scholarly journals Effects of Positive Human Contact during Gestation on the Behaviour, Physiology and Reproductive Performance of Sows

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 214
Author(s):  
Megan E. Hayes ◽  
Lauren M. Hemsworth ◽  
Rebecca S. Morrison ◽  
Kym L. Butler ◽  
Maxine Rice ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Positive Interactions ◽  
Physical Interaction ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Positive Interaction ◽  
Human Contact ◽  
Cortisol Responses ◽  
Contact Control ◽  
Being Moved

Previous positive interactions with humans may ameliorate the stress response of farm animals to aversive routine practices such as painful or stressful procedures, particularly those associated with stockpeople. We studied the effects of positive handling by providing younger (parity 1–2) and older (parity 3–8) sows housed in pens of fifteen (n = 24 pens in total) with either positive human contact (+HC) or routine human contact (control) during gestation. The +HC treatment involved a familiar stockperson patting and scratching sows and was imposed at a pen-level for 2 min daily. Measurements studied included behavioural, physiological and productivity variables. The +HC sows showed reduced avoidance of the stockperson conducting pregnancy testing and vaccination in the home pens, however the behavioural and cortisol responses of sows in a standard unfamiliar human approach test did not differ. There were no effects of +HC on aggression between sows, serum cortisol or serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations during gestation, or on the behavioural and cortisol response to being moved to farrowing crates. There were also no effects of +HC on the maternal responsiveness of sows, farrowing rate or the number of piglets born alive, stillborn or weaned. Sows in the +HC pens reduced their physical interaction with the stockpeople imposing the treatment after 2 weeks, which suggests the sows may have habituated to the novel or possible rewarding elements of the handling treatment. This experiment shows that regular positive interaction with stockpeople does reduce sows’ fear of stockpeople, but does not always confer stress resilence.

scholarly journals The Effect of Demonstrator Social Rank on the Attentiveness and Motivation of Pigs to Positively Interact with Their Human Caretakers

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 2140
Author(s):  
Daniela Luna ◽  
Catalina González ◽  
Christopher J. Byrd ◽  
Rocío Palomo ◽  
Elizabeth Huenul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Facilitation ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Social Rank ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Human Contact ◽  
The Social ◽  
Contact Control ◽  
Large Groups

In this study, we addressed the social attentiveness, as well as the phenomenon of social facilitation and inhibition in the context of a positive human–pig relationship. Specifically, we investigated whether the social rank of an experienced pig (termed “demonstrator”) has an effect on the attentiveness of the remaining pen mates (N = 40) when they observe the demonstrator being gently handled by a stockperson from behind an acrylic panel. We found that pigs preferentially attended to dominant demonstrators rather than subordinate demonstrators during their gentle handling sessions with the stockperson. Additionally, we also examined whether the presence of a demonstrator pig of different social rank, who previously established a positive relationship with the stockperson in presence of conspecifics, affects the behavior and motivation of their pen mates to positively interact with the stockperson. To test for the effect of the presence and demonstrator’s social rank on pen mate interactions with the stockperson, we evaluated the behavior of domestic pigs (N = 65) toward the stockperson using a human-approach test in their home-pen. Pigs showed a decrease in their motivation to positively interact with the stockperson when a socially dominant demonstrator was present, behaving similarly to animals receiving minimal human contact (control group). Overall, they exhibited a greater latency to physical contact, a lower acceptance of stroking, and spent more time looking at the stockperson compared to pigs exposed to subordinate demonstrators. Taken together, these findings expand our current understanding of pigs’ cognition and social behavior, and the nature of social attention bias in farm animals. Our findings indicate that positive handling of previously selected subordinate demonstrators seems to be the best strategy to reduce the level of fear in large groups of pigs.

Headache and Cortisol Responses to M-Chlorophenylpiperazine are Highly Correlated

Cephalalgia ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 400-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc L Gordon ◽  
Richard B Lipton ◽  
Serena-Lynn Brown ◽  
Christina Nakraseive ◽  
Marjorie Russell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Serotonin Receptor ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Cortisol Response ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Headache Severity ◽  
Cortisol Responses ◽  
Challenge Tests ◽  
Highly Correlated

The serotonin receptor agonist m-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP) stimulates the release of cortisol and prolactin, and induces migraine-like headaches. We have studied the neuroendocrine and headache responses to m-CPP in 8 subjects with migraine and I0 normal subjects. Each subject underwent two challenge tests, one with 0.25 mg/kg PO of m-CPP and the other with placebo, administered in a double-blind crossover format. Serial measurements of serum cortisol, prolactin, and m-CPP levels were made at 30-min intervals for 210 min following ingestion of the medication. The incidence and severity of headache was assessed by a structured telephone interview after each test. We confirmed that m-CPP stimulates the release of cortisol and prolactin, and may induce headache, in both migraine subjects and normal controls. The cortisol response as well as ratings of headache severity and duration directly correlated with plasma levels of m-CPP. There were highly significant associations between the cortisol response and both headache severity and duration, independent of m-CPP plasma levels. We did not find statistically significant differences between the migraine and normal subjects in terms of their neuroendocrine or headache responses to m-CPP.

