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PubMed1990

Genetic variability in domesticated and wild sheep based on blood protein characters.

1. The study examined genetic variation, as indicated by eight blood proteins of 539 animals from 11 genotypes (14 flocks) of domesticated sheep and three genotypes of wild sheep. 2. The polymorphic distribution among the animal populations presented a random pattern with wide variation. 3. Genetic variability both between and within populations was larger in domesticated sheep than in their wild relatives. 4. This increased genetic variability observed in domesticated sheep may have resulted from the process of domestication through accelerated genetic drift and promoted gene flow.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Animal cruelty by children exposed to domestic violence.

OBJECTIVE: The first objective of this study was to determine if children exposed to domestic violence were significantly more likely to be cruel to animals than children not exposed to violence. The second was to determine if there were significant age and gender differences between children who were and were not cruel to animals. METHOD: A community sample of 47 mothers with two children and a history of domestic violence were compared to a matched sample of 45 mothers with two children who did not have such a history. RESULTS: Children exposed to domestic violence were significantly more likely to have been cruel to animals than children not exposed to violence. The age and gender of children who were cruel to animals did not differ from children who were not cruel to animals. However, exposed children cruel to animals were significantly older than non-exposed children cruel to animals. CONCLUSION: Animal cruelty by children is correlated with exposure to domestic violence.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Social cognitive evolution in captive foxes is a correlated by-product of experimental domestication.

Dogs have an unusual ability for reading human communicative gestures (e.g., pointing) in comparison to either nonhuman primates (including chimpanzees) or wolves . Although this unusual communicative ability seems to have evolved during domestication , it is unclear whether this evolution occurred as a result of direct selection for this ability, as previously hypothesized , or as a correlated by-product of selection against fear and aggression toward humans--as is the case with a number of morphological and physiological changes associated with domestication . We show here that fox kits from an experimental population selectively bred over 45 years to approach humans fearlessly and nonaggressively (i.e., experimentally domesticated) are not only as skillful as dog puppies in using human gestures but are also more skilled than fox kits from a second, control population not bred for tame behavior (critically, neither population of foxes was ever bred or tested for their ability to use human gestures) . These results suggest that sociocognitive evolution has occurred in the experimental foxes, and possibly domestic dogs, as a correlated by-product of selection on systems mediating fear and aggression, and it is likely the observed social cognitive evolution did not require direct selection for improved social cognitive ability.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Phylogenetic diversity of Pasteurellaceae and horizontal gene transfer of leukotoxin in wild and domestic sheep.

Wild and domestic animal populations are known to be sources and reservoirs of emerging diseases. There is also a growing recognition that horizontal genetic transfer (HGT) plays an important role in bacterial pathogenesis. We used molecular phylogenetic methods to assess diversity and cross-transmission rates of Pasteurellaceae bacteria in populations of bighorn sheep, Dall's sheep, domestic sheep and domestic goats. Members of the Pasteurellaceae cause an array of deadly illnesses including bacterial pneumonia known as "pasteurellosis", a particularly devastating disease for bighorn sheep. A phylogenetic analysis of a combined dataset of two RNA genes (16S ribosomal RNA and RNAse P RNA) revealed remarkable evolutionary diversity among Pasteurella trehalosi and Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica bacteria isolated from sheep and goats. Several phylotypes appeared to associate with particular host species, though we found numerous instances of apparent cross-transmission among species and populations. Statistical analyses revealed that host species, geographic locale and biovariant classification, but not virulence, correlated strongly with Pasteurellaceae phylogeny. Sheep host species correlated with P. trehalosi isolates phylogeny (PTP test; P=0.002), but not with the phylogeny of M. haemolytica isolates, suggesting that P. trehalosi bacteria may be more host specific. With regards to populations within species, we also discovered a strong correlation between geographic locale and isolate phylogeny in the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (PTP test; P=0.001). We also investigated the potential for HGT of the leukotoxin A (lktA) gene, which produces a toxin that plays an integral role in causing disease. Comparative analysis of the combined RNA gene phylogeny and the lktA phylogenies revealed considerable incongruence between the phylogenies, suggestive of HGT. Furthermore, we found identical lktA alleles in unrelated bacterial species, some of which had been isolated from sheep in distantly removed populations. For example, lktA sequences from P. trehalosi isolated from remote Alaskan Dall's sheep were 100% identical over a 900-nucleotide stretch to sequences determined from M. haemolytica isolated from domestic sheep in the UK. This extremely high degree of sequence similarity of lktA sequences among distinct bacterial species suggests that HGT has played a role in the evolution of lktA in wild hosts.

