Effect of transportation distance and lairage time on selected behaviors and carcass parameters in zebu cattle-a study using the animal focal sampling method.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the transport distance and lairage time on behavioral indicators of zebu beef cattle in the resting pen of a slaughterhouse using the focal animal technique. Eight lots of male zebu cattle, Nelore, aged approximately 4 years old, weighing on average 500 ± 28.5 kg-1, from different municipalities, transported by land, were evaluated. The lots were grouped into two categories: short distance (> 500 km) and long distance (> 500 km). Five focal animals per evaluated lot were used in each cycle of behavior observation, randomly chosen, and visually identified. The animal focal sampling method was used, with instantaneous recording, every 5 min per animal/h. A video camera was used and placed at a fixed point in the corral. After slaughtering, bruises and carcass pH were evaluated. The respiratory rate (RR) was measured in two moments, 30 min after unloading (RR_I) and 1 h before slaughtering (RR_F); behavioral data were divided into four lairage periods (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th) equally and evaluated as repeated measures over time. The lairage time lowered the behaviors of headbutting (NCHBs), pushing (PsH), mounting (MT), and chasing away (CA), (p = 0.0001), and these behaviors were more evident in animals transported for short distances in the initial resting times, decreasing as they remained in the resting pen. There was effect of distance on the initial and final pH of the carcass, being greater in the short distance (p = 0.047). There was no effect of distance or lairage time on initial or final RR (p > 0.05). In addition, animals transported over long distances showed less carcass injuries, which were observed during post mortem inspection. It is concluded that animals transported over short distances present a greater number of agonistic behaviors, such as NCHBs, MT, PsH, and CA, predisposing to higher rates of bruising during lairage and more accentuated changes in the final pH of the meat.

A new proposal for the use of the focal animal technique in buffaloes in the Eastern Amazon.

This study aims to present a proposal for using the focal animal recording technique to evaluate the welfare of buffaloes and to verify the association between each behavior and thermal comfort indices. The study was conducted in an experimental paddock located in Santarém, Pará, Brazil. A total of 10 female Murrah animals were used. The behavior of the animals was recorded during the day, with the use of three trained observers, for 72 consecutive h. Climatic variables were collected, and the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) and the practical Buffalo Comfort Climatic Conditions Index (BCCCIp) were determined. The multivariate technique of principal components and Spearman's correlation were employed. BCCCIp and THI were outside the thermal comfort zone at different times of the day. Grazing (P) was more frequent in the coldest hours of the day, while rumination occurred at different periods, mainly during the daytime and frequently in a lying position. There was a positive correlation between idle lying behavior and average temperature-Tmed (r = 0.583; p < 0.028), THI (r = 0.432; p < 0.034), and BCCCIp (r = 0.554; p < 0.049). There was a positive correlation between grazing and Tmed (r = 0.665; p < 0.0004) and BCCCIp (r = 0.583; p < 0.036). The standing idle behavior negatively correlated with Tmed (r = -0.718; p < 0.0001), THI (r = -0.522; p < 0.008), and BCCCIp (r = -0.8076; p < 0.0008). The lying ruminating behavior had a positive correlation with Tmed (r = 0.586; p < 0.002), THI (r = 0.477; p < 0.018), and BCCCIp (r = 0.8033; p < 0.0009). Furthermore, ruminating while standing correlated positively with Tmed (r = 0.680; p < 0.0003). The adaptation of the focal animal technique, with six observers evaluating each animal for 6 min through filming, proved to be efficient in pointing out the different behaviors of buffalo raised in Eastern Amazon fields under heat stress at different times of the day.

