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The COVID-19 pandemic caused lifestyle changes, with unknown effect on pets’ quality of life (QoL). Between May and July 2020, we distributed an online survey to investigate the role of several factors on feline and canine QoL, including lockdown-related factors. We used existing scales to measure human and pets’ personalities (Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Personality Questionnaire, RST-PQ; RST-Dog; RST-Cat) and the human–animal relationship (Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale, LAPS) and the Milan Pet Quality of Life instrument (MPQL). Overall, 235 participants reported about 242 adult pets (Ncats = 78, Ndogs = 164). Factor analysis confirmed the structure and internal reliability of the existing scales (RST-PQ, RST-Dog, RST-Cat, LAPS) and suggested a four-factor structure for the MPQL (physical, psychological, social, environmental). The results indicate that the pets’ psysical QoL was largely explained by pet-related elements (pets’ demographics and life experience, and pets’ personality). Conversely, the pets’ psychological QoL was explained mostly by owner-related elements, such as the owners’ demographics, COVID-19-related changes, and the owners’ personality. Predictably, the pets’ environmental QoL is mostly explained by environmental factors, such as the outdoor access in the home environment and the country. Finally, the pets’ social QoL was explained by the larger combination of models: pets’ characteristics and personality, environment and COVID-19-related changes, and the pet–human relationship. These findings can be explained by two non-mutually exclusive mechanisms. The reported changes may be a by-product of the COVID-19 pandemic’s psychological and lifestyle effects on the owners, which in turn alter the way the owners interact with their pets and look after them. However, the owners’ characteristics and mood may bias their answers regarding their pets.
Patrizia Piotti; Christos Karagiannis; Liam Satchell; Manuela Michelazzi; Mariangela Albertini; Enrico Alleva; Federica Pirrone. Use of the Milan Pet Quality of Life Instrument (MPQL) to Measure Pets’ Quality of Life during COVID-19. Animals 2021, 11, 1336 .
AMA StylePatrizia Piotti, Christos Karagiannis, Liam Satchell, Manuela Michelazzi, Mariangela Albertini, Enrico Alleva, Federica Pirrone. Use of the Milan Pet Quality of Life Instrument (MPQL) to Measure Pets’ Quality of Life during COVID-19. Animals. 2021; 11 (5):1336.
Chicago/Turabian StylePatrizia Piotti; Christos Karagiannis; Liam Satchell; Manuela Michelazzi; Mariangela Albertini; Enrico Alleva; Federica Pirrone. 2021. "Use of the Milan Pet Quality of Life Instrument (MPQL) to Measure Pets’ Quality of Life during COVID-19." Animals 11, no. 5: 1336.
Enrico Alleva; Daniela Santucci. The Welfare of Invertebrate Animals, Claudio Carere, Jennifer Mather (Eds.), Cham, Switzerland, Springer International Publishing (2019), Pp. 248. Price € 176.79. Animal Behaviour 2020, 167, 1 .
AMA StyleEnrico Alleva, Daniela Santucci. The Welfare of Invertebrate Animals, Claudio Carere, Jennifer Mather (Eds.), Cham, Switzerland, Springer International Publishing (2019), Pp. 248. Price € 176.79. Animal Behaviour. 2020; 167 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEnrico Alleva; Daniela Santucci. 2020. "The Welfare of Invertebrate Animals, Claudio Carere, Jennifer Mather (Eds.), Cham, Switzerland, Springer International Publishing (2019), Pp. 248. Price € 176.79." Animal Behaviour 167, no. : 1.
Our aim in this study was to analyse the effects of early social isolation on the behaviour of a white-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar) and at the same time to improve his level of welfare. The subject was a 6-year-old male, isolated from conspecific as well as other non-human primates since he was 3 months old. We presented the gibbon with a series of species-specific vocalisations, and we then introduced a 23-year-old conspecific female into his cage. Our subject did not respond to playbacks, whereas he immediately interacted positively with the conspecific female. After 2 days of presentation, the pair started to spend time in proximity to each other and initiated grooming through the wire-mesh dividing the cages. Four days later we recorded vocal duets. No obvious stereotypic behaviours were observed, and the prolonged isolation did not seem to compromise the ability of the young gibbon to socialise with the female conspecific. It appears that prolonged isolation does not always compromise the possibility of recovering socially in a satisfactory manner.