Alleles↗

PubMed2006

Free-ranging European bisons accumulate more cadmium in the liver and kidneys than domestic cattle in north-eastern Poland.

It has been shown that free-ranging big game animals accumulate several-fold more cadmium (Cd) in the liver and kidneys than domestic animals. To examine possible reasons for this difference, in the present work we determined the concentrations of Cd in the liver and kidney cortex of European bisons (n=23) from Białowieza Forest (north-eastern Poland) and domestic cattle (n=15) from the same region; in addition, analyses of Cd in the grasses and soil as well as of soil pH were carried out. The accumulation of Cd in liver and kidney cortex of the female bisons correlated significantly with the age up to 7 years, but stabilized thereafter. The 7-12-year-old bisons had 2.14- and 2.25-fold higher concentrations of Cd in the liver and kidney cortex, respectively, than the age-matched domestic cattle. Notably, the Cd levels in the liver and kidneys of the 8-12-year-old cattle were comparable to those found in the 2-year-old and 4-6-year-old bisons, respectively. The content of Cd in the grasses from Białowieza Forest appeared to be 2.1-fold higher than that in the plants from the pastures. Similarly, the concentration of water-extractable Cd in the soil was 2.7-fold greater in Białowieza Forest than in the pastures, despite the fact that nitric acid-extractable Cd (total Cd) was similar in the soils from the two sites. The concentration of water-extractable Cd in the soil as well as the content of Cd in the grasses inversely correlated with soil pH, which appeared to be significantly lower in Białowieza Forest. These data indicate that soil pH is probably responsible for the higher concentrations of Cd in the feed and tissues of bisons as compared with those of domestic cattle.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Are so many adrenergic receptor subtypes really present in domestic animal tissues? A pharmacological perspective.

Adrenergic receptors (ARs) are the cellular membrane binding sites through which natural catecholamines and sympathomimetic drugs exert their physiological and pharmacological effects. In recent decades, studies to clarify the distribution and function of ARs have been performed mostly on cultured cells, laboratory animals and human target tissues, but little is known about these aspects in domestic animals. This review focuses on AR structure, classification and signalling pathways and on AR subtype distribution in target tissues of some domestic animals, namely dogs, horses and bovines. In these species, different alpha- and beta-AR subtypes have been characterized and the functions controlled by the adrenergic systems have been studied. In the dog, the role played by the adrenergic system in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders and in the modulation of canine aggression has roused particular interest. In dogs affected by dilated cardiomyopathy a significant down-regulation of beta-ARs has been observed both in the heart and circulating lymphocytes. This finding confirms the involvement of the adrenergic system in the pathogenesis and progression of the disorder and suggests new therapeutic strategies. In the horse, AR distribution has been studied in the cardiac, respiratory and gastrointestinal systems as well as in digital veins and arteries. The cardiac beta-ARs in healthy horses seem to be predominantly represented by the beta(1) subtype. In this species, heart failure may increase the expression of the beta(2) subtype, rather than causing AR down-regulation. Different beta- and alpha-AR subtypes have been characterized in the smooth muscle of equine ileum. The sympathetic relaxation of equine ileum smooth muscle seems to depend mainly on beta(3)-AR subtype activation, with minor involvement of the beta(2) subtype. In the respiratory tract, regional differences have been evidenced in the functionality of beta-AR subtype. The beta(2) subtype predominates in all segments but the beta(2) subtype-mediated adenyl cyclase response is tissue-dependent, with higher activity in tracheal membranes than bronchial or pulmonary ones. Both alpha- and beta-AR subtypes are present in the genital tract of cows. Bovine ovarian and myometrial cell membranes express higher concentrations of beta(2)-ARs than the beta(1) subtype, whereas as far as alpha-ARs are concerned, a single class of alpha(1)-ARs and two distinct classes of alpha(2)-AR binding sites have been discriminated. Interestingly, it has been observed that the activation of the sympathetic system could play an important role in the pathogenesis of bovine ovarian cysts as suggested by the modifications in beta-AR levels in the hypophysis and ovary of cows affected by ovarian cysts. In this species, the phenomenon of down-regulation has been well studied in different organs of veal calves treated with clenbuterol as a "partitioning agent". Since differences exist in AR distribution among species, data obtained in laboratory animals or in human beings cannot be extrapolated to domestic animals and further investigation on AR subtypes in domestic animal tissues is necessary.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Domestic violence and substance abuse.

