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Author Crosby, M.B.; Svenson, J.L.; Zhang, J.; Nicol, C.J.; Gonzalez, F.J.; Gilkeson, G.S.
Title Peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor (PPAR)gamma is not necessary for synthetic PPARgamma agonist inhibition of inducible nitric-oxide synthase and nitric oxide Type Journal Article
Year 2005 Publication The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics Abbreviated Journal J Pharmacol Exp Ther
Volume 312 Issue 1 Pages (down) 69-76
Keywords Animals; Cell Line; Gene Expression/drug effects; Macrophages/drug effects/metabolism; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Nitric Oxide/*metabolism; Nitric Oxide Synthase/*metabolism; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; PPAR delta/metabolism; PPAR gamma/*agonists/deficiency; Thiazolidinediones/pharmacology
Abstract Peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor (PPAR)gamma agonists inhibit inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6. Because of these effects, synthetic PPARgamma agonists, including thiazolidinediones, are being studied for their impact on inflammatory disease. The anti-inflammatory concentrations of synthetic PPARgamma agonists range from 10 to 50 microM, whereas their binding affinity for PPARgamma is in the nanomolar range. The specificity of synthetic PPARgamma agonists for PPARgamma at the concentrations necessary for anti-inflammatory effects is thus in question. We report that PPARgamma is not necessary for the inhibition of iNOS by synthetic PPARgamma agonists. RAW 264.7 macrophages possess little PPARgamma, yet lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interferon (IFN)gamma-induced iNOS was inhibited by synthetic PPARgamma agonists at 20 microM. Endogenous PPARgamma was inhibited by the transfection of a dominant-negative PPARgamma construct into murine mesangial cells. In the transfected cells, synthetic PPARgamma agonists inhibited iNOS production at 10 microM, similar to nontransfected cells. Using cells from PPARgamma Cre/lox conditional knockout mice, baseline and LPS/IFNgamma-induced nitric oxide levels were higher in macrophages lacking PPARgamma versus controls. However, synthetic PPARgamma agonists inhibited iNOS at 10 microM in the PPARgamma-deficient cells, similar to macrophages from wild-type mice. These results indicate that PPARgamma is not necessary for inhibition of iNOS expression by synthetic PPARgamma agonists at concentrations over 10 microM. Intrinsic PPARgamma function, in the absence of synthetic agonists, however, may play a role in inflammatory modulation.
Address Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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ISSN 0022-3565 ISBN Medium
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Notes PMID:15356214 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 73
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Author Hothersall, B.; Gale, E.; Harris, P.; Nicol, C.
Title Cue use by foals (Equus caballus) in a discrimination learning task Type Journal Article
Year 2010 Publication Animal Cognition Abbreviated Journal Anim. Cogn.
Volume 13 Issue 1 Pages (down) 63-74
Keywords
Abstract Abstract  Discrimination learning studies suggest that horses learn more easily using spatial than visible object-specific (OS) cues. However, spatial cues have generally confounded intra-array, distal and/or egocentric spatial information. It is also unclear whether conflicting cues compete for association or are redundantly encoded, and furthermore, the influence of prior experiences or training has not been quantified so far. We examined the effect of cue modality on unweaned foals’ performance in a discrimination learning task. After a pilot study confirmed that horses could perform the required OS cue discrimination, nine foals learnt to find food in one of three covered buckets, in any of four positions within a test arena. In Stage 1 the rewarded bucket was signified both by OS cues (pattern) and by relative spatial cues (position). On reaching criterion, cues were separated and foals had to ignore the inappropriate cue (Stage 2). Foals assigned to follow spatial cues (n = 5) completed Stage 2 faster than foals for whom OS cues remained consistent (n = 4). Spatial group foals all reached criterion without delay; no foal in the OS group reached criterion within the testing period. OS group foals initially persisted in responding to the previously correct position, adopting spatially-based strategies when this proved unsuccessful. The findings show for the first time that, even in the absence of distal spatial information, intra-array spatial cues were more salient than OS cues for foals in a food-finding task and learning appeared rather inflexible.
