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PubMed1998

Behavioural characterization of interleukin-6 overexpressing or deficient mice during agonistic encounters.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine released by activated immune cells which has been shown to affect brain function. In this experiment aggressive and affiliative behaviour exhibited during agonistic encounters by transgenic male mice either not expressing (IL-6 -/-) or overexpressing (NSE-hIL-6) IL-6 in the central nervous system was investigated. All subjects were isolated for 24 days before the aggressive encounter and were 52 days old at the time of testing. Subjects were placed for 5 consecutive days in a neutral cage for 15 min with an opponent of the Balb/c strain that had been previously isolated for the same amount of time. The first and the last test sessions were videotaped to evaluate the first approach and the establishment of the social role, respectively. A number of behavioural categories were later scored. When compared with wild-type controls, IL-6 -/- mice showed a higher degree of aggressive behaviour as indicated by a higher frequency of Offensive Upright Posture, an effect more pronounced on the fifth encounter. On the contrary, NSE-hIL-6 subjects showed a tendency to be more involved in affiliative-type social interactions, displaying a higher frequency and duration of behaviours such as Anogenital, Nose or Body Sniff. IL-6 -/- mice showed a clear tendency to exhibit less affiliative interactions compared with their controls while dopamine levels were found to be modified in a number of brain regions in these mice. Overall, these data suggest that IL-6 affects both aggressive and affiliative-type interactions, although the behaviour of the NSE-hIL-6 subjects was less affected than that of the IL-6 -/- group. The effects of the genetic background of the animal in screening the outcome of gene manipulations on behaviour are also discussed.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗
PubMed2000

Recovery of emotional behaviour in neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) null mutant mice through transgenic expression of NCAM180.

In the present study we further investigate functions of the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) in the mature central nervous system and its implications for animal behaviour. To this end we generated transgenic mice expressing the major NCAM isoform with the largest cytoplasmic domain, NCAM180, under control of a promoter for the small form neurofilament gene. Transgenic mice were also bred with mice deficient in endogenous NCAM (Ncam-/- mice) so that effects of NCAM180 could be analysed in the presence and absence of endogenous NCAM. While overexpression of transgenic NCAM180 was without apparent behavioural or morphological effect, its expression in Ncam-/- mice counteracted NCAM ablation-induced aggressive, anxiety-like and antidepressant-like behaviour. It furthermore prevented a hypersensitivity of Ncam-/- mice to the anxiolytic serotonin1A (5-HT1A) receptor agonist buspirone. Such recovery of emotional behaviour and behavioural 5-HT1A response occurred in spite of misdevelopment of the olfactory bulb and hippocampus that is characteristic of Ncam-/- mice, and without an apparent change in the expression of 5-HT1A binding sites in the brain. Hippocampus- and amygdala-dependent learning, though disturbed in Ncam-/- mice, remained unaffected by the transgenic NCAM180. We suggest an involvement of NCAM180-mediated cell recognition processes in the serotonergic modulation of emotional behaviour in adult mice.

Aggression↗
PubMed1998

Oral midazolam premedication and postoperative behaviour in children.

We examined the effect of oral midazolam premedication on postoperative behaviour. Seventy children (ASA Physical Status 1 and 2; aged 1-10 yrs) were assigned randomly in a prospective, blinded fashion to receive either midazolam 0.5 mg.kg-1 (maximum 10 mg) or placebo. Behaviour assessments were made prior to medication, during induction of anaesthesia and 15 min following arrival to recovery room. The baseline behavioural evaluation scores were not significantly different. The children receiving midazolam cried significantly less during induction (P < or = 0.02). At one week follow-up, eight of 35 subjects receiving placebo had experienced adverse behaviour changes (nightmares, night terrors, food rejection, anxiety, negativism); 19 of 35 of the midazolam group experienced these changes (P < or = 0.02). At four week follow-up, most behaviour changes had resolved. Children given preoperative oral midazolam were less likely to cry and fight while being anaesthetized, and preoperative sedation was associated with increased incidence of adverse postoperative behaviour changes.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2000

The effects of ovariohysterectomy plus different combinations of halothane anaesthesia and butorphanol analgesia on behaviour in the bitch.

