Habituation Period Research Articles

Effects of chiropractic manipulations on behavioral and physiological parameters in healthy horses: A preliminary investigation

Human chiropractic is a well-established, evidence-based complementary medicine. Contrariwise, there is a lack of research on its impact on horses. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chiropractic treatment on healthy horses by measuring behavior, maximum temperature of the eyes (MaxTE), salivary cortisol (SC), and heart rate variability (HRV). Eight mares were selected and exposed to a 15-day habituation period. Then, they were randomly assigned to a grooming (GROOM) or chiropractic (CHIRO) session, performed by the same qualified chiropractor. The experiment was designed as a cross-over study and repeated after a 10-day washout (i.e., Week 1 and Week 2). During-CHIRO, the chiropractor treated and recorded joint hypomobility. During-GROOM, the mares were subjected to a standardized grooming session. MaxTE and SC were obtained before (T0), immediately after (T1), and one day after (T24) both sessions. In addition, before (Pre), during (During), and after (Post) both sessions, the mares were video recorded, and heart rate for HRV analysis was taken. Videos were analyzed using a specific ethogram and a Behavioral Discomfort Score (BDS) was obtained. Results showed that the mares manifested temporary signs of discomfort During-CHIRO, highlighted by an increase of ‘avoidance movements’ (p < 0.001) and ‘alert’ (p = 0.038). This was confirmed by an increase in BDS During-CHIRO (p = 0.044). No sympathetic shift was shown by MaxTE, SC, and HRV. A significant increase in the standard deviation of RR intervals (SDNN) suggested a parasympathetic shift in Post-CHIRO (p = 0.040). Joint hypomobility tended to decrease between the first and second CHIRO (p = 0.09). Our results showed that equine chiropractic could be performed by a qualified veterinary chiropractor, leading to transient discomfort behavior, not accompanied by acute stress response. On the contrary, there seems to be a subsequent relaxation, demonstrated by an autonomic nervous system shift toward the parasympathetic branch. Consequently, chiropractic manipulation could be considered as an integrative treatment to improve the horses’ welfare.

Effects of carbon versus plastic ankle foot orthoses on gait outcomes and energy cost in patients with chronic stroke.

To compare the walking performances of hemiplegic subjects with chronic stroke under 3 conditions: with a new standard carbon fibre ankle foot orthosis (C-AFO), with a personal custom-made plastic AFO (P-AFO), and without any orthosis (No-AFO). Randomized, controlled crossover design. Fifteen chronic patients with stroke (3 women and 12 men, 59 [10] years, 13 [15] years since injury). Patients performed 3 randomized sessions (with C-AFO, P-AFO, no-AFO), consisting of a 6-min walk test (6MWT) with VO2 measurement and a clinical gait analysis. Energy cost (Cw), walking speed, spatio-temporal, kinetic, and kinematic variables were measured. No significant differences were found between the C-AFO and P-AFO conditions. Distance and walking speed in the 6MWT increased by 12% and 10% (p < 0.001) and stride width decreased by -8.7% and -13% (p < 0.0001) with P-AFO and C-AFO compared with the No-AFO condition. Cw decreased by 15% (p < 0.002), stride length increased by 10% (p < 0.01), step length on affected leg increased by 8% (p < 0.01), step length on contralateral leg by 13% (p < 0.01), and swing time on the contralateral leg increased by 6% (p < 0.01) with both AFO compared with the No-AFO condition. The use of an off-the-shelf composite AFO (after a short habituation period) in patients with chronic stroke immediately improved energy cost and gait outcomes to the same extent as their usual custom-made AFO.

Thermotactic behaviour in lacustrine and riverine forms of Salmo trutta and its relevance to an emerging parasitic disease (PKD) in the wake of climate change

The thermotactic response of brown trout (Salmo trutta) was examined with the goal to investigate potential effects of the emerging temperature-dependent fatal trout disease PKD (proliferative kidney disease). First the differences in cold-water preferences of two forms of brown trout, lacustrine (migratory) and riverine, were determined. Second, it was studied whether this preference was changed in fish infected with PKD. The experiment involved a one-week habituation period at 14 °C in a two-chamber runway followed by a week of 3 °C temperature difference between the two runways. The fish could freely move between lanes via an opening at the end where food was provided. The temperature manipulation was repeated twice, and there were 3 trials per experimental group. All fish developed a clear spatial preference in the test. Lacustrine trout demonstrated a preference for warmer water, while riverine trout preferred cooler water. This may increase the risk to PKD in the lacustrine form. Most strikingly, riverine trout experimentally exposed to Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae, the parasite that causes PKD, demonstrated stronger cold-seeking behaviour than control fish. Cold seeking behaviour suggests the occurrence of a disease-induced behavioural chill response, which may play an important role in disease recovery. This demonstrates the significance of protecting river connectivity and cold-water sanctuaries as management strategies for preserving salmonid populations in a warming climate.