Andrea Giorgi; Giulia Montebovi; Augusto Vitale; Enrico Alleva. A Behavioural Case Study of Early Social Isolation of a Subadult White-Handed Gibbon (Hylobates lar). Folia Primatologica 2018, 89, 287 -294.
AMA StyleAndrea Giorgi, Giulia Montebovi, Augusto Vitale, Enrico Alleva. A Behavioural Case Study of Early Social Isolation of a Subadult White-Handed Gibbon (Hylobates lar). Folia Primatologica. 2018; 89 (3-4):287-294.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea Giorgi; Giulia Montebovi; Augusto Vitale; Enrico Alleva. 2018. "A Behavioural Case Study of Early Social Isolation of a Subadult White-Handed Gibbon (Hylobates lar)." Folia Primatologica 89, no. 3-4: 287-294.
Alterations in dopamine neurotransmission are generally associated with diseases such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Such diseases typically feature poor decision making and lack of control on executive functions and have been studied through the years using many animal models. Dopamine transporter (DAT) knockout (KO) and heterozygous (HET) mice, in particular, have been widely used to study ADHD. Recently, a strain of DAT KO rats has been developed (1). Here, we provide a phenotypic characterization of reward sensitivity and compulsive choice by adult rats born from DAT–HET dams bred with DAT–HET males, in order to further validate DAT KO rats as an animal model for preclinical research. We first tested DAT KO rats’ sensitivity to rewarding stimuli, provided by highly appetitive food or sweet water; then, we tested their choice behavior with an Intolerance-to-Delay Task (IDT). During these tests, DAT KO rats appeared less sensitive to rewarding stimuli than wild-type (WT) and HET rats: they also showed a prominent hyperactive behavior with a rigid choice pattern and a wide number of compulsive stereotypies. Moreover, during the IDT, we tested the effects of amphetamine (AMPH) and RO-5203648, a trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) partial agonist. AMPH accentuated impulsive behaviors in WT and HET rats, while it had no effect in DAT KO rats. Finally, we measured the levels of tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine receptor 2 (D2), serotonin transporter, and TAAR1 mRNA transcripts in samples of ventral striatum, finding no significant differences between WT and KO genotypes. Throughout this study, DAT KO rats showed alterations in decision-making processes and in motivational states, as well as prominent motor and oral stereotypies: more studies are warranted to fully characterize and efficiently use them in preclinical research.
Stefano Cinque; Francesca Zoratto; Anna Poleggi; Damiana Leo; Luca Cerniglia; Silvia Cimino; Renata Tambelli; Enrico Alleva; Raul Gainetdinov; Giovanni Laviola; Walter Adriani. Behavioral Phenotyping of Dopamine Transporter Knockout Rats: Compulsive Traits, Motor Stereotypies, and Anhedonia. Frontiers in Psychiatry 2018, 9, 43 .
AMA StyleStefano Cinque, Francesca Zoratto, Anna Poleggi, Damiana Leo, Luca Cerniglia, Silvia Cimino, Renata Tambelli, Enrico Alleva, Raul Gainetdinov, Giovanni Laviola, Walter Adriani. Behavioral Phenotyping of Dopamine Transporter Knockout Rats: Compulsive Traits, Motor Stereotypies, and Anhedonia. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2018; 9 ():43.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefano Cinque; Francesca Zoratto; Anna Poleggi; Damiana Leo; Luca Cerniglia; Silvia Cimino; Renata Tambelli; Enrico Alleva; Raul Gainetdinov; Giovanni Laviola; Walter Adriani. 2018. "Behavioral Phenotyping of Dopamine Transporter Knockout Rats: Compulsive Traits, Motor Stereotypies, and Anhedonia." Frontiers in Psychiatry 9, no. : 43.
