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Purpose: The infralimbic (IL) subregion of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) regulates the extinction of conditioned fear memory. Glucocorticoid and gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors are expressed in the mPFC and are also critical in fear extinction. This study investigated the possible interactive effects of the glucocorticoids and GABAergic system in the IL on the regulation of fear extinction. Method: The rats were trained using an auditory fear conditioning task during which they received three conditioned stimuli (tones, 30 s, 4 kHz, 80 dB), co‐terminated with the three unconditioned stimuli (footshock, 0.8 mA, 1 s). Extinction testing was conducted over 3 days (Ext 1–3). Thirty minutes before the first extinction trial (Ext 1), the rats received bicuculline (BIC, 1 mg/kg/2 mL, intraperitoneal [i.p.]) as a GABAA receptor antagonist or CGP55845 (CGP, 0.1 mg/kg/2 ML, i.p.) as a GABAB receptor antagonist followed by systemic injection of corticosterone (CORT, 3 mg/kg/2 ML, i.p.). Furthermore, separate groups of rats received a bilateral intra‐IL injection of BIC (100 ng/0.3 µL/side) or CGP (10 ng/0.3 µL/side) followed by a systemic injection of CORT (3 mg/kg/2 ML, i.p.) before the first extinction trial (Ext 1). The extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK1) and cAMP response element‐binding (CREB) activity in the IL was examined by Western blot analysis after Ext 1. Finding: The results indicated that systemic CORT injection facilitated fear extinction and increased the expression of ERK1 but not CREB in the IL. Both systemic and intra‐IL co‐injection of BIC or CGP blocked the effects of CORT on fear extinction and ERK1 expression. Conclusion: These findings suggest that glucocorticoids and the GABAergic system may modulate fear extinction through the ERK pathway in the IL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of firework‐associated fear in dogs in Sydney, owner perception of their dog's response to fireworks, perceived efficacy of interventions to manage fearful behaviours and the frequency of dog owners seeking professional advice for these behaviours. Methods: Dog owners in the Greater Sydney area were invited to complete an anonymous online survey. Results: From 387 valid responses, 44.4% (171 of 385) reported their dogs were fearful of fireworks. The most common fear‐related behaviour was seeking an owner or caretaker (120 of 161, 74.5%). Most owners responded by bringing their dog inside or trying to comfort or reassure their dog. Only 22.5% of owners sought professional advice for their dog's fear of fireworks, but of these, 65.5% considered that advice to be effective. Source and breed group were significantly associated with fear of fireworks (P = 0.011, P = 0.036 respectively). Fear of fireworks was also significantly associated with fear of thunder (P < 0.0001), gunshots (P < 0.0001) and vehicles (P = 0.0009). Conclusion: Fear of fireworks and other loud noises negatively impacts canine welfare, yet only a small percentage of owners sought professional advice. There is scope for veterinarians to educate owners and raise awareness about the identification and management of noise‐associated fear and reduce the risk of escalation of fearful behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Separation from their owner is stressful for some dogs. Studies examining this phenomenon are usually carried out in novel places. However, given that separation distress can also impact the behavior and welfare of dogs in their home environment, it is critical to study them in this context as well. Our first aim was to evaluate the reactions of dogs to a brief separation from their owner in the home. Secondly, we aimed to examine differences in the reactions of dogs classified as fearful, without (n = 27) and with (n = 17) aggressive responses, as well as controls (n = 28). All dogs were adults, from various breeds and mixes, and lived as pets. Each dog's behavior was evaluated across three phases: (1) 2 min interaction with owner (baseline), (2) 3 min separation from the owner (alone), and (3) 2 min after the owner returned (owner return). We measured exploration as well as affiliative and stress behaviors. The results show that dogs explored the environment more in phase 1, directed more behaviors toward the door through which the owner had left in phase 2, followed the owner leaving at the end of phase 2, and greeted them when they returned in phase 3. Dogs also spent more time near the owner after their absence in phase 3 than in phase 1. A decrease in exploration triggered by the absence of the owner in phase 2 and a lack of full exploration recovery in phase 3 were observed as possible indicators of stress. No differences were found between fearful dogs and controls. The results indicate that it is possible to evaluate dogs' reactions to separation from their owner in a more naturalistic context. This could aid in the development of strategies to improve separation-related problems in dogs and thus improve their welfare and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a reaction-diffusion predator-prey model with predator-taxis, in which both the cost and the benefit induced by fear of predators are incorporated. In particular, the benefit of fear is reflected in the Beddington-DeAngelis functional response that can be derived in view of avoidance behaviours of prey. Critical conditions for Turing instability are determined with the help of the first Turing bifurcation curve in the two-parameter plane composed by the random diffusion rate of prey and the predator-taxis rate. For predator-taxis-induced bifurcation from simple eigenvalues, the existence and stability of non-homogeneous positive steady state solutions are established. Especially, we use decomposition in space and apply the implicit function theorem to obtain the bifurcation theorem with double eigenvalues. Theoretical and numerical results show that low predator-taxis sensitivity may cause the occurrence of spatial patterns when the random diffusion rate of prey is slow. However, the presence of predator-taxis can not lead to pattern formation when the random diffusion rate of prey is fast enough. In addition, increasing the level of fear may stabilize the system at the expense of the density of prey or predators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fear prompts prey to adopt risk-averse behaviors, such as reduced foraging activity, increased vigilance, and avoidance of areas with high predator presence, which affects its reproduction. In a real scenario, a population requires a minimum density to avoid extinction, known as an Allee threshold. In light of these biological factors, we propose a predator–prey model with (i) a fear effect in a prey population, (ii) an Allee effect in a predator population, and (iii) a non-constant attack rate that modifies the functional response. We ensured the non-negativity and boundedness of the solutions and examined the local and global stability status for each existing steady state solutions. We investigated some deep dynamical properties of the system by varying different parameters, such as cost of fear in prey and strength of the Allee effect in predators and their mortality rate. In codimension one bifurcations, we observed saddle node, Hopf, homoclinic, and coalescence of two limit cycles. Additionally, codimension two bifurcations were observed, including Bautin and Bogdanov Takens bifurcations. To provide a clearer understanding of these bifurcations, we conducted biparametric analysis involving the fear and Allee parameters, as well as the fear parameter and predator mortality rate. Our investigation shows that cost of fear and strength of Allee strongly influences the survival status of the predator. Furthermore, bistability and tristability reveal that the survival and extinction of predator are dependent on the initial population level. Numerical simulations and graphical illustrations are provided to support and validate our theoretical findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we delve into a predator–prey model incorporating a fear effect in prey reproduction, influenced by both delay and harvesting. The model accounts for delayed fear dynamics to capture more realistic dynamics. Initially, our focus lays on the nondelayed model, examining each biologically plausible equilibrium points and assessing their stability concerning the parameters of the model. Next, detailed