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Pluchot C, Adriaensen H, Parias C, Dubreuil D, Arnould C, Chaillou E, Love SA. Sheep (Ovis aries) training protocol for voluntary awake and unrestrained structural brain MRI acquisitions. Behav Res Methods 2024; 56:7761-7773. [PMID: 38907122 PMCID: PMC11362526 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-024-02449-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive technique that requires the participant to be completely motionless. To date, MRI in awake and unrestrained animals has only been achieved with humans and dogs. For other species, alternative techniques such as anesthesia, restraint and/or sedation have been necessary. Anatomical and functional MRI studies with sheep have only been conducted under general anesthesia. This ensures the absence of movement and allows relatively long MRI experiments but it removes the non-invasive nature of the MRI technique (i.e., IV injections, intubation). Anesthesia can also be detrimental to health, disrupt neurovascular coupling, and does not permit the study of higher-level cognition. Here, we present a proof-of-concept that sheep can be trained to perform a series of tasks, enabling them to voluntarily participate in MRI sessions without anesthesia or restraint. We describe a step-by-step training protocol based on positive reinforcement (food and praise) that could be used as a basis for future neuroimaging research in sheep. This protocol details the two successive phases required for sheep to successfully achieve MRI acquisitions of their brain. By providing structural brain MRI images from six out of ten sheep, we demonstrate the feasibility of our training protocol. This innovative training protocol paves the way for the possibility of conducting animal welfare-friendly functional MRI studies with sheep to investigate ovine cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Pluchot
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France.
| | - Hans Adriaensen
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Céline Parias
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Didier Dubreuil
- Unité Expérimentale de Physiologie Animale de l'Orfrasière, INRAE Centre Val de Loire, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Cécile Arnould
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Elodie Chaillou
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Scott A Love
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France.
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Rima S, Greilsamer J, Haag M, Cadena-Valencia J, Sansonnens M, Francovich A, Lanz F, Zbinden A, Bergadano A, Schmid MC. A chinrest-based approach to measure eye movements and experimental task engagement in macaques with minimal restraint. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 408:110173. [PMID: 38782125 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of Rhesus macaques in vision research is crucial due to their visual system's similarity to humans. While invasive techniques have been the norm, there has been a shift towards non-invasive methods, such as facemasks and head molds, to enhance animal welfare and address ethical concerns. NEW METHOD We present a non-invasive, 3D-printed chinrest with infrared sensors, adapted from canine research, allowing for accurate eye movement measurements and voluntary animal participation in experiments. RESULTS The chinrest method showed a 16% and 28% increase in average trial numbers for Monkey 1 and Monkey 2, respectively, compared to the traditional headpost method. The engagement was high, with monkeys performing over 500 trials per session and initiating a new trial after an average intertrial interval of approximately 1 second. The hit rate improved by about 10% for Monkey 1 in the chinrest condition, and the fixation precision, measured by the standard deviation of gaze positions, was significantly better in the chinrest condition, with Monkey 1 showing a reduction in fixation imprecision from 0.26° to 0.17° in the X-axis. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS The chinrest approach showed significant improvements in trial engagement and reduction in aborted trials due to fixation breaks, indicating less stress and potentially improved data quality compared to previous non-invasive methods. CONCLUSIONS The chinrest method offers a significant advancement in primate cognitive testing by allowing for precise data collection while addressing animal welfare concerns, possibly leading to better scientific outcomes and a paradigm shift in primate research methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samy Rima
- Department of Neuroscience and Movement Sciences, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 5, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland.
| | - Jennifer Greilsamer
- Department of Neuroscience and Movement Sciences, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 5, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland.
| | - Marcus Haag
- Department of Neuroscience and Movement Sciences, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 5, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland.
| | - Jaime Cadena-Valencia
- Department of Neuroscience and Movement Sciences, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 5, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland.
| | - Morgan Sansonnens
- Department of Neuroscience and Movement Sciences, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 5, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland.
| | - Andrea Francovich
- Department of Neuroscience and Movement Sciences, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 5, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland.
| | - Florian Lanz
- Department of Neuroscience and Movement Sciences, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 5, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland.
| | - Andrina Zbinden
- Department of Neuroscience and Movement Sciences, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 5, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland.
| | - Alessandra Bergadano
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Michael Christoph Schmid
- Department of Neuroscience and Movement Sciences, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 5, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland; Ernst Strungmann Institute (ESI) for Neuroscience in Cooperation with Max Planck Society, Deutschordenstrasse 46, Frankfurt 60528, Germany; Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.
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Al Aiyan A, Balan R, Ghebrehiwot E, Mihreteab Y, Zerom S, Gebreigziabiher S, AlDarwich A, Willingham AL, Kishore U. Mapping of the exterior architecture of the mesocephalic canine brain. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17147. [PMID: 39060275 PMCID: PMC11282252 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67343-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive studies published on the canine brain, inconsistencies and disagreements in the nomenclature and representation of various cerebral structures continue to exist. This study aimed to create a comprehensive mapping of the external architecture of the mesocephalic canine brain with a focus on the major gyri and sulci. Standardized dissection techniques were used on 20 ethically sourced brains obtained from 6 to 10-year-old dogs that were free of neurological disorders. Distinct gyri and sulci with unique locations and bordering structures were observed. Thus, it was possible to identify the often-ignored subprorean gyrus. In addition, this study was able to illustrate the unique locations and bordering structures of gyri and sulci. The findings can contribute to a consensus among researchers on the canine brain anatomy and assist in clarifying the inconsistencies in cerebral structure representation. Furthermore, the results of this study may hold significant implications for veterinary medicine and neuroscience and serve as a foundation for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for various neurological diseases in dogs. Our findings offer valuable insights into the unique evolutionary adaptations and specialized behaviors of the canine brain, thereby increasing awareness about the neural structures that enable dogs to demonstrate their unique traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Al Aiyan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Rinsha Balan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Even Ghebrehiwot
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yotam Mihreteab
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Simona Zerom
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Senit Gebreigziabiher
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Adnan AlDarwich
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Arve Lee Willingham
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Uday Kishore
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Foss KD, Billhymer AC. Magnetic resonance imaging in canine idiopathic epilepsy: a mini-review. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1427403. [PMID: 39021411 PMCID: PMC11251927 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1427403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in an integral part of the diagnostic workup in canines with idiopathic epilepsy (IE). While highly sensitive and specific in identifying structural lesions, conventional MRI is unable to detect changes at the microscopic level. Utilizing more advanced neuroimaging techniques may provide further information on changes at the neuronal level in the brain of canines with IE, thus providing crucial information on the pathogenesis of canine epilepsy. Additionally, earlier detection of these changes may aid clinicians in the development of improved and targeted therapies. Advances in MRI techniques are being developed which can assess metabolic, cellular, architectural, and functional alterations; as well alterations in neuronal tissue mechanical properties, some of which are currently being applied in research on canine IE. This mini-review focuses on novel MRI techniques being utilized to better understand canine epilepsy, which include magnetic resonance spectroscopy, diffusion-weighted imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, perfusion-weighted imaging, voxel based morphometry, and functional MRI; as well as techniques applied in human medicine and their potential use in veterinary species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari D. Foss
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
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Guran CNA, Boch M, Sladky R, Lonardo L, Karl S, Huber L, Lamm C. Functional mapping of the somatosensory cortex using noninvasive fMRI and touch in awake dogs. Brain Struct Funct 2024; 229:1193-1207. [PMID: 38642083 PMCID: PMC11147932 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-024-02798-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Dogs are increasingly used as a model for neuroscience due to their ability to undergo functional MRI fully awake and unrestrained, after extensive behavioral training. Still, we know rather little about dogs' basic functional neuroanatomy, including how basic perceptual and motor functions are localized in their brains. This is a major shortcoming in interpreting activations obtained in dog fMRI. The aim of this preregistered study was to localize areas associated with somatosensory processing. To this end, we touched N = 22 dogs undergoing fMRI scanning on their left and right flanks using a wooden rod. We identified activation in anatomically defined primary and secondary somatosensory areas (SI and SII), lateralized to the contralateral hemisphere depending on the side of touch, and importantly also activation beyond SI and SII, in the cingulate cortex, right cerebellum and vermis, and the sylvian gyri. These activations may partly relate to motor control (cerebellum, cingulate), but also potentially to higher-order cognitive processing of somatosensory stimuli (rostral sylvian gyri), and the affective aspects of the stimulation (cingulate). We also found evidence for individual side biases in a vast majority of dogs in our sample, pointing at functional lateralization of somatosensory processing. These findings not only provide further evidence that fMRI is suited to localize neuro-cognitive processing in dogs, but also expand our understanding of in vivo touch processing in mammals, beyond classically defined primary and secondary somatosensory cortices.