One hundred and sixty-six behaviours were identified as possible indices of post-operative pain-induced distress in the bitch. These were assessed in bitches after treatment with different combinations of halothane and butorphanol in the absence of surgery and following ovariohysterectomy under halothane anaesthesia with or without butorphanol analgesia given at different stages during the operation. Behaviour was monitored while the bitches were alone (non-interactive) and when routinely examined and handled prior to blood sampling (interactive). Seventy-six of the 166 behaviours occurred so infrequently (less than two occurrences per hour) as to be of no value as indices. Non-interactive behaviours associated with surgery were a decrease in normal speed cage circling and an increase in drawing the rear limbs up in the pike position. The infrequent non-interactive behaviours of incision licking, vomiting and flank gazing were considered to be expressions of pain caused by ovariohysterectomy. During the post-surgical period, bitches given analgesic moved less frequently than those not receiving analgesic. Vocalisation was associated with dysphoria of analgesia rather than pain-induced distress. The behaviour of bitches after ovariohysterectomy suggests that this is a painful procedure which warrants analgesia.

Analgesics, Opioid↗
PubMed1975

Influence of chemical stimulation of central dopaminergic system on the open field behaviour of rats.

Influence of some substances known to selectively modify the brain levels of dopamine, was studied on the Open Field behaviour in rats. Of the agents studied, I-dopa, benztropine and amantadine showed some similarity with amphetamine in exhibiting a high degree of complex stereotyped behaviour in rats. The complex stereotyped behaviour due to amphetamine and the similarity shown by these antiparkinsonian agents has been explained on the basis of brain dopamine levels. On the other hand apomorphine depressed the Open Field behaviour and produced a typical stereotyped biting in rats. Since 6-hydroxydopamine significantly prevented this biting behaviour, it has been suggested that the action of apomorphine is dependent on the presence of (i) functional state of catecholamine neurons and (ii) a separate receptor, responsible for the behavioural actions of apomorphine.

Amantadine↗
PubMed2005

[Development of a parent questionnaire for assessment of auditory behaviour of infants up to two years of age].

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing need for an instrument, which allows to quickly and reliably assess the auditory behaviour of infants and toddlers. SCIENTIFIC QUESTION AND OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop and validate the "LittlEARS Hearing Questionnaire", a tool for assessing auditory behaviour in children up to 24 months of age. METHODS: Questionnaire construction followed the principles of classical test theory. The psychometric properties of 45 questions on infant auditory behaviour were examined in a sample of 218 parents of normal hearing infants up to age 24 months. Parental responses also served for computing normative values of the development of early auditory behaviour by regression analysis. RESULTS: The final questionnaire contains 35 items, to be answered with either "yes" or "no". The sum of "yes"-answers yields an overall score, which can be compared to age-related normative values in order to appraise the age-appropriateness of the infant's auditory behaviour. The following scale characteristics have been found with the above sample: internal consistency: Cronbach's Alpha = 0.96; reliability: split-half r = 0.88; predictive accuracy: Guttman's Lambda = 0.96; correlation between overall score and age of the children: r = 0.91. CONCLUSION: The "LittlEARS Hearing Questionnaire" is suitable for the quick assessment of a little child's hearing behaviour, e. g. at physical examinations, at the postnatal hearing screening, or when evaluating rehabilitative measures.

Attention↗
PubMed1998

Mother and teacher reports of behaviour and perceived self-competence of children with hydrocephalus.

The present study was designed to explore the social and behavioural functioning of children with hydrocephalus. The sample comprised 14 children with hydrocephalus (without spina bifida) and 14 controls with no history of neurological impairment matched for age and gender. Children were asked to report on their self-perceptions of academic and physical competence and on peer and maternal acceptance. In addition, mothers and teachers provided reports of the behavioural adjustment of both groups and mothers completed a questionnaire measuring locus of control orientation. Mothers of children with hydrocephalus also responded to a series of open-ended questions, their thoughts and feelings about the experience of having a child with hydrocephalus. Analyses of the data revealed that there was no difference in the self-perceptions of the two groups of children, although there was a trend for children with hydrocephalus to rate themselves as being lower in physical competence. There was a clear association between the presence of hydrocephalus and behaviour problems, with evidence of internalising and externalising problems being evident in the reports of both mothers and teachers, although the extent of agreement between the two informants was low. Maternal locus of control was related to behaviour problems in children with hydrocephalus, with a more external orientation being related to more behaviour problems. It is suggested that future researchers need to 1) focus on children's behaviour in context, 2) solicit data from a range of informants and 3) consider the complex transactions between biological and psychological factors to gain a fuller understanding of how hydrocephalus shapes children's development.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed2000

Assessment of learning ability and behaviour in low birthweight lambs following intrauterine growth restriction.

