196,060 research outputs found
Qualified “in shelter” dogs’ evaluation and training to promote successful dog-human relationships
No full textThe phenomenon of dogs’ relinquishment in Italy has become a social evil, although many laws exist to regulate animal protection and lately, the act of abandonment has become criminalised (law n.189/2004, enforced by law n.201/2010). Adoption from shelters seems to be the only way to have a controlled, microchipped population of dogs, as well as limiting confinement and euthanasia. After being asked to simplify the previous Ethotest © version [13] by many shelter operators and veterinarians, the authors aimed at analyzing the effectiveness of an improved model to test dogs’ behavioral aptitude matching the expectations of a hypothetical adopter. The new version improves the test feasibility by the elimination of a previous computer-based program, and by the introduction of new items such as hierarchical behavior towards food. In this study dogs housed in the sanitary shelter of L’Aquila (Abruzzo, Italy), of different age and sex, either sterilized or not, and belonging to different breeds or crossbreeds, were tested. All the dogs adopted from the shelter were monitored for one year after the adoption by both phone interviews and home visit. The study aimed at analyzing if the shelter dogs showed a good and consistent behavior after adoption in the new environment. The results demonstrated that apart from a predictable relinquishment and an unfortunate case of abuse, none of the dogs adopted showed any unwanted behaviors such as house soiling, jumping up, separation-related and aggressive behaviors; this made their stay in the family a desirable, exciting experience independently of the dog sex, age, and the family composition. The authors stress the necessity of every shelter, together with the veterinary cares, for a professional expert at dogs’ behavior who can efficaciously prevent behavioral problems, eventually train the dogs and afford the pairing with humans in a competent, qualified manner.[...
Assessment of motor laterality through the analysis of natural bending
No full textThe study assumes that horses are animals whose biomechanics is profoundly modified by human influence; therefore, an analysis of motor laterality cannot rely on observational methods that are usually suitable for free-ranging animals. These considerations, together with the difficulty of obtaining objective data through in field observations, led the authors to study motor laterality of horses through a more objective parameter – i.e. the analysis of horses' natural bending at pace, trot, and canter. Horses belonging to private owners and riding-schools are significantly right footed (P<0.001). Lateralized horses can overcome the natural bending by exercising at the lunge-line by repeated transitions to slow down. Riders can facilitate or hinder the achievement of the balance, depending on their equestrian skills.[...
Adolescence and obesity: is it easier to lose weight for the male? (Adolescenti e obesità: è più facile dimagrire per i maschi ?)
No full textPRIMA CARATTERIZZAZIONE MOLECOLARE DEL COMPLESSO Natrix natrix
No full textNatrix natrix è un colubride con distribuzione eurasiatica. La sistematica
sottospecifica, basata unicamente su caratteri morfologici e anatomici, è
stata storicamente oggetto di numerose revisioni ed è tuttora in via di definizione.
L’integrazione di un approccio molecolare può offrire utili indicazioni
per la caratterizzazione del complesso Natrix natrix.
Le analisi molecolari sono state effettuate su campioni biologici di varia
natura (tessuto muscolare, squame ventrali e tamponi buccali) di individui
provenienti da tutto l’areale italiano ed eseguite mediante amplificazione
di geni mitocondriali. I dati molecolari sono stati analizzati secondo
un classico approccio DNA barcoding.
Dall’analisi molecolare non è emersa una differenza tale da indicare la
presenza di specie criptiche all’interno del complesso, ma la distinzione di
MOTU (Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units) ben supportate può essere
ricondotta ad altrettante sottospecie morfologiche. In particolare si osserva
la distinzione di N. natrix natrix rispetto alle altre sottospecie.
La variabilità morfologica indotta da pressioni ecologiche locali non si traduce
necessariamente in una divergenza molecolare e, sebbene i risultati
molecolari non combacino esattamente con la classificazione morfologica,
si osserva una certa strutturazione a livello intraspecifico. Ulteriori analisi
sono auspicabili per chiarire le relazioni tra le popolazioni di N. natrix
Does small intestine-liver axis play a role in obesity related liver damage in children ? A pilot study.
No full textRapido incremento della prevalenza dell’obesità in una popolazione scolastica campana seguita per 3 anni.
No full text- …