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Affiliation(s)
- C-N Alexandrina Guran
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Vienna Cognitive Science Hub, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Magdalena Boch
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ronald Sladky
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lucrezia Lonardo
- Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabrina Karl
- Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ludwig Huber
- Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claus Lamm
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Reinitz LZ, Lenzing F, Papp E, Biácsi A, Fajtai D, Petneházy Ö. CT reconstruction based 3D model of the digital cushion's blood supply in the hind foot of an African savanna elephant ( Loxodonta africana). Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1399392. [PMID: 38803804 PMCID: PMC11128542 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1399392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Foot health is crucial for elephants, as pathological lesions of the feet are a leading cause of euthanasia in captive elephants, which are endangered species. Proper treatment of the feet, particularly in conditions affecting the digits and the digital cushion, requires a thorough understanding of the underlying anatomy. However, only limited literature exists due to the small population and the epidemiological foot diseases which often precludes many deceased elephants from scientific study. The aim of this study was to provide a detailed anatomical description of the blood supply to the African elephant's hindfoot. Methods The healthy right hindlimb of a 19-year-old deceased female African savanna elephant was examined using computed tomography. Following a native sequence, 48 mL of barium-based contrast agent was injected into the caudal and cranial tibial arteries, and a subsequent scan was performed. The images were processed with 3D Slicer software. Results The medial and lateral plantar arteries run in a symmetrical pattern. They each have a dorsal and a plantar branch, which reach the plantar skin before turning toward the axial plane of the sole to reach the digital cushion from the proximal direction. An accurate 3D model of the arteries and the bones of the foot, a set of labeled images and an animation of the blood supply have been created for ease of understanding. Discussion In contrast to domestic ungulates, the digital cushion of the hindlimb is supplied differently from that of the forelimb. The lack of large vessels in its deeper layers indicates a slow regeneration time. This novel anatomical information may be useful in the planning of surgical interventions and in emergency medical procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Zoltán Reinitz
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Franka Lenzing
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Endre Papp
- Nyíregyházi Állatpark Nonprofit Kft. (Sosto Zoo), Nyíregyháza, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Biácsi
- Nyíregyházi Állatpark Nonprofit Kft. (Sosto Zoo), Nyíregyháza, Hungary
| | - Dániel Fajtai
- Medicopus Nonprofit Ltd., Kaposvár, Hungary
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - Örs Petneházy
- Medicopus Nonprofit Ltd., Kaposvár, Hungary
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kaposvár, Hungary
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7
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Foster M, Dwibhashyam S, Patel D, Gupta K, Matz OC, Billings BK, Bitterman K, Bertelson M, Tang CY, Mars RB, Raghanti MA, Hof PR, Sherwood CC, Manger PR, Spocter MA. Comparative anatomy of the caudate nucleus in canids and felids: Associations with brain size, curvature, cross-sectional properties, and behavioral ecology. J Comp Neurol 2024; 532:e25618. [PMID: 38686628 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The evolutionary history of canids and felids is marked by a deep time separation that has uniquely shaped their behavior and phenotype toward refined predatory abilities. The caudate nucleus is a subcortical brain structure associated with both motor control and cognitive, emotional, and executive functions. We used a combination of three-dimensional imaging, allometric scaling, and structural analyses to compare the size and shape characteristics of the caudate nucleus. The sample consisted of MRI scan data obtained from six canid species (Canis lupus lupus, Canis latrans, Chrysocyon brachyurus, Lycaon pictus, Vulpes vulpes, Vulpes zerda), two canid subspecies (Canis lupus familiaris, Canis lupus dingo), as well as three felids (Panthera tigris, Panthera uncia, Felis silvestris catus). Results revealed marked conservation in the scaling and shape attributes of the caudate nucleus across species, with only slight deviations. We hypothesize that observed differences in caudate nucleus size and structure for the domestic canids are reflective of enhanced cognitive and emotional pathways that possibly emerged during domestication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Foster
- Department of Anatomy, Des Moines University, West Des Moines, Iowa, USA
| | - Sai Dwibhashyam
- Department of Anatomy, Des Moines University, West Des Moines, Iowa, USA
| | - Devan Patel
- Department of Anatomy, Des Moines University, West Des Moines, Iowa, USA
| | - Kanika Gupta
- Department of Anatomy, Des Moines University, West Des Moines, Iowa, USA
| | - Olivia C Matz
- Department of Anatomy, Des Moines University, West Des Moines, Iowa, USA
| | - Brendon K Billings
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Kathleen Bitterman
- Department of Anatomy, Des Moines University, West Des Moines, Iowa, USA
| | - Mads Bertelson
- Center for Zoo and Wild Animal Health, Copenhagen Zoo, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Cheuk Y Tang
- Departments of Radiology and Psychiatry, BioMedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rogier B Mars
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mary Ann Raghanti
- Department of Anthropology and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
| | - Patrick R Hof
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, New York, USA
| | - Chet C Sherwood
- Department of Anthropology and Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Paul R Manger
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Muhammad A Spocter
- Department of Anatomy, Des Moines University, West Des Moines, Iowa, USA
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
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D'Aniello B, Pinelli C, Scandurra A, Di Lucrezia A, Aria M, Semin GR. When are puppies receptive to emotion-induced human chemosignals? The cases of fear and happiness. Anim Cogn 2023:10.1007/s10071-023-01771-4. [PMID: 37010698 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-023-01771-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
We report an observational, double-blind, experimental study that examines the effects of human emotional odors on puppies between 3 and 6 months and adult dogs (one year and upwards). Both groups were exposed to control, human fear, and happiness odors in a between subjects' design. The duration of all behaviors directed to the apparatus, the door, the owner, a stranger, and stress behaviors was recorded. A discriminant analysis showed that the fear odor activates consistent behavior patterns for both puppies and adult dogs. However, no behavioral differences between the control and happiness odor conditions were found in the case of puppies. In contrast, adult dogs reveal distinctive patterns for all three odor conditions. We argue that responses to human fear chemosignals systematically influence the behaviors displayed by puppies and adult dogs, which could be genetically prefigured. In contrast, the effects of happiness odors constitute cues that require learning during early socialization processes, which yield consistent patterns only in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biagio D'Aniello
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Pinelli
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Anna Scandurra
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Di Lucrezia
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Aria
- Department of Economics and Statistics, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Gün R Semin
- William James Center for Research, ISPA-Instituto Universitario, 1149-041, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.
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Visual perception of emotion cues in dogs: a critical review of methodologies. Anim Cogn 2023; 26:727-754. [PMID: 36870003 PMCID: PMC10066124 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-023-01762-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Comparative studies of human-dog cognition have grown exponentially since the 2000's, but the focus on how dogs look at us (as well as other dogs) as social partners is a more recent phenomenon despite its importance to human-dog interactions. Here, we briefly summarise the current state of research in visual perception of emotion cues in dogs and why this area is important; we then critically review its most commonly used methods, by discussing conceptual and methodological challenges and associated limitations in depth; finally, we suggest some possible solutions and recommend best practice for future research. Typically, most studies in this field have concentrated on facial emotional cues, with full body information rarely considered. There are many challenges in the way studies are conceptually designed (e.g., use of non-naturalistic stimuli) and the way researchers incorporate biases (e.g., anthropomorphism) into experimental designs, which may lead to problematic conclusions. However, technological and scientific advances offer the opportunity to gather much more valid, objective, and systematic data in this rapidly expanding field of study. Solving conceptual and methodological challenges in the field of emotion perception research in dogs will not only be beneficial in improving research in dog-human interactions, but also within the comparative psychology area, in which dogs are an important model species to study evolutionary processes.
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10
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Berns GS. Deciphering the dog brain with fMRI. Trends Neurosci 2023; 46:173-175. [PMID: 36307232 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
fMRI has been increasingly used to study brain function in domestic dogs trained to lie still in MRI scanners. These studies highlight both similarities and differences between dogs and humans when presented with the same stimuli, raising intriguing questions about the concept of functional homologies in a coevolved species that shares the human environment.