mathematical results are provided, encompassing the asymptotic stability of all equilibria, Hopf bifurcation, and the direction and stability of bifurcated periodic solutions. Also, the stability analysis of the Hopf-bifurcating periodic solution is confirmed through the computation of first Lyapunov coefficient. Furthermore, we observed that the nondelayed system experiences Bogdanov–Takens bifurcation in a two-parameter space. Subsequently, we analyzed the corresponding delayed system, establishing the existence of a stable limit cycle through Hopf bifurcation concerning the delay parameter. Additionally, the inclusion of delay can prompt critical dynamics within the system, resulting in period-doubling routes toward chaotic oscillations. To validate our analytical findings, we conducted comprehensive and meticulous numerical simulations. The findings of the numerical simulations suggest that the impact of fear can be used as a measure of chaos control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the role of potassium channels in animal models of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and their potential therapeutic implications. Potassium channels are important in regulating brain function and have been associated with various neuropsychiatric disorders. Animal models have shown that different types of potassium channels play a role in fear-related behaviors and memory. Genome-wide association studies have identified genes involved in fear and stress responses that may contribute to vulnerability to PTSD. Specific potassium channel subtypes have been implicated in the development of certain PTSD symptoms and may be potential targets for treatment. Activation or inhibition of these channels can affect fear responses and consolidation of fear memories. The article acknowledges the need for further research in humans and the limitations of the available evidence. [Extracted from the article]

A four-dimensional mathematical model is formulated to explore the fear effect exerted by large carnivore in the grassland ecosystem. The model depicts the interactions among herbage, domestic herbivore, wild herbivore and large carnivore, which incorporates both direct predation and anti-predator mechanisms. The dynamic properties of the model are analytically investigated, including the dissipativity of solutions, and the existence and stability of different equilibria. Some numerical simulations are also presented to exhibit rich dynamical behaviors, such as various types of bistabilities, periodic oscillation and chaotic oscillation. The study reveals that the appropriate level of fear factors can stabilize the system and increase the density of herbage and domestic herbivore. The fear effect plays an important role in maintaining the balance of the grassland ecosystem and promoting the economy of human society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates a prey–predator model featuring a Holling-type II functional response, in which the fear effect of predation on the prey species, as well as prey refuge, are considered. Specifically, the model assumes that the growth rate of the prey population decreases as a result of the fear of predators. Moreover, the detection of the predator by the prey species is subject to a delay known as the fear response delay, which is incorporated into the model. The paper establishes the preliminary conditions for the solution of the delayed model, including positivity, boundedness and permanence. The paper discusses the existence and stability of equilibrium points in the model. In particular, the paper considers the discrete delay as a bifurcation parameter, demonstrating that the system undergoes Hopf bifurcation at a critical value of the delay parameter. The direction and stability of periodic solutions are determined using central manifold and normal form theory. Additionally, the global stability of the model is established at axial and positive equilibrium points. An extensive numerical simulation is presented to validate the analytical findings, including the continuation of the equilibrium branch for positive equilibrium points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insectivorous birds are key suppliers of crucial ecosystem services, especially important for pest control in agricultural systems, and are globally decreasing at a fast rate. Among them, the declining barn swallow Hirundo rustica is particularly linked to cattle farms, where it is impacted by changes in livestock husbandry practices.The presence of swallows in cattle sheds might contribute to control insect pests, but such an effect had never been explored. With this work, we evaluated the potential control effect exerted by barn swallow on economically relevant pest insects, filth flies.To assess whether swallows inside the cattle sheds influence the activity rate of pest flies (especially Musca domestica and Stomoxys calcitrans), we assessed the relative abundance of swallows and flies over 16 weeks in nine different cattle farms in Non valley (Trentino, North‐east Italy), either occupied or not by nesting swallows. From April 2022 to August 2022, we collected weekly data on the activity rate of flies by placing eight white spot cards inside each of nine cattle sheds and counting the deposition of faecal and regurgitation spots by flies. Simultaneously, we collected weekly data regarding swallow occurrence, brood size, number and age of chicks.We applied generalised linear mixed effect models on the activity rate of flies, with spot card and farm as nested random effects, to account for potential random variability between cards and farms. We then assessed through model selection the effect of number of cows, number of swallows, and temperature or week alternatively. Temperature and week were modelled also in interaction with the number of swallows.Fly activity rate followed a seasonal trend with a peak in July, which was markedly lower where swallows were present. Moreover, the positive relationship between flies and temperature was lessened when swallows were abundant.Synthesis and applications. Barn swallows are effective biological control agents for lowering pest fly activity in livestock farms. Farmers were actively involved in swallow conservation within their sheds, also with a shared memorandum‐of‐intent. Harnessing the ecosystem services supplied by farmland birds could bring positive outcomes for people and biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The claustrum (CLA), a subcortical area between the insular cortex and striatum, innervates almost all cortical regions of the mammalian brain. There is growing evidence that CLA participates in many brain functions, including memory, cognition, and stress response. It is proposed that dysfunction or malfunction of the CLA might be the pathology of some brain diseases, including stress-induced depression and anxiety. However, the role of the CLA in fear memory and anxiety disorders remains largely understudied. Methods We evaluated the influences of neurotoxic lesions of the CLA using auditory-cued fear memory and anxiety-like behaviors in rats. Results We found that lesions of anterior CLA (aCLA) but not posterior CLA (pCLA) before fear conditioning attenuated fear retrieval, facilitated extinction, and reduced freezing levels during the extinction retention test. Post-learning lesions of aCLA but not pCLA facilitated fear extinction and attenuated freezing behavior during the extinction retention test. Lesions of aCLA or pCLA did not affect anxiety-like behaviors evaluated by the open field test and elevated plus-maze test. Conclusion These data suggested that aCLA but not pCLA was involved in fear memory and extinction. Future studies are needed to further investigate the anatomical and functional connections of aCLA subareas that are involved in fear conditioning, which will deepen our understanding of CLA functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider a diffusive predator-prey system with fear response delay, where a benefit from the ani-predation response in addition to the cost is taken into account. As a step toward understanding the underlying mechanism of the spatiotemporal pattern formations by rigorous mathematical analysis, we are interested in how the joint effects of time delay, the fear effect strength, the carrying capacity, as well as the diffusion rates could affect the complex spatiotemporal pattern formations of the system. In particular, Turing instability of the Hopf bifurcating periodic solutions is