Antonella Peppe; Alberto Costa; Stefania Cerino; Carlo Caltagirone; Enrico Alleva; Marta Borgi; Francesca Cirulli. Targeting gait and life quality in persons with Parkinson's disease: Potential benefits of Equine-Assisted Interventions. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders 2018, 47, 94 -95.
AMA StyleAntonella Peppe, Alberto Costa, Stefania Cerino, Carlo Caltagirone, Enrico Alleva, Marta Borgi, Francesca Cirulli. Targeting gait and life quality in persons with Parkinson's disease: Potential benefits of Equine-Assisted Interventions. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders. 2018; 47 ():94-95.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonella Peppe; Alberto Costa; Stefania Cerino; Carlo Caltagirone; Enrico Alleva; Marta Borgi; Francesca Cirulli. 2018. "Targeting gait and life quality in persons with Parkinson's disease: Potential benefits of Equine-Assisted Interventions." Parkinsonism & Related Disorders 47, no. : 94-95.
Carlo Petrini; Enrico Alleva. On transparency in health care guidelines. Editorial. Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanità 2017, 53, 91 -92.
AMA StyleCarlo Petrini, Enrico Alleva. On transparency in health care guidelines. Editorial. Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanità. 2017; 53 (2):91-92.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarlo Petrini; Enrico Alleva. 2017. "On transparency in health care guidelines. Editorial." Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanità 53, no. 2: 91-92.
Pain Perception in Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome May Challenge the Interruption of Artificial Nutrition and Hydration: Neuroethics in Action
Francesco Riganello; Simone Macrì; Enrico Alleva; Carlo Petrini; Andrea Soddu; Josè Leòn-Carriòn; Giuliano Dolce. Pain Perception in Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome May Challenge the Interruption of Artificial Nutrition and Hydration: Neuroethics in Action. Frontiers in Neurology 2016, 7, 202 .
AMA StyleFrancesco Riganello, Simone Macrì, Enrico Alleva, Carlo Petrini, Andrea Soddu, Josè Leòn-Carriòn, Giuliano Dolce. Pain Perception in Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome May Challenge the Interruption of Artificial Nutrition and Hydration: Neuroethics in Action. Frontiers in Neurology. 2016; 7 ():202.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesco Riganello; Simone Macrì; Enrico Alleva; Carlo Petrini; Andrea Soddu; Josè Leòn-Carriòn; Giuliano Dolce. 2016. "Pain Perception in Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome May Challenge the Interruption of Artificial Nutrition and Hydration: Neuroethics in Action." Frontiers in Neurology 7, no. : 202.
This chapter describes experimental evidence clearly indicating that the development of the mammalian brain results from the combination of multiple internal and external inputs, ultimately modifying expression levels of neurotrophins (NTs), shaping the nervous system. NTs, such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), play a pivotal role in brain development and plasticity representing good candidates for mediating some of the effects triggered by early experiences on brain function. BDNF and serotonin are two seemingly distinct signaling systems that play regulatory roles in many neuronal functions including survival, neurogenesis, and synaptic plasticity. The continuous refinement of brain circuits through activity-dependent mechanisms allows for external manipulations to sculpt and refine connections in the brain, offering potential for therapeutic intervention when a derangement in plasticity might occur. Epigenetics is perfectly suited to provide a mechanism underlying the effects of gene by environment interactions.
Francesca Cirulli; Enrico Alleva. Early environmental manipulations and long-term effects on brain neurotrophin levels. Environmental Experience and Plasticity of the Developing Brain 2016, 139 -160.
AMA StyleFrancesca Cirulli, Enrico Alleva. Early environmental manipulations and long-term effects on brain neurotrophin levels. Environmental Experience and Plasticity of the Developing Brain. 2016; ():139-160.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesca Cirulli; Enrico Alleva. 2016. "Early environmental manipulations and long-term effects on brain neurotrophin levels." Environmental Experience and Plasticity of the Developing Brain , no. : 139-160.