The females and children have been the victims of family violence in most societies and cultures. The use of tobacco, alcohol and narcotic drugs are responsible in aggravating the violence. Incidences of domestic violence is significantly higher in substance abusers than others. It is equally present in countries where the status of women is high. Education level and economic status does not affect the incidence of domestic violence. Therefore we must look at other factors which perpetuate domestic violence. It is time for governments, societies and thinking people to give serious thought on how to reduce domestic violence and bring sanity into the community. Tobacco, alcohol and narcotic drugs are well on their way to the 'road of destruction' and fragmentation of social fabric. The conscience of the world needs to be roused to prevent the march of substance abuse. In the words of the Nobel laureate poet Tagore, I must say, 'into that heaven of freedom my father, let my country awake'.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

The prevalence of domestic violence against pregnant women in a Chinese community.

OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence of domestic violence in pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of a local teaching hospital. STUDY DESIGN: All pregnant women attending their first antenatal clinic in Tsan Yuk Hospital between 11th August and 3rd November, 1998 were interviewed by a designated research nurse (Y.Y.J.L.) using a standard questionnaire (Abuse Assessment Screen) to detect the incidence of domestic violence, the nature of violence, the frequency of violence and the perpetrator of abuse. Demographic factors of the abused group were compared with those of the non-abused group using student's t-test and chi-square test. RESULTS: Pregnant women (631) were interviewed; 113 of them (17.9%) had a history of abuse; 99 women (15.7%) had been abused in the last year; 27 of them (4.3%) had been abused during their current pregnancy; 59 women (9.4%) had been sexually abused in the last year. The husband was the perpetrator in the majority of cases. The nature of violence during pregnancy was mainly psychological in the form of threats of abuse without any physical injury. Risk factors included unplanned pregnancy (P = 0.002) and women with husbands/partners who were unemployed or manual workers (P < 0.05). Unexpectedly, domestic violence occurred more commonly in permanent local residents rather than new immigrants (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This is probably the first study on the incidence of domestic violence in pregnant women in a Chinese community. The incidence is comparable to that from American studies. Routine screening with structured questions during the antenatal visits is necessary in order to identify the abused women so as to prevent potential trauma and to interrupt existing abuse.

China↗

PubMed1998

Potential mediators of post-traumatic stress disorder in child witnesses to domestic violence.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to examine variables that might mediate the incidence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in child witnesses to domestic violence. These variables included age, gender, locus of control, self-blame, perception of threat, active versus palliative coping style, maternal emotional health plus aspects of the violence witnessed (intensity, frequency, age of child when first witnessing violence, and time since the last violent episode). METHOD: Following screening for other PTSD inducing experiences, a sample of 20 child witnesses to domestic violence, 15 matched control children, and their mothers were assessed using the following tools: The Straus Conflict Tactics Scale; the Child Post-Traumatic Stress Reaction Index; the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale; the General Health Questionnaire, and a Screening Questionnaire designed to elicit qualitative information from both children and mothers including data about any other potential PTSD inducing stressor the subject child may have been exposed to. RESULTS: None of the factors under examination were found to contribute significantly to the severity levels of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in relation to witness status. CONCLUSION: The small sample size of the study necessitates that the results be interpreted with caution. Nevertheless the findings indicate that the impact of witnessing domestic violence, in terms of PTSD, is not mediated by factors such as maternal emotional well-being, age and gender of the child, or the child's style of coping with parental conflict. Evidence that variables specifically related to the violence witnessed did not mediate the impact suggests that all domestic violence may have severe and long-term impact on child witnesses.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1996

The immunology of domestic animals: its present and future.