Two-step differentiation of AML-193 leukemic line: terminal maturation is induced by positive interaction of retinoic acid with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (CSF) and vitamin D3 with monocyte CSF

Blood ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 77 (8) ◽  
pp. 1804-1812 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Valtieri ◽  
G Boccoli ◽  
U Testa ◽  
C Barletta ◽  
C Peschle
Keyword(s):  
Retinoic Acid ◽  
Cell Line ◽  
Leukemic Cells ◽  
Positive Interactions ◽  
Preliminary Treatment ◽  
Colony Stimulating Factor ◽  
Monocytic Differentiation ◽  
Positive Interaction ◽  
Semisolid Medium ◽  
Stimulating Factor

The human AML-193 cell line requires exogenous granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) or interleukin-3 (IL-3) for growth in liquid or semisolid medium. However, these CSFs do not stimulate the differentiation of the cell line. We show that addition of all-trans retinoic acid (RA) or 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (D3) induces AML-193 cells to differentiate into the granulocytic or monocytic lineage, respectively. On the other hand, addition of either G- or M-CSF alone exerts virtually no differentiative effect. Terminal granulocytic or monocytic differentiation was observed when AML-193 cells were treated with RA and G-CSF, or D3 and M-CSF, respectively, as evaluated by cell morphology, analysis of surface antigens, and phagocytic functions. These positive interactions indicate that the differentiating activity of G- and M-CSF on leukemic cells may be unmasked by preliminary treatment with RA and D3, respectively, ie, the physiologic inducers override the leukemic differentiation blockade and CFSs exert their differentiative activity on the unblocked leukemic cells. These preliminary observations on a single cell line may pave the way for the designing of clinical protocols combining physiologic inducer(s) and hematopoietic growth factor(s) in the treatment of acute leukemia.

scholarly journals Manipulable object and human contact: preferences and modulation of emotional states in weaned piglets

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Avelyne S. Villain ◽  
Mathilde Lanthony ◽  
Carole Guérin ◽  
Camille Noûs ◽  
Céline Tallet
Keyword(s):  
Emotional State ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Emotional States ◽  
Weaned Piglets ◽  
Human Interactions ◽  
Human Contact ◽  
Intensive Farming ◽  
Positive Behaviors ◽  
Emotional Value ◽  
Manipulable Object

1AbstractEnriching the life of farm animals is an obligation in intensive farming conditions. In pigs, manipulable materials are mandatory when no bedding is available. Like manipulable objects, positive human interactions might be considered as enrichment, as they provide the animals occasions to interact, increase their activity and lead to positive emotional states. In this study, we investigated how weaned piglets perceived a manipulable object, and a familiar human. After a similar familiarization to both stimuli, twenty-four weaned piglets were tested for a potential preference for one of the stimuli and submitted to isolation/reunion tests to evaluate the emotional value of the stimuli. We hypothesized that being reunited with a stimulus would attenuate the stress of social isolation and promote positive behaviors, and even more that the stimulus has a positive emotional value for piglets. Although our behavioural data did not allow to show a preference for one of the stimuli, piglets approached more often the human and were observed laying down only near the human. Using behavioural and bioacoustic data, we showed that reunion with the human decreased more the time spent in an attentive state and mobility of piglets than reunion with the object, and isolation. Vocalizations differed between reunions with the object and the human, and were different from vocalizations during isolation. The human presence led to higher frequency range, more noisy and shorter grunts. Finally, both stimuli decreased the isolation stress of piglets, and piglets seemed to be in a more positive emotional state with the human compared to the object. It confirms the potential need for positive human interactions to be used as pseudo-social enrichment in pigs.

scholarly journals The Role of Oxytocin in the Dog–Owner Relationship

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Marshall-Pescini ◽  
Franka S. Schaebs ◽  
Alina Gaugg ◽  
Anne Meinert ◽  
Tobias Deschner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Bonds ◽  
Positive Interactions ◽  
Interaction Type ◽  
Positive Interaction ◽  
Relationship Type ◽  
Human Interactions ◽  
Per Se ◽  
Interesting Species ◽  
Made In

Oxytocin (OT) is involved in multiple social bonds, from attachment between parents and offspring to “friendships”. Dogs are an interesting species in which to investigate the link between the oxytocinergic system and social bonds since they establish preferential bonds with their own species but also with humans. Studies have shown that the oxytocinergic system may be involved in the regulation of such inter-specific relationships, with both dogs and their owners showing an increase in OT levels following socio-positive interactions. However, no direct comparison has been made in dogs’ OT reactivity following a social interaction with the owner vs. a familiar (but not bonded) person, so it is unclear whether relationship type mediates OT release during socio-positive interactions or whether the interaction per se is sufficient. Here we investigated OT reactivity in both dogs and owners, following a socio-positive interaction with each other or a familiar partner. Results showed neither the familiarity with the partner, nor the type of interaction affected OT reactivity (as measured in urine) in either dogs or owners. Given the recent mixed results on the role of oxytocin in dog-human interactions, we suggest there is a need for greater standardization of methodologies, an assessment of overall results taking into account ‘publication bias’ issues, and further studies investigating the role of relationship quality and interaction type on OT release.

