Animals in Schools: Processes and Strategies in Human-Animal Education

Abstract

In this study we tested the hypothesis that the process of training a non-human primate (NHP) affects it's general behavior patterns, outside of training. A group of Abyssinian colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza, n = 8), housed at Paignton Zoo, UK, were observed for four 12-day periods. Behaviors were noted prior to training, using positive reinforcement to achieve oral examinations, and each month for three months after training had started. These data were used to construct daily activity budgets and investigate social behaviors (both colobus–colobus and colobus–human). A comparison of these data (using doubly repeated measures MANOVAs) showed activity budget (F_(3,3) = 9.8, λ = 0.4, p < 0.001) and colobus-initiated interactions with people (F_(3,2) = 16.6, λ = 0.3, p < 0.001) differed significantly across the four observation periods. Resting behavior was negatively correlated with feeding behavior (Pearson: n = 56, r = -0.25, p < 0.05); this relationship was considered to be independent of the onset of training. The significant decline in colobus-initiated interactions with the public appeared to be a direct result of the training.

The results in this study showed that the implementation of training reduced colobus–human interactions. Two reasons are suggested in this paper to account for these unexpected results; either or both of these explanations may be true. The increased level of keeper–colobus interactions necessary for training may have acted to socialize the colobus to humans, so that they habituated to the general presence of humans. Equally, the training sessions may have provided the colobus with predictable interactions with humans that provided rewards, outside of which colobus-initiated interactions were not worthwhile.

Training in this situation was found to be beneficial for the colobus and did not adversely affect the behavior of the colobus outside of the training sessions. It is concluded that caution should be taken when instigating training as part of captive primate management, due to species differences and the paucity of studies that have quantified the impact of training on zoo primate biology. What is greatly needed is more studies which are able to empirically compare the biology (behavior and physiology) of zoo housed primates before and after training has been implemented.     

Some factors influencing adoption of sheltered dogs

Abstract

In Italy the law forbids euthanizing shelter dogs unless they are severely ill or dangerous. This has created a problem: many dogs are housed for long periods of time in shelters. It is important to the welfare of these dogs for us to find methods to increase successful adoption rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different management factors such as the number of dogs in a pen, Temporary Adoption Programs (TAPs), and animal-owner-related characteristics on successful adoptions of kenneled dogs. The study included 763 dogs, 92 of whom were dogs showing behavioral problems. The age of the dogs upon arrival at the shelter was the most important determinant for length of stay, with younger dogs being adopted faster (Kruskal-Wallis, H = 150.27; df = 3; n = 733; p < 0.001). Dogs up to six months of age (n = 73) were adopted more quickly than older dogs (average length of stay: 1.4 vs. 6.4 months). The year of admittance was also significant since dogs who were admitted in a year in which more dogs were brought to the shelter spent more time in the shelter before being re-homed (Kruskal-Wallis, H = 96.18; df = 2; n = 733; p < 0.001). Dogs' gender had no effect on length of stay (Mann-Whitney, U = 64563; Z = 0.81; p = ns; n¹ = 389; n² = 344). Temporary Adoption Programs had a significant positive effect in reducing the return rate when the final adopter was the same person who had “temporarily” adopted the dog (Fisher exact test, p = 0.0063). Return rate was also associated with behavioral problems. Fearful dogs were returned more often than dogs with other problems (Fisher exact test, p = 0.029). It is concluded that, although young age is the most important factor leading to quick adoption, programs which include increased human interaction, and special training for dogs with behavioral problems, could aid in the successful re-homing of shelter dogs.     

31P-15N One-Bond Couplings of Diastereoisomeric Adenosine Cyclic 3′,5′-Phosphoramidates

Abstract

¹J(³¹P¹⁵N) coupling constants of R _p and S _p adeno-sine cyclic 3′,5′-phosphoramidates (1), -N-methylphosphor-amidates (2) and -N,N-dimethylphosphoramidates (3) increase in the order of 1<2<3 and obey the Stec rule (J(R _p)< J(S _p)). A possible interpretation of coupling constant differences based on differences in substituent electronegativities and variation in hybridization at nitrogen atom, is suggested.     