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Guran CNA, Sladky R, Karl S, Boch M, Laistler E, Windischberger C, Huber L, Lamm C. Validation of a New Coil Array Tailored for Dog Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0083-22.2022. [PMID: 36750363 PMCID: PMC9997692 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0083-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Comparative neuroimaging allows for the identification of similarities and differences between species. It provides an important and promising avenue, to answer questions about the evolutionary origins of the brain´s organization, in terms of both structure and function. Dog functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has recently become one particularly promising and increasingly used approach to study brain function and coevolution. In dog neuroimaging, image acquisition has so far been mostly performed with coils originally developed for use in human MRI. Since such coils have been tailored to human anatomy, their sensitivity and data quality is likely not optimal for dog MRI. Therefore, we developed a multichannel receive coil (K9 coil, read "canine") tailored for high-resolution functional imaging in canines, optimized for dog cranial anatomy. In this paper we report structural (n = 9) as well as functional imaging data (resting-state, n = 6; simple visual paradigm, n = 9) collected with the K9 coil in comparison to reference data collected with a human knee coil. Our results show that the K9 coil significantly outperforms the human knee coil, improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) across the imaging modalities. We noted increases of roughly 45% signal-to-noise in the structural and functional domain. In terms of translation to fMRI data collected in a visual flickering checkerboard paradigm, group-level analyses show that the K9 coil performs better than the knee coil as well. These findings demonstrate how hardware improvements may be instrumental in driving data quality, and thus, quality of imaging results, for dog-human comparative neuroimaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine-Noémie Alexandrina Guran
- Cognitive Science Hub, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria 1090
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (SCAN) Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria 1010
| | - Ronald Sladky
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (SCAN) Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria 1010
| | - Sabrina Karl
- Clever Dog Lab, Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria 1210
| | - Magdalena Boch
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (SCAN) Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria 1010
- Department of Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria 1030
| | - Elmar Laistler
- Division MR Physics, Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria 1090
| | - Christian Windischberger
- High Field MR Center, Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria 1090
| | - Ludwig Huber
- Clever Dog Lab, Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria 1210
| | - Claus Lamm
- Cognitive Science Hub, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria 1090
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (SCAN) Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria 1010
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12
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Cook PF, Berns G. Volumetric and connectivity assessment of the caudate nucleus in California sea lions and coyotes. Anim Cogn 2022; 25:1231-1240. [PMID: 36114948 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-022-01685-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In addition to a large (chimpanzee-sized) and heavily convoluted brain, one of the most striking neurobiological features in pinnipeds is the large size of the head of the caudate nucleus, which dwarfs the rest of the striatum. Although previous research has suggested carnivore striatum is small in comparison to that of primates, there are limited volumetric data on separate striatal structures in carnivores. Therefore, the apparent functional implication of a potentially hypertrophic caudate to carnivores has not been discussed. Here, for the first time, we obtained separate volumetric measurements of caudate and putamen in California sea lions and coyotes. Exemplars of both species had very large caudate nuclei, approximately 1/75th of total brain volume. In both the sea lion and coyote, the caudate dwarfed the putamen at a ratio of 13 to 1 or greater, a finding in strong contrast to measurements showing larger putamen than caudate in primates. In addition, using post-mortem diffusion tensor brain imaging, we mapped and compared white matter connections between the dorsal caudate and the motor, premotor and frontopolar, and orbitofrontal cortices in healthy adult sea lions and healthy adult coyotes. The sea lions showed some evidence of greater premotor and frontopolar connectivity. These findings bear on previously underexplored striatal characteristics of large carnivores, and we discuss potential interpretations related to cognitive flexibility and sensorimotor transformation.
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13
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Ferris CF. Applications in Awake Animal Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:854377. [PMID: 35450017 PMCID: PMC9017993 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.854377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There are numerous publications on methods and applications for awake functional MRI across different species, e.g., voles, rabbits, cats, dogs, and rhesus macaques. Each of these species, most obviously rhesus monkey, have general or unique attributes that provide a better understanding of the human condition. However, much of the work today is done on rodents. The growing number of small bore (≤30 cm) high field systems 7T- 11.7T favor the use of small animals. To that point, this review is primarily focused on rodents and their many applications in awake function MRI. Applications include, pharmacological MRI, drugs of abuse, sensory evoked stimuli, brain disorders, pain, social behavior, and fear.
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14
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EEG readings in dogs depending on their living condition and training. Preliminary study. J Vet Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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15
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Gillette KD, Phillips EM, Dilks DD, Berns GS. Using Live and Video Stimuli to Localize Face and Object Processing Regions of the Canine Brain. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12010108. [PMID: 35011214 PMCID: PMC8749767 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary We showed dogs and humans live-action stimuli (actors and objects) and videos of the same stimuli during fMRI to measure the equivalency of live and two-dimensional stimuli in the dog’s brain. We found that video stimuli were effective in defining face and object regions. However, the human fusiform face area and posterior superior temporal sulcus, and the analogous area in the dog brain, appeared to respond preferentially to live stimuli. In object regions, there was not a significantly different response between live and video stimuli. Abstract Previous research to localize face areas in dogs’ brains has generally relied on static images or videos. However, most dogs do not naturally engage with two-dimensional images, raising the question of whether dogs perceive such images as representations of real faces and objects. To measure the equivalency of live and two-dimensional stimuli in the dog’s brain, during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) we presented dogs and humans with live-action stimuli (actors and objects) as well as videos of the same actors and objects. The dogs (n = 7) and humans (n = 5) were presented with 20 s blocks of faces and objects in random order. In dogs, we found significant areas of increased activation in the putative dog face area, and in humans, we found significant areas of increased activation in the fusiform face area to both live and video stimuli. In both dogs and humans, we found areas of significant activation in the posterior superior temporal sulcus (ectosylvian fissure in dogs) and the lateral occipital complex (entolateral gyrus in dogs) to both live and video stimuli. Of these regions of interest, only the area along the ectosylvian fissure in dogs showed significantly more activation to live faces than to video faces, whereas, in humans, both the fusiform face area and posterior superior temporal sulcus responded significantly more to live conditions than video conditions. However, using the video conditions alone, we were able to localize all regions of interest in both dogs and humans. Therefore, videos can be used to localize these regions of interest, though live conditions may be more salient.
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16
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Cuaya LV, Hernández-Pérez R, Boros M, Deme A, Andics A. Speech naturalness detection and language representation in the dog brain. Neuroimage 2021; 248:118811. [PMID: 34906714 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.118811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Family dogs are exposed to a continuous flow of human speech throughout their lives. However, the extent of their abilities in speech perception is unknown. Here, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to test speech detection and language representation in the dog brain. Dogs (n = 18) listened to natural speech and scrambled speech in a familiar and an unfamiliar language. Speech scrambling distorts auditory regularities specific to speech and to a given language, but keeps spectral voice cues intact. We hypothesized that if dogs can extract auditory regularities of speech, and of a familiar language, then there will be distinct patterns of brain activity for natural speech vs. scrambled speech, and also for familiar vs. unfamiliar language. Using multivoxel pattern analysis (MVPA) we found that bilateral auditory cortical regions represented natural speech and scrambled speech differently; with a better classifier performance in longer-headed dogs in a right auditory region. This neural capacity for speech detection was not based on preferential processing for speech but rather on sensitivity to sound naturalness. Furthermore, in case of natural speech, distinct activity patterns were found for the two languages in the secondary auditory cortex and in the precruciate gyrus; with a greater difference in responses to the familiar and unfamiliar languages in older dogs, indicating a role for the amount of language exposure. No regions represented differently the scrambled versions of the two languages, suggesting that the activity difference between languages in natural speech reflected sensitivity to language-specific regularities rather than to spectral voice cues. These findings suggest that separate cortical regions support speech naturalness detection and language representation in the dog brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura V Cuaya
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; MTA-ELTE 'Lendület' Neuroethology of Communication Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences - Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Raúl Hernández-Pérez
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; MTA-ELTE 'Lendület' Neuroethology of Communication Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences - Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marianna Boros
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; MTA-ELTE 'Lendület' Neuroethology of Communication Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences - Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrea Deme
- Department of Applied Linguistics and Phonetics, Faculty of Humanities, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; MTA-ELTE 'Lendület' Lingual Articulation Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Andics
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; MTA-ELTE 'Lendület' Neuroethology of Communication Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences - Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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17
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Makowska IJ, Weary DM. A Good Life for Laboratory Rodents? ILAR J 2021; 60:373-388. [PMID: 32311030 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilaa001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Most would agree that animals in research should be spared "unnecessary" harm, pain, or distress, and there is also growing interest in providing animals with some form of environmental enrichment. But is this the standard of care that we should aspire to? We argue that we need to work towards a higher standard-specifically, that providing research animals with a "good life" should be a prerequisite for their use. The aims of this paper are to illustrate our vision of a "good life" for laboratory rats and mice and to provide a roadmap for achieving this vision. We recognize that several research procedures are clearly incompatible with a good life but describe here what we consider to be the minimum day-to-day living conditions to be met when using rodents in research. A good life requires that animals can express a rich behavioral repertoire, use their abilities, and fulfill their potential through active engagement with their environment. In the first section, we describe how animals could be housed for these requirements to be fulfilled, from simple modifications to standard housing through to better cage designs and free-ranging options. In the second section, we review the types of interactions with laboratory rodents that are compatible with a good life. In the third section, we address the potential for the animals to have a life outside of research, including the use of pets in clinical trials (the animal-as-patient model) and the adoption of research animals to new homes when they are no longer needed in research. We conclude with a few suggestions for achieving our vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Joanna Makowska
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Animal Welfare Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Daniel M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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18
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Gábor A, Andics A, Miklósi Á, Czeibert K, Carreiro C, Gácsi M. Social relationship-dependent neural response to speech in dogs. Neuroimage 2021; 243:118480. [PMID: 34411741 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.118480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, social relationship with the speaker affects neural processing of speech, as exemplified by children's auditory and reward responses to their mother's utterances. Family dogs show human analogue attachment behavior towards the owner, and neuroimaging revealed auditory cortex and reward center sensitivity to verbal praises in dog brains. Combining behavioral and non-invasive fMRI data, we investigated the effect of dogs' social relationship with the speaker on speech processing. Dogs listened to praising and neutral speech from their owners and a control person. We found positive correlation between dogs' behaviorally measured attachment scores towards their owners and neural activity increase for the owner's voice in the caudate nucleus; and activity increase in the secondary auditory caudal ectosylvian gyrus and the caudate nucleus for the owner's praise. Through identifying social relationship-dependent neural reward responses, our study reveals similarities in neural mechanisms modulated by infant-mother and dog-owner attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gábor
- MTA-ELTE 'Lendület' Neuroethology of Communication Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences - Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Hungary; Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Hungary.