After several decades during which children tended to be excluded from clinical trials, provisions to encourage trials with children have been in place for some years both at international level and in individual countries. The Nuffield Council on Bioethics has published a broad-ranging report on the subject, which makes concrete proposals for decision-makers and comes at a crucial moment in the definition of European Union regulations on this topic.
Carlo Petrini; Ippolita Rana; Enrico Alleva. For an alliance between science, ethics and politics in promoting paediatric trials. Commentary. Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanità 2016, 52, 9 -10.
AMA StyleCarlo Petrini, Ippolita Rana, Enrico Alleva. For an alliance between science, ethics and politics in promoting paediatric trials. Commentary. Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanità. 2016; 52 (1):9-10.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarlo Petrini; Ippolita Rana; Enrico Alleva. 2016. "For an alliance between science, ethics and politics in promoting paediatric trials. Commentary." Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanità 52, no. 1: 9-10.
Enrico Alleva; Luigi Aloe. Nerve Growth Factor Effects on the Neuroimmunoendocrine System: A Biobehavioral Perspective1. Growth Factors of the Vascular and Nervous Systems 2015, 80 -86.
AMA StyleEnrico Alleva, Luigi Aloe. Nerve Growth Factor Effects on the Neuroimmunoendocrine System: A Biobehavioral Perspective1. Growth Factors of the Vascular and Nervous Systems. 2015; ():80-86.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEnrico Alleva; Luigi Aloe. 2015. "Nerve Growth Factor Effects on the Neuroimmunoendocrine System: A Biobehavioral Perspective1." Growth Factors of the Vascular and Nervous Systems , no. : 80-86.
Giovanni Polverino; Arianna Manciocco; Augusto Vitale; Enrico Alleva. Stereotypic behaviours in Melopsittacus undulatus: Behavioural consequences of social and spatial limitations. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2015, 165, 143 -155.
AMA StyleGiovanni Polverino, Arianna Manciocco, Augusto Vitale, Enrico Alleva. Stereotypic behaviours in Melopsittacus undulatus: Behavioural consequences of social and spatial limitations. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 2015; 165 ():143-155.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiovanni Polverino; Arianna Manciocco; Augusto Vitale; Enrico Alleva. 2015. "Stereotypic behaviours in Melopsittacus undulatus: Behavioural consequences of social and spatial limitations." Applied Animal Behaviour Science 165, no. : 143-155.
Restocking and stock enhancement of marine organisms are increasingly becoming a common practice to replenish populations of fish and invertebrates. As for aquaculture, they raise several conservation and welfare issues. Here, we focus on lobsters (Homarus sp.), crustacean decapods that have been cultivated and released since the end of the nineteenth century. In Europe (H. gammarus), in the last three decades these actions have been prompted by dramatic stock depletion and efficient rearing technology, yet often overlooking ecological and behavioural data. We emphasize the relevance of behaviour and welfare assessment of cultured juveniles during the early benthic phase and report an experimental case study in which rearing conditions of juveniles were varied shaping distinct profiles in sheltering behaviour. Simple rearing procedures of environmental enrichment coupled with behavioural tests may allow improving and assessing the survival skills of individuals that will be released, at the same time ameliorating their welfare conditions and eventually increasing restocking success.
Claudio Carere; Giuseppe Nascetti; Alessandro Carlini; Daniela Santucci; Enrico Alleva. Actions for restocking of the European lobster (Homarus gammarus): a case study on the relevance of behaviour and welfare assessment of cultured juveniles. Rendiconti Lincei. Scienze Fisiche e Naturali 2014, 26, 59 -64.
AMA StyleClaudio Carere, Giuseppe Nascetti, Alessandro Carlini, Daniela Santucci, Enrico Alleva. Actions for restocking of the European lobster (Homarus gammarus): a case study on the relevance of behaviour and welfare assessment of cultured juveniles. Rendiconti Lincei. Scienze Fisiche e Naturali. 2014; 26 (1):59-64.
Chicago/Turabian StyleClaudio Carere; Giuseppe Nascetti; Alessandro Carlini; Daniela Santucci; Enrico Alleva. 2014. "Actions for restocking of the European lobster (Homarus gammarus): a case study on the relevance of behaviour and welfare assessment of cultured juveniles." Rendiconti Lincei. Scienze Fisiche e Naturali 26, no. 1: 59-64.