Synthesis of Certain 5′-Substituted Derivatives of Ribavirin and Tiazofurin

Abstract

The synthesis of several 5′-substituted derivatives of ribavirin (1) and tiazofurin (3) are described. Direct acylation of 1 with the appropriate acyl chloride in pyridine-DMF gave the corresponding 5′-O-acyl derivatives (4a-h). Tosylation of the 2′, 3′-O-isopropylidene-ribavirin (6) and tiazofurin (11) with p-toluenesulfonyl chloride gave the respective 5′-O-p-tolylsulfonyl derivatives (7a and 12a), which were converted to 5′-azido-5′-deoxy derivatives (7b and 12b) by reacting with sodium/lithium azide. Deisopropylidenation of 7b and 12b, followed by catalytic hydrogenation afforded 1-(5-amino-5-deoxy-β-D)-ribofuranosyl)-1, 2, 4-triazole-3-carboxamide (10b) and 2 - (5 -amino- 5-deoxy- β-D-ribofuranosyl) thiazole-4-carboxamide (16), respectively. Treatment of 6 with phthalimide in the presence of triphenylphosphine and diethyl azodicarboxylate furnished the corresponding 5′-deoxy-5′-phthaloylamino derivative (9). Reaction of 9 with n-butylamine and subsequent deisopropylidenation provided yet another route to 10b. Selective 5′-thioacetylation of 6 and 11 with thiolacetic acid, followed by saponification and deisopropylidenation afforded 5′-deoxy-5′-thio derivatives of 1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-1, 2, 4-triazole-3-carboxamide (8a) and 2-β-D-ribofuranosylthiazole-4-carboxamide (15), respectively.     

The reinforcing value of physical contact and the effect on canine heart rate of grooming in different anatomical areas

Abstract

The human-animal relationship frequently involves physical touch, and this may have benefits for both participants. Grooming of horses at the withers has a calming effect on recipients, a phenomenon regularly used to reward horses. No studies on the effect on heart rate of grooming in different anatomical areas have been conducted in dogs, even though they are often given physical contact as a putative reinforcer. Kennelled Greyhounds (n = 16) and guide dogs (Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and their crosses, n = 12) were stroked for eight minutes using a grooming device in each of four areas in random order. These sites were selected on the basis of their being innervated by the dorsal branches of the spinal nerves, lateral branches of the spinal nerves, ventral branches of the spinal nerves and the caudal nerves. Heart rate measurements were taken every 30 seconds using an ECG recorder. There were no observed differences in the mean heart rate based on the region of the body groomed (p = 0.893), nor was any interaction of any other factor with area of the body significant (all p > 0.5). However, for all dogs, there was a highly significant trend (overall reduction) over time (p < 0.001), and Greyhounds had consistently higher mean heart rates than guide dogs (p < 0.001). Within Greyhounds, groomed dogs had significantly lower mean heart rates than non-groomed animals (n = 8, p = 0.003). That is, grooming had a substantial effect on reducing heat rate, but the area of the body where grooming was conducted was not important. In addition, males had consistently lower heart rates than females (p < 0.001). If having a reduced heart rate is a sign of reduced stress, then we can assume that non-invasive interventions that have this effect are reinforcing. The extent to which all dogs are reinforced by physical contact depends on their socialization and familiarity with personnel. The intrinsic reinforcing value of physical contact for dogs seems likely to be outweighed by its effect as a secondary reinforcer.     

Nucleosides. 131. The Synthesis of 5-(2-Chloro-2-Deoxy-β-D-arabino-Furanosyl)Uracil. Reinterpretation of Reaction of ψ-Uridine With α-Acetoxyisobutyryl Chloride. Studies Directed Toward the Synthesis of 2′-Deoxy-2′-Substituted Arabino-Nucleosides. 2

Abstract

Treatment of ψ-uridine (3) with α-acetoxyisobutyryl chloride in acetonitrile gave, after deprotection, a mixture of four products: 5-(2-chloro-2-deoxy-β-D-arabinofuranosyl)uracil (10a), its 3′-chloro xylo isomer (11a), 2′-chloro-2′-deoxy-ψ-uridine (9a) and 4,2′-anhydro-ψ-uridine (8a). Each component was isolated by column chromatography. Compound 9 was converted to the known 1,3-dimethyl derivative 2 by treatment with DMF-dimethylacetal. Treatment of 10 and 11 with NaOMe/MeOH afforded the same 4,2′-anhydro-C-nucleoside 8. The 1,3-dimethyl analogues of 10 and 11, however, were converted to 2′,3′-anhydro-1,3-dimethyl-ψ-uridine (13) upon base treatment. The epoxide 13 was also prepared in good yield by treatment of 10 and 11 with DMF-dimethylacetal.     