| | - Attila Andics
- MTA-ELTE 'Lendület' Neuroethology of Communication Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences - Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Hungary; Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Hungary
| | - Ádám Miklósi
- Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Hungary; MTA-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research Group, H-1117 Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Hungary
| | - Kálmán Czeibert
- Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Hungary
| | - Cecília Carreiro
- Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Hungary
| | - Márta Gácsi
- Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, H-1117 Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Hungary; MTA-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research Group, H-1117 Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Hungary
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19
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Prichard A, Chhibber R, King J, Athanassiades K, Spivak M, Berns GS. Decoding Odor Mixtures in the Dog Brain: An Awake fMRI Study. Chem Senses 2021; 45:833-844. [PMID: 33179730 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjaa068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In working and practical contexts, dogs rely upon their ability to discriminate a target odor from distracting odors and other sensory stimuli. Using awake functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in 18 dogs, we examined the neural mechanisms underlying odor discrimination between 2 odors and a mixture of the odors. Neural activation was measured during the presentation of a target odor (A) associated with a food reward, a distractor odor (B) associated with nothing, and a mixture of the two odors (A+B). Changes in neural activation during the presentations of the odor stimuli in individual dogs were measured over time within three regions known to be involved with odor processing: the caudate nucleus, the amygdala, and the olfactory bulbs. Average activation within the amygdala showed that dogs maximally differentiated between odor stimuli based on the stimulus-reward associations by the first run, while activation to the mixture (A+B) was most similar to the no-reward (B) stimulus. To clarify the neural representation of odor mixtures in the dog brain, we used a random forest classifier to compare multilabel (elemental) versus multiclass (configural) models. The multiclass model performed much better than the multilabel (weighted-F1 0.44 vs. 0.14), suggesting the odor mixture was processed configurally. Analysis of the subset of high-performing dogs' brain classification metrics revealed a network of olfactory information-carrying brain regions that included the amygdala, piriform cortex, and posterior cingulate. These results add further evidence for the configural processing of odor mixtures in dogs and suggest a novel way to identify high-performers based on brain classification metrics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jon King
- Psychology Department, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Mark Spivak
- Comprehensive Pet Therapy, Inc., Sandy Springs, GA, USA.,Dog Star Technologies, LLC, Sandy Springs, GA, USA
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20
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Barry EF, Loftus JP, Luh WM, de Leon MJ, Niogi SN, Johnson PJ. Diffusion tensor-based analysis of white matter in the healthy aging canine brain. Neurobiol Aging 2021; 105:129-136. [PMID: 34062488 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
White matter dysfunction and degeneration have been a topic of great interest in healthy and pathological aging. While ex vivo studies have investigated age-related changes in canines, little in vivo canine aging research exists. Quantitative diffusion MRI such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has demonstrated aging and neurodegenerative white matter changes in humans. However, this method has not been applied and adapted in vivo to canine populations. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that white matter diffusion changes frequently reported in human aging are also found in aged canines. The study used Tract Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) and a region of interest (ROI) approach to investigate age related changes in fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AxD) and radial diffusivity (RD). The results show that, compared to younger animals, aged canines have significant decreases in FA in parietal and temporal regions as well as the corpus callosum and fornix. Additionally, AxD decreases were observed in parietal, frontal, and midbrain regions. Similarly, an age- related increase in RD was observed in the right parietal lobe while MD decreases were found in the midbrain. These findings suggest that canine samples show commonalities with human brain aging as both exhibit similar white matter diffusion tensor changes with increasing age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica F Barry
- Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - John P Loftus
- Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Wen-Ming Luh
- National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mony J de Leon
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Sumit N Niogi
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
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21
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Siniscalchi M, d’Ingeo S, Quaranta A. Lateralized emotional functioning in domestic animals. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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22
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Prichard A, Chhibber R, Athanassiades K, Chiu V, Spivak M, Berns GS. 2D or not 2D? An fMRI study of how dogs visually process objects. Anim Cogn 2021; 24:1143-1151. [PMID: 33772693 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-021-01506-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Given humans' habitual use of screens, they rarely consider potential differences when viewing two-dimensional (2D) stimuli and real-world versions of dimensional stimuli. Dogs also have access to many forms of screens and touchpads, with owners even subscribing to dog-directed content. Humans understand that 2D stimuli are representations of real-world objects, but do dogs? In canine cognition studies, 2D stimuli are almost always used to study what is normally 3D, like faces, and may assume that both 2D and 3D stimuli are represented in the brain the same way. Here, we used awake fMRI in 15 dogs to examine the neural mechanisms underlying dogs' perception of two- and three-dimensional objects after the dogs were trained on either two- or three-dimensional versions of the objects. Activation within reward processing regions and parietal cortex of the dog brain to 2D and 3D versions of objects was determined by their training experience, as dogs trained on one dimensionality showed greater differential activation within the dimension on which they were trained. These results show that dogs do not automatically generalize between two- and three-dimensional versions of object stimuli and suggest that future research consider the implicit assumptions when using pictures or videos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Prichard
- Psychology Department, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Raveena Chhibber
- Psychology Department, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | | | - Veronica Chiu
- Psychology Department, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Mark Spivak
- Comprehensive Pet Therapy, Inc, Sandy Springs, GA, 30328, USA
| | - Gregory S Berns
- Psychology Department, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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23
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Prichard A, Chhibber R, Athanassiades K, Chiu V, Spivak M, Berns GS. The mouth matters most: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study of how dogs perceive inanimate objects. J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:2987-2994. [PMID: 33745141 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The perception and representation of objects in the world are foundational to all animals. The relative importance of objects' physical properties versus how the objects are interacted with continues to be debated. Neural evidence in humans and nonhuman primates suggests animate-inanimate and face-body dimensions of objects are represented in the temporal cortex. However, because primates have opposable thumbs and interact with objects in similar ways, the question remains as to whether this similarity represents the evolution of a common cognitive process or whether it reflects a similarity of physical interaction. Here, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in dogs to test whether the type of interaction affects object processing in an animal that interacts primarily with its mouth. In Study 1, we identified object-processing regions of cortex by having dogs passively view movies of faces and objects. In Study 2, dogs were trained to interact with two new objects with either the mouth or the paw. Then, we measured responsivity in the object regions to the presentation of these objects. Mouth-objects elicited significantly greater activity in object regions than paw-objects. Mouth-objects were also associated with activity in somatosensory cortex, suggesting dogs were anticipating mouthing interactions. These findings suggest that object perception in dogs is affected by how dogs expect to interact with familiar objects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Prichard
- Psychology Department, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | - Veronica Chiu
- Psychology Department, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mark Spivak
- Comprehensive Pet Therapy, Inc., Sandy Springs, Georgia, USA
| | - Gregory S Berns
- Psychology Department, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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24
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Boch M, Karl S, Sladky R, Huber L, Lamm C, Wagner IC. Tailored haemodynamic response function increases detection power of fMRI in awake dogs (Canis familiaris). Neuroimage 2021; 224:117414. [PMID: 33011420 PMCID: PMC7616344 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of awake and unrestrained dogs (Canis familiaris) has been established as a novel opportunity for comparative neuroimaging, promising important insights into the evolutionary roots of human brain function and cognition. However, data processing and analysis pipelines are often derivatives of methodological standards developed for human neuroimaging, which may be problematic due to profound neurophysiological and anatomical differences between humans and dogs. Here, we explore whether dog fMRI studies would benefit from a tailored dog haemodynamic response function (HRF). In two independent experiments, dogs were presented with different visual stimuli. BOLD signal changes in the visual cortex during these experiments were used for (a) the identification and estimation of a tailored dog HRF, and (b) the independent validation of the resulting dog HRF estimate. Time course analyses revealed that the BOLD signal in the primary visual cortex peaked significantly earlier in dogs compared to humans, while being comparable in shape. Deriving a tailored dog HRF significantly improved the model fit in both experiments, compared to the canonical HRF used in human fMRI. Using the dog HRF yielded significantly increased activation during visual stimulation, extending from the occipital lobe to the caudal parietal cortex, the bilateral temporal cortex, into bilateral hippocampal and thalamic regions. In sum, our findings provide robust evidence for an earlier onset of the dog HRF in two visual stimulation paradigms, and suggest that using such an HRF will be important to increase fMRI detection power in canine neuroimaging. By providing the parameters of the tailored dog HRF and related code, we encourage and enable other researchers to validate whether our findings generalize to other sensory modalities and experimental paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Boch
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; Department of Cognitive Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabrina Karl
- Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ronald Sladky
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ludwig Huber
- Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Claus Lamm
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Isabella C Wagner
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria.