Studies on fish behavioural and neurophysiological responses to water temperature change may contribute to an improved understanding of the ecological consequences of global warming. We investigated behavioural and neurochemical responses to water temperature in European sea bass\ud (Dicentrarchus labrax) acclimated to three temperatures (18, 22, and 28°C). After 21 d of acclimation, three groups of 25 fish each were exposed to four behavioural challenges (foraging, olfactory, aversive and mirror tests). The expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) was then analy-\ud sed by Western blotting in CNS homogenates (from a subset of the same fish) as a marker for cholinergic system activity. In both foraging and olfactory tests, fish acclimated to 28°C exhibited significantly higher arousal responses than fish acclimated to lower temperatures. All specimens showed fright behaviour in the aversive test, but the latency of the escape\ud response was significantly less in the fish at 28°C. Finally, the highest mirror responsiveness was exhibited by the fish acclimated to 22°C. As in the case of cholinergic neurotransmission, significantly higher ChAT levels\ud were detected in the telencephalon, diencephalon, cerebellum and spinal cord of fish acclimated to 22°C or 28°C in comparison with those maintained at 18°C. Lower ChAT levels were detected in the mesencephalon (optic tectum) at 22 and 28°C than at 18°C. These data indicate that neuronal functions are affected by water temperature. Increases or decreases in ChAT expression can be related to the functional modulation of brain and spinal cord centres involved in behavioural responses to temperature change. Overall, the results of this study suggest that the environmental\ud temperature level influences behaviour and CNS neurochemistry in the European sea bass
Arianna Manciocco; Mattia Toni; Amanda Tedesco; Stefano Malavasi; Enrico Alleva; Carla Cioni. The Acclimation of European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) to Temperature: Behavioural and Neurochemical Responses. Ethology 2014, 121, 68 -83.
AMA StyleArianna Manciocco, Mattia Toni, Amanda Tedesco, Stefano Malavasi, Enrico Alleva, Carla Cioni. The Acclimation of European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) to Temperature: Behavioural and Neurochemical Responses. Ethology. 2014; 121 (1):68-83.
Chicago/Turabian StyleArianna Manciocco; Mattia Toni; Amanda Tedesco; Stefano Malavasi; Enrico Alleva; Carla Cioni. 2014. "The Acclimation of European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) to Temperature: Behavioural and Neurochemical Responses." Ethology 121, no. 1: 68-83.
Animal models with an eco-ethological relevance can help in identifying novel and reliable stress-related markers. To this end, 3-month-old C57BL/6J male mice were exposed to social defeat (SD) stress for 10 days as this stressor shows good face and predictive validity for several models of human affective disorders including depression, social phobia and post-traumatic stress disorder. Social avoidance and pain threshold were assessed 24 h and 4 weeks after the end of SD stress, while corticosterone was assayed at the beginning and at the end of the stressful procedure (days 1 and 10). SD subjects were characterized by increased corticosterone levels (30 min following stress exposure), increased latency to approach the social target in the short-term as well as increased emotionality in the long-term. Moreover, an increase in nociceptive threshold (stress-induced analgesia) was found both in the short-term and 4 weeks after the end of stress. These data indicate that the SD paradigm is able to induce emotional changes associated with a stressful/traumatic event. In addition, they indicate that variations in the nociceptive threshold might represent a physiological marker of both short- and long-term effects of stress.
Alessandra Berry; Veronica Bellisario; Sara Capoccia; Nadia Francia; Enrico Alleva; Francesca Cirulli. Long-Term Changes in Pain Sensitivity in an Animal Model of Social Anxiety. Veterinary Sciences 2014, 1, 77 -95.