investigated in details. To that end, a general formula is derived to determine Turing instability of the Hopf bifurcating periodic solutions for general 2-component delayed-diffusive system. This extends our earlier general results for non-delayed diffusive system to its delayed-diffusive counterparts. Our general formula tends to be new and can be applied to a variety of 2-component delayed-diffusive systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Responding to social signals by expressing the correct behavior is not only challenged in autism but also in diseases with a high prevalence of autism, such as Prader-Willi syndrome. Clinical evidence suggests that aberrant prosocial behavior in patients can be regulated by intranasal oxytocin (OXT) or vasopressin (AVP). However, the neuronal mechanisms that underlie impaired behavioral responses in a socially aversive context, and how can they be corrected, remain largely unknown. Using the Magel2 knockout mouse model of Prader-Willi syndrome (crossed with CRE-dependent transgenic lines), we devised optogenetic, physiological, and pharmacological strategies in a social fear conditioning paradigm. Pathway-specific roles of OXT and AVP signaling were investigated converging on the lateral septum (LS), a region that receives dense hypothalamic inputs. OXT and AVP signaling promoted inhibitory synaptic transmission in the LS, the failure of which in Magel2 knockout mice disinhibited somatostatin (SST) neurons and disrupted social fear extinction. The source of OXT and AVP deficits mapped specifically in the supraoptic nucleus→LS pathway of Magel2 knockout mice with disrupted social fear extinction, which could be corrected by optogenetic or pharmacological inhibition of SST neurons in the LS. Interestingly, LS SST neurons also gated the expression of aggressive behavior, possibly as part of functional units that operate beyond local septal circuits. SST cells in the LS play a crucial role in integration and expression of disrupted neuropeptide signals in autism, thereby altering the balance in expression of safety versus fear. Our results uncover novel mechanisms underlying dysfunction in a socially aversive context and provide a new framework for future treatments for autism spectrum disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environment in which animals are kept must provide suitable conditions for their species. This includes ensuring that animals are healthy, well-fed, safe, able to exhibit species-specific behaviors, not experiencing fear or pain, and not under chronic or acute stress. Poultry welfare is achieved when birds are raised in environments that meet their physiological and ethological needs. Fear can significantly impact animal welfare. Chickens have been significantly altered by human artificial selection. Despite this, they exhibit reactivity towards humans and tend to avoid them. Poultry animals reared in environmentally controlled poultry houses and bred for superior productivity are more sensitive to fear factors and have lost their adaptability to a great extent. This study aimed to determine the effect of personnel clothing color on stress and fear in chickens in layer hen coops. The experiment involved 32-week-old laying hens of three different genotypes. A worker in the henhouse wore six respective different colors of workwear (dark blue, green, red, yellow, black, and white), and sound measurements were taken during this time. The results showed that the color of the worker's clothing influenced the sound intensity of the chickens (P<0.05). White clothing elicited the least reaction, whereas black and dark blue elicited the most. The other three colors showed similar reactions. In conclusion, workers in layer hen coops wearing dark clothing, such as dark blue and black, can induce stress and noise in the animals. Additionally, chickens showed similar reactions to green, red, and yellow colors, with white being the color around which they felt the most secure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurosteroids have been implicated in the pathophysiology of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Allopregnanolone is reduced in subsets of individuals with PTSD and has been explored as a novel treatment strategy. Both direct trauma exposure and witnessed trauma are risk factors for PTSD; however, the role of neurosteroids in the behavioral outcomes of these unique experiences has not been explored. Here, we investigate whether observational fear is associated with a reduced capacity for endogenous neurosteroidogenesis and the relationship with behavioral outcomes. We demonstrated that mice directly subjected to a threat (foot shocks) and those witnessing the threat have decreased plasma levels of allopregnanolone. The expression of a key enzyme involved in endogenous neurosteroid synthesis, 5α‐reductase type 2, is decreased in the basolateral amygdala, which is a major emotional processing hub implicated in PTSD. We demonstrated that genetic knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of 5α‐reductase type 2 exaggerates the behavioral expression of fear in response to witnessed trauma, whereas oral treatment with an exogenous, synthetic neuroactive steroid gamma‐aminobutyric acid‐A receptor positive allosteric modulator with molecular pharmacology similar to allopregnanolone (SGE‐516 [tool compound]) decreased the behavioral response to observational fear. These data implicate impaired endogenous neurosteroidogenesis in the pathophysiology of threat exposure, both direct and witnessed. Further, these data suggest that treatment with exogenous 5α‐reduced neurosteroids or targeting endogenous neurosteroidogenesis may be beneficial for the treatment of individuals with PTSD, whether resulting from direct or witnessed trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overgeneralization of fear to harmless situations is a core feature of anxiety disorders resulting from acute stress, yet the mechanisms by which fear becomes generalized are poorly understood. In this study, we show that generalized fear in mice results from a transmitter switch from glutamate to g-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in serotonergic neurons of the lateral wings of the dorsal raphe. Similar change in transmitter identity was found in the postmortem brains of individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Overriding the transmitter switch in mice prevented the acquisition of generalized fear. Corticosterone release and activation of glucocorticoid receptors mediated the switch, and prompt antidepressant treatment blocked the cotransmitter switch and generalized fear. Our results provide important insight into the mechanisms involved in fear generalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and transcription nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (NRF-2) play an important role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the interactive involvement of BDNF and NRF-2 in respect to antioxidant mechanisms in different parts of the AD brain is still unclear. Considering the above condition, used S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) to examine whether it modulates the BDNF and NRF-2 levels to activate signaling pathway to promote antioxidant levels in AD brains. Method: AD was induced by intracerebroventricular infusion of streptozotocin (ICV-STZ, 3 mg/kg) in Wistar rats. The effect of GSNO was analyzed by evaluating the retention of memory in months 1, 2, and 3. After the behavior study, rats were sacrificed and accessed the amyloid beta (Aβ)-40, Aβ42, glutathione (GSH), BDNF, and NRF-2 levels in the hippocampus, cortex, and amygdala tissue. Results: Pretreatment with GSNO (50 µg/kg/intraperitoneal/day) restored the BDNF, and NRF-2 levels toward normalcy as compared with ICV-STZ + saline-treated animals. Also, GSNO treatment reversed the oxidative stress and increased the GSH levels toward normal levels. Further, reduced Aβ levels and neuronal loss in different brain regions. As a result, GSNO treatment improved the cognitive deficits in ICV-STZ-treated rats. Conclusion: The results showed that endogenous nitric oxide donor GSNO improved the cognitive deficits and ICV-STZ-induced AD pathological conditions, possibly via attenuating the oxidative stress. Hence, the above finding supported that GSNO treatment may activate BDNF and NRF-2 antioxidant signaling pathways in the AD brain to normalize oxidative stress, which is the main causative factor for ICV-STZ-induced AD pathogenesis. Plain