A Simple Tube Escape Assay to Test Learning and Memory in Zebrafish with Minimized Habituation.

Various methods have been used in rodents to evaluate learning and memory. Although much less frequently used, the zebrafish emerges as an alternative model organism in this context. For example, it allows assessing potential behavioral deficits because of neurodevelopmental disorders or environmental neurotoxins. A variety of learning tasks have been employed in previous studies that required extensive habituation and training sessions. Here, we introduce a simpler and faster method to evaluate learning and memory of zebrafish with minimum habituation. A new apparatus, a transparent L-shaped tube, was developed in which we trained each zebrafish to swim through a long arm and measured the time to swim through this arm. We demonstrate that in this task, zebrafish could acquire both short-term (1 h) and long-term memory (4 days). We also studied learning and memory of a gene knockout (KO) zebrafish that showed social impairments related to autism. We found KO mutant zebrafish to show a quantitative impairment in habituation, learning, and memory performance compared with wild-type control fish. In conclusion, we established a novel learning apparatus and sensitive paradigm that allowed us to evaluate learning and memory of adult zebrafish that required only a brief habituation period and minimal training.

Comparison of the µ-opioid receptor antagonists methocinnamox (MCAM) and naloxone to reverse and prevent the ventilatory depressant effects of fentanyl, carfentanil, 3-methylfentanyl, and heroin in male rats.

The number of opioid overdose deaths has increased significantly over the past decade. The life-threatening effect of opioids is hypoventilation that can be reversed by the µ-opioid receptor (MOR) antagonist naloxone; however, because of the very short duration of action of naloxone, re-emergence of MOR agonist-induced hypoventilation can occur, requiring additional doses of naloxone. The MOR antagonist methocinnamox (MCAM) antagonizes hypoventilation by the non-morphinan fentanyl and the morphinan heroin in laboratory animals with an unusually long duration of action. Whole-body plethysmography was used to compare the potency and effectiveness of MCAM and naloxone for preventing and reversing hypoventilation by fentanyl, heroin, and the ultra-potent and longer-acting fentanyl analogs carfentanil and 3-methylfentanyl in male rats breathing normal air. Sessions comprised a 45-minute habituation period followed by intravenous (i.v.) administration of saline or an acute dose of MOR agonist. The rank order of potency to decrease ventilation was 3-methylfentanyl > carfentanil > fentanyl > heroin. MCAM (0.0001-0.1 mg/kg) and naloxone (0.0001-0.01 mg/kg) dose-dependently reversed hypoventilation by 3-methylfentanyl (0.01 mg/kg), carfentanil (0.01 mg/kg), fentanyl (0.1 mg/kg), or heroin (3.2 mg/kg). For prevention studies, MCAM, naloxone, or vehicle was administered i.v. 22, 46, or 70 hours prior to a MOR agonist. When administered 22 hours earlier, MCAM (0.1-1.0 mg/kg) but not naloxone (1.0 mg/kg) prevented hypoventilation by each MOR agonist. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of MCAM to reverse and prevent hypoventilation by MOR agonists including ultra-potent fentanyl analogs that have a long duration of action. Significance Statement The number of opioid overdose deaths increased over the past decade despite the availability of antagonists that can prevent and reverse the effects of opioids. This study demonstrates the effectiveness and long duration of action of the µ-opioid receptor (MOR) antagonist methocinnamox (MCAM) for reversing and preventing hypoventilation by MOR agonists including ultra-potent fentanyl analogs. These results provide support for the notion that MCAM has the potential to positively impact the ongoing opioid crisis by reversing and preventing opioid overdose.