The present study used behavioural tasks to assess learning ability and behaviour in postnatal lambs, and to examine the effects of low birthweight (LBW) and age on subsequent performance. It was hypothesized that intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and LBW lead to learning and behavioural deficits in the early postnatal period. IUGR and LBW were induced by umbilico-placental embolization from 120 days of gestational age (g.a.) to the onset of labour. Behavioural studies were performed on 6 LBW and 6 control lambs between 2 and 6 weeks after birth. LBW lambs were born at 139+/-1 days g.a. (2.4+/-0.2 kg) and control lambs were born at 149+/-1 days g.a. (4.5+/-0.4 kg). Three tasks were used to assess the learning ability and behaviour of the lambs: a simple maze, an obstacle course, and a T-maze. LBW lambs took longer to complete the simple maze at all ages, and made a greater number of errors at Week 1 of testing compared to control lambs; the total trial duration and number of errors decreased with age for both groups. In the obstacle course, the times taken to complete the first and third trials were used for analysis; a decrease in trial time and the number of errors from Trial 1 to Trial 3 were indications of the lamb's ability to learn how to negotiate the objects within the course. LBW lambs recorded longer trial durations for the first trial at Week 5 of testing, and for the third trial at Week 4. LBW lambs made more errors for the first trial at Week 5 of testing than control lambs. In the T-maze, there was no significant effect of treatment or age. It was concluded that differences between the groups may have been the result of LBW lambs being prematurely born. The value of these tasks in the assessment of learning ability and behaviour in young lambs is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Protein secondary structures (alpha-helix and beta-sheet) at a cellular level and protein fractions in relation to rumen degradation behaviours of protein: a new approach.

Studying the secondary structure of proteins leads to an understanding of the components that make up a whole protein, and such an understanding of the structure of the whole protein is often vital to understanding its digestive behaviour and nutritive value in animals. The main protein secondary structures are the alpha-helix and beta-sheet. The percentage of these two structures in protein secondary structures influences protein nutritive value, quality and digestive behaviour. A high percentage of beta-sheet structure may partly cause a low access to gastrointestinal digestive enzymes, which results in a low protein value. The objectives of the present study were to use advanced synchrotron-based Fourier transform IR (S-FTIR) microspectroscopy as a new approach to reveal the molecular chemistry of the protein secondary structures of feed tissues affected by heat-processing within intact tissue at a cellular level, and to quantify protein secondary structures using multicomponent peak modelling Gaussian and Lorentzian methods, in relation to protein digestive behaviours and nutritive value in the rumen, which was determined using the Cornell Net Carbohydrate Protein System. The synchrotron-based molecular chemistry research experiment was performed at the National Synchrotron Light Source at Brookhaven National Laboratory, US Department of Energy. The results showed that, with S-FTIR microspectroscopy, the molecular chemistry, ultrastructural chemical make-up and nutritive characteristics could be revealed at a high ultraspatial resolution ( approximately 10 microm). S-FTIR microspectroscopy revealed that the secondary structure of protein differed between raw and roasted golden flaxseeds in terms of the percentages and ratio of alpha-helixes and beta-sheets in the mid-IR range at the cellular level. By using multicomponent peak modelling, the results show that the roasting reduced (P<0.05) the percentage of alpha-helixes (from 47.1 % to 36.1 %: S-FTIR absorption intensity), increased the percentage of beta-sheets (from 37.2 % to 49.8 %: S-FTIR absorption intensity) and reduced the alpha-helix to beta-sheet ratio (from 0.3 to 0.7) in the golden flaxseeds, which indicated a negative effect of the roasting on protein values, utilisation and bioavailability. These results were proved by the Cornell Net Carbohydrate Protein System in situ animal trial, which also revealed that roasting increased the amount of protein bound to lignin, and well as of the Maillard reaction protein (both of which are poorly used by ruminants), and increased the level of indigestible and undegradable protein in ruminants. The present results demonstrate the potential of highly spatially resolved synchrotron-based infrared microspectroscopy to locate 'pure' protein in feed tissues, and reveal protein secondary structures and digestive behaviour, making a significant step forward in and an important contribution to protein nutritional research. Further study is needed to determine the sensitivities of protein secondary structures to various heat-processing conditions, and to quantify the relationship between protein secondary structures and the nutrient availability and digestive behaviour of various protein sources. Information from the present study arising from the synchrotron-based IR probing of the protein secondary structures of protein sources at the cellular level will be valuable as a guide to maintaining protein quality and predicting digestive behaviours.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1989

Reproductive behaviour in poultry: implications for artificial insemination technology.