Language Summary: This work is mainly focused on the investigation of the antioxidant activity of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) in intracerebroventricular infusion of streptozotocin (ICV-STZ)-induced Alzheimer's disease (AD) in rats. GSNO is an endogenous nitric oxide donor and has potent antioxidant activities. Our study revealed for the first time that GSNO may have antioxidant activities in AD by improving the endogenous antioxidant defense system. Further, GSNO treatment improved spatial retention and contextual fear memory in rats. Also, GSNO treatment decreased the AD neuropathological parameters (neuronal damage, amyloid beta-Aβ40, Aβ42) and improved the neuroprotective parameters (GSH, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2) levels in AD brain tissues. These findings indicate that GSNO activates the neuronal antioxidant defense system and normalizes oxidative stress in the AD brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pervasive avoidance is one of the central symptoms of all anxiety-related disorders. In treatment, avoidance behaviors are typically discouraged because they are assumed to maintain anxiety. Yet, it is not clear if engaging in avoidance is always detrimental. In this study, we used a platform-mediated avoidance task to investigate the influence of avoidance history on extinction learning in male rats. Our results show that having the opportunity to avoid during fear acquisition training does not significantly influence the extinction of auditory-cued fear in rats subjected to this platform-mediated avoidance procedure, which constitutes a realistic approach/avoidance conflict. This holds true irrespective of whether or not avoidance was possible during the extinction phase. This suggests that imposing a realistic cost on avoidance behavior prevents the adverse effects that avoidance has been claimed to have on extinction. However, avoidance does not appear to have clear positive effects on extinction learning nor on retention either. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The basolateral amygdala (BLA) plays an integral role in anxiety disorders (such as post traumatic stress disorder) stem from dysregulated fear memory. The excitability of glutamatergic neurons in the BLA correlates with fear memory, and the afterhyperpolarization current (IAHP) mediated by small‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium channel subtype 2 (SK2) dominates the excitability of glutamatergicneurons. This study aimed to explore the effect of MPP2 interacts with SK2 in the excitability of glutamatergic neurons in the BLA and the extinction of conditioned fear in mice. Methods: Fear memory was analyzed via freezing percentage. Western blotting and fluorescence quantitative PCR were used to determine the expression of protein and mRNA respectively. Electrophysiology was employed to measure the excitability of glutamatergic neurons and IAHP. Results: Fear conditioning decreased the levels of synaptic SK2 channels in the BLA, which were restored following fear extinction. Notably, reduced expression of synaptic SK2 channels in the BLA during fear conditioning was caused by the increased activity of protein kinase A (PKA), while increased levels of synaptic SK2 channels in the BLA during fear extinction were mediated by interactions with membrane‐palmitoylated protein 2 (MPP2). Conclusions: Our results revealed that MPP2 interacts with the SK2 channels and rescues the excitability of glutamatergic neurons by increasing the expression of synaptic SK2 channels in the BLA to promote the normalization of anxiety disorders and provide a new direction for the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Fear of loud noises is the most common behavioural problem in pet dogs. This manuscript provides an overview of treatment options for noise fears in dogs and describes the current scientific evidence for their effectiveness. Therapy for noise-sensitive dogs involves a combination of management and behavioural training, as well as the potential use of anti-anxiety medication to safeguard dogs' welfare and prevent worsening of the fear. Providing rewards (food/play) to create positive associations with noises (counterconditioning) is one of the most effective training methods and may change dogs' emotional responses to noise. Additionally, relaxation training and training with audio recordings can improve noise fears in dogs. While a variety of products to alleviate fear in dogs are on the market, to date, evidence indicates that most "alternative" remedies, such as nutraceuticals, herbal remedies, pheromones, homeopathy, Bach flowers, and essential oils, are not powerful enough to help dogs overcome serious fears. In contrast, the effectiveness of several types of anti-anxiety medications has been demonstrated. Noise fears in puppies and adults can be prevented by creating positive associations with sudden noises. Noise fears represent the most common behavioural problem in dogs. This manuscript provides an overview of diverse approaches for alleviating fear of noises in dogs and the supporting evidence. In the treatment of noise fears, both short-term solutions to prevent trauma or the deterioration of fear during unavoidable noise events and longer-term training need to be considered. Environmental management, the provision of incentives (food/play) during noise exposure, and, when indicated, anxiolytic medication, can safeguard dogs' welfare during noise events. Most "alternative" products (such as nutraceuticals, herbal remedies, pheromones, homeopathy, Bach flowers, and essential oils) are unlikely to be sufficient as monotherapy for noise fears, whereas there is good evidence for the efficacy of several anxiolytic medications. In the longer term, counterconditioning to real-life noises, relaxation training, and desensitisation/counterconditioning using noise recordings have been shown to improve fear of noises in dogs. Preventative training appears to be highly effective in preventing the development of noise fears in puppies and adult dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely accepted that Pavlovian fear conditioning requires activation of NMDA receptors (NMDARs) in the basolateral amygdala complex (BLA). However, it was recently shown that activation of NMDAR in the BLA is only required for fear conditioning when danger occurs unexpectedly; it is not required for fear conditioning when danger occurs as expected. This study tested the hypothesis that NMDARs in the BLA are engaged for Pavlovian fear conditioning when an animal’s predictions regarding danger are in error. In each experiment, rats (females in Experiment 1 and males in Experiments 2–5) were conditioned to fear one stimulus, S1, when it was paired with foot-shock (S1fishock), and 48 h later, a second stimulus, S2, when it was presented in sequence with the already-conditioned S1 and foot-shock (S2fiS1fishock). Conditioning to S2 occurred under a BLA infusion of the NMDAR antagonist, D-AP5 or vehicle. The subsequent tests of freezing to S2 alone and S1 alone revealed that the antagonist had no effect on conditioning to S2 when the shock occurred exactly as predicted by the S1, but disrupted this conditioning when the shock occurred earlier/later than predicted by S1, or at a stronger/weaker intensity. These results imply that errors in the timing or intensity of a predicted foot-shock engage NMDARs in the BLA for Pavlovian fear conditioning. They are discussed in relation to theories which propose a role for prediction error in determining how experiences are organized in memory and how activation of NMDAR in the BLA might contribute to this organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an editorial titled "New strategies in neuroprotection and neurorepair" published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience. The editorial discusses the challenges posed by neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and spinal cord injury, and the need for new theories and methods in neuroprotection and neurorepair. The editorial highlights four papers included in the research topic, which focus on therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, glaucoma, and fear memory in rats. The document emphasizes the importance of identifying novel therapeutic targets in neuroprotection and neurorepair. [Extracted from the article]

