The effects of drug detection training on behavioral reactivity and blood neurotransmitter levels in drug detection dogs: A preliminary study

The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of drug detection training on behavior and blood neurotransmitter levels in drug detection dogs so as to investigate some variables influencing dog reactivity and responsiveness to training. In all, 20 dogs were sampled out of the Guardia di Finanza canine population. All the subjects were born, reared, housed, and trained in the same facility and followed the same training sessions. Dogs’ behavioral reactivity was scored according to a standardized working dogs test to evaluate natural dog attitudes. Plasma samples were analyzed by the high-performance liquid chromatography method to evaluate adrenaline, noradrenaline, L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, homovanillic acid (HVA), 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol acid (MHPG), 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA), and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels. 5-HT and 5-HIAA were also analyzed from platelets. The analysis was carried out considering training, breed, and sex as independent variables. From a behavioral point of view, significant differences were recorded before and after training in “sociability,” “playfulness,” “predatory instinct,” and “aggressiveness” scores. Lower levels of platelet 5-HT and 5-HIAA were found after training. Plasma L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine levels differed between sexes, with males showing higher concentrations. These results underline the importance of complete and objective evaluations protocols of the dogs before, during, and after drugs search training to determine effective and successful selection strategies and training procedures.     

Evaluation of young and adult dogs' reactivity

Many authors have tested puppies' behavior early to detect adult behavioral disorders. Our pilot study aims to investigate puppies' reactivity toward tolerance of new situations and the consistency of behavior between puppy and adult dog. Seven tests (tunnel, direct looking, sudden noise, retrieving buster-ball, problem solving, bowl removal, and approaching) were used to evaluate the reactivity of 32 German shepherd dogs at 5, 7, and 9 months of age. Among these dogs, 17 were chosen by physical and behavioral traits to continue the training program up to adulthood (choice group) and administered the same tests at the age of 2 years. Through the observation of behaviors, the tests aim to assess sociality, exploratory and retrieving tendency, learning ability, playing aptitude, and tendency toward offensive aggression. The behaviors were ranked by degree of reactivity, and ranks were used as scores. The effects of gender and group on the 5- to 9-month reactivity profiles of all the puppies were estimated with a repeated-measures model. In the choice group, the behavior changes from 9 to 24 months and their dependence on gender were estimated with an analogous model. All puppies became more self-confident between 5 and 9 months. At 9 months, behavior was slightly better in males and in the choice group. Between 9 and 24 months, self-confidence, attentiveness, and ability to solve problems and retrieve objects improved, whereas playfulness decrease. Behaviors at 9 and 24 months showed very low variability, which indicated their very high similarity.     

Exposure to anti-mosquito insecticides utilized in rice fields affects survival of two non-target species,Ischnura elegans and Daphnia magna

Paddy and Water Environment - Insecticides are commonly utilized to control mosquito larvae in rice fields. They can, however, have negative effects on both vertebrates and non-target invertebrate...     

In vitro permeation through porcine buccal mucosa of caffeic acid phenetyl ester (CAPE) from a topical mucoadhesive gel containing propolis

Recent studies have shown that propolis has on the oral cavity appreciable antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral actions, as well as anti-inflammatory, anaesthetic and cytostatic properties. In light of these studies, an assessment of the diffusion and permeation of caffeic acid phenetyl ester (CAPE) through porcine buccal mucosa was considered useful as a possible application in the stomatological field. To do so, a mucoadhesive topical gel was prepared to apply to the buccal mucosa. The gel was formulated in such a way as to improve the solubility of the propolis, conducting to an increase of the flux. The mucosal permeation of CAPE from the formulation was evaluated using Franz cells, with porcine buccal mucosa as septum between the formulation (donor compartment) and the receptor phase chamber. The diffusion through the membrane was determined by evaluating the amount of CAPE present in the receiving solution, the flux and the permeation coefficient (at the steady state) in the different formulations at set intervals. Qualitative and quantitative determinations were done by HPLC analysis. From the results, CAPE allowed a high permeability coefficient in comparison to the coefficient of other molecules, as expected from its physical-chemical structure. Moreover, the developed gel improved the CAPE flux approximately 35 times more with respect to an ethanol solution formulated at the same gel concentration. The developed gel was also tested in order to evaluate the mucoadhesive behaviour and comfort in vivo on 10 volunteers in a period of 8 h. The in vivo evaluation of mucoadhesive gel revealed adequate comfort and non-irritancy during the period of study and it was well accepted by the volunteers.