Association between the dispositional optimism and depression in young people: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The objective of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of publications that reported the association between dispositional optimism and depression during youth, analyzing if the strength of this relationship varied according to potential factors. Systematic searches were carried out in APA PsycNet, Virtual Health Library, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed Central, and Scopus to collect English, Portuguese, or Spanish studies from 2009 onwards. Two reviewers selected the eligible articles, assessed the quality of each study, and extracted the data. For the synthesis of the results, a meta-analytic approach was used. We identified 4077 publications in the initial searches and 22 in the supplementary searches, from which 31 studies remained for analysis once the eligibility criteria were applied. The results showed a statistically significant negative association between dispositional optimism and depression in the young population, age being a factor that modifies the effect measure between these variables. This meta-analysis provides a consistent and robust synthesis on the interaction effect between dispositional optimism and depression in the young population. Based on these findings, early clinical admissions may effectively improve optimistic tendencies in young people, which could help them prevent depressive symptoms or episodes. (AU)

Effects of mercury chloride (HgCl2) on Betta splendens aggressive display.

Mercury chloride (HgCl2) is a toxic mercury salt and a major pollutant, that can be found in soil, water and air, with influences on behavior, physiology and adaptation to the environment. In this study two experiments were designed to examine interactions and effects of HgCl2 on some behavioral patterns of Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens). In the first experiment we tested the effect of a progressive dose (five 0.04 mg) on aggressive display with exposure to a mirror, whereas in the second experiment we tested the effect of an acute dose (0.2 mg) on the aggressive display with exposure to a mirror. The experiments were performed on 5 consecutive sessions at intervals of 18 hours between sessions. Differences of performance were shown by subjects in the acute and progressive treatments when compared with a control treatment in the majority of behaviors evaluated, namely Floating, Slow Swimming, Wavy Swimming, Emerging, Bend, Square Move and Motor Display Components. Acute treatment was different from control only on Show Body, while the progressive group differed on Resting, Horizontal Display and Appropriate Display Components. Differences between Correlate Display Components and Total were also shown. Both the acute and progressive contamination with HgCl2 decrease the motor activity in the aggressive display, mirror-image test of Betta splendens, mainly on the progressive dose. This implies an impairment on feeding behavior, predator avoidance, reproductive behavior, mate choice and territoriality. These results suggest that in this fish species, the progressive dose has a greater effect on behavior in general and that both the acute and progressive contamination with mercury chloride affect many other aspects of behavior.

Effects of mercury chloride (HgCl2) on betta splendens aggressive display

Mercury chloride (HgCl2) is a toxic mercury salt and a major pollutant, that can be found in soil, water and air, with influences on behavior, physiology and adaptation to the environment. In this study two experiments were designed to examine interactions and effects of HgCl2 on some behavioral patterns of Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens). In the first experiment we tested the effect of a progressive dose (five 0.04 mg) on aggressive display with exposure to a mirror, whereas in the second experiment we tested the effect of an acute dose (0.2 mg) on the aggressive display with exposure to a mirror. The experiments were performed on 5 consecutive sessions at intervals of 18 hours between sessions. Differences of performance were shown by subjects in the acute and progressive treatments when compared with a control treatment in the majority of behaviors evaluated, namely Floating, Slow Swimming, Wavy Swimming, Emerging, Bend, Square Move and Motor Display Components. Acute treatment was different from control only on Show Body, while the progressive group differed on Resting, Horizontal Display and Appropriate Display Components. Differences between Correlate Display Components and Total were also shown. Both the acute and progressive contamination with HgCl2 decrease the motor activity in the aggressive display, mirror-image test of Betta splendens, mainly on the progressive dose. This implies an impairment on feeding behavior, predator avoidance, reproductive behavior, mate choice and territoriality. These results suggest that in this fish species, the progressive dose has a greater effect on behavior in general and that both the acute and progressive contamination with mercury chloride affect many other aspects of behavior (AU)