1. Reproductive ability requires both endocrine and behavioural components. 2. Most reproductive behaviour is dependent upon the presence of sufficient circulating concentrations of the gonadal steroids, which in turn are synthesised and secreted in individuals who are in good reproductive condition. Mating behaviour patterns are thus not only essential for reproduction, but can provide excellent indices of the reproductive ability of an individual. 3. A number of factors can suppress or enhance reproductive behaviour in poultry, including management practices, flock social interactions, environmental variables, stressors, and disease. 4. Aspects of the regulation of reproductive behaviour and the endocrine control of reproductive processes in the male and in the female are reviewed in this paper. 5. An understanding of the impact of social and environmental stressors on reproductive physiology and behaviour is extremely important, both in order to improve breeding efficiency in natural mating systems and to facilitate the most effective application of artificial insemination technology.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Effects of a local anaesthetic and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic on the behavioural responses of calves to dehorning.

AIMS: To evaluate the use of local anaesthesia and systemic analgesia for alleviating the distress associated with dehorning by monitoring stimulated behaviours in calves. METHODS: Eight behaviours were monitored in 3-4 month-old calves dehorned with and without local anaesthesia and/or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, from 2 hours after treatment. RESULTS: Four of the behaviours, lying, grazing or ruminating, tail shaking and ear flicking, were significantly different during the first 4-6 hours of observation in control calves, which were not dehorned, compared to calves dehorned without anaesthesia or analgesia, which suggests that these behaviours are useful indices of the acute pain experienced by calves after dehorning. The behaviour of calves dehorned after both a local anaesthetic and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent had been administered was similar to control calves. The behaviour of calves given only local anaesthesia or systemic analgesia prior to dehorning was similar to that of calves dehorned without any pain relief. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that calves should be given both a local anaesthetic and a systemic analgesic before dehorning to alleviate the pain associated with this procedure.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

Sexual risk behaviour among undergraduate students in Enugu, Nigeria.

This study aims to identify high-risk sexual behaviour among undergraduate students in a developing country and to formulate programmes targeted at reduction of complications of such risky sexual behaviour. This was a questionnaire survey taken of undergraduate students in four institutions of higher learning in Enugu, Nigeria over a 1-month period. The prevalence of sexual activity was 76.8%, with 85.4% of females and 62.3% of males having more than one sexual partner. More female students than their male counterparts (65.7% vs 42.2%) had their first sexual encounter as an adolescent. Sexual risk behaviour that includes having multiple sexual partners, not using a condom, anal and oral sex were more common among the lower social class, adolescents, females and those living off-campus. While economic reasons are a major factor that encourages risky sexual behaviour in the female, the urge to have sex and curiosity, tended to favour such sexual experimentation in the male. Despite a good knowledge of the complications that could follow such risky sex behaviour, the sex lives of the students remained unchanged. Educational and risk reduction programmes targeting a change in belief and behaviour is required to maintain sexual safety among these youth.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Health-enhancing physical activity and sedentary behaviour in children and adolescents.

We provide a wide-ranging review of health-related physical activity in children and adolescents using a behavioural epidemiology framework. In contrast to many other reviews, we highlight issues associated with true sedentary behaviours alongside physically active behaviours. Specifically, we review the evidence concerning the links between physical activity and cardiovascular disease, overweight and obesity, psychosocial measures, type II diabetes, and skeletal health. Although the evidence is unconvincing at times, several factors lead to the conclusion that promoting physical activity in youth is desirable. A review of the prevalence of physical activity and sedentary behaviours shows that many young people are active, but this declines with age. A substantial number are not adequately active for health benefits and current trends in juvenile obesity are a cause for concern. Prevalence data on sedentary behaviours are less extensive but suggest that total media use by young people has not changed greatly in recent years. Most children and adolescents do not exceed recommended daily hours of TV viewing. Physical activity is unrelated to TV viewing. We also identified the key determinants of physical activity in this age group, highlighting demographic, biological, psychological, behavioural, social and environmental determinants. Interventions were considered for school, family and community environments. Finally, policy recommendations are offered for the education, governmental, sport and recreation, health, and mass media sectors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Attitudes and exercise adherence: test of the Theories of Reasoned Action and Planned Behaviour.