1. Comprehensive knowledge of innate fear in chickens has important implications for understanding the adaptation of native Japanese chickens in modern production and behavioural changes caused by modern breeding goals. Innate fear behaviour seen in chicks from six native Japanese chicken breeds;, Ingie (IG), Nagoya (NAG), Oh-Shamo (OSM), Tosa-Jidori (TJI), Tosa-Kukin (TKU) and Ukokkei (UK), were compared with those in two lines of White Leghorn (WL-G and WL-T) in tonic immobility (TI) and open field (OF) tests. 2. TI and OF tests were conducted for 267 chicks at 0-1 days of age in the eight breeds. Raw data for four TI traits and 13 OF traits were corrected for environmental factors. Breed differences were analysed by the Kruskal–Wallis test followed by the Steel Dwass post hoc test. Principal component (PC) analyses were conducted. 3. The results showed that OSM was the least sensitive to fear in both the TI and OF tests. The WL-G birds showed higher sensitivity to TI fear but lower sensitivity to OF fear. The PC analysis of OF traits classified the tested breeds into three groups: least (OSM and WL-G), moderate (IG, WL-T, NAG, TJI and TKU) and most sensitive (UK). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rat microglia express more P2X7Rs and inflammatory cytokines 3 days after SPS. • Serum inflammatory cytokines increase 3 days after SPS exposure. • Auditory fear extinction recall is impaired 7 but not 3 days after SPS. • Microglial and peripheral inflammation precede the onset of impaired fear extinction. • Blocking P2X7Rs prevented SPS from impairing fear extinction recall in both sexes. Clinical evidence has linked increased peripheral pro-inflammatory cytokines with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, whether inflammation contributes to or is a consequence of PTSD is still unclear. Previous research shows that stress can activate purinergic P2X7 receptors (P2X7Rs) on microglia to induce inflammation and behavioral changes. In this investigation, we examined whether P2X7Rs contribute to the development of PTSD-like behaviors induced by single prolonged stress (SPS) exposure in rats. Consistent with the literature, exposing adult male and female rats to SPS produced a PTSD-like phenotype of impaired fear extinction and extinction of cue-induced center avoidance one week after exposure. Next, we examined if inflammation precedes the behavioral manifestations. Three days after SPS exposure, increased inflammatory cytokines were found in the blood and hippocampal microglia showed increased expression of the P2X7R, IL-1β, and TNF-α, suggesting increased peripheral and central inflammation before the onset of impaired fear extinction. In addition, SPS-exposed animals with impaired fear extinction recall also had more Iba1-positive microglia expressing the P2X7R in the ventral hippocampus. To determine whether P2X7Rs contribute to the PTSD-related behaviors induced by SPS exposure, we gave ICV infusions of the P2X7R antagonist, A-438079, for one week starting the day of SPS exposure. Blocking P2X7Rs prevented the SPS-induced impaired fear extinction and extinction of cue-induced center avoidance in male and female rats, suggesting that SPS activates P2X7Rs which increase inflammation to produce a PTSD-like phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fear extinction is a form of inhibitory learning that suppresses the expression of aversive memories and plays a key role in the recovery of anxiety and trauma-related disorders. Here, using male mice, we identify a cerebello-thalamo-cortical pathway regulating fear extinction. The cerebellar fastigial nucleus (FN) projects to the lateral subregion of the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus (MD), which is reciprocally connected with the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC). The inhibition of FN inputs to MD in male mice impairs fear extinction in animals with high fear responses and increases the bursting of MD neurons, a firing pattern known to prevent extinction learning. Indeed, this MD bursting is followed by high levels of the dmPFC 4 Hz oscillations causally associated with fear responses during fear extinction, and the inhibition of FN-MD neurons increases the coherence of MD bursts and oscillations with dmPFC 4 Hz oscillations. Overall, these findings reveal a regulation of fear-related thalamo-cortical dynamics by the cerebellum and its contribution to fear extinction. Fear extinction is a learning process controlled by the prefrontal cortex. Here, authors show that the cerebellum regulates fear extinction via projections to the medio-dorsal thalamus and the modulation of thalamo-prefrontal cortex interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal fear can be an important driver of ecological community structure: predators affect prey not only through predation, but also by inducing changes in behaviour and distribution—a phenomenon evocatively called the "ecology of fear." The return of wolves to the western United States is a notable instance of such dynamics, yet plays out in a complex socioecological system where efforts to mitigate impacts on livestock rely on manipulating wolves' fear of people. Examining Washington state's efforts to affect wolf behaviour to reduce livestock predation, we argue that this approach to coexistence with wolves is predicated on relations of fear: people, livestock, and wolves can arguably share landscapes with minimal conflict, as long as wolves are adequately afraid. We introduce the "socioecology of fear" as an interdisciplinary framework for examining the interwoven social and ecological processes of human‐wildlife conflict management. Beyond frequently voiced ideas about wolves' "innate" fear, we examine how fear is (re)produced through human‐wolf interactions and deeply shaped by human social processes. We contribute to the critical physical geography project by integrating critical social analysis with ecological theory, conducted through collaborative interdisciplinary dialogue. Such integrative practice is essential for understanding the complex challenges of managing wildlife in the Anthropocene. Key Messages: Human‐wolf‐livestock coexistence efforts in Washington rely on sustaining wolves' fear of people, often described as "innate" even as it is reproduced through human‐wolf interactions.Mitigating wolf‐livestock conflict requires managing human social norms, values, and assumptions about wolf behaviour that are interwoven with ecological fear dynamics.Interdisciplinary dialogue between the social and biophysical sciences, inspired by critical physical geography, can enhance the study of socioecological processes, including human‐wildlife conflict dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Veterinarians sometimes prescribe antimicrobials even when they know or suspect that they are unnecessary. The drivers of this behaviour must be understood to design effective antimicrobial stewardship interventions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 veterinarians who treated companion animals in Australia. The Theory of Planned Behaviour was used to organise interview themes, focusing on a decision to withhold antimicrobial therapy in the absence of a clear indication. Many background factors influenced antimicrobial-withholding decisions, including the veterinarian's communication skills, general attitudes towards antimicrobial resistance (AMR), habits and energy levels. Client awareness of AMR and the veterinarian–client relationship were also important. Beliefs about the consequences of withholding antimicrobials (behavioural beliefs) were dominated by fears of the animal's condition deteriorating and of failing to meet client expectations. These fears, weighed against the seemingly distant consequences of AMR, were major barriers to withholding antimicrobials. Normative beliefs were primarily focused on the expected approval (or disapproval) of the client and of other veterinarians. Control beliefs about the difficulty of withholding antimicrobials centred around client factors, most importantly, their capacity to adequately monitor their animal, to pay for further investigations, or to undertake non-antimicrobial management, such as wound care, at home. The use of antimicrobials by companion animal veterinarians in the absence of a clear indication is often powerfully driven by behavioural beliefs, chiefly, fears of clinical deterioration and of failing to meet client expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Cats are often anxious during travel and veterinary visits which can lead to a lack of veterinary care. In this study, a novel pregabalin 50 mg/mL oral solution was