Rating enrichment items by group-housed laboratory mice in multiple binary choice tests using an RFID-based tracking system

There is a growing body of evidence that enrichment of the housing conditions of laboratory animals has positive effects on daily behavior, growth, and health. Laboratory mice spend most of their lives in their housing rather than in experimental apparatus, so improving housing conditions is a first-choice approach to improving their welfare. Despite the increasing popularity of enrichment, little is known about whether it is also perceived as being beneficial from the animal's point of view. This is especially true due to the fact that enrichment has become an umbrella term that encompasses a wide variety of different elements. We categorized enrichment items according to their prospective use into the categories structural, housing, and foraging and let female C57BL/6J mice chose within the categories according to their preference. Preferences were tested over a 46-hour period in a home cage system consisting of two interconnected cages equipped with the respective items to be compared. A new analysing method combined binary decisions and ranked the enrichment items within each category by calculating worth values. The assignment of worth values to the items to be compared led to a further gain in information, estimating importance from the mice's point of view in addition to pure ranking. Given the known beneficial effects of enrichment, these data will help in deciding how to provide appropriate enrichment elements to improve animal welfare and refine animal experimentation.

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Improving the practicality of using non-aversive handling methods to reduce background stress and anxiety in laboratory mice

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-019-56860-7 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Kelly Gouveia ◽

Jane L. Hurst

Keyword(s):

Subcutaneous Injection ◽

Confounding Factor ◽

Laboratory Animals ◽

Laboratory Mice ◽

Handling Stress ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Handling Methods

AbstractHandling can stimulate stress and anxiety in laboratory animals that negatively impacts welfare and introduces a confounding factor in many areas of research. Picking up mice by the tail is a major source of handling stress that results in strong aversion to the handler, while mice familiarised with being picked up in a tunnel or cupped on the open hand show low stress and anxiety, and actively seek interaction with their handlers. Here we investigate the duration and frequency of handling required for effective familiarisation with these non-aversive handling methods, and test whether this is sufficient to prevent aversion and anxiety when animals then experience immobilisation and a mild procedure (subcutaneous injection). Very brief handling (2 s) was sufficient to familiarise mice with tunnel handling, even when experienced only during cage cleaning. Brief but more frequent handling was needed for familiarisation with cup handling, while pick up by tail induced strong aversion even when handling was brief and infrequent. Experience of repeated immobilisation and subcutaneous injection did not reverse the positive effects of tunnel handling. Our findings demonstrate that replacing tail with tunnel handling during routine cage cleaning and procedures provides a major refinement with little if any cost for familiarisation.

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Transition from Emotional to Rational Advertising for Food Products on the Romanian Market

Cercetari Agronomice in Moldova ◽

10.1515/cerce-2017-0009 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 50 (1) ◽

pp. 101-108

Author(s):

A.F. Jităreanu ◽

Elena Leonte ◽

A. Chiran ◽

Benedicta Drobotă

Keyword(s):

Urban Areas ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Well Being ◽

Point Of View ◽

The Body ◽

Positive Effects ◽

New Methods ◽

Brand Advertising ◽

Tangible Evidence ◽

Health And Well Being

Abstract Advertising helps to establish a set of assumptions that the consumer will bring to all other aspects of their engagement with a given brand. Advertising provides tangible evidence of the financial credibility and competitive presence of an organization. Persuasion is becoming more important in advertising. In marketing, persuasive advertising acts to establish wants/motivations and beliefs/attitudes by helping to formulate a conception of the brand as being one which people like those in the target audience would or should prefer. Considering the changes in lifestyle and eating habits of a significant part of the population in urban areas in Romania, the paper aims to analyse how brands manage to differentiate themselves from competitors, to reposition themselves on the market and influence consumers, meeting their increasingly varied needs. Food brands on the Romanian market are trying, lately, to identify new methods of differentiation and new benefits for their buyers. Given that more and more consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about what they eat and the products’ health effects, brands struggle to highlight the fact that their products offer real benefits for the body. The advertisements have become more diversified and underline the positive effects, from the health and well - being point of view, that those foods offer (no additives and preservatives, use of natural ingredients, various vitamins and minerals or the fact that they are dietary). Advertising messages’ diversification is obvious on the Romanian market, in the context of an increasing concern of the population for the growing level of information of some major consumer segments.