El cloruro de mercurio (HgCl2) es una sal de mercurio tóxica y un contaminante importante, que se puede encontrar en el suelo, agua y aire, y que influye en el comportamiento, la fisiología y la adaptación al medio ambiente. En este estudio, dos experimentos fueron diseñados para examinar las interacciones y los efectos del HgCl2 en algunos patrones de comportamiento de peces luchadores siameses (Betta splendens). En el primer experimento se evaluó el efecto de una dosis progresiva (cinco 0,04 mg) en la exhibición agresiva con exposición a un espejo, mientras que en el segundo experimento se evaluó el efecto de una dosis aguda (0,2 mg) en la exhibición agresiva con exposición a un espejo. Los experimentos se realizaron en 5 sesiones consecutivas a intervalos de 18 horas entre sesiones. Se muestran diferencias de rendimiento por los sujetos en los tratamientos agudo y progresivas en comparación con un tratamiento de control en la mayoría de las conductas evaluadas, es decir, Flotación, Nado lento, Nado ondulado, Emergente, Doblado, Movimiento cuadrado y componentes de exhibición motora. El tratamiento agudo difiere del control sólo en Mostrar cuerpo, mientras que el grupo progresivo difiere en Reposo, Exhibición horizontal y en Componentes adecuados de exhibición. También se muestran las diferencias entre Correlación entre los componentes de exhibición y Total. Tanto la contaminación aguda como progresiva con HgCl2 disminuye la actividad motora en la exhibición agresiva en la prueba de imagen-espejo de Betta splendens, principalmente de la dosis progresiva. Esto implica un deterioro en el comportamiento de alimentación, de evitación a los depredadores, en el comportamiento reproductivo, la elección de pareja y la territorialidad. Estos resultados sugieren que en esta especie de pez, la dosis progresiva tiene un efecto mayor en el comportamiento en general, y que tanto la contaminación aguda como la progresiva con cloruro de mercurio afecta a muchos otros aspectos del comportamiento (AU)

Respostas comportamentais do camarão de água doce Macrobrachium amazonicum à estimulação por cloreto de amônia / Behavioural responses of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium amazonicum to chemical with ammonium chloride

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar as respostas comportamentais do camarão de água doce Macrobrachium amazonicum, mediante estimulação química com cloreto de amônia a 100mM. Espécimes desse crustáceo foram posicionados em um aquário com quatro litros de água doce desclorificada, e um pulso de solução estimulante foi injetado no recipiente na extremidade oposta em relação à posição do animal. Os animais estudados não apresentaram resposta aos estímulos utilizados. Isso pode sugerir que o limiar de resposta comportamental é maior do que o limiar fisiológico dos neurônios receptivos primários, ou que o cloreto de amônia precisa ser associado com outros compostos ou determinadas variáveis físicas para poder gerar uma resposta ecológica na espécie estudada.

The objective of the present study was to analyze the behavioral responses of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium amazonicum, elicited by stimulation with ammonium chloride at 100mM. Specimens were positioned in a four liter dechlorinated freshwater tank and a 0.5ml pulse of stimulant was applied in the opposing corner of the recipient. The studied animals demonstrated no response to the stimuli applied. This may suggest that the behavioral response threshold is higher than the physiological response threshold of the primary chemoreceptor neurons or that the ammonium chloride must be associated with other compounds or certain physical attributes in order to evoke an ethological reaction from the studied species.

Respostas comportamentais do camarão de água doce Macrobrachium amazonicum à estimulação por cloreto de amônia / Behavioural responses of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium amazonicum to chemical with ammonium chloride

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar as respostas comportamentais do camarão de água doce Macrobrachium amazonicum, mediante estimulação química com cloreto de amônia a 100mM. Espécimes desse crustáceo foram posicionados em um aquário com quatro litros de água doce desclorificada, e um pulso de solução estimulante foi injetado no recipiente na extremidade oposta em relação à posição do animal. Os animais estudados não apresentaram resposta aos estímulos utilizados. Isso pode sugerir que o limiar de resposta comportamental é maior do que o limiar fisiológico dos neurônios receptivos primários, ou que o cloreto de amônia precisa ser associado com outros compostos ou determinadas variáveis físicas para poder gerar uma resposta ecológica na espécie estudada.(AU)