6,7-Dimethyl-3-β-D-Erythrofuranosyl-1-Phenyl- and 1-p-Fluorophenyl-Pyrazolo[3,4-b]QUINOXALINE∗

Abstract

The C-nucleoside analogs 6,7-dimethyl-3-β-D-erythrofuranosyl-1-phenylpyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoxaline 4 and 3-β- D -erythrofuranosyl-1-p-fluorophenylpyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoxaline 8 were prepared by dehydration of the polyhydroxyalkyl chain of 6,7-dimethyl-1-phenyl-3-( D -arabino-tetritol-1-yl)-pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoxaline 3 and 1-p-fluorophenyl-3-( D -arabino-tetritol-1-yl)-pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoxaline 7, respectively. The structure and anomeric configuration of the products were determined by n.m.r. spectroscopy. The mass spectra and biological activities in connection with chemical constitution are discussed.     

Synthetic Nucleosides and Nucleotides. XX1. Synthesis of Various 1-β-D-Xylofuranosyl-5-Alkyluracils and Related Nucleosides

Abstract

Treatment of D-xylose (1) with 0.5% methanolic hydrogen chloride under controlled conditions followed by benzoylation and acetolysis afforded crystalline 1-O-acetyl-2, 3, 5-tri-O-benzoyl-α-D-xylofuranose (4) in good yield. Coupling of 4 with 2, 4-bis-trimethylsilyl derivatives of 5-alkyluracils (methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl) (5a-5d), 5-fluorouracil (5e) and uracil (5f) in acetonitrile in the presence of stannic chloride gave 1-(2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-β-D-xylofuranosyl)-nucleosides (6a-6f). Saponification of 6 with sodium methoxide afforded 1-β-D-xylofuranosyl-5-substituted uracils (7a-7f). Condensation of 4 with free adenine in similar fashion and deblocking gave carcinostatic 9-β-D-xylofuranosyladenine (7g).     

Metal Carbonate-Mediated Complete Deacylation of Polyacyl Protected Nucleosides

Abstract

Treatment of poly-acetyl or -benzoyl protected ribonucleosides (1a-i) and 2′-deoxyribonucleosides (3a-d) with metal carbonates such as NaHCO₃ or Na₂CO₃ in MeOH gave the corresponding deacylated free ribomucleosides (2a-d and 4a-b) in excellent high yields.     

Synthesis of Some Novel 1-(5-Thio-ß-D-glucopyranosyl)-6-azauracil Derivatives - Thiosugar Nucleosides

Abstract

The chemical syntheses of 1-(2,3,4,6-tetra-0-acety]-5-thio-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-6-azauracil (4) and the 5-bromo analogue 6 are described. Deblocking of 4 and 6 with sodium methoxide afforded the free nucleosides 5 and 7, respetively. Treatment of 6 with benzylmercaptan in basic medium led to the formation of 6-benzylthio-1-((2,3,4,6-tetra-0-acetyl-5-thio-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-6-azauracil (8), in good yield, which was deblocked to 9 on treatment with sodium methoxide. Reaction of 6 with benzlamine gave 5-benzylamino-1-(5-thio-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-6-azauracil (10).     

9-(6-Deoxy- β -D-Allofuranosyl)Adenine Cyclic 3′,5′ -Phosphor-Amidate: A New Cyclic AMP Amide Derivative Containing an Equatorial Methyl Group at the 5′-Position

Abstract

R _P and S _P phosphorus diastereoisomers of the title compound (2) are prepared from the corresponding cyclic monophosphate. Solution conformation of the dioxaphosphor-inane ring and hydrolysis of R _p-2 and S _p-2 are studied and compared with those of the phosphorus diastereoisomers of the isomeric compound that contains the 5′-methyl group in the axial position.     

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of some Acyclic Nucleoside Cyclic Phosphoramidate Derivatives

Abstract

The acyclic nucleosides 2 were treated with 2-chloro-3-methyl-1-oxa-3-aza-2-phosphacyclopentane (3) in the presence of diisopropylethylamine to give the corresponding phosphoramidite derivatives (4). The phosphoramidite intermediates (4) were oxidized with m-chloroperbenzoic acid to the phosphoramidate derivatives (5). Treatment of 5a,b with ZnBr₂ in CH₃NO₂ gave the corresponding acyclic nucleoside cyclic phosphoramidates (6a,b). Attempts to desilylation of 5c by tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) resulted in opening of the phosphoramidate ring. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for antiviral and antitumor cell activity.     

