Untrained Animals Research Articles

Selective plasticity of layer 2/3 inputs onto distal forelimb controlling layer 5 corticospinal neurons with skilled grasp motor training

Layer 5 neurons of the neocortex receive their principal inputs from layer 2/3 neurons. We seek to identify the nature and extent of the plasticity of these projections with motor learning. Using optogenetic and viral intersectional tools to selectively stimulate distinct neuronal subsets in rat primary motor cortex, we simultaneously record from pairs of corticospinal neurons associated with distinct features of motor output control: distal forelimb vs. proximal forelimb. Activation of Channelrhodopsin2-expressing layer 2/3 afferents onto layer 5 in untrained animals produces greater monosynaptic excitation of neurons controlling the proximal forelimb. Following skilled grasp training, layer 2/3 inputs onto corticospinal neurons controlling the distal forelimb associated with skilled grasping become significantly stronger. Moreover, peak excitatory response amplitude nearly doubles while latency shortens, and excitatory-to-inhibitory latencies become significantly prolonged. These findings demonstrate distinct, highly segregated, and cell-specific plasticity of layer 2/3 projections during skilled grasp motor learning.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis associated disturbance of iron metabolism is blunted by swim training-role of AKT signaling pathway

Swim training has increased the life span of the transgenic animal model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Conversely, the progress of the disease is associated with the impairment of iron metabolism and insulin signaling.We used transgenic hmSOD1 G93A (ALS model) and non-transgenic mice in the present study. The study was performed on the muscles taken from trained (ONSET and TERMINAL) and untrained animals at three stages of the disease: BEFORE, ONSET, and TERMINAL. In order to study the molecular mechanism of changes in iron metabolism, we used SH-SY5Y and C2C12 cell lines expression vector pcDNA3.1 and transiently transfected with specific siRNAs.The progress of ALS resulted in decreased P-Akt/Akt ratio, which is associated with increased proteins responsible for iron storage ferritin L, ferritin H, PCBP1, and skeletal muscle iron at ONSET. Conversely, proteins responsible for iron export- TAU significantly decrease. The training partially reverses changes in proteins responsible for iron metabolism. AKT silencing in the SH-SY5Y cell line decreased PCBP2 and ferroportin and increased ferritin L, H, PCBP1, TAU, transferrin receptor 1, and APP. Moreover, silencing APP led to an increase in ferritin L and H.Our data suggest that swim training in the mice ALS model is associated with significant changes in iron metabolism related to AKT activity. Down-regulation of AKT mainly upregulates proteins involved in iron import and storage but decreases proteins involved in iron export.

The role of TFE3 in mediating skeletal muscle mitochondrial adaptations to exercise training.

Transcription factor E3 (TFE3) is a transcription factor that activates the expression of lysosomal genes involved in the clearance of dysfunctional mitochondria, termed mitophagy. With exercise, TFE3 is presumed to optimize the mitochondrial pool through the removal of organelles via lysosomes. However, the molecular mechanisms of the involved pathways remain unknown. Wild-type (WT) and TFE3 knockout (KO) mice were subjected to 6 wk of voluntary wheel running as an endurance training regimen. This was followed by a 45-min bout of in situ stimulation of the sciatic nerve innervating hindlimb muscles to evaluate muscle fatigue and contractile properties. A subset of animals was treated with colchicine to measure autophagy and mitophagy flux. Fatigability during stimulation was reduced with training in WT animals, as seen by a 13% increase in the percentage of maximum force at 5 min of stimulation, and a 30% increase at 30 minutes. Permeabilized fiber oxygen consumption was also improved with training. Concurrent with improved muscle and mitochondrial function, cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity and COX I protein expression were increased in trained WT animals compared to untrained animals, signifying an increase in mitochondrial content. These training adaptations were abolished with the loss of TFE3. Surprisingly, the absence of TFE3 did not affect lysosomal content nor did it blunt the induction of mitophagy flux with contractile activity compared to WT mice. Our results suggest that the loss of TFE3 compromises beneficial training adaptations that lead to improved muscle endurance and mitochondrial function.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our understanding of the role of transcription factor E3 (TFE3) in skeletal muscle is very limited. This research shows that TFE3 plays a direct role in skeletal muscle mitochondrial enhancement with exercise training, thereby introducing a paradigm shift in our perception of the function of TFE3 in mitochondrial maintenance, beyond mitophagy. This research serves to introduce TFE3 as a protein that holds promise as a future therapeutic target for metabolic diseases and skeletal muscle dysfunction.