The effect of in-flume habituation time and fish behaviour on estimated swimming performance

Swimming performance is important for fish migration, habitat selection, and predator-prey interaction, as well as for fish passage design. Procedural choices made when experimentally estimating it may influence the results. Systematic experiments were conducted to study the effect of different in-flume habituation times, habituation behaviour, and the use of external encouragement on burst swimming performance of Rutilus aula, a small-sized cyprinid, in a fixed velocity testing protocol. Increasing habituation times from 30 s to 5 or 20 min substantially increased the success proportion of swimming trials and estimated fish swimming performance, with no difference between the latter two habituation times. Fish resting on the downstream grid before the start of testing velocity outperformed those who swam during habituation and transition periods. Fish swimming volitionally in response to flow at testing velocity showed a significantly improved performance compared to fish motivated by external poking. The results of this study highlight that in-flume habituation time is important, and fish behaviour before actual testing may influence the outcomes of swimming performance results.

Go Across Immersive Technology: A Preliminary Study of the Design and Development of a System for Gait Training Using Virtual Reality.

Virtual reality (VR) allows visuotactile interaction in a virtual environment. VR has several potential applications such as surgical training, phobia treatments, and gait rehabilitation. However, further interface development is required. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a noninvasive wearable device control to a VR gait training program. It consists of custom-made insoles with vibratory actuators, and plantar pressure sensor-based wireless interface with a VR game. System usability testing involved a habituation period and three gaming sessions. Significant gait improvement was associated with game scores (P < 0.05). This VR gait training system allowed real-time virtual immersive interaction with anticipatory stimulus and feedback during gait.

Ventilatory Effects of Fentanyl, Heroin, and d-Methamphetamine, Alone and in Mixtures in Male Rats Breathing Normal Air .

The number of drug overdoses and deaths has increased significantly over the past decade and co-use of opioids and stimulants is associated with greater likelihood of overdose and decreased likelihood of accessing treatment, compared with use of opioids alone. Potential adverse effects of opioid/stimulant mixtures, particularly methamphetamine, are not well characterized. Two structurally different drugs with agonist properties at µ-opioid receptors (MOR), fentanyl and heroin, and d-methamphetamine, alone and in mixtures, were assessed for their effects on ventilation in rats breathing normal air. Whole-body phethysmography chambers were equipped with a tower and swivel allowing infusions to indwelling intravenous catheters. After a 45-minute habituation period, saline, fentanyl, heroin, or d-methamphetamine, alone and in mixtures, was administered. Five minutes later, the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone or vehicle was injected. Fentanyl (0.0032-0.1 mg/kg) and heroin (0.32-3.2 mg/kg) decreased ventilation [frequency (f) and tidal volume (VT)] in a dose-related manner whereas d-methamphetamine (0.1-3.2 mg/kg) increased f to >400% of control and decreased VT to <60% of control, overall increasing minute volume (product of f and VT) to >240% of control. When combined, d-methamphetamine (0.1-3.2 mg/kg) attenuated the ventilatory depressant effects of fentanyl (0.1 mg/kg) and heroin (3.2 mg/kg). d-Methamphetamine did not alter the potency of naloxone to reverse the ventilatory depressant effects of fentanyl or heroin. These studies demonstrate that d-methamphetamine can attenuate the ventilatory depressant effects of moderate doses of opioid receptor agonists while not altering the potency of naloxone to reverse opioid hypoventilation. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Co-use of opioids and stimulants is associated with greater likelihood of overdose and decreased likelihood of accessing treatment, compared with use of opioids alone. Potential adverse effects of opioid/stimulant mixtures are not well characterized. This study reports that 1) d-methamphetamine attenuates the ventilatory depressant effects of moderate doses of two structurally different opioid receptor agonists, fentanyl and heroin, and 2) d-methamphetamine does not alter potency or effectiveness of naloxone to reverse the ventilatory depressant effects of these opioid receptor agonists.

Integrated Care for Patients with Somatic Symptom Disorder in Primary Care - A Qualitative Participatory Evaluation of a Randomised Feasibility Trial

The VISION intervention is a manualized short-term treatment for people with somatic symptom disorder, integrated into the primary care and delivered by psychotherapists via video consultations. As an innovative technology-based approach, the intervention was most recently piloted in a randomized feasibility trial. During the qualitative accompanying study presented here, the intervention was evaluated and optimised from the user perspective of patients who participated in the feasibility study. We interviewed a total of N=10 patients included in the intervention group in three semi structured focus group discussions focusing on how they (1) assess the intervention in terms of acceptance and individual benefit and (2) which adjustments are necessary from the user perspective for further optimization of the intervention. We performed a qualitative content analysis using MAXQDA Plus 2022. Respondents reported initial reservations on their part regarding care via video consultation. After a brief period of habituation, the intervention was universally accepted. Main suggestions for improvement included a stronger focus on supporting patients find follow-up psychotherapy (if indicated) more flexible settings (e. g., location of video consultation), and a stronger integration of treatment into primary care. The study provides systematically elaborated comprehensive findings on participants' practical experiences with the intervention. The model is appropriate for treating people with somatic symptom disorder. Before implementation, important suggestions for improvement should be thoroughly considered with continued patient and public involvement.

