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Previous to this study, there is no data relating to the reproductive physiology of the Cirneco dell'Etna breed. The birth date of 141 bitches and 104 sires registered at the National Agency of the Italian Kennel Club (ENCI) from all Sicilian breeders, and data related their fertile matings, which produced 266 whelps over a 14-year period, (2009–2022) were collected. Total whelping produced 1069 pups. The mean bitch age at first whelping was 39.13 ± 21.7 months and the mean litter size was 3.84 ± 2.08. The birth period of the bitches and sires was significantly influenced by the month of the year (p < 0.01), as was the distribution of the first (p < 0.05) and subsequent whelping periods (p < 0.01). Whelping distributions show a significant difference between the highest peak in April (which roughly corresponds to a period of heat in February) and in July (which roughly corresponds to a period of heat in May) and the lowest peak in March. No influence of month on litter size and sex ratio was found. Available data suggests that some ancient breeds such as the Cirneco dell'Etna may show seasonal patterns as a vestige of the stricter seasonality of its closest relative the wolf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dogs have a special place in human history as the first domesticated species and play important roles in many cultures around the world. However, their role in scientific studies has been relatively recent. With a few notable exceptions (e.g., Darwin, Pavlov, Scott, and Fuller), domestic dogs were not commonly the subject of rigorous scientific investigation of behavior until the late 1990s. Although the number of canine science studies has increased dramatically over the last 20 years, most research groups are limited in the inferences they can draw because of the relatively small sample sizes used, along with the exceptional diversity observed in dogs (e.g., breed, geographic location, experience). To this end, we introduce the ManyDogs Project, an international consortium of researchers interested in taking a big team science approach to understanding canine behavioral science. We begin by discussing why studying dogs provides valuable insights into behavior and cognition, evolutionary processes, human health, and applications for animal welfare. We then highlight other big team science projects that have previously been conducted in canine science and emphasize the benefits of our approach. Finally, we introduce the ManyDogs Project and our mission: (a) replicating important findings, (b) investigating moderators that need a large sample size such as breed differences, (c) reaching methodological consensus, (d) investigating cross-cultural differences, and (e) setting a standard for replication studies in general. In doing so, we hope to address previous limitations in individual lab studies and previous big team science frameworks to deepen our understanding of canine behavior and cognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of seasonal variation and lunar cycles on reproductive parameters in dogs is unknown. Lunar cycles have important effects on several biological events. Controversy exists about the influence of lunar cycles on offspring sex ratio. This study examined the sex offspring distribution of 973 puppies (48% females and 52% males) from 150 bitches in Italy between 2015 and 2020. A two-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc t-test (Bonferroni correction) was used to analyze the influence of season and lunar phase on offspring sex ratio at conception. Sex offspring distribution was not affected by season, whereas lunar phase had a significant effect (p<.05). During the new moon, the proportion of male puppies born was significantly lower than during the full moon phase (p <.05). We conclude that season had no effect on sex offspring distribution. The new moon phase at conception appeared to be related to a lower male sex ratio at birth. Further studies assessing additional factors will help provide a better understanding of the lunar cycle differences observed in the sex ratio distribution of dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have recently investigated the birth weight of puppies from different pure-bred dogs. In general, birth weight decreased with litter size but there has been limited investigation into factors influencing growth during early development. The first month of life includes three stages of puppy development: neonatal (0–13 days), transitional (14–20 days), and first week of socialisation period (21–28 days). The aim of this study was to evaluate bodyweight and growth rate of 120 Labrador Retriever (LR) puppies during early development. Puppies from 19 show-line bitches under standardised composition of diet during pregnancy and lactation were involved in this study. Puppies were weighed weekly from birth to 28 days using an electronic digital balance. Relative weight gain (ΔW) was calculated for the neonatal period [ΔW1 = (Wday14-Wday0)/Wday0], transition period [ΔW2 = (Wday21-Wday14)/Wday14] and first week of socialisation period [ΔW2 = (Wday28-Wday21)/Wday21]. The effects of covariates on ΔW were assessed using generalised linear mixed models. Sex and photoperiod had no impact on relative weight gain, whereas litter size had a significant effect at ΔW1 (p <.01) but not at ΔW2 and at ΔW3. Relative weight gain was slightly lower in puppies from larger litter born during short photoperiod on ΔW1. A deeper knowledge of the factors that significantly influence weight gain during the first four weeks of life could be useful for physiological and behavioural science as well as for canine breeding management. 