tested in 209 cats suffering from anxiety. The cats were given either flavored pregabalin solution or an identical placebo solution without pregabalin 90 min before transporting them in a car for at least 20 min to a veterinary clinic. The effect of the treatment during transportation was evaluated by the cat owner and during clinical examination by the veterinarian. Neither the cat owner nor the veterinarian knew which treatment the cat had received. Both travel- and veterinary-visit-related anxiety were significantly decreased in cats that had received pregabalin. Treatment was well tolerated. Only few cats showed slight incoordination and tiredness for a short time. The owners found a small volume o flavored oral solution user-friendly. It was also well accepted by the cats. This study showed that a single oral dosage of the novel pregabalin solution alleviates anxiety and fear related to transportation and veterinary visits in cats, thus aiding both owners and veterinarians by enabling cat-friendly handling and improving the welfare of cats in stressful situations. Cats frequently suffer from anxiety related to travel and veterinary visits. One sequela is avoidance of veterinary visits and lack of adequate veterinary care. The objective of this study was to test clinical efficacy and safety of a novel formulation of a pregabalin 50 mg/mL oral solution for alleviation of anxiety and fear in cats during transport and veterinary visits. A total of 209 client-owned cats were given either a flavored pregabalin oral solution at the dosage of 5 mg/kg (n = 108) or an identical placebo (n = 101) approximately 90 min before placing them into the carrier and transporting them in a car for at least 20 min to a veterinary clinic. The treatment effect using a 5-point numerical rating scale was evaluated during transportation by the owner and during clinical examination by the veterinarian, both blinded to the treatment. In addition, to verify the owner assessment, an external expert blinded to the treatment and owner assessment evaluated the transportation video recordings using the same rating scale as the owner. Pregabalin 5 mg/kg statistically significantly decreased both travel- (p < 0.01) and veterinary-visit- (p < 0.01) related anxiety compared to the placebo. The external expert's evaluation was in agreement with the owners' assessment confirming the treatment effect during transportation (p < 0.01). Treatment was well tolerated with only a few cats showing transient slight incoordination and tiredness. The flavored oral solution formulation with a small dosing volume of 0.1 mL/kg was found by the owners to be user-friendly and was well-accepted by the cats. This study demonstrated that a single oral dosage of the novel pregabalin oral solution alleviates anxiety and fear related to transportation and veterinary visits in cats, thus providing practical aid for both owners and veterinarians to enable cat-friendly handling and improving the welfare of cats in situations they often perceive as very stressful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying the genes responsible for quantitative traits remains a major challenge. We previously found a major QTL on chromosome 4 affecting several innate fear behavioral traits obtained by an open-field test in an F2 population between White Leghorn and Nagoya breeds of chickens (Gallus gallus). Here, an integrated approach of transcriptome, haplotype frequency, and association analyses was used to identify candidate genes for the QTL in phenotypically extreme individuals selected from the same segregating F2 population as that used in the initial QTL analysis. QTL mapping for the first principal component, which summarizes the variances of all affected behavioral traits in the F2 population, revealed the behavioral QTL located at 14-35 Mb on chromosome 4 with 333 genes. After RNA-seq analysis using two pooled RNAs from extreme F2 individuals, real-time qPCR analysis in the two parental breeds and their F1 individuals greatly reduced the number of candidate genes in the QTL interval from 333 to 16 genes. Haplotype frequency analysis in the two extreme F2 groups further reduced the number of candidate genes from 16 to 11. After comparing gene expression in the two extreme groups, a conditional correlation analysis of diplotypes between gene expression and phenotype of extreme individuals revealed that NPY5R and LOC101749214 genes were strong candidate genes for innate fear behavior. This study illustrates how the integrated approach can identify candidate genes more rapidly than fine mapping of the initial QTL interval and provides new information for studying the genetic basis of innate fear behavior in chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments demonstrating post-reactivation amnesia for learned fear in animals have generated a novel and influential hypothesis on the plasticity of memory, usually referred to as memory reconsolidation. The clinical potential of pharmacologically disrupting the process of memory reconsolidation has sparked a wave of interest into whether this phenomenon can also be demonstrated in humans, and ultimately harnessed for therapeutic purposes. In this essay we outline how the work of Karim Nader and colleagues has moved the field forward from a focus on extinction learning to the prospect of disrupting memory reconsolidation. We then review some promising findings on the necessary conditions, as well as potential boundary conditions, of pharmacologically disrupting the process of memory reconsolidation obtained in our laboratory. Even though laboratory experiments in animals and humans suggest that we may be at the brink of a breakthrough in fundamentally changing emotional memories, the necessary and sufficient conditions for targeting and disrupting memory reconsolidation in clinical practice are largely unknown. There is likely no universally effective reactivation procedure for triggering the reconsolidation of clinically significant emotional memories, and the impact of subtle boundary conditions observed in basic experiments compounds this issue. Notwithstanding these challenges, the discovery of changing emotional memory through disrupting the process of memory reconsolidation has unquestionably invigorated the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remote monitoring of the behavior of the Baikal seal was carried out for the first time on one of the main islands of the archipelago of the Uskan Islands, allowing for a large amount of video material to be obtained and analyzed over four seasons (2012, 2014, 2018, and 2019). The summer–fall haul-outs of Baikal seals on coastal hauling grounds are classified as communities with the elements of hierarchical and social relations, elements of which occur during their feeding season in the pelagic zone of Lake Baikal in the form of relatively independent groups of animals. The video recordings clarify the patterns of Baikal seal approach to the hauling ground area, the ways the animals haul out ashore, and the main elements of animal behavior, under both peaceful interactions and aggressive relations with their counterparts. The main elements of comfortable behavior include body care in the form of scratching of various body areas (rubbing of the back against the rock is first described for the Baikal seal); sleep (rest); and ways of thermoregulation under various conditions of hauling out on rocks. The author emphasizes the frequency rate of body stretching and yawning as a way to restore adequate blood flow to the muscles after sleep or a period of low mobility. The well-developed mimic serves the animal to express a variety of emotions. Animals are generally reluctant to leave the hauling grounds, on average spending approximately three hours per approach, while some animals, occupying particularly advantageous positions, can stay almost the entire daylight hours in the open air. Partial renewal of the haul-out composition ("rotation") is observed during the day. The haul-out is completely renewed under the panic-driven flight. In addition to humans, only seagulls are capable of chasing the seals from rocks, but the seals do not respond to them in panic, but are wary. The authors emphasize the role played by individual behavior, depending on the individual psychological response, rather than physical conditions. The main known elements of aggressive behavior of the Baikal seal, such as lightning-fast head thrusts towards the enemy, strikes with flippers or claws, splashing with water, biting, etc., are