Swimming training and caffeine supplementation protects against metabolic syndrome–induced nuclear factor–κB activation and cognitive deficits in rats

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a disorder that increasingly affects the world population, mainly because of changes in lifestyle and dietary habits. In this regard, both physical exercise and caffeine are low-cost and easily accessible therapies that separately have shown positive effects against metabolic disorders. Therefore, we hypothesized that physical exercise combined with caffeine could have a synergistic effect in the treatment of MS, risk factors, and cognitive deficits. Animals were divided into 8 groups and received fructose (15% w/v) or vehicle for 10 weeks. Swimming training and caffeine (6 mg/kg) started 4 weeks after fructose administration. Trained animals presented decreased body weight and visceral fat mass and increased soleus weight compared with untrained fructose-treated animals. Caffeine supplementation also prevented the gain of visceral fat mass induced by fructose. Furthermore, both treatments reversed fructose-induced decrease in glucose clearance over time and fructose-induced increase in 4-hydroxynonenal and nuclear factor-κB immunoreactivity. Physical training also improved the lipidic profile in fructose-treated animals (high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides), improved short-term, long-term, and localization memory, and reversed the fructose-induced deficit in short-term memory. Physical training also increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 immunoreactivity per se. Considering that physical training and caffeine reversed some of the damages induced by fructose it is plausible to consider these treatments as alternative, nonpharmacological, and low-cost therapies to help reduce MS-associated risk factors; however, combined treatments did not show additive effects as hypothesized.

Cardiovascular training adaptations in Criollo breed horses: biochemical markers and morphofunctional parameters

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the cardiovascular morphofunctional and biochemical training adaptations of Criollo breed horses. Thirty-one animals were evaluated, arranged in two groups – untrained horses, used as a control group (n = 17); trained horses, in training for the Freio de Ouro competition (n = 14). The means and standard deviation of echocardiographic, electrocardiographic and biochemical variables were measured and, subsequently, compared between groups of trained and untrained animals using Student’s t test, considering . Trained horses had lower biochemical levels of CK, CKMB and cTnI I when compared to untrained animals. The echocardiographic variables interventricular septum during diastole (IVSd), left ventricular free wall during systole (LVFWs), left ventricular free wall during diastole (LVFWd), left ventricular mass (LVMass), diameter of the aorta (Ao) and diameter of the left atrium (LA) have shown higher values in trained horses compared to untrained. Duration of the T wave was the only electrocardiographic variable that was influenced by training, showing higher values for untrained animals. Therefore, there is influence of training on biochemical variables, in addition to on morphological and functional echocardiographic/electrocardiographic characters in trained Criollo breed horses, characterised by concentric cardiac hypertrophy, when compared to untrained individuals. In addition, a majority of normal sinus heart rhythm was observed in the animals evaluated.

Improvements in operant memory of Aplysia are correlated with age and specific gene expression.