The objective of the present study was to analyze the behavioral responses of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium amazonicum, elicited by stimulation with ammonium chloride at 100mM. Specimens were positioned in a four liter dechlorinated freshwater tank and a 0.5ml pulse of stimulant was applied in the opposing corner of the recipient. The studied animals demonstrated no response to the stimuli applied. This may suggest that the behavioral response threshold is higher than the physiological response threshold of the primary chemoreceptor neurons or that the ammonium chloride must be associated with other compounds or certain physical attributes in order to evoke an ethological reaction from the studied species.(AU)

O teste da simulação do falar em público não gera ansiedade em adolescentes surdos ou ouvintes / The public speaking simulation test does not create anxiety in deaf or listeners adolescents

O presente trabalho pretendeu comparar a ansiedade relatada através da Escala Analógica de Humor (EAH) no Teste da Simulação do Falar em Público em adolescentes surdos e ouvintes. Participaram do experimento quinze surdos que dominam o alfabeto digital e a Língua Brasileira de Sinais (LIBRAS) (grupo experimental) e quinze ouvintes (grupo controle) com idades entre 11 a 18 anos, pareados em relação a variáveis sócio-econômicas e sexo. Ambos os grupos foram submetidos individualmente ao teste da simulação do falar em público, no qual a escala analógica de humor foi aplicada nas fases de adaptação, pré-discurso, durante o discurso e pós-discurso. Os resultados obtidos em ambos os grupos indicam que para a população de adolescentes o teste não gerou a ansiedade tipicamente relatada em adultos e não houve diferença estatística significativa entre os grupos segundo tipo de linguagem usada.

The purpose of this study was to compare the anxiety reported by deaf and normal hearing teenagers on the Public Speaking Simulation Test through the Humor Analog Scale (HAS). Fifteen deaf teenagers expert on the digital alphabet and on the Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) and fifteen normal hearing (control group) with 11 to 18 years of age participated on the study. Social economic class and genre were similar in the two groups. Both groups were individually submitted to a Public Speaking Simulation Test, and evaluated by the Humor Analog Scale applied on the adaptation phase, pre-speech phase, during the speech phase and after the speech phase. For the teenager population the test did not cause anxiety, typically obtained with adults. There was no significant statistic difference between the two different language groups.

O teste da simulação do falar em público não gera ansiedade em adolescentes surdos ou ouvintes / The public speaking simulation test does not create anxiety in deaf or listeners adolescents

O presente trabalho pretendeu comparar a ansiedade relatada através da Escala Analógica de Humor (EAH) no Teste da Simulação do Falar em Público em adolescentes surdos e ouvintes. Participaram do experimento quinze surdos que dominam o alfabeto digital e a Língua Brasileira de Sinais (LIBRAS) (grupo experimental) e quinze ouvintes (grupo controle) com idades entre 11 a 18 anos, pareados em relação a variáveis sócio-econômicas e sexo. Ambos os grupos foram submetidos individualmente ao teste da simulação do falar em público, no qual a escala analógica de humor foi aplicada nas fases de adaptação, pré-discurso, durante o discurso e pós-discurso. Os resultados obtidos em ambos os grupos indicam que para a população de adolescentes o teste não gerou a ansiedade tipicamente relatada em adultos e não houve diferença estatística significativa entre os grupos segundo tipo de linguagem usada.(AU)

The purpose of this study was to compare the anxiety reported by deaf and normal hearing teenagers on the Public Speaking Simulation Test through the Humor Analog Scale (HAS). Fifteen deaf teenagers expert on the digital alphabet and on the Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) and fifteen normal hearing (control group) with 11 to 18 years of age participated on the study. Social economic class and genre were similar in the two groups. Both groups were individually submitted to a Public Speaking Simulation Test, and evaluated by the Humor Analog Scale applied on the adaptation phase, pre-speech phase, during the speech phase and after the speech phase. For the teenager population the test did not cause anxiety, typically obtained with adults. There was no significant statistic difference between the two different language groups.(AU)