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25
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Karl S, Boch M, Zamansky A, van der Linden D, Wagner IC, Völter CJ, Lamm C, Huber L. Exploring the dog-human relationship by combining fMRI, eye-tracking and behavioural measures. Sci Rep 2020; 10:22273. [PMID: 33335230 PMCID: PMC7747637 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79247-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioural studies revealed that the dog-human relationship resembles the human mother-child bond, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report the results of a multi-method approach combining fMRI (N = 17), eye-tracking (N = 15), and behavioural preference tests (N = 24) to explore the engagement of an attachment-like system in dogs seeing human faces. We presented morph videos of the caregiver, a familiar person, and a stranger showing either happy or angry facial expressions. Regardless of emotion, viewing the caregiver activated brain regions associated with emotion and attachment processing in humans. In contrast, the stranger elicited activation mainly in brain regions related to visual and motor processing, and the familiar person relatively weak activations overall. While the majority of happy stimuli led to increased activation of the caudate nucleus associated with reward processing, angry stimuli led to activations in limbic regions. Both the eye-tracking and preference test data supported the superior role of the caregiver's face and were in line with the findings from the fMRI experiment. While preliminary, these findings indicate that cutting across different levels, from brain to behaviour, can provide novel and converging insights into the engagement of the putative attachment system when dogs interact with humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Karl
- Clever Dog Lab, Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Magdalena Boch
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Cognitive Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Zamansky
- Information Systems Department, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
| | - Dirk van der Linden
- Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Isabella C Wagner
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph J Völter
- Clever Dog Lab, Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claus Lamm
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ludwig Huber
- Clever Dog Lab, Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
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26
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Abstract
The place of the concept of response strength in a natural science of behavior has been the subject of much debate. This article reconsiders the concept of response strength for reasons linked to the foundations of a natural science of behavior. The notion of response strength is implicit in many radical behaviorists' work. Palmer (2009) makes it explicit by applying the response strength concept to three levels: (1) overt behavior, (2) covert behavior, and (3) latent or potential behavior. We argue that the concept of response strength is superfluous in general, and an explication of the notion of giving causal status to nonobservable events like latent behavior or response strength is harmful to a scientific endeavor. Interpreting EEG recordings as indicators of changes in response strength runs the risk of reducing behavior to underlying mechanisms, regardless of whether such suggestions are accompanied by behavioral observations. Many radical behaviorists understand behavior as a discrete unit, inviting conceptual mistakes reflected in the notion of response strength. A molar view is suggested as an alternative that accounts for the temporally extended nature of behavior and avoids the perils of a response-strength based approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsta Simon
- University of Agder, Postboks 422, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway
| | | | - Sarah Cowie
- University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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27
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Reliability of fNIRS for noninvasive monitoring of brain function and emotion in sheep. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14726. [PMID: 32895449 PMCID: PMC7477174 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71704-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to critically assess if functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) can be profitably used as a tool for noninvasive recording of brain functions and emotions in sheep. We considered an experimental design including advances in instrumentation (customized wireless multi-distance fNIRS system), more accurate physical modelling (two-layer model for photon diffusion and 3D Monte Carlo simulations), support from neuroanatomical tools (positioning of the fNIRS probe by MRI and DTI data of the very same animals), and rigorous protocols (motor task, startling test) for testing the behavioral response of freely moving sheep. Almost no hemodynamic response was found in the extra-cerebral region in both the motor task and the startling test. In the motor task, as expected we found a canonical hemodynamic response in the cerebral region when sheep were walking. In the startling test, the measured hemodynamic response in the cerebral region was mainly from movement. Overall, these results indicate that with the current setup and probe positioning we are primarily measuring the motor area of the sheep brain, and not probing the too deeply located cortical areas related to processing of emotions.
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Abstract
There is now a large body of research in veterinary behavioral medicine that is clinically relevant and could enrich patients' and practitioners' lives. Too often, however, this research is published in journals that may not be readily available to veterinarians in private practice. Four important topics in the area of veterinary behavioral medicine for which belief has not kept pace with the published data are the unmet need for behavioral medicine in veterinary practice, the veterinary experience as a contributor to fear and distress in dogs and cats, social signaling in dogs and the ongoing "dominance" debate, and punishment as an intervention to change behavior. The present article seeks to provide a critical overview of recent research that is shifting existing paradigms on these topics and should alter the way veterinarians observe and care for patients.