120 Labrador Retriever puppies were weighed weekly from birth to 28 days using an electronic digital balance. Relative weight gain (ΔW) was calculated for the neonatal period (ΔW1), transition period (ΔW2) and first week of socialisation period (ΔW3). Litter size had a significant effect on relative weight gain at ΔW1 but not at ΔW2 and ΔW3. Relative weight gain was slightly lower in puppies from larger litter born during short photoperiod on ΔW1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behavioral development in domestic dogs has been investigated for predicting suitability for service dog work or for matching with the "right" families as well as for identifying predispositions to behavioral problems. Findings from the scientific literature seem to confirm that conducting behavioral tests at 7 weeks of age is too early to reliably predict the temperament and personality of a dog. However, this period for domestic dogs is sensitive for early life learning and conditions during this time could have important consequences in adulthood. The aims of this study were to evaluate inter-rater reliability of a simple standardized test and to investigate which factors influence the behavioral reaction of puppies. 105 seven-week old puppies were exposed to five subtests: social attraction, following, retrieving, sudden appearance, noise. During each task, the behaviour of each pup was scored on a 3–5 point scale that reflected the suitability of the pup's reaction to the task. Scores were evaluated for a single subtest and for two aggregate indicators (i.e. response to a person: social attraction subtest and following subtest and response to object and noise: retrieving subtest, sudden appearance subtest and noise subtest). Three assessors independently scored the dogs' reactions for each task. Inter-rater reliability of the three assessors were analyzed with Fleiss' Kappa and Kendall's coefficient, which showed a high inter-rater reliability in 4 of 5 tasks. The ordered logistic regression was carried out to obtain a proportional odds model that was used to model the relationship between sex, litter size, stimulating environment, parity of mother, adequate maternal behavior and high scores. Litter size and maternal parity were associated with test performance in response to a person. The variance of effect of litter was high in response to object and noise. Taken together, our results suggest that using this scoring system there is sufficient inter-rater reliability in the test and litter size and mother experience influences task performances related to dog-human interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of intraspecific social exposure (socialization vs rest) and habituation factors on the levels of urinary serotonin and cortisol [corrected respectively for creatinine to give the serotonin-creatinine ratio (5-HT/Cr) and cortisol-creatinine ratio (C/Cr)] and how they fluctuate in dogs. The frequency of marking during social sessions was recorded to evaluate its relationship with physiological parameters. The effects of covariates on 5-HT/Cr and C/Cr were assessed using a linear mixed models. 5-HT/Cr values were higher at dawn than at dusk during resting days, however, this difference is less evident after socialization sessions. During rest days, there was a trend for a decrease in C/Cr between dawn and dusk, while during social exposure days there was an opposite trend. Significant interactions were found between social exposure vs rest (P = 0.0005) and social exposure vs sessions (P = 0.002). Urine marking was more frequent in male than female dogs. The frequency of urine marking also appeared to be positively associated with C/Cr. Non-invasive monitoring of physiological markers could be a useful tool in assessing behaviour modulation following intraspecific socialization exposure. C/Cr was characterized by high individual variability and interactions with examined factors. The identification of new markers such as serotonin for assessing welfare in dogs is highly desirable. • The aim of this study was to evaluate how urinary serotonin and cortisol fluctuate in dogs • Serotonin values were higher at dawn than at dusk, however, this difference is less evident after socialization sessions. • Significant interactions were found for cortisol between social exposure vs rest and social exposure vs sessions. • The identification of new markers such as serotonin for assessing welfare in dogs is highly desirable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate whether plasma serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) was associated with the presence of foot pad dermatitis (FPD) in laying hens. FPD birds (n = 20) and healthy individuals (n = 22) were included. Plasma 5-HT was investigated. FPD laying hens showed significantly higher 5-HT levels (median = 6 µmol/L) compared with healthy individuals (median = 4.28 µmol/L, P <.001). When present, FPD were scored as either 1 (n = 12) indicating mildly to moderately abnormal or 2 indicating severely abnormal (n = 8). The subjects whose lesions scored 2 had higher plasma 5-HT levels than those whose lesions scored 1. Inflammatory mechanisms seem to be related