Construct validity of behavioral models of anxiety: where experimental psychopathology meets ecology and evolution

In experimental psychopathology, construct validity is usually enhanced by addressing theories from other fields in its nomological network. In the field of anxiety research, this construct is related to antipredator behavior, conserved across phylogeny in its functions and neural basis, but not necessarily on its topography. Even though the relations between behavioral models of anxiety and statements from behavioral ecology and evolutionary biology are commonly made in anxiety research, these are rarely tested, at least explicitly. However, in order to increase construct validity in experimental anxiety, testing predictions from those theories is highly desirable. This article discusses these questions, suggesting a few ways in which behavioral ecological and evolutionary hypotheses of anxiety-like behavior may be tested.

Construct validity of behavioral models of anxiety: where experimental psychopathology meets ecology and evolution

In experimental psychopathology, construct validity is usually enhanced by addressing theories from other fields in its nomological network. In the field of anxiety research, this construct is related to antipredator behavior, conserved across phylogeny in its functions and neural basis, but not necessarily on its topography. Even though the relations between behavioral models of anxiety and statements from behavioral ecology and evolutionary biology are commonly made in anxiety research, these are rarely tested, at least explicitly. However, in order to increase construct validity in experimental anxiety, testing predictions from those theories is highly desirable. This article discusses these questions, suggesting a few ways in which behavioral ecological and evolutionary hypotheses of anxiety-like behavior may be tested.(AU)

The effects of diazepam on the elevated T-maze are dependent on the estrous cycle of rats

In order to determine the modulation of anxiolytic and panicolytic-like effects of diazepam by the hormonal cycle of female rats, male and female rats - the latter divided per estrous cycle phase (estrus, diestrus, metaestrus and proestrus) - were tested in the elevated T-maze, a behavioral model of panic and anxiety. Diazepam (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg) or saline solution was injected in individual animals that were submitted to one session in the elevated T-maze 25 min after drug/saline administration. The test consisted of three avoidance trials and one escape trial, separated by a 30 s interval, during which the animals were isolated in individual cages. The avoidance trials began with the animal being placed at the end of the maze's enclosed arm. The time necessary for the animal to leave the central square was considered as the response's latency. The trials that exceeded 300 s were considered as failures. Results demonstrate a decrease in the effects of diazepam in inhibitory avoidance (anxiety) trials in females in diestrus and proestrus, but no relation of gender or estrous cycle on diazepam effects on escape trials (fear). The results support the hypothesis that down-regulation of GABA A receptors by activation of nuclear estrogen receptors and induction of PKC-mediated GABA A receptor phosphorylation by activation of surface estrogen receptors in raphe neurons underlie the modulation of diazepam sensitivity by estrogen.(AU)

The effects of diazepam on the elevated T-maze are dependent on the estrous cycle of rats

In order to determine the modulation of anxiolytic and panicolytic-like effects of diazepam by the hormonal cycle of female rats, male and female rats - the latter divided per estrous cycle phase (estrus, diestrus, metaestrus and proestrus) - were tested in the elevated T-maze, a behavioral model of panic and anxiety. Diazepam (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg) or saline solution was injected in individual animals that were submitted to one session in the elevated T-maze 25 min after drug/saline administration. The test consisted of three avoidance trials and one escape trial, separated by a 30 s interval, during which the animals were isolated in individual cages. The avoidance trials began with the animal being placed at the end of the maze's enclosed arm. The time necessary for the animal to leave the central square was considered as the response's latency. The trials that exceeded 300 s were considered as failures. Results demonstrate a decrease in the effects of diazepam in inhibitory avoidance (anxiety) trials in females in diestrus and proestrus, but no relation of gender or estrous cycle on diazepam effects on escape trials (fear). The results support the hypothesis that down-regulation of GABA A receptors by activation of nuclear estrogen receptors and induction of PKC-mediated GABA A receptor phosphorylation by activation of surface estrogen receptors in raphe neurons underlie the modulation of diazepam sensitivity by estrogen.