Dog training as a violence prevention tool for at-risk adolescents

Abstract

Humane education programs often target at-risk children and seek to teach empathy and gentleness with animals, but few of these have been assessed. This prospective, longitudinal study examined the effects of “Teaching Love and Compassion” (TLC), a humane education program employing educational group discussions and dog training for seventh-grade, inner city youth in Los Angeles, California. The TLC program is offered to groups of 10 to 12 students during their three-week vacation at the year-round school. Students for the experimental and control groups were selected from the pool of those scoring below the 25th percentile in reading and mathematics. The study, conducted over a two-year period, assessed four successive sessions, comprising an experimental group of 41 children and a control group of 42 children. In morning sessions, the experimental group had discussions focusing on interpersonal issues and conflict management. In the afternoons they were taught the proper care and obedience training of shelter dogs. Pre-, post-, and follow-up tests, specially developed to accommodate the children's reading ability and scheduling constraints, were given to both the experimental and control groups to assess their knowledge of animal care, conflict management skills, attitudes toward self and others, and fear of dogs. Members of the experimental group increased their understanding of pet care and the needs of animals and retained this information more than did the control group for all four TLC sessions, both at post-testing (F=58.4, p=0.0001) and follow-up testing (F=18.9, p=0.0001). At post-testing, the experimental group showed a trend toward a decreased fear of dogs (F=3.6, p=0.062), that was significant at follow-up testing (F=4.2, p=0.019). For these children who are exposed to daily violence and aggression to people and animals, these modest changes were associated with the three-week intervention.     

Studies on the Dehydration of New 2- (Pentitol-1-YL) Pyridines Having D-Gulo,D-IDO,and L-Manno Configurations

Abstract

Fusion of 2-trimethylsilylpyridine and tetra-O-acetyl-aldehydo-D-xylose or 2,3:4,5-di-O-isopropylidene-aldehydo-L-arabinose led, after removing of the protecting groups, to 2-(pentitol-1-yl)pyridines of D-gulo and D-ido or L-manno configurations. Dehydration of the sugar-chain with D-gulo and D-ido configurations gave the corresponding 2′,5′-anhydro derivatives, whereas 2-(5-O-isopropyl-L-manno-pentitol-1-yl)-pyridine was the only compound formed by dehydration of the sugar-chain with L-manno configuration. Structural proofs are based on ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra.     

Improved Synthesis of Adenosine Cyclic 3′, 5′-Phosphoramidates via Anhydrides. Preparation of Adenosine Cylic 3′, 5′-(Rp) - and (p)-N-Methylphosphoramidate

Abstract

The two-step method for the preparation of adenosine cyclic 3′,5′-phosphoramidate diastereoisomers, which involves the activation of adenosine cyclic 3′,5′-monophosphate (1) with an acid chloride and in situ aminolysis of the anhydride intermediate (Bentrude, W.G.; Tomsaz, J. Synthesis 1984, 27; Bottka, S.; Tomasz, J. Tetrahedron Lett. 1985, 24, 2909), has been improved. The best yields were attained when 1 was reacted with 4.4 molar equivalents of phosphorus oxychloride in trimethyl phosphate at O°C for 3 h, and the solution of phosphorus oxychloride in trimethyl phosphate was pretreated with 0.5 molar equivalent of water at room temperature for 20 min. R _p and S _p diastereoisomers of adenosine cyclic 3′,5′-N-methyphosphoramidate and N,N-dimethylphosphoramidate have been synthesized under these experimental conditions.     

Synthesis of Some Novel Acyclolumazine N-1 Nucleosides

Abstract

Reactjon of (2-acetoxyethoxy)methyl bromide with the silylated lumazine bases (1-6) in the presence of n-Bu₄NI leads to the formation of the nucleosides 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 respectively. Deacetylation with methanolic ammonia afforded the free nucleosides 9, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19, respectively, in good yields. Structural proofs of the newly synthesized compounds are based on elemental analyses, UV and ¹H-NMR spactra. None of the acyclic nucleosides exhibited antiviral activity against HSV-1 in vitro.     