to plasma 5-HT levels in laying hens. Assessing plasma 5-HT could be useful to evaluate chicken welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate whether plasma serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) was associated with the presence of foot pad dermatitis (FPD) in laying hens. FPD birds (n = 20) and healthy individuals (n = 22) were included. Plasma 5-HT was investigated. FPD laying hens showed significantly higher 5-HT levels (median = 6 µmol/L) compared with healthy individuals (median = 4.28 µmol/L, P <.001). When present, FPD were scored as either 1 (n = 12) indicating mildly to moderately abnormal or 2 indicating severely abnormal (n = 8). The subjects whose lesions scored 2 had higher plasma 5-HT levels than those whose lesions scored 1. Inflammatory mechanisms seem to be related to plasma 5-HT levels in laying hens. Assessing plasma 5-HT could be useful to evaluate chicken welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For closely related species living in similar habitats, differences in the acoustic morphology of vocalizations could play a role in mate recognition as well as provide insight into the evolutionary divergence between species. Przwewalski's horses (Equus Przwewalskii) and Mongolian domestic horses (Equus callabus) are sometimes found cohabiting in the same environment during the mating season. As such, we examined the hypothesis that interspecies differences are reflected in the acoustic morphology of vocalizations produced by two closely related species. We analyzed the acoustic structure of courtship nickers and agonistic squeals produced by Przwewalski's and Mongolian domestic stallions. Our acoustic analyses indicated that agonistic squeals produced by Przwewalski's stallions were significantly higher in source-related acoustic parameters and in the frequency of maximal energy than those produced by Mongolian domestic stallions. In addition to species differences, we found context-related differences in Przwewalski's stallion vocalizations. Courtship nickers were significantly lower in fundamental frequencies than agonistic squeals. Our findings suggest that acoustic differences between nickers and squeals could reflect underlying motivational states in Przwewalski's horses. Interspecies differences in acoustic structure however, are restricted to agonistic squeals. From an evolutionary standpoint, the lack of interspecies differences in courtship vocalizations suggest that similar factors influence the evolution of courtship calls whereas the differences found in agonistic vocalizations indicate that different factors modulate the evolution of agonistic calls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma protein electrophoresis has been proposed for use in reptile medicine to aid in the diagnosis of disease. Reference intervals of plasma proteins in loggerhead sea turtles have been established; however, studies evaluating the effect of storage conditions on plasma protein and protein fractions in this species are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of short-term storage conditions on total protein concentration and electrophoretic fractions of sea turtle plasma. Blood was collected from sea turtles, and plasma obtained after centrifugation was fractioned into five aliquots. One aliquot was analyzed within 3 h after collection, whereas the remaining aliquots were stored at either +4 °C or −20 °C for 2 or 7 days. Overall, there was a significant effect of storage temperature and duration on albumin, β-globulin, and A/G ratio (Friedman rank sum test P < 0.001) but not on total protein concentration. The results of the current study show that short-term storage conditions influence the electrophoretic pattern of plasma proteins and the A/G ratio in Caretta caretta. Therefore, in order to obtain plasma protein concentrations that can serve as reliable screening tests in veterinary diagnostic laboratories, practitioners should refrigerate plasma for no more than 2 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to assess the relationship between blood gas profile and athletic performance after a specific training programme, six clinically healthy Italian saddle horses were used. Each animal was subjected to an adaptation period constituted by horse walker exercise, followed by a training programme for 3 months. In the last day of each month, all horses were subjected to a standardized exercise test (SET), consisting of 15 min of treadmill. On blood samples collected by means of a jugular venipuncture at rest, immediately after each SET and after 15 min, pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO), partial pressure of oxygen (pO), haematocrit (Hct), haemoglobin (Hb) and hydrogen carbonate ion (HCO) were assessed by means of a selective ion analyser. Two-way repeated measure analysis of variance, followed by Bonferroni's test, showed a significant effect of training on pH, pO, pCO, Hct and Hb. No statistically significant differences were observed among SETs 1, 2 and 3. Our results showed that physiological alterations in blood gas profile due to training exercise are common in horses. These changes are useful to assess the current status of an athlete and the degree of training adaptability, providing an opportunity to modify the training schedule accordingly to achieve the desired performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to examine the influence of sub-maximal exercise on purine