The transcription factor Aplysia CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (ApC/EBP) is expressed as an immediate early gene in the cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) mediated gene cascade, and it has essential functions in the synaptic consolidation of memory following a learning event. Synaptic consolidation primarily involves morphological changes at neuronal synapses, which are facilitated through the reorganization of the actin and microtubular cytoarchitecture of the cell. During early nervous system development, the transmembrane synaptic protein teneurin acts directly upon neuronal presynaptic microtubules and postsynaptic spectrin-based cytoskeletons to facilitate the creation of new synapses. It is reasonable to hypothesize that teneurin may also be linked to learning-induced synaptic changes and is a potential candidate to be a later gene expressed in the CREB-mediated gene cascade downstream of ApC/EBP. To assess the role of ApC/EBP and teneurin in learning and memory in the marine snail Aplysia californica, young (age 7-8 months) and aged (age 13-15 months; aging stage AII) siblings of Aplysia were trained in an operant conditioning paradigm-learning food is inedible (LFI)-over 2 days, during which they learned to modify the feeding reflex. Aged Aplysia had enhanced performance of the LFI task on the second day than younger siblings although far more aged animals were excluded from the analysis because of the initial failure in learning to recognize the inedible probe. After 2 days of training, ApC/EBP isoform X1 mRNA and teneurin mRNA were quantified in selected neurons of the buccal ganglia, the locus of neural circuits in LFI. Teneurin expression was elevated in aged Aplysia compared to young siblings regardless of training. ApC/EBP isoform X1 expression was significantly higher in untrained aged animals than in untrained young siblings but decreased in trained aged animals compared to untrained aged animals. Elevated levels of ApC/EBP isoform X1 and teneurin mRNA before training may have contributed to the enhancement of LFI performance in the aged animals that successfully learned.

Enhanced presynaptic mitochondrial energy production is required for memory formation

Some of the prominent features of long-term memory formation include protein synthesis, gene expression, enhanced neurotransmitter release, increased excitability, and formation of new synapses. As these processes are critically dependent on mitochondrial function, we hypothesized that increased mitochondrial respiration and dynamics would play a prominent role in memory formation. To address this possibility, we measured mitochondrial oxygen consumption (OCR) in hippocampal tissue punches from trained and untrained animals. Our results show that context fear training significantly increased basal, ATP synthesis-linked, and maximal OCR in the Shaffer collateral-CA1 synaptic region, but not in the CA1 cell body layer. These changes were recapitulated in synaptosomes isolated from the hippocampi of fear-trained animals. As dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) plays an important role in mitochondrial fission, we examined its role in the increased mitochondrial respiration observed after fear training. Drp1 inhibitors decreased the training-associated enhancement of OCR and impaired contextual fear memory, but did not alter the number of synaptosomes containing mitochondria. Taken together, our results show context fear training increases presynaptic mitochondria respiration, and that Drp-1 mediated enhanced energy production in CA1 pre-synaptic terminals is necessary for context fear memory that does not result from an increase in the number of synaptosomes containing mitochondria or an increase in mitochondrial mass within the synaptic layer.

Detailed characterization of neural selectivity in free viewing primates

Fixation constraints in visual tasks are ubiquitous in visual and cognitive neuroscience. Despite its widespread use, fixation requires trained subjects, is limited by the accuracy of fixational eye movements, and ignores the role of eye movements in shaping visual input. To overcome these limitations, we developed a suite of hardware and software tools to study vision during natural behavior in untrained subjects. We measured visual receptive fields and tuning properties from multiple cortical areas of marmoset monkeys who freely viewed full-field noise stimuli. The resulting receptive fields and tuning curves from primary visual cortex (V1) and area MT match reported selectivity from the literature which was measured using conventional approaches. We then combined free viewing with high-resolution eye tracking to make the first detailed 2D spatiotemporal measurements of foveal receptive fields in V1. These findings demonstrate the power of free viewing to characterize neural responses in untrained animals while simultaneously studying the dynamics of natural behavior.

Comparison of interleukin-6, oxidant and antioxidant levels in the kidneys of the trained and untrained rats following exhaustive exercise