AMA StyleAlessandra Berry, Veronica Bellisario, Sara Capoccia, Nadia Francia, Enrico Alleva, Francesca Cirulli. Long-Term Changes in Pain Sensitivity in an Animal Model of Social Anxiety. Veterinary Sciences. 2014; 1 (2):77-95.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlessandra Berry; Veronica Bellisario; Sara Capoccia; Nadia Francia; Enrico Alleva; Francesca Cirulli. 2014. "Long-Term Changes in Pain Sensitivity in an Animal Model of Social Anxiety." Veterinary Sciences 1, no. 2: 77-95.
Environmental contaminants are associated with a wide spectrum of pathological effects. Temperature increase affects ambient distribution and toxicity of these chemicals in the water environment, representing a potentially emerging problem for aquatic species with short-, medium- and long-term repercussions on human health through the food chain. We assessed peer-reviewed literature, including primary studies, review articles and organizational reports available. We focused on studies concerning toxicity of environmental pollutants within a global warming scenario. Existing knowledge on the effects that the increase of water temperature in a contaminated situation has on physiological mechanisms of aquatic organisms is presented. Altogether we consider the potential consequences for the human beings due to fish and shellfish consumption. Finally, we propose an etho-toxicological approach to study the effects of toxicants in conditions of thermal increase, using aquatic organisms as experimental models under laboratory controlled conditions.
Arianna Manciocco; Gemma Calamandrei; Enrico Alleva. Global warming and environmental contaminants in aquatic organisms: The need of the etho-toxicology approach. Chemosphere 2014, 100, 1 -7.
AMA StyleArianna Manciocco, Gemma Calamandrei, Enrico Alleva. Global warming and environmental contaminants in aquatic organisms: The need of the etho-toxicology approach. Chemosphere. 2014; 100 ():1-7.
Chicago/Turabian StyleArianna Manciocco; Gemma Calamandrei; Enrico Alleva. 2014. "Global warming and environmental contaminants in aquatic organisms: The need of the etho-toxicology approach." Chemosphere 100, no. : 1-7.
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene is expressed in differentiating and post-mitotic neurons of the zebrafish embryo, where it has been implicated in Huntington's disease. Little is known, however, about the full complement of neuronal cell types that express BDNF in this important vertebrate model. Here, we further explored the transcriptional profiles during the first week of development using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH). RT-qPCR results revealed a high level of maternal contribution followed by a steady increase of zygotic transcription, consistent with the notion of a prominent role of BDNF in neuronal maturation and maintenance. Based on WISH, we demonstrate for the first time that BDNF expression in the developing brain of zebrafish is structure specific. Anatomical criteria and co-staining with genetic markers (shh, pax2a, emx1, krox20, lhx2b and lhx9) visualized major topological domains of BDNF-positive cells in the pallium, hypothalamus, posterior tuberculum and optic tectum. Moreover, the relative timing of BDNF transcription in the eye and tectum may illustrate a mechanism for coordinated development of the retinotectal system. Taken together, our results are compatible with a local delivery and early role of BDNF in the developing brain of zebrafish, adding basic knowledge to the study of neurotrophin functions in neural development and disease
E. De Felice; Immacolata Porreca; Enrico Alleva; P. De Girolamo; C. Ambrosino; E. Ciriaco; Antonino Germana; P. Sordino. Localization of BDNF expression in the developing brain of zebrafish. Journal of Anatomy 2014, 224, 564 -574.
AMA StyleE. De Felice, Immacolata Porreca, Enrico Alleva, P. De Girolamo, C. Ambrosino, E. Ciriaco, Antonino Germana, P. Sordino. Localization of BDNF expression in the developing brain of zebrafish. Journal of Anatomy. 2014; 224 (5):564-574.
Chicago/Turabian StyleE. De Felice; Immacolata Porreca; Enrico Alleva; P. De Girolamo; C. Ambrosino; E. Ciriaco; Antonino Germana; P. Sordino. 2014. "Localization of BDNF expression in the developing brain of zebrafish." Journal of Anatomy 224, no. 5: 564-574.