and pyrimidine catabolism in horses. Ten horses were initially trained for 12 weeks at the end of which they underwent a standardized exercise test (SET); venous blood samples were taken at rest, 5 and 30 min after the SET. Six untrained healthy horses, from which a blood withdrawal was taken at rest, were used as the control group. Samples were analyzed by HPLC for the simultaneous determination of uric acid, uridine, β-pseudouridine and creatinine in plasma. Glucose and lactate were measured in blood. Trained horses had basal uridine levels significantly lower than sedentary horses. The SET caused significant increase in plasma uric acid, uridine, β-pseudouridine and creatinine. Following the SET, a significant negative correlation was found between plasma uridine and glucose, whilst a significant positive correlation was observed between plasma uric acid and creatinine. These results indicate that increase in energy demand during exercise in the horse causes not only the degradation of purine but also of pyrimidine compounds, the latter possibly exerting a control on glucose uptake as also demonstrated in human beings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Authors assessed the influence of age and health status on packed cell volume (PCV), plasma total protein (TPP), and glucose concentrations of loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta, brought into a Mediterranean sea turtle rescue center in Sicily. These blood parameters should be considered as the minimum database to check the health status of sea turtles. PCV and TPP are together valuable indicators of blood loss, dehydration, or dilution from lymph or extravascular fluid during blood collection. Glucose levels are important to evaluate the blood energy balance. After clinical evaluation, 38 turtles were classified as clinically healthy and 27 as unhealthy. Depending on the size of the turtle, subjects were divided in three groups: juveniles, subadults, and adults. Analysis of variance in healthy subjects showed a significant effect of age for TPP and glucose levels. Values obtained for each age group of healthy sea turtles were compared with those from unhealthy subjects by Mann-Whitney U test. Differences in PCV and TPP but not in glucose concentrations were found between unhealthy and healthy subjects. Our results suggest that these blood parameters are useful to obtain preliminary information about the condition of C. caretta. TPP, in particular, can be used to assess health status of sea turtles while taking age differences into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The study aimed to obtain scientific data useful for the development of methodologies and standardized protocols for welfare donkey monitoring during animal-assisted interventions (AAIs). For this purpose, on thirteen donkeys, ethological tests and physiological parameters (heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and root mean square of successive differences (rMMSD)) were assessed during AAI sessions. The AAI sessions determined modifications of tested parameters. These preliminary results can be considered as a starting point for the investigation of the welfare in donkeys used in AAIs. Background: Few studies have been performed to identify objective indicators for the selection of therapeutic donkeys or to assess their welfare during animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the response to the ethological test and the modifications of physiological parameters in donkeys subjected to AAI sessions. Methods: Thirteen donkeys were subjected to a behavioral evaluation during an AAI session. Heart rate, heart rate variability, and root mean square of successive difference values were detected. Results: Statistically significant changes in the tested parameters were observed during AAI sessions. Conclusions: In donkeys, there was a neurovegetative involvement during AAI sessions. Our data give a contribution to the evaluation of donkey welfare during AAIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different photoperiod schedules on daily total locomotor activity in cat. Four male cats (4 ± 0.3 kg) were housed individually under controlled temperature during the study and were subjected to four different artificial lighting regimes including 12L:12D (light on at 08:00, light off at 20:00), 12D:12L (light on at 20:00, light off at 08:00), 24L:0D (light on for all experimental period), 0L:24D (constant darkness). The application of the statistical analysis of cosinor indicated the existence of a significant daily rhythm (P < 0.05). In particular, in 12L:12D conditions, the cats were more active during the dark phase compared to the light phase, with a range of variation between 23:30 and 24:30 h. During the 12D:12L cycle, all cats changed their locomotor activity rhythm, so that it coincided with the new phase of the photoperiod. The resynchronization to a new LD cycle was quick. Endogenous rhythms were manifested in all cats with different clarity when subjected to 24L:0D cycles. When the cats were exposed to constant darkness, the endogenous periodicity was not observed. These results suggest the existence of an endogenous circadian oscillator that controls the expression of locomotor activity rhythms in the cat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of moderate treadmill exercise session on body surface and core temperature in dog measured by means of two infrared instruments. Ten