In this study, the cytokine response (interleukin-6; IL-6), free oxygen radicals which are claimed to be responsible for the damage in the kidney tissue of exercise-trained rats and untrained-rats, and antioxidant levels were investigated after being forced to an exhausting run. Forty male Wistar albino rats were assigned to the following groups: sedentary controls (C); untrained animals that acutely completed the exhaustive exercise and were sacrificed immediately after exhaustion (UT-i) or 1 day after exhaustion (UT-1); and long-term trained animals that completed the exhaustive exercise and were sacrificed immediately after exhaustion (T-i) or 1 day after exhaustion (T-1). In UT-i and 1 day after exhaustion (T-1) groups, total oxidant status levels were increased compared to controls (P<0.05). IL-6, which is reported to have an anti-inflammatory effect in exercise, did not increase in untrained group immediately, but started to increase 1 day after exhaustion compared to controls. IL-6 levels were significantly increased in the T-i and T-1 groups compared to the control and UT-i groups (P<0.05). The level of total antioxidant status did not show a significant increase in the UT-i group but started to rise after exhaustion the T-1 group. IL-6 levels were significantly increased in the T-i and T-1 groups compared to the control, UT-i, and UT-1 groups (P<0.05). As a result, while oxidant stress and antioxidant mechanism increased immediately in the trained group, IL-6 increased significantly immediately and 1 day later. In the untrained group, however, an increase was observed in oxidant stress, antioxidant mechanism, and IL-6 levels after 1 day.

Changes in novel anti-infalmmatory cytokine concetration in the bood of endurance and race horses at different levels of training

Several anti-inflammatory cytokines have been proposed as markers for exercise monitoring in humans such as the interleukin 1 receptor agonist (IL-ra), or interleukin 13 (IL-13). Equine athletes may be considered a model for human exercise physiology research, however there is a lack of such studies of this species. Thus, we decided to examine the changes of IL-1ra and IL-13 in serum concentration during aerobic (endurance) and anaerobic (race) exercise in horses of different fitness levels in comparison with the well-known anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 10 (IL-10). The group of endurance horses (n = 13) consisted of animals competing over 100 (n = 7) and 120 km (n = 6) rides. The group of racehorses (n = 18) consisted of trained (n = 9) and untrained (n = 9) animals. The blood samples were obtained before and after the exercise. The ELISA test was performed to evaluate the changes of IL-1ra, IL-13 and IL-10 during different types of exercise. In endurance horses there was an increase in IL-13 (p = 0.0012) after the 100 km ride and in IL-1ra (p = 0.0411) after the 120 km ride. In race horses there was a higher IL-13 basal serum concentration in the untrained group, as well as a decrease of IL-13 after exercise (p = 0.0188). In trained racehorses there was an increase in IL-1ra (p < 0.0001) and IL-13 after exercise (p = 0.0028). In conclusion, the reaction of IL-1ra and IL-13 to different types of exercise differ from each other. Thus, in future, they may be helpful in monitoring the fitness of horses, however more research is needed.

Alternative Opportunities to Collect Semen and Sperm Cells for Ex Situ In Vitro Gene Conservation in Sheep

The semen of domestic mammals is conventionally collected with an artificial vagina (AV) for artificial insemination (AI) or for short- or long-term storage. However, the procedure has certain drawbacks: animal training is not feasible in extensive animal care systems nor among wild species, as the trained animals sometimes fail to mount. Hence, there is a need for alternative semen collection methods. Electroejaculation (EEJ) and epididymal sperm recovery (ESR) are the two effective alternatives to AV. However, in recent years, animal welfare campaigners have called for the ban, in certain EU countries, of EEJ due to its inhumane nature. In this review, alternative methods of sperm collection (by EEJ and ESR, their qualities, and their freezing techniques) are highlighted, as well as the effects of EEJ on pre-freeze and post-thaw ram sperm quality parameters and the animal welfare progress made in EEJ between the 20th and 21st centuries. Additionally, the techniques for enhancing post-thaw sperm quality prior to freezing and for the freezing of EEJ and ESR spermatozoa are explored. ESR and EEJ are reliable alternatives to AV on certain occasions. EEJ is ideal for semen collection in wild or untrained animals, breeding soundness examinations, collection outside of the breeding season, and culling. At the same time, ESR is ideal in cases of castration, accidental death of elite sire, or postmortem for gene conservation purposes or assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) studies.

Recognition ability of untrained neural networks to symbolic numbers.

