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.     

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.     

Fear of dogs in a community sample: Effects of age,gender and prior experience of canine aggression

Abstract

An investigation was conducted into human fear of dogs and experiences of canine aggression in an adult community sample (n = 292). Consistent with expectations, it was found that, while fear of dogs was relatively common (present in almost half the respondents), fear of dog attacks was less so, and extreme fear of dog attacks was very rare. Women, middle-aged and older adults were more likely to fear dogs than men and younger adults, while older people were more likely than younger ones to fear dog attacks. Reported encounters with canine aggression, particularly threatening behavior, were relatively common, but having been attacked by a dog was less strongly related to fear of dogs than having been threatened by a dog. Logistic regression analyses revealed that being female, having been threatened by a dog, and being older were strong predictors of dog-related fear, while being older and obtaining higher scores on a measure of trait anxiety predicted fear of dog attacks.     

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.     

The origin of the dog revisited

Abstract

The most widely accepted hypothesis of the origin of the dog, Canis familiaris, is that the dog is a domesticated gray wolf, Canis lupus. This paper reviews the evidence for this conclusion, finds many unanswered questions and conceptual gaps in the wolf origin hypothesis, and explores the alternative hypothesis that the most likely ancestor of the domestic dog was a medium-size, generalist canid.     

Daily activities and sleep quality in college students

There is growing evidence that social rhythms (e.g., daily activities such as getting into or out of bed, eating, and adhering to a work schedule) have important implications for sleep. The present study used a prospective measure of daily activities to assess the relation between sleep and social rhythms. College students (n=243) 18 to 39 yrs of age, completed the Social Rhythm Metric (SRM) each day for 14 d and then completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The sample was divided into groups of good or poor sleepers, according to a PSQI cut‐off score of 5 points and was compared on the regularity, frequency, timing, and extent of social engagement during activities. There was a lower frequency and less regularity of social rhythms in poor sleepers relative to good sleepers. Good sleepers engaged more regularly in activities with active social engagement. Earlier rise time, first consumption of a beverage, going outdoors for the first time, and bedtime were associated with better sleep. Greater variability in rise time, consuming a morning beverage, returning home for the last time, and bedtime were associated with more disturbed sleep. The results are consistent with previous findings of reduced regularity in bedtime and rise time schedules in undergraduates, other age groups, and in clinical populations. Results augment the current thought that regulating behavioral zeitgebers may be important in influencing bed and rise times, and suggest that engaging in activities with other people may increase regularity.     

The Theory of Set in the Light of Reflex Theory

It is well known to all those acquainted with D. N. Uznadze's theory of set [ustanovka] (1) that this theory was meant to answer the question of "the character and inner structure of human activity" [11; 79]. But, as A. T. Bochorishvili correctly noted, we do not yet have "clarity in basic concepts. … Soviet psychology cannot yet go so far as to speak of the content of the basic concept of the psychology of set, of the content of set itself" [5: 15]. As a panacea for overcoming these differences of opinion, Bochorishvili proposes that we "widely and actively develop investigations of the theoretical bases of the psychology of set as D. N. Uznadze understood if" (ibid.).     

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.     

Prairie Dogs: An Ecological Review and Current Biopolitics

ABSTRACT In recent years, people have interpreted scientific information about the black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) in various, and sometimes conflicting, ways. Political complexity around the relationship among black-tailed prairie dogs, agricultural interests, and wildlife has increased in recent years, particularly when prairie dogs occur on publicly owned lands leased to private entities for livestock grazing. Some have proposed that estimates of prairie dog (Cynomys spp.) numbers from 1900 are inflated, that prairie dog grazing is not unique (other grazers have similar affects on vegetation), and that prairie dogs significantly reduce carrying capacity for livestock and wildlife. We address all these issues but concentrate on the degree of competition between prairie dogs and ungulates because this motivates most prairie dog control actions. We conclude that the available information does not justify holding distribution and numbers of prairie dogs at a level that is too low to perform their keystone ecological function. We further conclude that it is especially important that prairie dogs be sufficiently abundant on public lands to perform this function.     

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.     

A Contribution to the Comparative Epidemiology of Schizophrenia in Urban and Rural Places

In psychiatry, epidemiology rests upon statistical studies of mental illness in the population. Much attention was given to this as early as the work of Esquirol, (1) and I. F. Riul' (2) in our country. Zemstvo psychiatrists contributed much in the field of psychiatric morbidity. (3-8) However, as a result of the lack of outpatient psychoneurological institutions in prerevolutionary Russia, these studies, like the majority of those currently being conducted by psychiatrists abroad, resolved fundamentally to isolated unidimensional selective surveys of particular groups in the population. The existence in the Soviet Union of a broad network of outpatient psychiatric institutions permits Soviet psychiatrists to go beyond single-factor selective surveys, to make a systematic study of mental illness in accordance with the data of current dispensary records, and to provide timely therapeutic and social prophylactic assistance to the ill, i.e., to conduct epidemiological research on a higher level of scientific methodology. A number of such studies has been published. (8-23) Therefore the statement by Lin and Standley, (24) who allege — in a monograph, The Role of Epidemiology in Psychiatry, published by the World Health Organization — the absence of epidemiological psychiatric studies in the Soviet Union, must be rejected as unfounded.     