Synthesis of Brunfelsamidine Ribonucleoside and Certain Related Compounds by the Stereospecific Sodium Salt Glycosylation Procedure

Abstract

A synthesis of 2,4-dideazaribavirin ( 2 ), brunfelsamidine ribonucleoside ( 8c ) and certain related derivatives are described for the first time using the stereospecific sodium salt glycosylation procedure. Glycosylation of the sodium salt of pyrrole-3-carbonitrile ( 4 ) with 1-chloro-2, 3-O-t-isopropylidene-5-O-t-butyldimethylsilyl-α-D-ribofuranose ( 5 ) gave exclusively the corresponding blocked nucleoside ( 6 ) with β-anomeric configuration, which on deprotection provided 1-β-D-ribofuranosylpyrrole-3-carbonitrile ( 7 ). Functional group tranformation of 7 gave 2 , 8c and related 3-substituted pyrrole ribonucleosides. These compounds are devoid of any significant antiviral/antitumor activity invitro.     

Synthesis of Pyrazolo[3, 4-d]Pyrimidine Ribonucleoside 3′, 5′-Cyclic Phosphates Related to cAMP,cIMP and cGMP1

Abstract

The synthesis of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine ribonucleoside 3′, 5′-cyclic phosphates related to cAMP, cIMP and cGMP has been achieved for the first time. Phosphorylation of 4-amino-6-methylthio-1-β-D-ribo-furanosylpyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (1) with POCl₃ in trimethyl phosphate gave the corresponding 5′-phosphate (2a). DCC mediated intramolecular cyclization of 2a gave the corresponding 3′, 5′-cyclic phosphate (3a), which on subsequent dethiation provided the cAMP analog 4-amino-1-β-D-ribofuranosylpyrazolo[3, 4-d]pyrimidine 3′, 5′-cyclic phosphate (3b). A similar phosphorylation of 6-methylthio-1-β-D-ribofuranosylpyrazolo[3, 4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one (5), followed by cyclization with DCC gave the 3′, 5′-cyclic phosphate of 5 (9a). Dethiation of 9a with Raney nickel gave the cIMP analog 1-β-D-ribofuranosylpyrazolo[3, 4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one 3′, 5′-cyclic phosphate (9b). Oxidation of 9a with m-chloroperoxy benzoic acid, followed by ammonolysis provided the cGMP analog 6-amino-1-β-D-ribofuranosylpyrazolo [3, 4-d] pyrimidin-4(5H)-one 3′, 5′-cyclic phosphate (7). The structural assignment of these cyclic nucleotides was made by UV and H NMR spectroscopic studies.     

New Acyclic C-Nucleosides of the Imidazole

Abstract

Acid catalyzed isomerization of 1-aryl-(1,2-dideoxy-D-glycero-β-L-gluco-heptofuranose) [1,2-d]-2-imidazolines (4) yields 1-aryl-4-(D-galacto-pentitol-1-yl)imidazoles (8) which can be also obtained by reductive desulphuration of 1-aryl-2-benzylthio-4-(D-galacto-pentitol-1-yl)imidazoles (6). Compounds (4) were obtained by desulphuration with Raney nickel from 1-aryl-(1,2-dideoxy-D-glycero-β-L-gluco-heptofuranose) [1,2-d]-imidazolidine-2-thiones (1) or 1-aryl-2-benzylthio-(1,2-dideoxy-D-glycero-β-L-gluco-heptofuranose) [1,2-d]-2-imidazolines (2).     

Preparation of New Glycoheptofurano[2,1-d]Imidazolidine-2-Thiones., Isomerizations to Acyclic-Sugar C-Nucleoside Analogues of Imidazole

Abstract

1-Methyl- and 1-aryl-(1,2-dideoxy-D-glyofurano)[2,1-d]-imidazolidine-2-thiones having the configurations β-D-glycero-L-gluco (4), β-D-glycero-D-ido (5—8), α-D glycerol-D-galacto (9—10) and β-D-glycero-D-talo (11, 12) are prepared by reaction of 2-amino-2-deoxy-aldoses with methyl and aryl isothiocyanates. 1-Aryl-(1,2-dideoxy–β-D-glycero-L-gluco-heptofurano)[2,1-d]imidazolidine-2-thiones (1—3) have been converted into 1-aryl-4-(D-galacto-pentitol-1-yl)-4-imidazo-line-2-thiones (24—26) by acid catalysed isomerization.