Although animals can learn to use abstract numbers to represent the number of items, whether untrained animals could distinguish between different abstract numbers is not clear. A two-layer spiking neural network with lateral inhibition was built from the perspective of biological interpretability. The network connection weight was set randomly without adjustment. On the basis of this model, experiments were carried out on the symbolic number dataset MNIST and non-symbolic numerosity dataset. Results showed that the model has abilities to distinguish symbolic numbers. However, compared with number sense, tuning curves of symbolic numbers could not reproduce size and distance effects. The preference distribution also could not show high distribution characteristics at both ends and low distribution characteristics in the middle. More than half of the network units prefer the symbolic numbers 0 and 5. The average goodness-of-fit of the Gaussian fitting of tuning curves increases with the increase in abscissa non-linearity. These results revealed that the concept of human symbolic number is trained on the basis of number sense.

Intrastrain Variation in Exercise Trainability is Linked to Changes in Body Weight in HET3 Mice

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to characterize endurance trainability in the genetically heterogenous HET3 aging mouse model by assessing change in exercise capacity after completing a standardized treadmill training protocol. Secondarily, we also aimed to assess the association between exercise capacity changes with body composition measures in response to the training. METHODS: We randomly assigned 40-week-old male mice to endurance training (ET, n = 23) or sedentary control (SED, n = 20) groups. Both groups underwent a graded treadmill exercise capacity test before and after four weeks of exercise training. ET mice trained five days per week for four weeks at 65% of the maximal work output calculated in joules (J = kg*gravity*vertical speed*time). Additionally, we analyzed training-induced changes in body composition (total body weight, lean mass, and fat mass). We employed an independent sample t-test to compare changes in total work and regression analysis to assess the association between post-training exercise work and body composition measures (body weight, fat mass, and lean mass) and exercise work (alpha level = 0.05). RESULTS: While we found the mean change in exercise work was significantly greater in ET versus SED mice (ET: 483.3 ± 48.8 joules, SED: 194.7 ± 52.0 joules; p = 0.0003), there was considerable variance in change within each group (Range: ET = 74.4 - 925.4 joules; SED = 85.1 - 432.0 joules). In the ET mice, change in work was positively correlated with post-training body weight (37.3 ± 1.3 gms, p = 0.004) and the change in body weight (-9.5 ± 1.8 gms, p = 0.01) but no other pre- or post-training body composition factors. We did not find associations between body composition measures and exercise work in the untrained animals. CONCLUSIONS: While the standardized treadmill training protocol increased exercise capacity in HET3 ET mice, these changes were variable. Interestingly, greater declines in body weight with training were associated with lower exercise capacity that was not linked to pre-training body weight, possibly suggesting food consumption and/or spontaneous cage activity may have influenced results. Taken together, the variable responses in exercise capacity and factors contributing to change in body weight may be, at least partially, explained by their heterogeneous nature.

The Potential Impact of a Dog Training Program on the Animal Adoptions in an Italian Shelter.

Simple SummaryHuman–dog relationships are mainly focused on the physical and emotional wellbeing, and has much evolved in the last decades, becoming even more intense over time. Such a novel conception should also be applied to the life that takes place in kennels, which have been mistakenly regarded as a landfill or a burden on society for too many years. Here, we took into consideration an Italian shelter, and analyzed 555 adopted dogs who underwent a well-detailed behavioral training program, to assess the potential impact of the education upon the adoption of attitude. We documented a higher increase in the number of adoptions both for adult and senior animals when compared to the age-matched untrained dogs. Collectively, our data highlight the importance of a proper training, mainly accomplished with reward methods, to get a more suitable and balanced owner-dog attachment.One of the main concerns of the human–dog relationship is today associated with the quality life inside the kennels, which are very often regarded as animal dump where dogs are exiled, representing a burden on society. In the present study we sought to investigate the importance of performing an appropriate behavioral program on the adoption chances within an Italian shelter, near Naples (Ottaviano). In this respect, we enrolled 555 adopted dogs of different ages, who followed a tailored-4-month lasting training program between 2018 and 2020. Once entered there, they were carefully examined by the veterinary behaviorist, and directed towards a suited training program, to improve living conditions. We documented a higher number of both adult and senior dogs who left the kennel and were adopted, compared to the age-matched untrained animals (n = 479), housed in the same kennel from 2015 to 2017. Taken together, the present data highlight an important role for training in improving the natural attitudes of the companion dogs, thus pointing towards a better human–animal bond.