We studied the behavioural response of European starlings to a socially mediated predation event. Adult starlings were exposed to either a video of a flock attacked by a peregrine falcon or a video of a flock not under attack. We investigated whether the social condition affected the anti-predator response under the hypothesis that in such a gregarious species singletons would increase their anti-predator behaviour more than individuals in groups, to compensate for potential increased risk. The video of the flock under attack caused an increase in immobility and vigilance, more marked in singletons, both during and after the exposure. The video of the non-threatened flock caused an increase in activity levels, especially during the exposure. Furthermore, we observed a marked increase in comfort activities in singletons as well as in social interactions and vocalizations in mini-flocks. Only birds in mini-flocks vocalized, which may be explained by an audience effect, a process of social cognition mediated by the social context, and not only by the stimulus. The results are in line with previous field studies, which showed that isolated starlings are exposed to a higher risk of predation compared to individuals in flocks.
Francesca Zoratto; Leonardo Manzari; Ludovica Oddi; Rianne Pinxten; Marcel Eens; Daniela Santucci; Enrico Alleva; Claudio Carere. Behavioural response of European starlings exposed to video playback of conspecific flocks: Effect of social context and predator threat. Behavioural Processes 2014, 103, 269 -277.
AMA StyleFrancesca Zoratto, Leonardo Manzari, Ludovica Oddi, Rianne Pinxten, Marcel Eens, Daniela Santucci, Enrico Alleva, Claudio Carere. Behavioural response of European starlings exposed to video playback of conspecific flocks: Effect of social context and predator threat. Behavioural Processes. 2014; 103 ():269-277.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesca Zoratto; Leonardo Manzari; Ludovica Oddi; Rianne Pinxten; Marcel Eens; Daniela Santucci; Enrico Alleva; Claudio Carere. 2014. "Behavioural response of European starlings exposed to video playback of conspecific flocks: Effect of social context and predator threat." Behavioural Processes 103, no. : 269-277.
The investment in space activities may be estimated in hundreds of billion of Euro and involves all G20 and BRIC countries. Why there is such a large interest, and why so many investments are allotted to space programs?
Enrico Alleva; Roberto Amendola; Plinio Innocenzi; Augusto Marcelli. Cosmic rays and radiobiology in a Sino-Italian network strategy: first bilateral workshop COSMIC-RAD. Rendiconti Lincei. Scienze Fisiche e Naturali 2014, 25, 1 -2.
AMA StyleEnrico Alleva, Roberto Amendola, Plinio Innocenzi, Augusto Marcelli. Cosmic rays and radiobiology in a Sino-Italian network strategy: first bilateral workshop COSMIC-RAD. Rendiconti Lincei. Scienze Fisiche e Naturali. 2014; 25 (1):1-2.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEnrico Alleva; Roberto Amendola; Plinio Innocenzi; Augusto Marcelli. 2014. "Cosmic rays and radiobiology in a Sino-Italian network strategy: first bilateral workshop COSMIC-RAD." Rendiconti Lincei. Scienze Fisiche e Naturali 25, no. 1: 1-2.
Luca Tommaso Bonsignore; Simone Macrì; Paolo Orsi; Flavia Chiarotti; Enrico Alleva. Coma and vegetative states: state of the art and proposal of a novel approach combining existing coma scales. Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanità 2014, 50, 1 .
AMA StyleLuca Tommaso Bonsignore, Simone Macrì, Paolo Orsi, Flavia Chiarotti, Enrico Alleva. Coma and vegetative states: state of the art and proposal of a novel approach combining existing coma scales. Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanità. 2014; 50 (3):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLuca Tommaso Bonsignore; Simone Macrì; Paolo Orsi; Flavia Chiarotti; Enrico Alleva. 2014. "Coma and vegetative states: state of the art and proposal of a novel approach combining existing coma scales." Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanità 50, no. 3: 1.
Carlo Petrini; Enrico Alleva. Incidental findings, genetic screening and the challenge of personalisation. Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanità 2014, 50, 1 .
AMA StyleCarlo Petrini, Enrico Alleva. Incidental findings, genetic screening and the challenge of personalisation. Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanità. 2014; 50 (4):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarlo Petrini; Enrico Alleva. 2014. "Incidental findings, genetic screening and the challenge of personalisation." Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanità 50, no. 4: 1.