Jack Russell Terrier/Miniature Pinscher mixed-breed dogs were subjected to 15 min of walking, 10 min of trotting and 10 min of gallop. At every step, body surface temperature (T surface ) was measured on seven regions (neck, shoulder, ribs, flank, back, internal thigh and eye) using two different methods, a digital infrared camera (ThermaCam P25) and a non-contact infrared thermometer (Infrared Thermometer THM010-VT001). Rectal temperature (T rectal ) and blood samples were collected before (T0) and after exercise (T3). Blood samples were tested for red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct). A significant effect of exercise in all body surface regions was found, as measured by both infrared methods. The temperature obtained in the eye and the thigh area were higher with respect to the other studied regions throughout the experimental period (P<0.0001). RBC, Hb, Hct and T rectal values were higher at T3 (P<0.05). Statistically significant higher temperature values measured by infrared thermometer was found in neck, shoulder, ribs, flank, back regions respect to the values obtained by digital infrared camera (P<0.0001). The results obtained in this study showed that both internal and surface temperatures are influenced by physical exercise probably due to muscle activity and changes in blood flow in dogs. Both infrared instruments used in this study have proven to be useful in detecting surface temperature variations of specific body regions, however factors including type and color of animal hair coat must be taken into account in the interpretation of data obtained by thermography methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keeping and management of horses can induce changes to instinctive and innate behavioural patterns. We investigated the effect of five different management conditions in five groups of horses. All groups were housed in individual boxes under natural environmental and lighting conditions. They were fed three times a day (07:00, 12:30 and 20:00) and had free access to water. Group A was fed with 8 kg/capo/die of hay divided in the three meals. Group B was fed with 8 kg/capo/die of an unifeed divided in the three meals. Group C was fed with unifeed at 07:00 and 12:30 and with hay at 20:00. They were kept in wood-bedded boxes. Groups D and E were fed with unifeed at 07:00 and 12:30, respectively, and in the other, two meals received hay. They were kept in straw-bedded boxes. Our results showed a daily rhythm of total locomotor activity in all groups, influenced by management conditions. Group A engaged in meal patterns similar to those seen in grazing animals. Groups B and C showed the highest MESOR values due to a high searching behaviour. Group C showed a nocturnal acrophase contrary to the other groups. Groups D and E showed a total locomotor activity pattern similar to that observed in Group A probably due to an increase in straw-bedding consuming. The reduction of fibre in diet has an impact on physiology and behaviour of horses. The valuation of diet and in bedding provided to horses kept in box is useful to guarantee the maintenance of the physiological daily rhythm of total locomotor activity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The seasonal variations of the level of serum total proteins and their electrophoretic fractions in dairy cows, living in the Mediterranean area, were investigated. During different physiological phases, ten dairy cows were housed in a sheltered pen in Sicily (Italy). Throughout the experimental period, ambient temperature and relative humidity were continuously recorded with a data logger and temperature humidity index values were determined. Blood samples were collected every 30 days for 1 year (12 months). Total proteins were assessed by means of a spectrophotometer and electrophoresis was performed using a semiautomated AGE system. One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance ANOVA was applied to determine the effect of time (physiological phase) during the 12 months of monitoring and P values < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Using Cosinor rhythmometry, three rhythmic parameters were determined: mesor (mean level) with the confidence interval (CI) at the 95%, amplitude (half the range of oscillation) and acrophase ( Φ, time of peak) with the confidence interval (CI) at 95%. After the application of the Cosinor rhythmometry, α-, β- and γ- globulins showed a seasonal rhythmicity. In conclusion, these results shed light on the composition of serum proteins of cows during a 1-year study and allowed us to delineate a serum pattern during physiological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydrocortisone on adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation in horse. The study was carried out on 35 healthy horses of various breeds and gender. On all horses, citrated blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture to assess platelet aggregation. On all samples, platelet-rich and platelet-poor plasma were prepared by centrifugation and divided into two different aliquots. On the first aliquot, platelet aggregation was determined after platelet activating with 1 and 0.5 μM ADP (group A). On the last one, the effect of 20-min preincubation with hydrocortisone in ADP-induced aggregation was determined at final ADP concentrations of 1 and 0.5 μM (group B). By means of an aggregometer, the platelet response was quantitated as maximum degree