High-intensity interval resistance training (HIIRT) improves liver gluconeogenesis from lactate in Swiss mice.

High-intensity physical exercise favors anaerobic glycolysis and increases lactatemia. Lactate is converted back to glucose in the liver, so that the lactate threshold, an indicator of physical performance, must be related to the gluconeogenic capacity of the liver. This research assessed the effect of a high-intensity interval resistance training (HIIRT) on liver gluconeogenesis from lactate. Swiss mice were trained (groups T) on vertical ladder with overload of 90% of their maximal load. Control animals remained untrained (groups C0 and C8). In situ liver perfusion with lactate and adrenaline was performed in rested mice after 6 hours of food deprivation. There were larger outputs of glucose (T6, 71.90%; T8, 54.53%) and pyruvate (T8, 129.28%) (representative values for 4 mM lactate) in the groups trained for 6 or 8 weeks (T6 and T8), and of glucose in the presence of adrenaline in group T8 (280%). The content of PEPCK, an important regulatory enzyme of the gluconeogenic pathway, was 69.13% higher in group T8 than in the age-matched untrained animals (C8). HIIRT augmented liver gluconeogenesis from lactate and this might improve the lactate threshold. Novelty: The liver metabolizes lactate from muscle into glucose. Physical training may enhance the gluconeogenic capacity of the liver. As lactate clearance by the liver improves, lactate threshold is displaced to higher exercise intensities.

Activation of Three Major Signaling Pathways After Endurance Training\xa0and Spinal Cord Injury

We aimed to investigate the effects of endurance training on expression of growth factors (GFs) and stimulation of neurotrophin-dependent signaling pathways (PI3k/Akt, PLCγ/PKC, PLCγ/CAMKII, Ras-Erk1/2 and Rac1-Cdc42) responsible for neuroplasticity, neuroregeneration, survival and growth after spinal cord injury (SCI). Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (i) intact controls; (ii) 6 weeks of endurance training; (iii) SCI; (iv) pre-training + SCI. The animals survived for 6 weeks after SCI. Firstly, endurance training markedly upregulated mRNA expression and protein levels (up to four times) of growth factors (BDNF, GDNF) and their receptors (TrkB, Gfrα) in low thoracic segments (Th8–Th10) compared to levels in untrained animals. Secondly, we found that spontaneous neuroplasticity seen in the SCI alone group was GF-specific and was activated through both PLCγ-PKC and PLC-CAMKII signaling pathways. In addition, training prior to SCI markedly increased the activity of PLCγ-PKC signaling at both transcript and protein levels at and around the lesion site. Similar effects were seen in expression of PI3k/Akt and Ras/Erk1/2 signaling responsible for cell survival and regeneration. Thirdly, rats which underwent physical activity prior to SCI were more active and had significantly better neurological scores at the 14th and 42nd days of survival. These results suggest that regular physical activity could play an important role after SCI, as it maintains increased expression of GFs in spinal cord tissue 6 weeks post-SCI. The BDNF- and/or BDNF + GDNF-dependent signaling pathways were significantly affected in pre-trained SCI animals. In contrast, GDNF-dependent Rac1-Cdc42 signaling was not involved in training-affected SCI response.

Effect of Lidia bulls training on the falling syndrome and the physical activity developed during the show

Aim of study: The aim of this work was to study the effect of different length of physical activity carried out by the bull prior to the show during the final performance of the animal, analyzing the behavior and physical activity displayed in the ring.Area of study: There is no clear scientific evidence of physical capacity improvements during the lidia show or “corrida”, in Lidia cattle, as a result of previous training.Material and methods: A total of 233 bulls from eight farms were studied and classified, on each farm, into three groups according to the length of the training period: group 1 (no training), group 2 (training for 3 months prior to the show) and group 3 (training for 6-9 months prior to the show). Locomotion times or percentage of time the animals moved were quantified, and number of falls, their severity and distribution during the show were registered.Main results: Trained animals performed last phase of the “corrida” show with a significantly longer length compared to untrained animals. Furthermore, they remained longer in motion during the initial phase of the “corrida”. However, trained animals experienced more falls of type 1 and 2 during the last phase (“muleta”).Research highlights: A training period of up to 3 months before the show is positive, providing animals a greater physical performance, improving the quality of the lidia show. However, longer training periods over 3 months prior to the show, can negatively affect the performance of these bulls during the “corrida”.