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Effects of Evocative Audio-Visual Installations on the Restorativeness in Urban Parks

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13158328 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (15) ◽

pp. 8328

Author(s):

Massimiliano Masullo ◽

Luigi Maffei ◽

Aniello Pascale ◽

Vincenzo Paolo Senese ◽

Simona De Stefano ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Inclusion ◽

Road Traffic ◽

Traffic Noise ◽

Human Perception ◽

Urban Parks ◽

Well Being ◽

Road Traffic Noise ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Experimental Laboratory

Road traffic noise is responsible for several negative health effects for citizens in modern cities. Inside urban parks, which citizens use for social inclusion and cohesion, psychological and physical restoration, and physical activities, road traffic noise may significantly reduce the potential of these places to induce or enhance well-being. Although access restriction schemes and screens could be effective solutions to limit noise inside urban park areas, preserving their potential regenerative role may engender mobility, social, aesthetic, and architectural issues. Due to the positive effects that natural elements and water sounds can have on human perception, and based on the previous findings of the beneficial effects of audio-visual installations, this paper investigates the possibility of using audio-visual installations that simply evoke some natural features to improve the restoration of individuals inside urban parks. The study has been carried out using immersive virtual environments in two different experimental laboratory sessions in Hong Kong (China) and Aversa (Italy). The results showed that the positive effects provided by evocative installations were similar to those provided by traditional installations. Furthermore, the effects on the restoration increased as the installations became larger and included enveloping shapes. Furthermore, we found that the amount of evocative water installations’ material was responsible for changes in restoration. In contrast, the Chinese groups were less influenced by these installations.

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Nucleotide Supplementation to Whole Milk Has Beneficial Effects on Post-Weaning Holstein Calf Performance

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11010218 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 218

Author(s):

Yousef Abbaslou ◽

Davood Zahmatkesh ◽

Ehsan Mahjoubi ◽

Mehdi Hossein Yazdi ◽

Hamed Beiranvand ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Free Access ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Whole Milk ◽

Calf Performance ◽

Daily Gain ◽

Fecal Score

The positive effects of nucleotide (NU) supplementation in milk replacer have been elucidated in infants and in dairy calves; however, NU addition to whole milk has not been evaluated previously. This study aimed to assess NU supplementation in the whole milk on calf growth and health. Thirty Holstein calves (body weight: 39.1 ± 1.0 kg; 3 d after birth) were randomly assigned to the following treatments: whole milk without any supplementation (NU0), whole milk + 0.5 g/d added a NU-containing supplement to whole milk (NUCS0.5), and whole milk + 1 g/d added a NU-containing supplement to whole milk (NUCS1). Calves were weaned at d 55 and stayed on study until d 75. Calves had free access to feed and water throughout the study. Dry matter intakes (DMI) were similar among treatments (p > 0.05) during the pre-weaning period; however, increasing NU resulted in a linear (p < 0.05) increase in DMI during the post weaning period (2158, 2432, and 2518 g/d for NU0, NUCS0.5, and NUCS1, respectively). Treatments did not affect body weight (BW) at the first and second month of study, but final BW linearly increased as NU was added (87.1, 90.6, and 95.4 kg for NU0, NUCS0.5, and NUCS1, respectively). Neither pre-weaning average daily gain nor post-weaning average daily gain was affected by treatments; accordingly, feed efficiency was similar among treatment groups. Days with loose fecal score were linearly decreased as NU was added to whole milk during the first month of life, while the fecal score did not differ among treatments until the end of the study. No difference was observed in the skeletal growth of calves in the current study. Therefore, it can be concluded that NU supplementation in the whole milk has some beneficial effects on calf performance in terms of final BW, post-weaning DMI, and less days with loose feces.

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Methodologies in the Analysis of Phenolic Compounds in Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.): Composition, Biological Activity, and Beneficial Effects on Human Health

Horticulturae ◽

10.3390/horticulturae7020035 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 35

Author(s):

Bety W. Hapsari ◽

Manikharda ◽

Widiastuti Setyaningsih

Keyword(s):

Biological Activity ◽

Phenolic Compounds ◽

Human Health ◽

Analytical Methods ◽

Environmental Influence ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Research Progress ◽

Hibiscus Sabdariffa ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Positive Effects