scholarly journals FACTORS INFLUENCING STAFF-RESIDENT INTERACTIONS IN NURSING HOMES

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S503-S503
Author(s):  
Anju Paudel ◽  
Elizabeth Galik ◽  
Barbara Resnick
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Marital Status ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Interactions ◽  
Positive Interaction ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Profit Status

Abstract Staff-resident interaction is an integral part of daily life of nursing home residents and has an influence on residents’ well-being. However, less is known about the factors that influence these interactions. The purpose of this study was to describe the quality of interaction between staff and residents with dementia in nursing homes, and explore the factors associated with ‘positive’ and ‘negative/neutral’ interactions. This cross-sectional analysis utilized baseline data from the first two cohorts in a randomized clinical trial, EIT-4-BPSD, including 338 residents from 35 nursing homes. Generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was used to explore the factors associated with interactions. It was hypothesized that the resident factors (age, gender, race, marital status, cognition, comorbidities, depressive symptoms, agitation, functional status) and facility factors (facility ownership, facility size, RN hours, LPN hours, CNA hours, and star rating) would be associated with staff-resident interactions. The staff-resident interactions were mostly positive. Overall, the models for ‘positive interactions’ and ‘negative/neutral interactions’ correctly classified 82.8% and 85.3% of the cases respectively. Both ‘positive’ and ‘negative/neutral’ interactions were significantly associated with marital status, and profit status of the facility. Being married and living in a not for profit facility was associated with lower odds of positive interaction and higher odds of negative/neutral interaction. There is some evidence that marital status influences staff-resident interactions and that profit status of facilities are associated with staff resident interactions. Future studies could explore staff factors such as consistent assignment, job satisfaction, staff characteristics, and training.

CortitrolTm Supplementation Reduces Serum Cortisol Responses To Physical Stress

2005 ◽  
Vol 37 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. S44
Author(s):  
Katherine T. Ruffin ◽  
Duncan N. French ◽  
Barry A. Spiering ◽  
Matthew J. Sharman ◽  
Nicholas A. Ratamess ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Physical Stress ◽  
Cortisol Responses

scholarly journals Teaching through Distance Learning Mode during Pandemic COVID-19: Obstacles and Opportunities

sjesr ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 407-417
Author(s):  
Farkhunda Rasheed Choudhary ◽  
Hina Noor ◽  
Sidra Khushnood
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Digital Content ◽  
Physical Interaction ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Digital Form ◽  
Technical Problems ◽  
Teaching Situation ◽  
Teaching Satisfaction ◽  
The Government ◽  
The University

In Pakistan, life was running normally according to the yearly routine before the outburst of the novel COVID-19. The government had announced the closure of all educational institutes of Pakistan to avoid physical interaction due to the Pandemic outbreak. The scenario has caused the running routine to be traumatized because it pushed all the teaching to happen virtually. It was quite odd because it was a new dimension in Pakistan that needs many new skills to be imparted before its launch. Therefore, this study has been carried out to explore the teaching obstacles and to contemplate the opportunities for the future. The study examined various attributes of virtual teaching in special situations like COVID-19 in terms of pandemic impact, teaching satisfaction, workload, technical problems, mental health, readiness, collaboration, digital content, COVID-implications, and new opportunities. The questionnaire was used based on the Likert Scale. The digital form was generated and was distributed online to the target audience that was teachers from all levels of the university, college, and school. This study was significant in the sense that it explored the current teaching situation of Pakistan and predicted possible opportunities.

Plasma catecholamine and serum cortisol responses to experimental cardiac arrest in dogs

1987 ◽  
Vol 253 (3) ◽  
pp. E283-E289 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. J. Foley ◽  
W. A. Tacker ◽  
J. Wortsman ◽  
S. Frank ◽  
P. E. Cryer
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
American Heart Association ◽  
Adrenal Glands ◽  
American Heart ◽  
Heart Association ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Plasma Catecholamine ◽  
Cardiac Ventricles ◽  
Cortisol Responses ◽  
Per Se

The plasma catecholamine and serum cortisol responses to cardiac arrest (ventricular fibrillation), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and ventricular defibrillation were examined in 10 intact (sham-operated controls) and 10 bilaterally adrenalectomized dogs. One hour after surgery, the cardiac ventricles were electrically fibrillated, and 30 s later Standard American Heart Association CPR was begun. After 12 min of CPR, the ventricles were defibrillated. Cardiac arrest per se results in a massive increase in plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations and indicates that the adrenal medullas are the predominant source of this response. Although the epinephrine response was virtually nonexistent in the adrenalectomized dogs, the norepinephrine response was approximately 30% of that in the sham-operated control animals. Thus there is an adrenomedullary, and perhaps a sympathetic neural, component to the sympathochromaffin response to cardiac arrest. Resuscitation from experimental cardiac arrest tended (P greater than 0.05 less than 0.1) to be lower in the adrenalectomized dogs (1 of 10) than in the animals with intact adrenal glands (6 of 10).

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