Physiological gait test

The evaluation of animal locomotor activity is a behavioral tool widely used to measure the mechanisms underlying a particular disease, disorder, or injury, as well as the effects of exposure to a xenobiotic. The elevated beam test is one of the most used tests in rodents to assess balance and motor coordination. Despite being inexpensive and utilizing a simple apparatus, the high beam test requires a long period of animal training and habituation. The development and characterization of an alternative test, namely the gait test, has the potential to circumvent the time and effort required for animal training, deeming it an effective, inexpensive, and fast method for the analysis of behaviors that are comparably assessed by the high beam test. Therefore, the present study focused on determining the effectiveness and feasibility of the gait test for assessing rodent locomotion and balance as a replacement for the elevated beam test. For this purpose, male rats were divided into three groups: one control group exposed to a saline solution (NaCl 0.9%) and two experimental groups exposed to a single dose of either 0.2 or 1.0 mg/kg of ivermectin intraperitoneally for induction of locomotor disturbance. The high beam and gait tests were performed 15 min and 24 h after drug administration. Results show that the experimental groups had difficulty performing the tasks of either test at both time points analyzed compared to the control groups. At the high beam, experimental animals had trouble maintaining balance and walking. At the gait test, experimental animals showed alterations in gait, which were quantitated by: (a) shortening of step length, (b) decrease of stride, (c) altered step symmetry, and (d) altered stride area. Such results are indicative of compensatory efforts and were comparable between both tests. Altogether, the data indicate that the gait test meets all requirements for assessing motor coordination in rodents. The gait test is therefore validated as a complement to the elevated beam test for the study and analysis of neurodegenerative impairment and other disorders involving neuromuscular disturbances.

Measuring short-term changes in stress-associated salivary analytes in free-ranging Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata).

Monitoring short-term changes of endocrine responses in non-human primates living in wild populations is a challenge. Saliva contains enzymes, steroids, and various analytes that can be broadly useful for helping us understand physiological responses to social and environmental sources of stress as well as other compromises to an individual's health homeostasis. Salivary alpha-amylase and salivary cortisol are known to respond rapidly to stress, which can allow us to use these analytes to monitor stress on a time scale of minutes. We developed a non-invasive methodology for the collection of saliva and verified its applicability by conducting short-term interval sampling of focal individuals under varying social conditions in a group of semi-provisioned free-ranging Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) living endemically on the island of Koshima, Miyazaki prefecture, Japan. Monkeys were habituated to sampling by using ingestive attractants applied to cotton ropes. Their receptivity to chewing on the saliva sampling material provided and chewing time was recorded ad libitum during the initial habituation period of the troop to the sampling procedure. Focal animal behavior observations were conducted in conjunction with saliva sampling. Salivary analytes associated with stress, alpha-amylase and cortisol, were measured via enzyme immunoassay. Short-term changes in salivary alpha-amylase and salivary cortisol were examined in relation to short-term changes in social behavior, in particular aggression or grooming. We tested flow-rate effects in both analytes and found strong correlations between original sample results and their respective flow-rate transformed equivalents. Additionally, temperature effects on samples were tested and both analytes showed nearly the same values when stored at -20, 4, and 30°C conditions for 6h; important information expected to facilitate future sampling in field conditions where freezer storage is uncertain. Our study shows that saliva can be repeatedly sampled non-invasively to investigate short-term changes in stress-associated markers in free-ranging Japanese macaques.