Veterinary immunology, defined as the immunology of domestic and wild animals having economical or sentimental value to man, provides both practical knowledge that is useful to animal husbandry, and new insights into fundamental immunology. Defining new immunologically based diagnostic tools and immunotherapeutic approaches, including vaccine strategies, obviously still represents important applied objectives. Resistance of domestic animals to disease might also be improved through genetic selection of animals for immunological traits. New contributions to fundamental immunology will arise from so-called 'Immunological opportunities in farm animals' (M. Parkhouse) such as: the ileal Peyer's patch of large animals as an accessible model for studying B cell differentiation; the significance of a high number of gamma delta T cells in ungulates and of double positive CD4+ CD8+ T cells; the possible manipulation of the immune system at a regional level in the living animal by cannulating lymphatic vessels; the use of spontaneous immunodeficiency or autoimmune diseases of animals as models for human clinical research. The fulfillment of these objectives benefits from the flow of information and communications among immunologists working on domestic animals. In addition to national specialized groups, the Veterinary Immunology Committee of the International Union of Immunological Societies (VIC-IUIS) was created to facilitate communication on veterinary immunology; to establish 'official' links between veterinary immunology and the rest of the immunologists' community; and to support the organization of international workshops on domestic animal immunological reagents.

Allergy and Immunology↗

PubMed1997

Psychological aspects of perpetrators of domestic violence and their relationships with the victims.

Domestic violence is a serious public health concern in the United States. Despite the serious and often tragically fatal consequences of spousal abuse, we have very little understanding about the root causes of domestic violence. We know even less about providing effective treatments and prevention. In this article, we have discussed some of the more promising individual difference variables that discriminate between violent and nonviolent men. We also have addressed some of the growing research on how violent couples are different from nonviolent ones. Unfortunately, methodologic limitations hamper us from being able to discuss definitive risk factors or predictive variables, but we can speak of factors associated with domestic violence. We also have discussed the importance of attending to important differences among violent men and violent couples. The complexity of battering behavior and battering relationships necessarily points researchers and clinicians toward multifaceted research designs and treatment models. The tragedy of domestic violence demands that science continues to address these crucial unanswered questions.

Affect↗

PubMed2004

A select group of perpetrators of domestic violence: evidence of decreased metabolism in the right hypothalamus and reduced relationships between cortical/subcortical brain structures in position emission tomography.

In an earlier study, we reported that some perpetrators of domestic violence evidenced exaggerated fear-related responses to the panicogenic agent sodium lactate. In the current study, we employed positron emission tomography (PET) to investigate our hypothesis that there are differences in the neural structures and/or pathways that mediate and control the expression of fear-induced aggression in perpetrators of domestic violence. Regional cerebral glucose metabolism was measured in eight male perpetrators of domestic violence who fulfilled DSM-III-R criteria for alcohol dependence (DV-ALC), 11 male participants who fulfilled DSM-III-R criteria for alcohol dependence and had no history of interpersonal aggression (ALC) and 10 healthy male participants who did not fulfill criteria for any DSM-III-R axis I diagnosis and had no history of interpersonal aggression (HCS). DV-ALC had a significantly lower mean glucose uptake in the right hypothalamus compared to ALC and HCS. Correlations were performed between measures of glucose utilization in the brain structures involved in fear-induced aggression. The comparison of DV-ALC to HCS and to ALC differed in six and seven comparisons, respectively, involving various cortical and subcortical structures. HCS and ALC differed between the left thalamus and the left posterior orbitofrontal cortex. These PET findings show that some perpetrators of domestic violence differ from control participants in showing lower metabolism in the right hypothalamus and decreased correlations between cortical and subcortical brain structures. A possible psychological covariate of these changes in regional activity might be fear-induced aggression, but this hypothesis should be examined in larger study groups that undergo provocation during imaging.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Detection of glycosidic residues in carpal glands of wild and domestic pig revealed by basic and lectin histochemistry.

Carpal glands are compound tubuloalveolar glands, located on the medial surface of the carpus. This study was carried out on samples from carpal glands of adult wild and domestic pigs of both sexes. We elucidated the glycosidic composition of carpal gland secretion in situ using traditional histochemical methods and lectin histochemistry. Some secretory cells exhibited an intense reaction with PAS in both wild and domestic pigs. Lectin histochemistry showed differences in the localization and composition of glycoconjugates secreted by carpal glands. A cytoplasmic positivity was revealed in the wild pig by the sequence sialidase-PNA and WGA, whereas in the domestic pig the reactivity was localized at the apical surface of some cells. LTA positive cells were found only in the carpal glands of the domestic pig.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Provider evaluation of a multifaceted system of care to improve recognition and management of pregnant women experiencing domestic violence.