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).     

Synthesis and Antiviral Activity of 5′-O-Sulfamoyluridine Derivatives

Abstract

A series of 5′-O-[[[[(alkyl)oxy]carbonyl] amino] sulfonyl] uridines have been synthesized by reaction of cyclohexanol, palmityl alcohol, 1,2-di-O-benzoylpropanetriol and 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-benzoyl-L-glucopyranose with chlorosulfonyl isocyanate and 2,3′-O-isopropylidene-uridine. Another series of 5′-O-(N-ethyl and N-isopropylsulfamoyl) uridines have been prepared by reaction of 2′,3′-O-isopropylidene and 2′,3′-di-O-acetyluridine with N-ethylsulfamoyl and N-isopropylsulfamoyl chlorides. All compounds were tested against HSV-2, VV, SV and ASFV viruses. 2′,3′-Di-O-acetyl-5′-O-(N-ethyl and N-isopropylsulfamoyl) uridine showed significant activities against HSV-2. 5′-O-[[[[(2,3,4,6-Tetra-O-benzoyl-β-L-glucopyranosyl)oxy]carbonyl]amino] sulfonyl]-2′,3′-O-isopropylideneuridine was very active against ASFV.     

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.     

The tRNA “WOBBLE POSITION” Uridines. III.1 the Synthesis of 5-[S-Methoxycarbonyl (Hydroxy)Methyl] Uridine and its 2-Thio Analogue

Abstract

The diastereoisomers 2a, 2b and their 2-thio analogues 4a and 4b were obtained by three-step transformation of uridine and 2-thiouridine, respectively. The absolute configuration at C-5¹ in 2a and 2b was established by CD, while for 4a and 4b the configurational assignment was based on the chemical correlation. The acids 1 and 3 were obtained by alkaline hydrolysis of 2a and 4a, respectively.     

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.     

5′-O-[N-(Amnoacyl)Sulfamoyl]Nucleosides. Synthesis and Antiviral and Cytostatic Activities

Abstract

5′-O-[N-(Aminoacyl)sulfamoyl]-uridines and -thymidines 4a-12a and 4b-12b have been synthesized and tested against Herpes Simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and as cytostatics. Condensation of 2′,3′-O-isopropylidene-5′-O-sulfamoyluridine and 3′-O-acetyl-5′-O-sulfamoylthymidine with the N-hydroxysuccinimide esters of Boc-L-Ser(Bzl), (2R, 3S)-3-benzyloxycarbonylamino-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbuta-noic acid [(2R, 3S-N-Z-AHPBA], (2R, 3S) and (2S, 3R)-N-Boc-AHPBA gave 4a,b-7a,b, which after removal of the protecting groups provided 1Oa,b-12a,b. A study of the selective removal of the O-Bzl protecting group from the L-Ser derivatives 4a,b, without hydrogenation of the pyrimidine ring, has been carried out. Only the fully protected uridine derivatives 4a-7a did exhibit high anti-HSV-2 activity, and none of the synthesized compounds showed significant cytostatic activity against HeLa cells cultures.     

Synthesis and X-Ray Crystal Structure of 3-Amino-1-β-D-Ribofuranosyl-s-Triazolo[5, 1-c]-s-Triazole

Abstract

The first chemical synthesis of 3-amino-1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-s-triazolo[5,1-c]-s-triazole (6) is described. Direct glycosylation of 3-amino-5(7)H-s-triazolo[5,1-c]-s-triazole (2) with 1-O-acetyl-2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-D-ribofuranose (3) in the presence of TMS-triflate gave 3-amino-1-(2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-β-D-ribofuranosyl)-s-triazolo[5, 1-c]-s-triazole (4) which, on ammonolysis, gave 6. The absolute structure of 6 is determined by X-ray diffraction techniques employing Mo Kα radiation. The structure is solved by direct methods and refined to the R value of 0.044 by using a full-matrix least-squares method. The sugar of 6 has a ³T₂ configuration. The torsion angles about the C5′–C4′ bond are both gauche and the torsion angle about the glycosidic bond is in the anti range. Each azole ring of the aglycon is planar and the dihedral angle between the planes of the rings is 3.6°.