When the measurement affects the object – Impact of a multi-part head/neck mounted wearable device on dairy cow behaviour, health and productivity

Wearable technology is increasingly used in both dairy research and commercial dairy farming. Assessment of how such wearables affect cows is of major importance to rule out reductions in welfare and productivity that would hamper commercial implementation. Furthermore, if devices intended to measure behaviour affect behaviour, data can no longer be extrapolated to a larger (unequipped) population, hampering their use as research tools. Lack of published research on this topic may cause an underestimation of effects on cows and research findings. We assessed the effects of a head/neck mounted wearable intended to capture methane and measure activity on dairy cow behaviour, health and productivity. The device consisted of a nose-piece covering the nostrils, held in place by a halter and a 4 kg neck-rig (31 × 19 × 23 cm at the widest points). We performed a 2 × 3-week cross-over trial involving 44 cows. Whereas many variables were not found to be affected, the wearable significantly (P < 0.05) affected bald spots (2.3-fold increase), social grooming (initiated: 41% decrease, received: 34% decrease) and drinking time (10% increase). Furthermore, milk yield and lactose content were significantly decreased, and partial mixed ration intake tended to be decreased (P < 0.10), but all three to a minor extent (<2% decrease). During the initial 6 h only, the wearable significantly increased transitions (standing up and lying down) and tended to increase the probability of a lowered head. During the first week only, the wearable significantly affected step counts (14% increase). During the last (third) week only it affected displacements with physical contact in the feeder area (initiated: 29% increase, P < 0.10, received: 34% increase, P < 0.05). This study showed that wearable technology can affect several parameters of dairy cow welfare. Whilst some effects were minor or short-lived, others were larger and persisted or increased throughout the 3-week deployment phase. This suggests that a habituation period of approximately one week should be observed before collecting data with the wearable. In addition, further product development would be advisable to reduce skin abrasions and improve its suitability for long-term application.

Habituation to Livestock Trailer and Its Influence on Stress Responses during Transportation in Goats

This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of habituation to livestock trailers on stress responses in goats transported for long periods. Intact male Spanish goats (12-month old; BW = 31.6 ± 0.34 kg; N = 168) were separated into two treatment (TRT) groups and maintained on two different paddocks. Concentrate supplement was fed to one group inside two livestock trailers (5.0 × 2.3 m each; habituated group, H), while the other group received the concentrate supplement, but not inside the trailers (non-habituated, NH). After 4 weeks of habituation period, goats were subjected to a 10-h transportation stress in four replicates (n = 21 goats/replicate/TRT). Blood samples were collected by a trained individual by jugular venipuncture into vacutainer tubes before loading (Preload), 20 min after loading (0 h), and at 2-h intervals thereafter (Time) for analysis of stress responses. There was a tendency for a TRT effect (p < 0.1) on tyramine and metanephrine concentrations. Phenylethylamine and 5-methoxytryptamine concentrations were significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the H group compared to the NH group. Both dopamine and 5-methoxytryptamine concentrations decreased (p < 0.05) with transportation time; however, TRT × Time interaction effects were not significant. Habituation to trailers may be beneficial in mood and energy stabilization in goats during long-distance transportation.

A phased process to reintroduce a hand-reared infant Tonkean macaque to her natal group

Abstract Reintroduction of separated individuals into their social group is a major problem in the management of captive group of non-human primates. Here we report a case in captive Tonkean macaques in which a female infant was abandoned by her mother after birth, then removed, hand-reared, and reintroduced after weaning to her original group in several stages. After the initial phase of separation, a period of habituation to group members followed during which the infant was brought to the front of the group enclosure daily for two months. We then started a phased reintroduction process that lasted a year. Because the biological mother was the group member most attracted to the infant, the process began by allowing the two individuals to interact. In the next stages, we introduced the infant to the other individuals one after the other, starting with the females. Females then acted as protectors against potential male aggression. At the age of one year and two months, the introduced individual had fully integrated her original group. Two years later, she appeared to behave like the other group members. This report shows that a phased process can be used to reintroduce an infant to a macaque group containing several adult females and males.