Questões acerca da percepção sonora de harmônicos: a função das variáveis sexo e aprendizagem / Matters concerning sound perception of harmonics: the function of the sex and apprenticeship variables

Este trabalho objetivou verificar o desempenho de homens e mulheres em uma tarefa de discriminação perceptiva de sons e o efeito de aprendizagem anterior sobre esta discriminação. O experimento foi realizado com 17 homens e 17 mulheres, submetidos individualmente a uma sessão de coleta de dados composta de questionário padronizado e de teste de discriminação com vinte tentativas gravadas em um CD-ROM. A análise estatística dos dados indicou diferenças de desempenho entre pessoas com e sem experiência musical prévia [F(1,33)=14,69, p<0,001]. Embora não significativo, as mulheres apresentaram melhor desempenho no grupo sem experiência prévia, e no grupo com experiência, os homens apresentaram melhor desempenho. Os dados indicam que, embora haja diferenças sexuais na percepção sonora, a experiência parece ser o fator mais importante neste tipo de discriminação.

The aim of this study was to verify the performances of men and women in a discriminative test of sound harmonics perception, and the effect of prior learning on this discrimination. The experiment was conducted using 17 men and 17 women, who were individually submitted to an experimental session with a standard questionnaire and a sound perception test comprising 20 attempts recorded on a CD-ROM. The statistical analysis of the data shows that subjects, both with and without experience of learning a musical instrument, have a difference in performance in the test [F(1.33) = 14.69, p<0.001]. Though not significant, women displayed a better performance in the group without learning, and in the group with experience, men showed better performance. The data show that, though there may be differences between the genders in terms of sound perception, previous experience is ostensibly the most important factor in this type of discrimination.

Questões acerca da percepção sonora de harmônicos: a função das variáveis sexo e aprendizagem / Matters concerning sound perception of harmonics: the function of the sex and apprenticeship variables

Este trabalho objetivou verificar o desempenho de homens e mulheres em uma tarefa de discriminação perceptiva de sons e o efeito de aprendizagem anterior sobre esta discriminação. O experimento foi realizado com 17 homens e 17 mulheres, submetidos individualmente a uma sessão de coleta de dados composta de questionário padronizado e de teste de discriminação com vinte tentativas gravadas em um CD-ROM. A análise estatística dos dados indicou diferenças de desempenho entre pessoas com e sem experiência musical prévia [F(1,33)=14,69, p<0,001]. Embora não significativo, as mulheres apresentaram melhor desempenho no grupo sem experiência prévia, e no grupo com experiência, os homens apresentaram melhor desempenho. Os dados indicam que, embora haja diferenças sexuais na percepção sonora, a experiência parece ser o fator mais importante neste tipo de discriminação.(AU)

The aim of this study was to verify the performances of men and women in a discriminative test of sound harmonics perception, and the effect of prior learning on this discrimination. The experiment was conducted using 17 men and 17 women, who were individually submitted to an experimental session with a standard questionnaire and a sound perception test comprising 20 attempts recorded on a CD-ROM. The statistical analysis of the data shows that subjects, both with and without experience of learning a musical instrument, have a difference in performance in the test [F(1.33) = 14.69, p<0.001]. Though not significant, women displayed a better performance in the group without learning, and in the group with experience, men showed better performance. The data show that, though there may be differences between the genders in terms of sound perception, previous experience is ostensibly the most important factor in this type of discrimination.(AU)

Adaptação da EAH para população de surdos falantes de LIBRAS / Adaptation of the MAS to deaf speech