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Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5082
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Author Nicol, C.J.
Title How animals learn from each other Type Journal Article
Year 2006 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.
Volume 100 Issue 1-2 Pages (down) 58-63
Keywords Social learning; Chickens; Demonstrators; Dominance
Abstract This paper explores ways by which animals may learn from one another, using examples drawn mostly from the chicken, an animal for which social learning is likely to be less dangerous than individual learning. In early life, the behaviour of the hen is important in encouraging chicks to peck at edible items. Maternal display not only attracts chicks to profitable food items, but also redirects their attention away from harmful or non-profitable items. Older chicks can enhance their foraging success by observing the behaviour of conspecifics within their own social group. Hens have been trained to perform a novel behaviour (key-pecking for food) by observation of a trained demonstrator bird. Moreover, observers learnt most from watching dominant demonstrators. Thus the ability to learn from others is not `fixed', but depends on the context and the social identity of both the observer and the demonstrator.
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Notes Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 564
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Author Hothersall, B.; Nicol, C.
Title Equine learning behaviour: accounting for ecological constraints and relationships with humans in experimental design Type Journal Article
Year 2007 Publication Behavioural Processes Abbreviated Journal Behav. Process.
Volume 76 Issue 1 Pages (down) 45-48
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Notes Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 632
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Author Dixon, G.; Green, L.E.; Nicol, C.J.
Title Effect of diet change on the behavior of chicks of an egg-laying strain Type Journal Article
Year 2006 Publication Journal of applied animal welfare science : JAAWS Abbreviated Journal J Appl Anim Welf Sci
Volume 9 Issue 1 Pages (down) 41-58
Keywords *Animal Feed; *Animal Nutrition Physiology; Animals; Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Chickens/*physiology; Crowding; Feeding Behavior/*physiology; Female; Food Preferences/physiology; Oviposition; Random Allocation; Taste
Abstract Injurious pecking has serious welfare consequences in flocks of hens kept for egg laying, especially when loose-housed. Frequent diet change is a significant risk for injurious pecking; how the mechanics of diet change influence pecking behavior is unknown. This study investigated the effect of diet change on the behavior of chicks from a laying strain. The study included a 3-week familiarity phase: 18 chick pairs received unflavored feed (Experiment 1); 18 pairs received orange oil-flavored (Experiment 2). All chicks participated in a dietary preference test (P); a diet change (DC); or a control group (C), 6 scenarios. All P chicks preferred unflavored feed. In Experiment 1, DC involved change from unflavored to orange-flavored; Experiment 2, orange- flavored to unflavored. Compared with controls, Experiment 2 DC chicks exhibited few behavioral differences; Experiment 1 DC chicks exhibited increased behavioral event rates on Days 1 and 7. They pecked significantly longer at their environment; by Day 7, they showed significantly more beak activity. There was little evidence of dietary neophobia. Change from more preferred to less preferred feed led to increased activity and redirected pecking behavior.