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), as an edible flower, has long provided an array of positive effects on human health. This benefit is a result of phenolic compounds that are naturally present mainly in the calyx. Plentiful medicinal remedies and functional foods based on this flower are available worldwide, as supported by the studies of phenolic compounds in recent decades. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the composition, biological activity, and beneficial effects on human health of phenolic compounds in roselle. This review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A structured search in the published literature for phenolics compositions in roselle was required prior to the evaluation on the validity of the reported analytical methods. Reliable identification and quantification of phenolic compounds in roselle can be achieved by employing the proper extraction and separation methods. With ample alternative analytical methods discussed here, this review provided an aid for comprehending and selecting the most appropriate method for a particular study. The applications of the analytical methods highlighted indicated that phenolic acids, flavonoids, and their derivatives have been identified and quantified in roselle with a range of biological activities and beneficial effects on human health. It was also disclosed that the composition and concentration of phenolic compounds in roselle vary due to the growth factors, cultivars, and environmental influence. Finally, apart from the research progress carried out with roselle during the last ten years, this review also proposed relevant future works.

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Strawberry and Achenes Hydroalcoholic Extracts and Their Digested Fractions Efficiently Counteract the AAPH-Induced Oxidative Damage in HepG2 Cells

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms19082180 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 19 (8) ◽

pp. 2180 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

María Ariza ◽

Tamara Forbes-Hernández ◽

Patricia Reboredo-Rodríguez ◽

Sadia Afrin ◽

Massimiliano Gasparrini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Biological Activity ◽

Oxidative Damage ◽

Hepg2 Cells ◽

In Vitro Digestion ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Digestion Process ◽

Phytochemical Compounds

Strawberry fruits are highly appreciated by consumers worldwide due to their bright red color, typical aroma, and juicy texture. While the biological activity of the complete fruit has been widely studied, the potential beneficial effects of the achenes (commonly named seeds) remain unknown. In addition, when raw fruit and achenes are consumed, the digestion process could alter the release and absorption of their phytochemical compounds, compromising their bioactivity. In the present work, we evaluated the protective effects against oxidative damage of nondigested and digested extracts from strawberry fruit and achenes in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. For that purpose, cells were treated with different concentration of the extracts prior to incubation with the stressor agent, AAPH (2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride). Subsequently, intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the percentage of live, dead, and apoptotic cells were determined. Our results demonstrated that all the evaluated fractions were able to counteract the AAPH-induced damage, suggesting that the achenes also present biological activity. The positive effects of both the raw fruit and achenes were maintained after the in vitro digestion process.

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A Standardized Extract Prepared from Red Orange and Lemon Wastes Blocks High-Fat Diet-Induced Hyperglycemia and Hyperlipidemia in Mice

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26144291 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (14) ◽

pp. 4291

Author(s):

Santina Chiechio ◽

Magda Zammataro ◽

Massimo Barresi ◽

Margherita Amenta ◽

Gabriele Ballistreri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lipid Metabolism ◽

High Fat Diet ◽

Extraction Process ◽

Citrus Limon ◽

High Fat ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Positive Effects ◽

In Vivo Experiments ◽

Glucose And Lipid Metabolism

Citrus fruits are a rich source of high-value bioactive compounds and their consumption has been associated with beneficial effects on human health. Red (blood) oranges (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) are particularly rich in anthocyanins (95% of which are represented by cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-6″-malonyl-glucoside), flavanones (hesperidin, narirutin, and didymin), and hydroxycinnamic acids (caffeic acid, coumaric acid, sinapic, and ferulic acid). Lemon fruit (Citrus limon) is also rich in flavanones (eriocitrin, hesperidin, and diosmin) and other polyphenols. All of these compounds are believed to play a very important role as dietary antioxidants due to their ability to scavenge free radicals. A standardized powder extract, red orange and lemon extract (RLE), was obtained by properly mixing anthocyanins and other polyphenols recovered from red orange processing waste with eriocitrin and other flavanones recovered from lemon peel by a patented extraction process. RLE was used for in vivo assays aimed at testing a potential beneficial effect on glucose and lipid metabolism. In vivo experiments performed on male CD1 mice fed with a high-fat diet showed that an 8-week treatment with RLE was able to induce a significant reduction in glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the blood, with positive effects on regulation of hyperglycemia and lipid metabolism, thus suggesting a potential use of this new phytoextract for nutraceutical purposes.