of platelet aggregation and initial velocity of platelet aggregation. All data were analyzed using unpaired Student's t test. A P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The obtained results showed a statistically significant effect of hydrocortisone on both the maximum degree of platelet aggregation and the slope of platelet aggregation at the two final concentrations of ADP used. These results are compatible with the possibility that the vessel wall releases smooth muscle-relaxing prostaglandins when injured and that the inhibition of prostaglandin formation by hydrocortisone enhances hemostasis by allowing vasoconstriction to be maintained. Further investigations could be useful utilizing different concentrations of hydrocortisone in order to apply the knowledge of the effect of glucocorticoids on platelet aggregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the daily total locomotor activity in captive Chrysocyon brachyurus. Three maned wolves were housed individually under natural light–dark cycle and environmental conditions. In each animal, locomotor activity was monitoored for 30 days by means of an activity data logger (Actiwatch Cambridge©Neurotechnology, Cambridge, UK), applied on a neck collar. Locomotor activity was evaluated by visual inspection of actograms. The average amount of activity during light and dark phases and Cosine 20 Peak were calculated using Actiwatc Activity Analysis 5.06. Subject A was more active during the light phase, and subjects B and C were more active during the dark phase. The single cosinor method applied on the amount of activity recorded every hour showed a daily rhythm of locomotor activity only in subject B (2 years old). Acrophase was observed between 03:20 and 07:30, and robustness had a value between 37.00% and 63.40%. Only one subject due to their early withdrawal from its natural habitat, developed a manifest anthropic dependence, with a marked adaptation to the habitat of captivity presenting an anthropophilic behavior. This study would help to define more appropriate management and conservation strategies for this emblematic mammal of South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the daily rhythm of rectal and vaginal temperature, we used six mongrel dogs with a mean body weight of 15±3 kg, aged between 2 and 3 years old. Rectal and vaginal temperatures were recorded every 3 h over 48-h period during three different lighting regimes: natural light/dark (L/D) cycle (sunrise 06:25, sunset 17:05), constant light (L/L) and constant darkness (D/D). A daily rhythm of rectal temperature was observed in both days of monitoring in all experimental conditions. Vaginal temperature showed a daily rhythmicity in L/D and D/D cycle. During the L/L cycle, daily rhythm was disrupted. Rhythmic parameters (MESOR, amplitude, acrophase and robustness) did not change between the different photoperiod and the site of temperature collection. In conclusion, the monitoring of vaginal temperature can be considered a valid alternative to the monitoring of body temperature as well as rectal temperature under natural lighting conditions in canine medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To evaluate parallel circadian rhythms in salivary and serum cortisol concentrations during 48-h period, sampling was performed in six clinically healthy dogs of various breeds housed under natural photoperiod in spring (sunrise 05:20, sunset 20:20). Saliva and blood samples were taken every 3 h for a 48-h period to determine the daily changes in salivary and serum cortisol concentrations. The relationship between salivary and serum cortisol level was determined as well. In the two-day period of monitoring, salivary and serum cortisol concentrations showed the same trend. Their levels started to increase at sunrise and reached their peak in the middle of the photophase. Both parameters showed a high robustness of rhythm. A positive correlation between salivary and serum cortisol concentration was observed during the day 1 and 2. Acrophase and robustness of rhythm showed no statistically significant difference between salivary and serum cortisol concentrations. We can claim that salivary cortisol, a measure of free cortisol, follows the circadian rhythm of serum cortisol. Therefore, saliva sampling is a valid and non-invasive technique useful in chronomedicine to estimate free cortisol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effects of polychlorinated biphenyl congeners 126 and 153 (PCB-126 and PCB-153) on vitellogenin (Vtg) and cytochrome (CYP1A1) expression were evaluated in 60 juvenile Sparus aurata. Fish were divided into four groups and the control group (Group A) was compared to fish exposed to PCB-126 (10–8M) (Group B), PCB-153 (10–6M) (Group C) singly and also in combination (Group D) for 12, 24 and 72h. Hepatic expression of Vtg and CYP1A1 were analyzed using histological examinations and by immunochemical (Western blotting and immunohistochemistry) methods. Vtg increased in juvenile fishes of Groups B, C and D after 12h respect to Group A and decreased after 24 and 72h respect to 12h in each group. CYP1A1 increased after 12 and 24h in all groups vs control group and increased in Group B only at 72h vs in control group. The results showed that chemical interaction and endocrine disruption in fish might produce deleterious consequences not only for fish but also for human. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]