Address School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, England
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ISSN 1088-8705 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:16649950 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 64
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Author McGreevy, P.; Berger, J.; De Brauwere, N.; Doherty, O.; Harrison, A.; Fiedler, J.; Jones, C.; McDonnell, S.; McLean, A.; Nakonechny, L.; Nicol, C.; Preshaw, L.; Thomson, P.; Tzioumis, V.; Webster, J.; Wolfensohn, S.; Yeates, J.; Jones, B
Title Using the Five Domains Model to Assess the Adverse Impacts of Husbandry, Veterinary, and Equitation Interventions on Horse Welfare. Type Journal Article
Year 2018 Publication Animals Abbreviated Journal Animals
Volume 8 Issue 3 Pages (down) 41
Keywords horse; welfare assessment; equitation; husbandry; five domains
Abstract The aim of this study was to conduct a series of paper-based exercises in order to assess the negative (adverse) welfare impacts, if any, of common interventions on domestic horses across a broad range of different contexts of equine care and training. An international panel (with professional expertise in psychology, equitation science, veterinary science, education, welfare, equestrian coaching, advocacy, and community engagement; n = 16) met over a four-day period to define and assess these interventions, using an adaptation of the domain-based assessment model. The interventions were considered within 14 contexts: C1 Weaning; C2 Diet; C3 Housing; C4 Foundation training; C5 Ill-health and veterinary interventions (chiefly medical); C6 Ill-health and veterinary interventions (chiefly surgical); C7 Elective procedures; C8 Care procedures; C9 Restraint for management procedures; C10 Road transport; C11 Activity—competition; C12 Activity—work; C13 Activity—breeding females; and C14 Activity—breeding males. Scores on a 1–10 scale for Domain 5 (the mental domain) gathered during the workshop were compared with overall impact scores on a 1–10 scale assigned by the same panellists individually before the workshop. The most severe (median and interquartile range, IQR) impacts within each context were identified during the workshop as: C1 abrupt, individual weaning (10 IQR 1); C2 feeding 100% low-energy concentrate (8 IQR 2.5); C3 indoor tie stalls with no social contact (9 IQR 1.5); C4 both (i) dropping horse with ropes (9 IQR 0.5) and forced flexion (9 IQR 0.5); C5 long-term curative medical treatments (8 IQR 3); C6 major deep intracavity surgery (8.5 IQR 1); C7 castration without veterinary supervision (10 IQR 1); C8 both (i) tongue ties (8 IQR 2.5) and (ii) restrictive nosebands (8 IQR 2.5); C9 ear twitch (8 IQR 1); C10 both (i) individual transport (7.00 IQR 1.5) and group transport with unfamiliar companions (7 IQR 1.5); C11 both (i) jumps racing (8 IQR 2.5) and Western performance (8 IQR 1.5); C12 carriage and haulage work (6 IQR 1.5); C13 wet nurse during transition between foals (7.5 IQR 3.75); and C14 teaser horse (7 IQR 8). Associations between pre-workshop and workshop scores were high, but some rankings changed after workshop participation, particularly relating to breeding practices. Domain 1 had the weakest association with Domain 5. The current article discusses the use of the domain-based model in equine welfare assessment, and offers a series of assumptions within each context that future users of the same approach may make when assessing animal welfare under the categories reported here. It also discusses some limitations in the framework that was used to apply the model.
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Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 6606
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Author Ahrendt, L.P.; Labouriau, R.; Malmkvist, J.; Nicol, C.J.; Christensen, J.W.
Title Development of a standard test to assess negative reinforcement learning in horses Type Journal Article
Year 2015 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.
Volume 169 Issue Pages (down) 38-42
Keywords Algometry; Horse behaviour; Learning performance; Operant conditioning; Pressure-release; Horse training
Abstract Most horses are trained by negative reinforcement. Currently, however, no standardised test for evaluating horses' negative reinforcement learning ability is available. The aim of this study was to develop an objective test to investigate negative reinforcement learning in horses. Twenty-four Icelandic horses (3 years old) were included in this study. The horses were tested in a pressure-release task on three separate days with 10, 7 and 5 trials on each side, respectively. Each trial consisted of pressure being applied on the hindquarter with an algometer. The force of the pressure was increased until the horse moved laterally away from the point of pressure. There was a significant decrease in required force over trials on the first test day (P<0.001), but not the second and third day. The intercepts on days 2 and 3 differed significantly from day 1 (P<0.001), but not each other. Significantly stronger force was required on the right side compared to the left (P<0.001), but there was no difference between first and second side tested (P=0.56). Individual performance was evaluated by median-force and the change in force over trials on the first test day. These two measures may explain different characteristics of negative reinforcement learning. In conclusion, this study presents a novel, standardised test for evaluating negative reinforcement learning ability in horses.
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ISSN 0168-1591 ISBN Medium
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Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 6650
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Author Hothersall, B.; Harris, P.; Sörtoft, L.; Nicol, C.J.
Title Discrimination between conspecific odour samples in the horse (Equus caballus) Type Journal Article
Year 2010 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.