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29
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Liu Y, Perez PD, Ma Z, Ma Z, Dopfel D, Cramer S, Tu W, Zhang N. An open database of resting-state fMRI in awake rats. Neuroimage 2020; 220:117094. [PMID: 32610063 PMCID: PMC7605641 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodent models are essential to translational research in health and disease. Investigation in rodent brain function and organization at the systems level using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) has become increasingly popular. Due to this rapid progress, publicly shared rodent rsfMRI databases can be of particular interest and importance to the scientific community, as inspired by human neuroscience and psychiatric research that are substantially facilitated by open human neuroimaging datasets. However, such databases in rats are still rare. In this paper, we share an open rsfMRI database acquired in 90 rats with a well-established awake imaging paradigm that avoids anesthesia interference. Both raw and preprocessed data are made publicly available. Procedures in data preprocessing to remove artefacts induced by the scanner, head motion and non-neural physiological noise are described in details. We also showcase inter-regional functional connectivity and functional networks obtained from the database.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yikang Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Pablo D Perez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Zilu Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Zhiwei Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - David Dopfel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Samuel Cramer
- Neuroscience Program, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Wenyu Tu
- Neuroscience Program, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Nanyin Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA; Neuroscience Program, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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30
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Abstract
In recent years, two well-developed methods of studying mental processes in humans have been successively applied to dogs. First, eye-tracking has been used to study visual cognition without distraction in unrestrained dogs. Second, noninvasive functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been used for assessing the brain functions of dogs in vivo. Both methods, however, require dogs to sit, stand, or lie motionless while yet remaining attentive for several minutes, during which time their brain activity and eye movements are measured. Whereas eye-tracking in dogs is performed in a quiet and, apart from the experimental stimuli, nonstimulating and highly controlled environment, MRI scanning can only be performed in a very noisy and spatially restraining MRI scanner, in which dogs need to feel relaxed and stay motionless in order to study their brain and cognition with high precision. Here we describe in detail a training regime that is perfectly suited to train dogs in the required skills, with a high success probability and while keeping to the highest ethical standards of animal welfare-that is, without using aversive training methods or any other compromises to the dog's well-being for both methods. By reporting data from 41 dogs that successfully participated in eye-tracking training and 24 dogs IN fMRI training, we provide robust qualitative and quantitative evidence for the quality and efficiency of our training methods. By documenting and validating our training approach here, we aim to inspire others to use our methods to apply eye-tracking or fMRI for their investigations of canine behavior and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Karl
- Clever Dog Lab, Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Magdalena Boch
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Basic Psychological Research and Research Methods, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Cognitive Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Zsófia Virányi
- Clever Dog Lab, Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claus Lamm
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Basic Psychological Research and Research Methods, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ludwig Huber
- Clever Dog Lab, Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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31
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Dzięcioł M, Podgórski P, Stańczyk E, Szumny A, Woszczyło M, Pieczewska B, Niżański W, Nicpoń J, Wrzosek MA. MRI Features of the Vomeronasal Organ in Dogs ( Canis Familiaris). Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:159. [PMID: 32266300 PMCID: PMC7105831 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
According to current knowledge, the vomeronasal organ (VNO, Jacobson's organ) is the structure responsible for semiochemical signal detection. In dogs and other mammals, it is located close to the vomer and palatine processes of the incisive and maxillary bones. Although there are reports describing the anatomy and histology of this structure, there are limited available reports assessing this organ in live individuals and no direct visualization reports in dogs. The aim of this study was 2-fold: (1) preparation and optimization of a protocol for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of the VNO in a cadaver study with precise visualization and localization, and (2) characterization of the physiological VNO image features in MRI of live dogs. The first part of the study was performed on 10 beagle cadavers, the second on 8 live beagle dogs. For the VNO visualization, a 1.5T MRI (Philips® Ingenia) scanner and 20-channel digital head-neck spine coil were used (Philips®, Holland). The cadaver study allowed confirmation of the organ's location by the topical application of an MRI contrast agent (gadolinium) via the external entrance of the VNO canal. Accurate delineation of the VNO was obtained using a high resolution submillimeter three-dimensional T1-fast field echo (FFE) 3D sequence. Imaging of the VNO in 8 living dogs allowed the description of the morphological MRI features and direct evaluation of its shape and size. The results obtained demonstrate the ability to visualize the VNO in vivo and to evaluate its structure in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Dzięcioł
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Przemysław Podgórski
- Department of General Radiology, Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology Wroclaw, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ewa Stańczyk
- Center of Experimental Diagnostics and Innovative Biomedical Technologies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Antoni Szumny
- Department of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Martyna Woszczyło
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Barbara Pieczewska
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Wojciech Niżański
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Józef Nicpoń
- Center of Experimental Diagnostics and Innovative Biomedical Technologies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marcin Adam Wrzosek
- Department of Internal Diseases With Clinic for Horses, Dogs and Cats, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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32
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Reicher V, Kis A, Simor P, Bódizs R, Gombos F, Gácsi M. Repeated afternoon sleep recordings indicate first‐night‐effect‐like adaptation process in family dogs. J Sleep Res 2020; 29:e12998. [DOI: 10.1111/jsr.12998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Reicher
- Department of Ethology Institute of Biology Eötvös Loránd University Budapest Hungary
| | - Anna Kis
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology Budapest Hungary
| | - Péter Simor
- Institute of Psychology Eötvös Loránd University Budapest Hungary
- Institute of Behavioural Sciences Semmelweis University Budapest Hungary
| | - Róbert Bódizs
- Institute of Behavioural Sciences Semmelweis University Budapest Hungary
- Juhász Pál Epilepsy Center National Institute of Clinical Neuroscience Budapest Hungary
| | - Ferenc Gombos
- Department of General Psychology Pázmány Péter Catholic University Budapest Hungary
- MTA‐PPKE Adolescent Development Research Group Budapest Hungary
| | - Márta Gácsi
- Department of Ethology Institute of Biology Eötvös Loránd University Budapest Hungary
- MTA‐ELTE Comparative Ethology Research Group Budapest Hungary
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33
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Billings BK, Behroozi M, Helluy X, Bhagwandin A, Manger PR, Güntürkün O, Ströckens F. A three-dimensional digital atlas of the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) forebrain. Brain Struct Funct 2020; 225:683-703. [PMID: 32009190 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02028-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The phylogenetic position of crocodilians in relation to birds and mammals makes them an interesting animal model for investigating the evolution of the nervous system in amniote vertebrates. A few neuroanatomical atlases are available for reptiles, but with a growing interest in these animals within the comparative neurosciences, a need for these anatomical reference templates is becoming apparent. With the advent of MRI being used more frequently in comparative neuroscience, the aim of this study was to create a three-dimensional MRI-based atlas of the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) brain to provide a common reference template for the interpretation of the crocodilian, and more broadly reptilian, brain. Ex vivo MRI acquisitions in combination with histological data were used to delineate crocodilian brain areas at telencephalic, diencephalic, mesencephalic, and rhombencephalic levels. A total of 50 anatomical structures were successfully identified and outlined to create a 3-D model of the Nile crocodile brain. The majority of structures were more readily discerned within the forebrain of the crocodile with the methods used to produce this atlas. The anatomy outlined herein corresponds with both classical and recent crocodilian anatomical analyses, barring a few areas of contention predominantly related to a lack of functional data and conflicting nomenclature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendon K Billings
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Mehdi Behroozi
- Faculty of Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Biopsychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Xavier Helluy
- Faculty of Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Biopsychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Adhil Bhagwandin
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Division of Clinical Anatomy and Biological Anthropology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Paul R Manger
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Onur Güntürkün
- Faculty of Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Biopsychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Felix Ströckens
- Faculty of Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Biopsychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany.
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34
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Johnson LSM. The Trouble with Animal Models in Brain Research. NEUROETHICS AND NONHUMAN ANIMALS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-31011-0_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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35
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Aulet LS, Chiu VC, Prichard A, Spivak M, Lourenco SF, Berns GS. Canine sense of quantity: evidence for numerical ratio-dependent activation in parietotemporal cortex. Biol Lett 2019; 15:20190666. [PMID: 31847744 PMCID: PMC6936025 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2019.0666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The approximate number system (ANS), which supports the rapid estimation of quantity, emerges early in human development and is widespread across species. Neural evidence from both human and non-human primates suggests the parietal cortex as a primary locus of numerical estimation, but it is unclear whether the numerical competencies observed across non-primate species are subserved by similar neural mechanisms. Moreover, because studies with non-human animals typically involve extensive training, little is known about the spontaneous numerical capacities of non-human animals. To address these questions, we examined the neural underpinnings of number perception using awake canine functional magnetic resonance imaging. Dogs passively viewed dot arrays that varied in ratio and, critically, received no task-relevant training or exposure prior to testing. We found evidence of ratio-dependent activation, which is a key feature of the ANS, in canine parietotemporal cortex in the majority of dogs tested. This finding is suggestive of a neural mechanism for quantity perception that has been conserved across mammalian evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren S Aulet
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Veronica C Chiu
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Ashley Prichard
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Mark Spivak
- Comprehensive Pet Therapy, Atlanta, GA 30328, USA
| | | | - Gregory S Berns
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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36
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Czeibert K, Andics A, Petneházy Ö, Kubinyi E. A detailed canine brain label map for neuroimaging analysis. Biol Futur 2019; 70:112-120. [DOI: 10.1556/019.70.2019.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kálmán Czeibert
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Andics
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-ELTE ‘Lendület’ Neuroethology of Communication Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences – Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Örs Petneházy
- Medicopus Nonprofit Ltd., ‘Kaposi Mór’ Teaching Hospital, Somogy County, Kaposvár, Hungary
- Justanatomy Ltd., Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - Enikő Kubinyi
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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37
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Separate brain areas for processing human and dog faces as revealed by awake fMRI in dogs (Canis familiaris). Learn Behav 2019; 46:561-573. [PMID: 30349971 DOI: 10.3758/s13420-018-0352-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has emerged as a viable method to study the neural processing underlying cognition in awake dogs. Working dogs were presented with pictures of dog and human faces. The human faces varied in familiarity (familiar trainers and unfamiliar individuals) and emotional valence (negative, neutral, and positive). Dog faces were familiar (kennel mates) or unfamiliar. The findings revealed adjacent but separate brain areas in the left temporal cortex for processing human and dog faces in the dog brain. The human face area (HFA) and dog face area (DFA) were both parametrically modulated by valence indicating emotion was not the basis for the separation. The HFA and DFA were not influenced by familiarity. Using resting state fMRI data, functional connectivity networks (connectivity fingerprints) were compared and matched across dogs and humans. These network analyses found that the HFA mapped onto the human fusiform area and the DFA mapped onto the human superior temporal gyrus, both core areas in the human face processing system. The findings provide insight into the evolution of face processing.