Three studies of exercise adherence and attitudes are reported that tested the Theory of Reasoned Action and the Theory of Planned Behaviour. In a prospective study of adherence to a private fitness club, structural equation modelling path analysis showed that attitudinal and social normative components of the Theory of Reasoned Action accounted for 13.1% of the variance in adherence 4 months later, although only social norm significantly predicted intention. In a second study, the Theory of Planned Behaviour was used to predict both physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Path analyses showed that attitude and perceived control, but not social norm, predicted total physical activity. Physical activity was predicted from intentions and control over sedentary behaviour. Finally, an intervention study with previously sedentary adults showed that intentions to be active measured at the start and end of a 10-week intervention were associated with the planned behaviour variables. A multivariate analysis of variance revealed no significant multivariate effects for time on the planned behaviour variables measured before and after intervention. Qualitative data provided evidence that participants had a positive experience on the intervention programme and supported the role of social normative factors in the adherence process.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Objective and behavioural assessment of the emergence from post-traumatic amnesia (PTA).

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To determine the profile of resolution of typical PTA behaviours and describe new learning and improvements in self-care during PTA. RESEARCH DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal study monitoring PTA status, functional learning and behaviours on a daily basis. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Participants were 69 inpatients with traumatic brain injury who were in PTA. PTA was assessed using the Westmead or Oxford PTA assessments. Functional learning capability was assessed using a routine set of daily tasks and behaviour was assessed using an observational checklist. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Challenging behaviours that are typically associated with PTA, such as agitation, aggression and wandering resolved in the early stages of PTA and incidence rates of these behaviours were less than 20%. Independence in self-care and bowel and bladder continence emerged later during resolution of PTA. New learning in functional situations was demonstrated by patients in PTA. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to begin active rehabilitation focused on functional skills-based learning with patients in the later stages of PTA. Formal assessment of typically observed behaviours during PTA may complement memory-based PTA assessments in determining emergence from PTA.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Visible markers of brain injury influence attributions for adolescents' behaviour.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: Experiments investigated whether attributions for a brain-injured person's behaviours were affected by markers of injury. People misattribute behaviours that result from brain injury to personality or life stages (e.g. adolescence), particularly when there are no visible markers of the injury. RESEARCH DESIGN: Scenarios presented a photograph of an adolescent boy, who either wore or did not wear a head bandage. The boy was described as suffering a brain injury and showing four changes in his behaviour, relating to sleep, anger, self-confidence and motivation. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: For each behaviour, students (n=100) rated attributions to the brain injury and adolescence. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: When there was no bandage, participants attributed the behaviours to adolescence more than brain injury, whereas with the head bandage they invoked both causes equally. CONCLUSIONS: When actions resulting from brain injury are attributed to causes other than the injury, this misattribution hinders accurate diagnosis and treatment. Data on effects of injury and individual levels of pre-morbid behaviours lead to accurate attributions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

The use of lithium in the treatment of aggressive behaviours with two brain-injured individuals in a state psychiatric hospital.

Brain-injured individuals often experience problems with aggression which can prevent full community reintegration. Two cases involving individuals (one 4 years, one 17 years post-injury) who had been placed in a state psychiatric hospital due to aggressive and/or self-injurious behaviours are discussed. Utilizing medication dosages and behavioural acuity indicators over a 2 year period, the authors demonstrate the efficacy of lithium carbonate in treating aggressive behaviours. Lithium, in concert with other medications, not only led to a decrease in the frequency of aggressive outbursts and in the need for restrictive and costly behaviour control techniques, but also allowed for a significant reduction in the use of neuroleptic medication in one case. The authors conclude that the use of lithium, within the context of an intensive, behavioural rehabilitation programme, may yield positive effects in the control of aggressive behaviour even in long-term post-injury cases.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Social and behavioural effects of traumatic brain injury in children.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death and permanent disability in children and adolescents. Although cognitive and behavioural effects have now been reported for all degrees of TBI severity in children, other aspects of functioning which might be related (such as psychosocial adjustment), have been neglected. In the present study the social and behavioural effects of TBI were assessed by comparing 27 TBI children with 27 controls. TBI children demonstrated significantly lower levels of self-esteem and adaptive behaviour, and higher levels of loneliness, maladaptive behaviour and aggressive/antisocial behaviour. These findings confirm the previously demonstrated detrimental effects of TBI on children's behavioural functioning and offer new evidence for the detrimental effects of TBI on children's social functioning.

Adaptation, Psychological↗