This article describes the provider evaluation of a multifaceted system of care for pregnant women experiencing domestic violence and who receive prenatal care in an urban family practice site, one of four national demonstration projects. Providers reported changes in their own self-efficacy and behavior, but showed little improvement in overall attitudes or knowledge. Focus groups revealed that an easily accessible domestic violence coordinator was important, whereas providers stated that most domestic violence protocol materials were not useful. Guidelines that rely on training and protocols have had limited national success, suggesting that additional systems of care such as written chart prompts, quality improvement, and on-site domestic violence services may be necessary. This intervention was well received by providers, a key factor in any effort to alter provider behavior.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Screening for domestic violence in an antenatal clinic.

In 2000, the Antenatal Clinic at Sutherland Hospital agreed to participate in a Commonwealth funded pilot for domestic violence screening. The aim of the pilot was for midwives to ask all women 16 years old and over three questions about domestic violence during their first visit interview. The pilot was for a three month period. Prior to undertaking the screening, midwives attended a training program, resources and flowcharts were developed and protocols for screening were outlined. During the three month pilot period, 80% of women were screened with 10.7% disclosing previous or current domestic violence. Just under one quarter of the women who disclosed violence wanted further assistance when offered by the midwives. The midwives, although apprehensive prior to commencement of the pilot, recommended that the Antenatal Clinic should continue to screen women for domestic violence. Overall, the midwives felt the screening enhanced their relationship with women, developed their skills in asking about an important health issue and demonstrated a concern for women beyond their immediate medical needs. With thanks to the midwives at the Hospital Antenatal Clinic, Menai Outreach Clinic and Delivery Suite, Sutherland Hospital.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Domestic violence during pregnancy: implications for practice.

Domestic violence affects many women and their families. Although estimates of the prevalence of domestic violence during pregnancy vary, it is likely that most providers of women's health care will encounter pregnant women who experience domestic violence. The purpose of this article is to review research that has investigated associations between domestic violence during pregnancy and other demographic and lifestyle variables, as well as the literature regarding clinical assessment and intervention strategies.

Battered Women↗

PubMed1987

Serological prevalence of leptospiral infection in domestic animals in West Malaysia.

A cross-sectional serological survey of domestic animals in West Malaysia revealed that 25.5% of the animals examined had agglutinating antibodies to one or more antigens belonging to Leptospira interrogans. Significant prevalence of infection was observed in cattle (40.5%), buffaloes (31%) and pigs (16%). The Sejroe serogroup was shown to be the principal one involved in cattle and buffaloes, and to a lesser extent the Tarassovi and Pomona serogroups. Evidence of infection in domestic animals by strains bearing the other seven antigens appeared insignificant and was indicative of sporadic infection. A majority of the large (semi-intensive) cattle and buffalo farms demonstrated a high prevalence of leptospiral infection. In both species of domestic animals mentioned above, the prevalence of infection was significantly higher (P = 0.01) in the semi-intensive farms than in the smallholdings. Amongst cattle, the droughtmasters had the highest prevalence whilst the Kedah-Kelantan (an indigenous breed) had the lowest prevalence of leptospiral infection. In general, the temperate breeds of cattle had a significantly (P = 0.01) higher prevalence of infection than local breeds. Leptospiral infection in goats and sheep was shown to be sporadic, and the Pomona serogroup was the principal leptospiral serogroup involved in these small ruminants. The prevalence of infection in pigs was observed to decline during the study period, and it is suspected that pigs in West Malaysia are the maintenance host for serovar pomona whilst cattle are the maintenance host for serovar hardjo. Overall, it appears that domestic animals in Malaysia will play a bigger role in the epidemiology of leptospiral infection with the advent of sophisticated farming.

Agglutination Tests↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Domestic violence: efficacy of health provider training in Utah.

The purpose of this project was to improve the identification, treatment, and referral of domestic violence victims by prehospital care providers (Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics) and emergency department personnel. The training focused on the definition of domestic violence, procedures to use when questioning patients about abuse, Utah's mandatory reporting law, and the referral of victims to community resources. While the training did improve the participant's knowledge concerning referral options and the law, health care providers still did not believe that domestic violence was a problem in their community. Although providers felt confident asking questions about abuse, the providers did not question patients unless they suspected domestic violence was the cause of the injury. Further training needs to be offered to staff to encourage regular screening for all adult patients.

Adult↗