Time-restricted eating improves measures of daily glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes

AimsExamine the effect of 5 d/wk, 9-h time-restricted eating (TRE) protocol on 24-h glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). MethodsNineteen adults with T2D (10 F/9 M; 50 ± 9 y, HbA1c 7.6% (60 mmol/mol), BMI ∼34 kg/m2) completed a pre-post non-randomised trial comprising of a 2-wk Habitual monitoring period followed by 9-h (10:00–19:00 h) TRE for 4-wk. Glycaemic control was assessed via continuous glucose monitoring (CGM; for mean 24-h glucose concentrations, 24-h total area under the curve (AUC) and glucose variability metrics), with dietary records and physical activity monitoring. Changes in CGM measures, dietary intake and physical activity were assessed with linear mixed-effects models. ResultsTRE did not alter dietary energy intake, macronutrient composition or physical activity, but reduced the daily eating window (−2 h 35 min, P < 0.001). Compared to the Habitual period, 24-h glucose concentrations (mean, SD) and AUC decreased in the 4-wk TRE period (mean: -0.7 ± 1.2 mmol/L, P = 0.02; SD: -0.2 ± 0.3 mmol/L, P = 0.01; 24-h AUC: -0.9 ± 1.4 mmol/L⋅h−1 P = 0.01). During TRE, participants spent 10% more time in range (3.9–10.0 mmol/L; P = 0.02) and 10% less time above range (>10.0 mmol/L; P = 0.02). ConclusionsAdhering 5 d/wk. to 9-h TRE improved glycaemic control in adults with T2D, independent of changes in physical activity or dietary intake.Clinical Trial Registration: Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry, ACTRN12618000938202.

Nursing of Pike-Perch (Sander lucioperca) in Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) Provides Growth Advantage in Juvenile Growth Phase.

This study aimed to estimate the efficacy of two pike-perch juvenile production technologies: exclusive Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) culture (the RAS group) and pond larviculture with a transfer to the RAS at the 42nd day post-hatch (DPH). Both direct weaning on dry feed (the Pond-D group) and 10-day gradual weaning using bloodworms (the Pond-B group) after transfer to the RAS were evaluated in pond-nursed fry. Their survival and morphometric indices were monitored after the RAS habituation period (first 10 days), after the 18-day post-habituation period and after an additional 30 days of on-grow. Our results indicate a negative allometric growth of the pond-nursed fish during the nursing period, which was slower (p < 0.0001) in comparison to the RAS-nursed fry (16.3 ± 0.4 vs. 17.8 ± 0.7%/day). After transfer, these fish grew faster than the RAS-nursed fry (7.7 ± 0.1, 4.9 ± 0.5 and 6.1 ± 0.6 during habituation, 8.5 ± 0.6, 9.3 ± 0.5 and 6.7 ± 0.1%/day during post-habituation period, in the Pond-B, Pond-D and RAS groups, respectively). However, four weeks afterwards, the RAS-nursed fry were again superior in terms of growth (4.0 ± 0.1, 3.6 ± 0.2 and 4.6 ± 0.2%/day, for the Pond-B, Pond-D and RAS groups, respectively), and this was accompanied by a significantly lower feed conversion ratio in this group. Although the survival of the RAS-nursed fry during the nursing period was lower in comparison to the pond-reared fry (11.3 vs. 67.3%), the RAS seems to provide a long-term growth advantage.

PS-BPB10-3: MOLECULAR INSIGHT INTO SALT-SENSITIVITY; THE ROLE OF ATF3 AND THE GENERATION OF TUBULAR SPECIFIC KO MICE. (2)

Objective: Atf3 is transcriptionally activated according to intracellular Na concentrations. We found about 1.6 fold to 2.5 fold gene expression enhancements in kidney of Nedd4 2 C2 KO mice due to oral salt intakes and diuretics treatments. Aim of this study is to elucidate significance of Atf3 gene for salt-sensitivity by dietary salt loading and furosemide treatment for tubular specific Atf3 KO mice examining blood pressure, body weight, urine volume, water intake with genetic analyses. Methods: We performed metabolic cage experiments for male Ksp-cre (minus) Atf3 flox/flox mice (N = 5) and male Ksp-cre (+) Atf3 flox/flox mice (N = 10) with 7–8 wks old for subsequent protocol. After 1 week habituation period, experiments were done for 3 days normal salt intake, 5 days high salt intake, and 5 days high salt intake with furosemide treatment (40 mg/kg, ip), respectively. We measured blood pressure by tail cuff methods at day 0, day 8, and day 12. During experimental periods, body weight, water intake and urine volumes are measured daily. Results: We could not find significant differences among body weight, water intake and urine volume between two groups. After high oral salt intake and intra-peritoneal furosemide injection, we found blood pressure of cre (+) Atf3 flox/flox mice were significantly higher than cre (minus) Atf 3 flox/flox mice. (p &lt; 0.001, 119.6 ± 1.4 mmHg vs 112.8 mmHg) Additionally, we found significant expression change of both classic renin and alternative renin in tubules between two groups by quantitative RT PCR and immunohisto chemistry imaging for kidney. Conclusions: Tubular-specific Atf3 KO mice have elevated blood pressure sensitive to salt and furosemide treatment. Because furosemide treatment might induce enhancement of intra-cellular Na ion concentration, Atf3 gene is responsible for adaptations for intra-cellular Na concentration change through tubular renin expressions.