The Effect of the Clenbuterol-β2-Adrenergic Receptor Agonist on the Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Proliferation, Phenotype, Functions, and Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Race Horses In Vitro.

Clenbuterol, the β2-adrenoceptor agonist, is gaining growing popularity because of its effects on weight loss (i.e., chemical liposuction). It is also popular in bodybuilding and professional sports, due to its effects that are similar to anabolic steroids. However, it is prohibited by anti-doping control. On the other hand, it is suggested that clenbuterol can inhibit the inflammatory process. The cells from 14 untrained and 14 well-trained race horses were collected after acute exercise and cultured with clenbuterol. The expressions of CD4, CD8, FoxP3, CD14, MHCII, and CD5 in PBMC, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, as well as cell proliferation, were evaluated by flow cytometry. In addition, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, INF-γ and TNF-α concentrations were evaluated by ELISA. β2-adrenoceptor stimulation leads to enhanced anti-inflammatory properties in well-trained horses, as do low doses in untrained animals. In contrast, higher clenbuterol doses create a pro-inflammatory environment in inexperienced horses. In conclusion, β2-adrenoceptor stimulation leads to a biphasic response. In addition, the immune cells are more sensitive to drug abuse in inexperienced individuals under physical training.

Presymptomatic training mitigates functional deficits in a mouse model of Rett syndrome.

Mutations in the X-linked gene MECP2 cause Rett syndrome, a progressive neurological disorder in which children develop normally for the first one or two years of life before experiencing profound motor and cognitive decline1-3. At present there are no effective treatments for Rett syndrome, but we hypothesized that using the period of normal development to strengthen motor and memory skills might confer some benefit. Here we find, using a mouse model of Rett syndrome, that intensive training beginning in the presymptomatic period dramatically improves the performance of specific motor and memory tasks, and significantly delays the onset of symptoms. These benefits are not observed when the training begins after symptom onset. Markers of neuronal activity and chemogenetic manipulation reveal that task-specific neurons that are repeatedly activated during training develop more dendritic arbors and have better neurophysiological responses than those in untrained animals, thereby enhancing their functionality and delaying symptom onset. These results provide a rationale for genetic screening of newborns for Rett syndrome, as presymptomatic intervention might mitigate symptoms or delay their onset. Similar strategies should be studied for other childhood neurological disorders.

Aotearoa New Zealand social workers and their views of inclusion of animals in social work practice – A descriptive study

PURPOSE: Given the benefits of the human–animal bond (HAB), animals are being used in a range of social work settings. It is important to gain a more in-depth understanding of social work practitioners’ knowledge and actions in these interactions. The purpose of this study was to examine the views and knowledge of social workers in relation to the HAB in Aotearoa New Zealand. METHODS: A survey using an online portal was administrated to qualified social workers via professional and community networks to assess their exposure, level of knowledge, support, training, and barriers to animal–human relations. RESULTS: A total of 140 questionnaires were used for analysis. The results, similar to findings from Canada and the United States, indicate that social workers seemed to have high exposure to information about the benefits of HAB and understanding of the connections between animal abuse and child abuse/domestic violence. Only 68% have included animals in their social work practice. The vast majority have had no specific training in HAB. Untested or untrained animals were also reported to have been used in social work intervention practice. The lack of clear workplace policies, support and professional training in HAB were key barriers that inhibited the inclusion of animals in practice. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of understanding over how to include HAB in practice has serious implications for social work. HAB continues to influence and contribute to the lives of families and individuals and social workers have a duty to develop general awareness and knowledge of the benefits to human health and wellbeing of interacting with animals.