O objetivo deste estudo é traduzir a Escala Analógica de Humor, para surdos usuários da língua brasileira de sinais (LIBRAS) e do alfabeto digital, gerando uma escala trilíngüe. A amostra de estudo foi composta de 15 surdos que dominam o alfabeto digital e a LIBRAS e 40 ouvintes com idades entre 11 e 18 anos de ambos os sexos. Após o treino prévio, os participantes preencheram uma versão da escala segundo as características do seu grupo: em português para o grupo-controle (ouvinte) ou em LIBRAS para o grupo experimental (surdos). A aplicação foi realizada em grupo. Os resultados obtidos no experimento mostraram que a escala analógica de humor apresentou equivalência em ambos os grupos, dado que nas suas duas versões (escala analógica padrão e escala traduzida), não foram detectadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas no índice total e nos componentes da escala: ansiedade, sedação física e sedação mental. O único fator que apresentou diferença estatística significativa foi o componente outros sentimentos. Tais resultados indicam a possibilidade do uso desta escala para estudos de ansiedade em pacientes com surdez.

The aim of the present study was to adapt the Analogic Mood Scale for hearing impaired individuals speaking Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS) and talking by the finger alphabet, yielding a bilingual scale. The sample of Study was composed of 15 hearing impaired individuals talking by the finger alphabet and LIBRAS and 40 normal hearing individuals aged 11 to 18 years of both genders. After previous training, the participants filled a version of the scale according to the characteristics of their group, in Portuguese or in LIBRAS. The scales were applied in group. The results showed that both versions of the analogue mood scale were equivalent, because no-statistical significant differences in the total index and in the components of the scale (anxiety, physical sedation and mental sedation) were related. The only factor presenting statistically significant difference was the presence of other feelings. Such results suggest the possibility of use of this scale for studies of anxiety among hearing impaired patients.

Influence of gender and estrous cycle in the forced swim test in rats

The present work aimed at studying the influence of the estrous cycle in the forced swim test, an animal model of depression. For this, 44 male and female Wistar rats were divided into five groups according to the hormonal state in the first day of the study: metaestrus (N = 12), diestrus (N = 8), proestrus (N = 7), estrous (N = 6) and males (N = 11). They were housed in groups of five, with water and food ad libitum under a 12/12 h light/dark cycle. Females were screened daily for the estrous cycle. The animals were subjected to two swimming sessions in a glass cylinder with water up to 15 cm at 28±2º C. The data of the first five minutes of a 15-min first session were compared to those of a 5-min second session 24 h later. The results indicate that the latency to the first immobility was substantially reduced in the second session and was longer for females in diestrus and proestrus in the first session. The results also indicate that females in diestrus and proestrus exhibited less immobility than males in the first session; females in diestrus also exhibited less immobility than females in metaestrus. Females in metaestrus and diestrus, as well as males, did not present the decrease in total immobility times in the second session. The present results are analyzed in terms of differential effects of progesterone and estrogen on a learning component and an affective component.

Adaptação da EAH para população de surdos falantes de LIBRAS / Adaptation of the MAS to deaf speech

O objetivo deste estudo é traduzir a Escala Analógica de Humor, para surdos usuários da língua brasileira de sinais (LIBRAS) e do alfabeto digital, gerando uma escala trilíngüe. A amostra de estudo foi composta de 15 surdos que dominam o alfabeto digital e a LIBRAS e 40 ouvintes com idades entre 11 e 18 anos de ambos os sexos. Após o treino prévio, os participantes preencheram uma versão da escala segundo as características do seu grupo: em português para o grupo-controle (ouvinte) ou em LIBRAS para o grupo experimental (surdos). A aplicação foi realizada em grupo. Os resultados obtidos no experimento mostraram que a escala analógica de humor apresentou equivalência em ambos os grupos, dado que nas suas duas versões (escala analógica padrão e escala traduzida), não foram detectadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas no índice total e nos componentes da escala: ansiedade, sedação física e sedação mental. O único fator que apresentou diferença estatística significativa foi o componente outros sentimentos. Tais resultados indicam a possibilidade do uso desta escala para estudos de ansiedade em pacientes com surdez.(AU)