Volume 126 Issue 1-2 Pages (down) 37-44
Keywords Horse; Olfaction; Social discrimination; Urine; Faeces
Abstract Behavioural observations suggest that smell is important in social discriminations between horses but balanced studies of this capacity are lacking. We used a habituation-discrimination procedure to investigate the ability of horses to distinguish between pairs of odour samples from different individuals. In Study 1, separate tests were conducted for urine, faeces or fleece fabric previously rubbed on the coat (to pick up body odour samples (BOS)) and donor pairs differed in sex, and age. 10 pregnant mares each underwent three tests, one per sample type. A test consisted of three successive 2-min presentations of a sample from Individual A with a simultaneous presentation of a sample from Individual B during the final presentation. Doubly repeated measures ANOVA indicated a main effect of sample type on investigative response (df = 2, f = 7.98, P = 0.004): durations were longer for BOS than for urine or faeces but habituation across trials was most consistent for urine. In the final presentation, mares demonstrated discrimination by investigating the novel urine sample (B) more than the repeated sample (novel: median 8.0 s, IQR = 10; repeated: median 2.5 s, IQR = 6; z = -2.558, P = 0.008). In Study 2, urine samples from castrated male donors were used and neither mares nor their 4-month-old foals discriminated between samples from different individuals in the final presentation. The findings suggest that urine odour may contain some information that horses can use to discriminate between conspecifics. This may be limited to the level of broad categories such as sex or reproductive status; further investigation is needed to reveal what functional information can be transmitted and what compounds are involved.
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ISSN 0168-1591 ISBN Medium
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Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5134
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Author McGreevy, P.D.; French, N.P.; Nicol, C.J.
Title The prevalence of abnormal behaviours in dressage, eventing and endurance horses in relation to stabling Type Journal Article
Year 1995 Publication The Veterinary record Abbreviated Journal Vet. Rec.
Volume 137 Issue 2 Pages (down) 36-37
Keywords Animal Husbandry/*methods; Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Horse Diseases/*psychology; Horses; *Physical Conditioning, Animal; Prevalence; Questionnaires; *Stereotyped Behavior
Abstract The behaviour of horses competing in different disciplines was studied and the relationship between the time they spent out of the stable and the prevalence of abnormal behaviour was examined. The owners of dressage, eventing and endurance horses were sent a questionnaire and a total of 1101 responses were received, giving data on 1750 horses. The behaviours studied were wood-chewing, weaving, crib-biting/wind-sucking and box-walking. The reported percentage prevalences of abnormal behaviour for the dressage, eventing and endurance horses were 32.5, 30.8 and 19.5, respectively. The relationship between the time spent in the stable and the prevalence of abnormal behaviour was examined by chi 2 tests which showed that there were significant linear trends for the eventing group (P < 0.001) and the dressage group (P < 0.05). It is concluded that the time a horse spends out of the stable is related to the discipline for which it is being trained and in dressage and eventing horses the time spent in a stable is correlated with an increased risk of abnormal behaviour.
Address University of Bristol, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Langford
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Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0042-4900 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:8525580 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 89
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Author McGreevy, P.D.; Nicol, C.J.
Title Prevention of crib-biting: a review Type Journal Article
Year 1998 Publication Equine veterinary journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl
Volume Issue 27 Pages (down) 35-38
Keywords Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Horse Diseases/*prevention & control/psychology; Horses; *Stereotyped Behavior
Abstract Crib-biting is a common oral stereotype. Because of perceived deleterious effects on the health and appearance of subjects the prevention of crib-biting is regularly attempted. The resourcefulness of horses in satisfying their motivation to perform this behaviour often frustrates owners' efforts at prevention. This paper reviews the efficacy and observable consequences of attempting to prevent crib-biting by a variety of methods. These include attempts to prevent the grasping of objects, to interfere with air-engulfing and to introduce punishment for grasping and neck-flexion. Other approaches include the use of surgery, acupuncture, pharmaceuticals, operant feeding and environmental enrichment. A remedy that is effective for every crib-biter remains elusive. We conclude that, rather than concentrating on remedial prevention, further research should be directed at establishing why horses crib-bite and how the emergence of crib-biting can be avoided.
Address Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, UK
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Notes PMID:10485002 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 87
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