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38
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Pörtl D, Jung C. Physiological pathways to rapid prosocial evolution. Biol Futur 2019; 70:93-102. [PMID: 34554422 DOI: 10.1556/019.70.2019.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) descend from wolves (Canis lupus) sharing the same ecological niche of cooperative hunters, as humans. Initially, humans and wolves were competitors starting interspecific communication in order to avoid risk of injury. The evolutionary continuity of mammalian brains enabled interspecific prosocial contacts between both of them, which reduced stress, and enabled behavioral cultures leading to genetic isolation of those wolves. Dogs are the first domesticated animal living together with humans for about 25,000 years. Domestication means decreased aggression and flight distance toward humans, thus changes in the stress axis are crucial. The hypothesis of Active Social Domestication considers genetic selection as a necessary prediction but not a sufficient explanation of dog domestication. In addition, dog domestication is suggested to be an epigenetic disclosure. Due to changed stress activity, epigenetic mechanisms affect cerebral receptor activity and regulate transposon expressions, thus shaping brain function and behavior. Interspecific prosocial contacts initiated via serotonin release an enzymatic cascade enhancing, epigeneti-cally, the glucocorticoid negative feedback loop. Reduced chronic stress improved social learning capability and inhibitory control. Over time, those wolves could integrate themselves into human social structures, thus becoming dogs. In analogy, human mental skills, such as creating art and culture, might have also improved during the Upper Paleolithic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Pörtl
- Psychiatric Department, Saale-Unstrut Klinikum, Teaching Hospital Leipzig and Jena Universities, Naumburg, Germany.
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39
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Carvalho C, Gaspar A, Knight A, Vicente L. Ethical and Scientific Pitfalls Concerning Laboratory Research with Non-Human Primates, and Possible Solutions. Animals (Basel) 2018; 9:E12. [PMID: 30597951 PMCID: PMC6356609 DOI: 10.3390/ani9010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Basic and applied laboratory research, whenever intrusive or invasive, presents substantial ethical challenges for ethical committees, be it with human beings or with non-human animals. In this paper we discuss the use of non-human primates (NHPs), mostly as animal models, in laboratory based research. We examine the two ethical frameworks that support current legislation and guidelines: deontology and utilitarianism. While human based research is regulated under deontological principles, guidelines for laboratory animal research rely on utilitarianism. We argue that the utilitarian framework is inadequate for this purpose: on the one hand, it is almost impossible to accurately predict the benefits of a study for all potential stakeholders; and on the other hand, harm inflicted on NHPs (and other animals) used in laboratory research is extensive despite the increasing efforts of ethics committees and the research community to address this. Although deontology and utilitarianism are both valid ethical frameworks, we advocate that a deontological approach is more suitable, since we arguably have moral duties to NHPs. We provide suggestions on how to ensure that research currently conducted in laboratory settings shifts towards approaches that abide by deontological principles. We assert that this would not impede reasonable scientific research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constança Carvalho
- Centre for Philosophy of Science of the University of Lisbon, Department Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisbon 1749-016, Portugal.
| | - Augusta Gaspar
- Catolica Research Center for Psychological, Family and Social Wellbeing (CRC-W), Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Palma de Cima, Lisboa 1649-023, Portugal.
| | - Andrew Knight
- Centre for Animal Welfare, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Winchester, Winchester SO22 4NR, UK.
| | - Luís Vicente
- Centre for Philosophy of Science of the University of Lisbon, Department Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisbon 1749-016, Portugal.
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40
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Dopfel D, Zhang N. Mapping stress networks using functional magnetic resonance imaging in awake animals. Neurobiol Stress 2018; 9:251-263. [PMID: 30450389 PMCID: PMC6234259 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurobiology of stress is studied through behavioral neuroscience, endocrinology, neuronal morphology and neurophysiology. There is a shift in focus toward progressive changes throughout stress paradigms and individual susceptibility to stress that requires methods that allow for longitudinal study design and study of individual differences in stress response. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), with the advantages of noninvasiveness and a large field of view, can be used for functionally mapping brain-wide regions and circuits critical to the stress response, making it suitable for longitudinal studies and understanding individual variability of short-term and long-term consequences of stress exposure. In addition, fMRI can be applied to both animals and humans, which is highly valuable in translating findings across species and examining whether the physiology and neural circuits involved in the stress response are conserved in mammals. However, compared to human fMRI studies, there are a number of factors that are essential for the success of fMRI studies in animals. This review discussed the use of fMRI in animal studies of stress. It reviewed advantages, challenges and technical considerations of the animal fMRI methodology as well as recent literature of stress studies using fMRI in animals. It also highlighted the development of combining fMRI with other methods and the future potential of fMRI in animal studies of stress. We conclude that animal fMRI studies, with their flexibility, low cost and short time frame compared to human studies, are crucial to advancing our understanding of the neurobiology of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Dopfel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Nanyin Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- The Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
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41
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Prichard A, Cook PF, Spivak M, Chhibber R, Berns GS. Awake fMRI Reveals Brain Regions for Novel Word Detection in Dogs. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:737. [PMID: 30374286 PMCID: PMC6196269 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
How do dogs understand human words? At a basic level, understanding would require the discrimination of words from non-words. To determine the mechanisms of such a discrimination, we trained 12 dogs to retrieve two objects based on object names, then probed the neural basis for these auditory discriminations using awake-fMRI. We compared the neural response to these trained words relative to "oddball" pseudowords the dogs had not heard before. Consistent with novelty detection, we found greater activation for pseudowords relative to trained words bilaterally in the parietotemporal cortex. To probe the neural basis for representations of trained words, searchlight multivoxel pattern analysis (MVPA) revealed that a subset of dogs had clusters of informative voxels that discriminated between the two trained words. These clusters included the left temporal cortex and amygdala, left caudate nucleus, and thalamus. These results demonstrate that dogs' processing of human words utilizes basic processes like novelty detection, and for some dogs, may also include auditory and hedonic representations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Prichard
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Peter F. Cook
- Psychology, New College of Florida, Sarasota, FL, United States
| | - Mark Spivak
- Comprehensive Pet Therapy, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Raveena Chhibber
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Gregory S. Berns
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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42
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Prichard A, Chhibber R, Athanassiades K, Spivak M, Berns GS. Fast neural learning in dogs: A multimodal sensory fMRI study. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14614. [PMID: 30279481 PMCID: PMC6168449 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32990-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Dogs may follow their nose, but they learn associations to many types of sensory stimuli. Are some modalities learned better than others? We used awake fMRI in 19 dogs over a series of three experiments to measure reward-related learning of visual, olfactory, and verbal stimuli. Neurobiological learning curves were generated for individual dogs by measuring activation over time within three regions of interest: the caudate nucleus, amygdala, and parietotemporal cortex. The learning curves showed that dogs formed stimulus-reward associations in as little as 22 trials. Consistent with neuroimaging studies of associative learning, the caudate showed a main effect for reward-related stimuli, but not a significant interaction with modality. However, there were significant differences in the time courses, suggesting that although multiple modalities are represented in the caudate, the rates of acquisition and habituation are modality-dependent and are potentially gated by their salience in the amygdala. Visual and olfactory modalities resulted in the fastest learning, while verbal stimuli were least effective, suggesting that verbal commands may be the least efficient way to train dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Prichard
- Psychology Department, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Raveena Chhibber
- Psychology Department, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | | | - Mark Spivak
- Comprehensive Pet Therapy, Atlanta, GA, 30328, USA
| | - Gregory S Berns
- Psychology Department, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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43
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Berns GS, Spivak M, Nemanic S, Northrup N. Clinical Findings in Dogs Trained for Awake-MRI. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:209. [PMID: 30234135 PMCID: PMC6127269 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Training dogs for awake-MRI began in 2012 for the study of canine cognition. Although originally envisioned as a research technique to understand the neural mechanisms of canine cognitive function, its potential as a new diagnostic clinical tool has become apparent. A high-quality structural scan of the brain can be acquired without sedation or anesthesia in as little as 30 s in a well-trained dog. This has opened the possibility of longitudinal imaging of CNS disease with MRI both as a means of monitoring treatment and potentially as a surveillance tool for inflammatory and neoplastic brain diseases in high-risk breeds. This same training can be used to image other body regions, such as the abdomen, enabling clinicians to screen for abdominal disease using cross sectional imaging without the need for anesthesia and without exposing the patient to ionizing radiation. We present four examples of dogs trained for awake-MRI who developed: (1) nasal carcinoma; (2) brain tumor; (3) abdominal lipoma; (4) idiopathic epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory S Berns
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Mark Spivak
- Dog Star Technologies, Sandy Springs, GA, United States
| | - Sarah Nemanic
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Nicole Northrup
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
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44
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Roles for referential focus in effective and efficient canine signaling: Do pet and working dogs differ? J Vet Behav 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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45
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Accorsi PA, Mondo E, Cocchi M. Did you know that your animals have consciousness? J Integr Neurosci 2018; 16:S3-S11. [PMID: 29154287 DOI: 10.3233/jin-170061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Consciousness is the greatest enigma in human history. For centuries scientists and researchers have tried to describe it without coming to conclusions. In the last years with the neurosciences development, consciousness has become the common goal of numerous studies. But consciousness has always been studied only in humans, but after "Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness" in 2012, even non-human animalsthey feel possessed of the consciousness. According to "theory Orch-OR" of Hameroff and Penrose we have conducted a study on Alaskan malamute and German shepherd to analysed a triplet of platelet fatty acids (linoleic acid; palmitic acid; arachidonic acid). Through these analysis and the relative mapping of subjects within a SOM it was possible to make an assessment of the possible onset of mood disorders in the dogs. A critical analysis of the results obtained shows that animals have molecular analogies with humans compared to mood disorders. The German shepherd and Alaskan malamute, indeed, have, in the case of major depression, a bio-chemical profile, the most similar to man.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Accorsi
- Department of Medical Veterinary Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - E Mondo
- Department of Medical Veterinary Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Cocchi
- Department of Medical Veterinary Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
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46
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Olsen MR. A case for methodological overhaul and increased study of executive function in the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris). Anim Cogn 2018; 21:175-195. [PMID: 29380086 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-018-1162-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Executive function (EF) allows for self-regulation of behavior including maintaining focus in the face of distraction, inhibiting behavior that is suboptimal or inappropriate in a given context, and updating the contents of working memory. While EF has been studied extensively in humans, it has only recently become a topic of research in the domestic dog. In this paper, I argue for increased study of dog EF by explaining how it might influence the owner-dog bond, human safety, and dog welfare, as well as reviewing the current literature dedicated to EF in dogs. In "EF and its Application to "Man's Best Friend" section, I briefly describe EF and how it is relevant to dog behavior. In "Previous investigations into EF in dogs" section, I provide a review of the literature pertaining to EF in dogs, specifically tasks used to assess abilities like inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory capacity. In "Insights and limitations of previous studies" section, I consider limitations of existing studies that must be addressed in future research. Finally, in "Future directions" section, I propose future directions for meaningful research on EF in dogs.
