante el período de lactancia materna y en su descendencia desde el destete hasta la edad adulta temprana (70 días de edad). Ratas Wistar embarazadas fueron alimentadas con una dieta estándar hasta el parto. Postnatalmente (D0), las camadas se ajustaron en 8 crías y las madres lactantes recibieron las dietas control (CTRL n= 6) o cafetería (CAF n= 6) además de agua ad libitum. Al final del período de lactancia materna, las proles machos fueron colocados en cajas individuales recibiendo el mismo tratamiento de sus respectivas madres (CTRL o CAF) hasta la edad adulta (70 días). Todas las evaluaciones nutricionales y comportamentales se realizaron con las madres (n= 12) durante la fase de lactancia y con la prole masculina (n= 24) después del destete hasta la edad adulta. Las madres CAF demostraron una menor ingesta calórica y proteica; mayor ingestión de grasas; pérdida de peso; mayor acumulación de tejido adiposo; y un efecto ansiolítico. La prole masculina CAF presentó menor consumo calórico; mayor ingestión de grasas; y la acumulación de tejido adiposo. Además, estos animales presentaron menor peso corporal, longitud corporal, y longitud de la tibia-fémur, en relación a CTRL. En las madres, la dieta de cafetería promovió cambios en la composición corporal y ansiedad, y en la prole la dieta comprometió el desarrollo adecuado.