displayed in response to fear experienced by the animal. The concepts of fight, quarrel, and pushing are distinguished. The Baikal seal is considered quite aggressive toward its counterparts and can inflict small injuries on them. An important role is played by "touching," tapping, and scratching neighbors in the haul-out, as well as pacifying displays/demonstrations, including head retraction drawing into the neck, turning away the head or glances, and raising and holding the head upright. The latter two elements of behavior, in our view, express (display) reluctance to continue the fight (i.e., peaceful disposition), whereas the first element is submission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In animal phobia research, one of the most attractive topics has been arachnophobia—the specific phobia of spiders. In this study, we explore the apparent paradox of mostly harmless spiders being the object of one of the most common animal fears. Recently, it has been suggested that negative emotions associated with spiders could be triggered by a more generalized fear of chelicerates, where scorpions are the primordial model that one should be afraid of. This hypothesis anticipates that deep fear of scorpions was present in human ancestors and that nowadays it is still generally shared among cultures. To test this assumption, we recruited participants from the Republic of Somaliland and the Czech Republic for an eye-tracking experiment. We found a very strong attentional bias for scorpions as opposed to spiders in Somalis and a similar albeit smaller bias in Czechs. The study deals with possible evolutionary origins of the fear of spiders and arachnophobia, one of the most common specific animal phobias. Moreover, it adds to a very limited number of studies focusing on people's perception of animals in Sub-Saharan Africa. Deep fear of spiders is common in many countries, yet its origin remains unexplained. In this study, we tested a hypothesis based on recent studies suggesting that fear of spiders might stem from a generalized fear of chelicerates or fear of scorpions. To this end, we conducted an eye tracking experiment using a spontaneous gaze preference paradigm, with spiders and scorpions (previously neglected but crucial stimuli) as threatening stimuli and grasshoppers as control stimuli. In total, 67 participants from Somaliland and 67 participants from the Czech Republic were recruited and presented with a sequence of paired images. Both Somali and Czech people looked longer (total duration of the gaze) and more often (number of fixations) on the threatening stimuli (spiders and scorpions) when presented with a control (grasshopper). When both threatening stimuli were presented together, Somali participants focused significantly more on the scorpion, whereas in Czech participants, the effect was less pronounced, and in Czech women it was not significant. This supports the hypothesis that fear of spiders originated as a generalized fear of scorpions. Moreover, the importance of spiders as fear-eliciting stimuli may be enhanced in the absence of scorpions in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harnessing the fear animals have of humans has the potential to aid in the conservation of wildlife. Most vertebrates perceive humans as "super predators." While predator cues are an important nonlethal management tool, the use of human cues for management has rarely been implemented or experimentally tested. Extensive poaching is threatening the persistence of white rhinos (Ceratotherium simum simum), and there is a need to deter them from areas with elevated poaching risks. To investigate the feasibility of harnessing the fear white rhinos have of humans to aid in their conservation, we conducted playback experiments at rhino middens. We broadcasted repeated human (treatment) and bird (control) vocalizations, and measured changes in visitations and antipredator responses. We found that overall rhino visitations did not change in response to controls but decreased by 46% in response to human vocalizations. This pattern appears to be driven by the response of females, who decreased their visitations by 70% in response to human vocalizations, while visitations by males remained unchanged. This difference is likely related to males defending small exclusive territories. Providing evidence that changes in female visitation rates were a function of the perceived fear of white rhinos, we found that both sexes exhibited more vigilance in response to human vocalizations (males 69.5%, females 96%) compared to controls. We also saw a 63% reduction of other herbivores at treatment sites. Our findings provide evidence that the fear of humans can be used to alter the movements and behavior of female white rhinos, critical for population recovery, as well as other large herbivores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognizing the relationship between the spatial patterns in species concentrations and ecological heterogeneity is crucial for understanding demographics and species governance in a given domain, as ecological patterning processes are believed to be imitated in real ecosystems. In this present article, we have considered a two-prey-one-predator system with Holling type-II functional response where both the preys have fear of predator and compete in the absence of predator. Additionally, we have assumed that both the prey help each other when the predator attacks them. We have incorporated self-diffusion in this system under Neumann boundary conditions. The existence and stability conditions of different equilibria are discussed. We have studied the Hopf bifurcation around positive offset and derived the stability and direction of periodic solution. We have done a series of numerical simulations to ensure our theoretical finding. Diffusion-driven instability conditions are obtained. Different instability regions and fascinating patterns, such as spots, mixtures, and stripes, are depicted. Spatiotemporal dynamics also reflects that prey populations are located in isolated areas of low population concentration with increasing level of fear, whereas an increase in handling time forms lower-density stripes. But with increasing help, prey becomes more concentrated in some stripe regions. In the Hopf-Turing region, it is observed that the diffusion coefficient of predators can stabilize the system. Overall, pattern creation in predator-prey systems can help anticipate long-term system behaviour and analyze the influence of ecological factors on system dynamics. • Fear of predator helps the non-spatial system to gain stability. • Various patterns, such as spots, mixtures, and stripes, are emerged. • Prey populations are located in isolated areas of low population concentration with increasing level of fear. • Prey becomes more concentrated in some stripe regions as intensity of help increases. • In the Hopf-Turing region, diffusion coefficient of predators can stabilize the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is now scientific evidence that, in dogs, distinctive facial actions are produced in response to different emotionally-arousing stimuli suggesting a relationship between lateralized facial expressions and emotional states. Although in humans, relationships between facial asymmetry and both emotional and physiological distress have been reported, there are currently no data on the laterality of dogs' facial expressions in response to social stimuli with respect to canine behavioral disorders. The aim of the present work was to investigate the facial asymmetries of dogs with fear and aggressive behavior towards humans during two different emotional situations: (1) while the dogs were alone in the presence of their owners and (2) during the approach of an unfamiliar human being. Overall, our results demonstrated high levels of asymmetries in facial expressions of dogs displaying fear and aggressive behaviors towards humans indicating that measuring facial asymmetries in dogs could prove to be a useful non-invasive tool for investigating physiology-based behavioral disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Attitudes toward animal welfare have changed considerably over recent decades. Avoiding the experience of undue fear or stress in animals is a goal across many sectors including production animals, captive zoo species, and companion animals. Husbandry and veterinary procedures have the potential for generating fear and stress in animals; however, this can be mitigated through the types of handling