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47
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Bailey J, Pereira S. Advances in neuroscience imply that harmful experiments in dogs are unethical. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2018; 44:47-52. [PMID: 28739639 PMCID: PMC5749309 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2016-103630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Functional MRI (fMRI) of fully awake and unrestrained dog 'volunteers' has been proven an effective tool to understand the neural circuitry and functioning of the canine brain. Although every dog owner would vouch that dogs are perceptive, cognitive, intuitive and capable of positive emotions/empathy, as indeed substantiated by ethological studies for some time, neurological investigations now corroborate this. These studies show that there exists a striking similarity between dogs and humans in the functioning of the caudate nucleus (associated with pleasure and emotion), and dogs experience positive emotions, empathic-like responses and demonstrate human bonding which, some scientists claim, may be at least comparable with human children. There exists an area analogous to the 'voice area' in the canine brain, enabling dogs to comprehend and respond to emotional cues/valence in human voices, and evidence of a region in the temporal cortex of dogs involved in the processing of faces, as also observed in humans and monkeys. We therefore contend that using dogs in invasive and/or harmful research, and toxicity testing, cannot be ethically justifiable.
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48
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Veasey JS. In pursuit of peak animal welfare; the need to prioritize the meaningful over the measurable. Zoo Biol 2017; 36:413-425. [PMID: 29193216 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Despite the diversity of animal welfare definitions, most recognise the centrality of the feelings of animals which are currently impossible to measure directly. As a result, animal welfare assessment is heavily reliant upon the indirect measurement of factors that either affect what animals feel, or are effected by how they feel. Physiological and health orientated measures have emerged as popular metrics for assessing welfare because they are quantifiable, can effect and be affected by how animals feel and have merits regardless of their relationship to the feelings of animals. However, their popularity in animal welfare assessment has led to them having a disproportionate influence on animal management to the detriment of animal welfare in numerous instances. Here, the case is made that a tension exists between management that prioritizes aspects of care reflecting popular animal welfare metrics such as those relating to physical health, and management that emphasizes psychological wellbeing. By re-examining the relative merits of physical and psychological priorities in animal management, an alternate animal welfare paradigm emerges less tied to traditional welfare metrics. This paradigm theorizes about the possibility for an optimal animal welfare state to exist where managed animal populations provided essential psychological outlets but protected from key physical stressors routinely experienced in the wild, might experience higher levels of welfare than wild populations would routinely experience. The proposition that optimal animal welfare could theoretically be achieved in well managed and well designed captive environments challenges a widely held ethical perspective that captivity is inherently bad for animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake S Veasey
- Care for the Rare c/o, School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Southwell, United Kingdom
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49
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Wallis LJ, Range F, Kubinyi E, Chapagain D, Serra J, Huber L. Utilising dog-computer interactions to provide mental stimulation in dogs especially during ageing. ACI2017, IMPROVING RELATIONS : FOURTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ANIMAL-COMPUTER INTERACTION : PROCEEDINGS : 21-23 NOVEMBER 2017, MILTON KEYNES, UNITED KINGDOM. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ANIMAL-COMPUTER INTERACTION (4TH : 2017 : MILT... 2017; 2017. [PMID: 30283918 DOI: 10.1145/3152130.3152146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Aged dogs suffer from reduced mobility and activity levels, which can affect their daily lives. It is quite typical for owners of older dogs to reduce all activities such as walking, playing and training, since their dog may appear to no longer need them. Previous studies have shown that ageing can be slowed by mental and physical stimulation, and thus stopping these activities might actually lead to faster ageing in dogs, which can result in a reduction in the quality of life of the animal, and may even decrease the strength of the dog-owner bond. In this paper, we describe in detail a touchscreen apparatus, software and training method that we have used to facilitate dog computer interaction (DCI). We propose that DCI has the potential to improve the welfare of older dogs in particular through cognitive enrichment. We provide hypotheses for future studies to examine the possible effects of touchscreen use on physiological, behavioural and cognitive measures of dogs' positive affect and well-being, and any impact on the dog-owner bond. In the future, collaborations between researchers in animal-computer interaction, dog trainers, and cognitive scientists are essential to develop the hardware and software necessary to realise the full potential of this training and enrichment tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J Wallis
- Clever Dog Lab, Messerli Research Institution, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.,Senior Family Dog Project, Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Friederike Range
- Clever Dog Lab, Messerli Research Institution, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.,Wolf Science Center, Messerli Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Enikő Kubinyi
- Senior Family Dog Project, Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Durga Chapagain
- Clever Dog Lab, Messerli Research Institution, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Ludwig Huber
- Clever Dog Lab, Messerli Research Institution, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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50
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Pérez PD, Ma Z, Hamilton C, Sánchez C, Mørk A, Pehrson AL, Bundgaard C, Zhang N. Acute effects of vortioxetine and duloxetine on resting-state functional connectivity in the awake rat. Neuropharmacology 2017; 128:379-387. [PMID: 29104073 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The antidepressant vortioxetine exerts its effects via modulation of several serotonin (5-HT) receptors and inhibition of the 5-HT transporter (SERT). Additionally, vortioxetine has beneficial effects on aspects of cognitive dysfunction in depressed patients. However, a global examination of the drug effect on brain network connectivity is still missing. Here we compared the effects of vortioxetine and a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, duloxetine, on resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) across the whole brain in awake rats using a combination of pharmacological and awake animal resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) techniques. Our data showed that vortioxetine and duloxetine affected different inter-areal connections with limited overlap, indicating that in addition to different primary target profiles, these two antidepressants have distinct mechanisms of action at the systems level. Further, our data suggest that vortioxetine can affect specific brain areas with distinct 5-HT receptor expression profiles. Taken together, this study demonstrates that the awake animal fMRI approach provides a powerful tool to elucidate the effects of drugs on the brain with high spatial specificity and a global field of view. This capability is valuable to understand how different drugs affect the systems-level brain function, and provides important guidance to dissect specific brain regions and connections for further detailed mechanistic studies. This study also highlights the translational opportunity of the awake animal fMRI approach between preclinical results and human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo D Pérez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Zhiwei Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Christina Hamilton
- The Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | | | - Arne Mørk
- H. Lundbeck A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Nanyin Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA; The Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
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