A mixed-method investigation into measurement reactivity to the experience sampling method: The role of sampling protocol and individual characteristics.

Since the introduction of the experience sampling method (ESM), there have been concerns that the repeated assessments typically related to this method may alter the behavior, thoughts, or feelings of participants. Previous studies have offered mixed results with some studies reporting reactive changes, while others failed to find such effects. Our aim was to investigate under which circumstances ESM induces reactive effects. Students (N = 151) were randomly assigned to receive a questionnaire containing 30 or 60 items three, six, or nine times per day for 14 days. A random sample of 50 participants took part in qualitative interviews after the end of the data collection. We investigated changes over time in the data, while taking into account the sampling protocol and characteristics of participants, and analyzed qualitative reports of measurement reactivity. Decreases in completion time, within-person variance of ratings and subjective reports of habituation point toward the existence of a habituation period. While participants reported increases in emotional awareness in interviews, ESM measures indicated a decrease in emotional awareness over time. Changes in behavior were rare in quantitative and qualitative reports. Positive affect was decreasing over time in the ESM data, and various changes in affect, emotion regulation, and thoughts were reported in interviews. Individual characteristics and sampling protocol had inconsistent effects on changes over time. The results suggest that ESM induces changes in within-person variability, completion times, affect, or emotional awareness over time. Further research is needed to explore whether observed changes affect the validity of ESM data. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Rat's response to a novelty and increased complexity of the environment resulting from the introduction of movable vs. stationary objects in the free exploration test.

Most animals, including rats, show a preference for more complex environments. This is demonstrated particularly well when complexity increases due to the addition of new elements to the environment. The aim of the study was to investigate the reaction to novelty, understood as a change in environmental properties that involve both changes in complexity and controllability. Controllability may allow for dealing with challenges of an environment of low predictability in a way that the animal's own activity reduces the uncertainty of environmental events. In our study, the animals underwent a spontaneous exploration test in low-stress conditions. After a period of habituation to the experimental arena, additional stationary (increased complexity) and/or movable (increased complexity and controllability) tunnels were introduced, and the reaction of the rats to the novel objects was measured. The results of the study confirmed that an increase in the complexity of the environment through the addition of objects triggers a more intensive exploratory activity in rats. However, an increased spatial complexity combined with the movability of the novel objects seems to result in increased caution towards the novelty after an initial inspection of the changed objects. It suggests that the complexity of the novelty may trigger both neophilia and neophobia depending on the level of the predictability of the novel environment and that the movability of newly introduced objects is not independent of other parameters of the environment.

Analisis Pelaksanaan Protokol Kesehatan Corona Virus Desease 19 Di Lingkungan Rumah Sakit Bhayangkara Mohammad Hasan Palembang

&#x0D; The purpose of this study was to find out and analyze the implementation of the Corona Virus Disease-19 health protocol at Bhayangkara Mohammad Hasan Hospital in Palembang. This research is a descriptive research with a qualitative approach. The data used are quantitative data and qualitative data in the form of primary data and secondary data. Observations, interviews and documentation are used as data collection tools, the analysis technique is qualitative analysis with an interactive model. The informants of this study were health workers and patients at Bhayangkara Mohammad Hasan Hospital Palembang. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the implementation of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 health protocol at Bhayangkara Mohammad Hasan Hospital Palembang has been carried out according to applicable procedures and provisions. Implementation of health protocols in the hospital environment related to health services during the Covid-19 or New Normal pandemic, including: Arrangement of service flow, division of risk zones for Covid-19 transmission in hospitals, application of PPI principles, application of new PPI principles. adaptation of methods, development of health service innovation systems and inauguration of referrals during the new normalization period and inauguration of referrals during the new normalization period during the habitual adaptation period. In general, both patients and staff at Bhayangkara Mohammad Hasan Hospital Palembang follow the Corona Virus Disease 2019 health protocol according to procedures, although sometimes there are still patients who forget to wear masks, do not wash their hands and do not use sanitizers.