techniques used, and by undertaking training to adequately prepare the animal for all aspects of the procedure. The companion animal sector and the zoo sector have made significant strides towards recognizing and reducing fear during health care. This review discusses the potential for improving horse experiences during husbandry and veterinary procedures. Husbandry and veterinary procedures have the potential to generate fear and stress in animals. In horses, the associated responses can pose a significant safety risk to the human personnel involved in the procedure, as well as to the animal itself. Traditionally, physical restraint, punishment, and/or threat of an aversive, have been the most common strategies used to achieve compliance from the horse. However, from a welfare perspective, this is less than ideal. This approach also has the potential for creating a more dangerous response from the horse in future similar situations. When caring for companion animals, and captive animals within zoological facilities, there has been a steady transition away from this approach, and toward strategies aimed at reducing fear and stress during veterinary visits and when undertaking routine husbandry procedures. This review discusses the current approaches to horse care and training, the strategies being used in other animal sectors, and potential strategies for improving human safety, as well as the horse's experience, during husbandry and veterinary procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Previous studies have identified that people are poor at recognising fear and pain in horses, consequently leading to one of the key welfare concerns for horses in the United Kingdom. Given that equine behaviourists are uniquely placed to understand how horse caregivers perceive fear and anxiety in their horses, this study examined the experiences of registered equine behaviourists working with horse caregivers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine participants and analysed using thematic analysis. Three key response themes emerged: caregivers are extremely poor at recognizing fear and anxiety in horses; some clients do recognise behavioural signs indicating fear and/or anxiety but only the overt signs (e.g., rearing, running away) rather than the more subtle signs (e.g., tension in face, subtle avoidance behaviours such as a hesitant gait); and fear and/or anxiety behaviour is often misinterpreted or mislabelled. This study has provided initial insights into the lack of recognition of fear and anxiety of horses by their caregivers in the United Kingdom, together with tried and tested approaches to conversations to change this. One of the key welfare concerns for horses in the United Kingdom is lack of recognition of fear in horses. This study aimed to gain an understanding of how well horse care givers recognise fear and/or anxiety in horses by interviewing equine behaviourists (who interact with large numbers of horse care givers and talk to them about this topic routinely). The experiences of Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC)-registered equine behaviourists working with horse caregivers were examined, including the ability of clients to recognise fear and/or anxiety in horses, how clients respond when discussing fear as the reason for their horse's behaviour, and what explanations the participants use to explain fear and anxiety. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine participants and analysed using thematic analysis before being written up to reflect the discussion points. When asked how well horse caregivers recognise fear and/or anxiety in horses, three key response themes emerged: caregivers are extremely poor at recognizing fear and anxiety in horses; some clients do recognise behavioural signs indicating fear and/or anxiety but only the overt signs (e.g., rearing, running away) rather than the more subtle signs (e.g., tension in face, subtle avoidance behaviours such as a hesitant gait); and fear and/or anxiety behaviour is often misinterpreted or mislabelled. These key themes recurred throughout several other interview questions. This study has provided initial insights into the lack of recognition of fear and anxiety of horses by their caregivers in the United Kingdom as well as tried and tested approaches to conversations to change this. Such synthesis of experience and techniques across the equine behaviour sector, together with the information gained regarding perception of equine caregivers, could be a valuable approach to improve the effectiveness of behaviour consultations and welfare initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Of the millions of dogs that enter animal shelters in the United States each year, many exhibit behaviors labeled as fear, which can decrease their likelihood of adoption. Current dog training procedures to treat these behaviors can take months or even years to show significant change. When these procedures are used in shelters, they mainly focus on reducing fear, as opposed to teaching specific behaviors to increase adoptions. The goal of the current study was to teach fearful shelter dogs to interact with a novel person. A seven‐step shaping procedure used the removal of the novel person as a reinforcer. The dogs learned a series of behaviors, starting with looking at the person and small head movements and progressing until the dog was approaching the front of the kennel and voluntarily interacting with the person. All three dogs completed the program in a short amount of time (under 40 min) and showed an increase in approaching the front of the kennel, sniffing, tail wagging, and accepting petting. These behaviors persisted during a return‐to‐baseline condition, suggesting that the newly shaped behaviors had come under the control of positive reinforcement in the form of social interaction with the experimenter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two studies were conducted to explore whether the addition of animal movement would influence the intensity of emotional reactions towards that animal. Both studies compared self-reported emotional reactions with still images and videos for six animal categories (snakes, spiders, rodents, hoofed animals, animals with flippers, and turtles). In Study 1, participants reported fear and disgust to the animal stimuli, which were averaged into a single negative emotion rating. In Study 2, participants reported either fear and disgust or joy and affection to the animal stimuli, which were averaged into either a single negative or positive emotion rating. Upon combining the reported emotions from the two studies, movement was found to increase negative emotion reported to snakes and spiders and decrease negative emotion reported to rodents, hoofed animals, and animals with flippers. Results from Study 2 indicated that movement increased reported positive emotions to all six animal categories. Our findings suggest that animal movement is an important component of emotional reactions to animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Light management plays an important role in the growth and behavior of broiler chickens. Constant light in early post hatch stage has been a common practice in broiler industry for improving growth performance, while whether and how constant light in early life affects the behavior of broiler chickens is rarely reported. Results: In this study, newly hatched chicks were kept in either constant (24 L:0 D, LL) or (12 L:12 D, LD) photoperiod for 7 d and then maintained in 12 L:12 D thereafter until 21 days of age. Constant light increased the average daily feed intake but not the body weight, which led to higher feed conversion ratio. Chickens in LL group exhibited fear-related behaviors, which was associated with higher corticosterone, lower melatonin and 5-HT levels. Concurrently, constant light exposure increased the mRNA expression of clock-related genes and suppressed the expression of antioxidative genes in the hippocampus. Moreover, brain derived neurotrophic factor/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (BDNF/ERK) pathway was suppressed in the hippocampus of chickens exposed to constant light in the first week post hatching. Conclusions: These findings indicate that constant light exposure in early life suppress melatonin secretion and disrupts hippocampal expression of genes involved in circadian clock and BDNF/ERK pathway, thereby contributing to fear-related behaviors in the chicken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]