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Time for a general approval of growth hormone treatment in adults with Prader–Willi syndrome

Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases ◽

10.1186/s13023-020-01651-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Charlotte Höybye ◽

◽

Anthony J. Holland ◽

Daniel J. Driscoll

Keyword(s):

Growth Hormone ◽

Body Composition ◽

Transition Period ◽

Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽

Hormone Treatment ◽

Psychomotor Development ◽

Prader Willi Syndrome ◽

Gh Treatment ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Positive Effects

AbstractPrader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex, multi-system, neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by neonatal muscular hypotonia, short stature, high risk of obesity, hypogonadism, intellectual disabilities, distinct behavioural/psychiatric problems and abnormal body composition with increased body fat and a deficit of lean body mass. Growth hormone (GH) deficiency and other hormone deficiencies are common due to hypothalamic dysfunction. In children with PWS GH treatment has been widely demonstrated to improve body composition, normalise height and improve psychomotor development. In adults with PWS, GH’s main effects are to maintain normal body structure and metabolism. The positive effects of GH treatment on body composition, physical fitness and beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk markers, behaviour and quality of life in adults with PWS are also well established from several studies. GH treatment is approved for treatment of children with PWS in many countries, but until recently not as a treatment in young adults in the transition period or for adults in general. In this commentary we want to draw attention to the uneven global use of GH treatment, specifically in adults with PWS, and advocate for GH treatment to be approved internationally, not just for children, but also for adults with PWS and based only on the diagnosis of genetically confirmed PWS.

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Prebiotics, immune function, infection and inflammation: a review of the evidence

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114508055608 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 101 (5) ◽

pp. 633-658 ◽

Cited By ~ 143

Author(s):

Amy R. Lomax ◽

Philip C. Calder

Keyword(s):

Animal Models ◽

Immune Function ◽

Intestinal Inflammation ◽

Adaptive Immune System ◽

Laboratory Animals ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Inflammatory Conditions ◽

Intestinal Infections ◽

Inflammatory Processes ◽

Irritable Bowel

β2-1 Fructans are carbohydrate molecules with prebiotic properties. Through resistance to digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract, they reach the colon intact, where they selectively stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial members of the gut microbiota. Through this modification of the intestinal microbiota, and by additional mechanisms, β2-1 fructans may have beneficial effects upon immune function, ability to combat infection, and inflammatory processes and conditions. In this paper, we have collated, summarised and evaluated studies investigating these areas. Twenty-one studies in laboratory animals suggest that some aspects of innate and adaptive immunity of the gut and the systemic immune systems are modified by β2-1 fructans. In man, two studies in children and nine studies in adults indicate that the adaptive immune system may be modified by β2-1 fructans. Thirteen studies in animal models of intestinal infections conclude a beneficial effect of β2-1 fructans. Ten trials involving infants and children have mostly reported benefits on infectious outcomes; in fifteen adult trials, little effect was generally seen, although in specific situations, certain β2-1 fructans may be beneficial. Ten studies in animal models show benefit of β2-1 fructans with regard to intestinal inflammation. Human studies report some benefits regarding inflammatory bowel disease (four positive studies) and atopic dermatitis (one positive study), but findings in irritable bowel syndrome are inconsistent. Therefore, overall the results indicate that β2-1 fructans are able to modulate some aspects of immune function, to improve the host's ability to respond successfully to certain intestinal infections, and to modify some inflammatory conditions.

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Confronting a Mercantile Elite: Bourbon Reformers and the Merchants of Lima, 1765–1796

The Americas A Quarterly Review of Latin American History ◽

10.1017/s0003161500070607 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 60 (04) ◽

pp. 519-558

Author(s):

Patricia H. Marks

Keyword(s):

South America ◽

Pacific Coast ◽

Point Of View ◽

Economic Effects ◽

Port City ◽

Tax Reforms ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Colonial Peru ◽

The Pacific ◽

Significant Change

After Spain’s defeat in the Seven Years’ War (1757-1763), when the British had occupied Havana and Manila, a series of territorial, commercial, and tax reforms brought significant change to the viceroyalty of Peru. Their economic effects have been matters for debate ever since. Some historians have emphasized their positive effects. Following promulgation of the Reglamento de comercio libre of 1778, the volume and value of European manufactures exported to the Pacific coast of Spanish South America increased. Lima and its port city, Callao, remained important as commercial centers of Spanish South America. But others suggest that the viceregal capital—home to a powerful mercantile elite, the magnates of the consulado (merchant guild) of Lima—suffered a decline in its economic fortunes, as did the entire viceroyalty. Support for this point of view was widespread in late colonial Peru. In spite of the evidence for growth, a rising chorus of complaint bemoaned the increasing poverty of the viceroyalty in general and Lima in particular. How can we account for this discrepancy?

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