The aim of the present study was to adapt the Analogic Mood Scale for hearing impaired individuals speaking Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS) and talking by the finger alphabet, yielding a bilingual scale. The sample of Study was composed of 15 hearing impaired individuals talking by the finger alphabet and LIBRAS and 40 normal hearing individuals aged 11 to 18 years of both genders. After previous training, the participants filled a version of the scale according to the characteristics of their group, in Portuguese or in LIBRAS. The scales were applied in group. The results showed that both versions of the analogue mood scale were equivalent, because no-statistical significant differences in the total index and in the components of the scale (anxiety, physical sedation and mental sedation) were related. The only factor presenting statistically significant difference was the presence of other feelings. Such results suggest the possibility of use of this scale for studies of anxiety among hearing impaired patients.(AU)

Influence of gender and estrous cycle in the forced swim test in rats

The present work aimed at studying the influence of the estrous cycle in the forced swim test, an animal model of depression. For this, 44 male and female Wistar rats were divided into five groups according to the hormonal state in the first day of the study: metaestrus (N = 12), diestrus (N = 8), proestrus (N = 7), estrous (N = 6) and males (N = 11). They were housed in groups of five, with water and food ad libitum under a 12/12 h light/dark cycle. Females were screened daily for the estrous cycle. The animals were subjected to two swimming sessions in a glass cylinder with water up to 15 cm at 28±2º C. The data of the first five minutes of a 15-min first session were compared to those of a 5-min second session 24 h later. The results indicate that the latency to the first immobility was substantially reduced in the second session and was longer for females in diestrus and proestrus in the first session. The results also indicate that females in diestrus and proestrus exhibited less immobility than males in the first session; females in diestrus also exhibited less immobility than females in metaestrus. Females in metaestrus and diestrus, as well as males, did not present the decrease in total immobility times in the second session. The present results are analyzed in terms of differential effects of progesterone and estrogen on a learning component and an affective component.(AU)

Effects of trophic poisoning with methylmercury on the appetitive elements of the agonistic sequence in fighting-fish (betta splendens)

The aggressive display in Betta splendens is particularly prominent, and vital to its adaptation to the environment. Methylmercury is an organic variation of Hg that presents particularly pronounced neuro-behavioral effects. The present experiments aim to test the effect of acute and chronic poisoning with methylmercury on the display in Bettas. The animals were poisoned by trophic means in both experiments (16 ug/kg in acute poisoning; 16 ug/kg/day for chronic poisoning), and tested in agonistic pairs. The total frequency of the display was recorded, analyzing the topography of the agonistic response. The methylmercury seems to present a dose- and detoxification-dependent effect on these responses, with a more pronounced effect on motivity in acute poisoning and on emotionality in the chronic poisoning. It is possible that this effect could be mediated by alteration in the mono-amino-oxidase systems (AU)

El despliegue agresivo en la Betta splendens es especialmente prominente y es vital para su adaptación al medio ambiente. Metil-mercurio es una variación orgánica de Hg que presenta efectos neuro-conductuales especialmente pronunciados. Los experimentos actuales intentan poner aprueba el efecto de envenenamiento agudo y crónico con metil-mercurio sobre el despliegue en Bettas. Los animales fueron envenenados tróficamente en ambos experimentos (16 ug/kg eel envenenamiento agudo) y probados en parejas agonistas. Se registró la frecuencia total del despliegue, analizando la topografía de la respuesta agonista. El metil-mercurio parece presentar un efecto dependiente de la dosis y de la detoxificación sobre estas respuestas, con un efecto más pronunciado sobre la motilidad en el envenenamiento agudo y sobre la emotividad en el envenenamiento crónico. Posiblemente, este efecto podría mediarse por la alteración en los sistemas de mono-amino-oxidasa (AU)