Activation of a hypothalamus-habenula circuit by mechanical stimulation inhibits cocaine addiction-like behaviors

Background Mechanoreceptor activation modulates GABA neuron firing and dopamine (DA) release in the mesolimbic DA system, an area implicated in reward and substance abuse. The lateral habenula (LHb), the lateral hypothalamus (LH), and the mesolimbic DA system are not only reciprocally connected, but also involved in drug reward. We explored the effects of mechanical stimulation (MS) on cocaine addiction-like behaviors and the role of the LH-LHb circuit in the MS effects. MS was performed over ulnar nerve and the effects were evaluated by using drug seeking behaviors, optogenetics, chemogenetics, electrophysiology and immunohistochemistry. Results Mechanical stimulation attenuated locomotor activity in a nerve-dependent manner and 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) and DA release in nucleus accumbens (NAc) following cocaine injection. The MS effects were ablated by electrolytic lesion or optogenetic inhibition of LHb. Optogenetic activation of LHb suppressed cocaine-enhanced 50 kHz USVs and locomotion. MS reversed cocaine suppression of neuronal activity of LHb. MS also inhibited cocaine-primed reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior, which was blocked by chemogenetic inhibition of an LH-LHb circuit. Conclusion These findings suggest that peripheral mechanical stimulation activates LH-LHb pathways to attenuate cocaine-induced psychomotor responses and seeking behaviors.

Review and update of ultrasonic vocalization in animals: Correlation with autism spectrum disorder experimental models? / Revisão teórico-integrativa na atualização sobre vocalização ultrassônica em animais: correlação com o modelo de transtorno do espectro autista? / Revisión y actualización de la vocalización ultrasónica en animales: ¿correlación con el modelo del trastorno del espectro autista?

The ability to understand and to communicate is essential for the adapted social and cultural development of children. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by social interaction deficiencies in the verbal language domain and may incur in repetitive, stereotyped, and restricted gestural behaviors. Regarding animal models in ASD, many studies focus on gene expression, cortical neuronal migration and cell maturation, and neural network deficits. However, very few studies directly link animal oral communication and gene expression in cortical areas of language. The object of our study aimed to review and to correlate genes involved in ASD and those related to ultrasonic communication in animal model studies of language-based social behavior at the PubMed database. The PubMed search yielded 25 selected papers. Some findings showed critical genes, which modulate several aspects of verbal communication. Most of these genes can be markers of communication deficits.

A capacidade de compreender os outros e comunicar-se com eles é fundamental para o desenvolvimento das crianças durante o desenvolvimento típico. Entre os desarranjos sociais, o transtorno do espectro autista (TEA) é caracterizado por deficiências de expressão e interações, em que ocorrem comportamentos repetitivos, estereotipados e com particularidade restrita. Com o objetivo de entender melhor a correlação entre o TEA e estudos de experimentação em comunicação ultrassônica em modelos animais, foi realizada uma revisão teórico-integrativa na base de dados PubMed, sendo selecionados 25 trabalhos. Evidenciou-se, com base nos achados, o papel relevante e promissor de determinados genes que modulam os aspectos de comunicação. Esses genes, em sua grande maioria, podem ser marcadores de déficits de comunicação.

La capacidad de comprender y comunicarse es esencial para el desarrollo social y cultural adaptado de los niños. El trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) se caracterizan por deficiencias de interacción social en el dominio del lenguaje verbal y pueden incurrir en comportamientos gestuales repetitivos, estereotipados y restringidos. Con respecto a los modelos animales en TEA, muchos estudios se centran en la expresión génica, la migración y maduración neuronal cortical y los déficits de la red neuronal, pero muy pocos son los estudios que relacionen directamente la comunicación oral animal y la expresión génica en áreas corticales del lenguaje. El objetivo de nuestro estudio tuvo como objetivo revisar y correlacionar genes involucrados en TEA y aquellos relacionados con la comunicación ultrasónica en estudios con modelos animales de comportamiento social basado en el lenguaje en la base de datos PubMed. La búsqueda en PubMed arrojó 25 artículos seleccionados. Algunos hallazgos mostraron genes críticos, que modulan varios aspectos de la comunicación verbal. Esta evidencia puede ofrecer la oportunidad como biomarcadores genéticos para los déficits de comunicación en los desórdenes en el neurodesarrollo.

Feline vocal communication

Medial Preoptic Area Modulates Courtship Ultrasonic Vocalization in Adult Male Mice / 神经科学通报·英文版

Adult male mice emit highly complex ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in response to female conspecifics. Such USVs, thought to facilitate courtship behaviors, are routinely measured as a behavioral index in mouse models of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders such as autism. While the regulation of USVs by genetic factors has been extensively characterized, the neural mechanisms that control USV production remain largely unknown. Here, we report that optogenetic activation of the medial preoptic area (mPOA) elicited the production of USVs that were acoustically similar to courtship USVs in adult mice. Moreover, mPOA vesicular GABA transporter-positive (Vgat +) neurons were more effective at driving USV production than vesicular glutamate transporter 2-positive neurons. Furthermore, ablation of mPOA Vgat+ neurons resulted in altered spectral features and syllable usage of USVs in targeted males. Together, these results demonstrate that the mPOA plays a crucial role in modulating courtship USVs and this may serve as an entry point for future dissection of the neural circuitry underlying USV production.

Vocalization-Silence Dynamic Patterns: A system for measuring coordination in psychotherapeutic dyadic conversations / Patrones Dinámicos de Vocalización-Silencio: un sistema para medir coordinación en conversaciones diádicas en psicoterapia

Abstract This paper presents the Vocalization-Silence Dynamic Patterns (VSDP) method for the analysis of coordination in psychotherapeutic conversation. The objectives of its development are to empirically account for vocal coordination patterns in dialogs and to examine the association between interactional coordination and positive relational outcomes. The VSDP method makes it possible to demonstrate that vocal activity is a nonverbal phenomenon entwined with and which influences the linguistic code. The analyses which can be carried out through this method are illustrated with real acoustic signals taken from psychotherapy segments. The VSDP method is discussed, considering its usefulness for psychotherapeutic research as well as the study of dyadic conversation within other scenarios.

Resumen Este trabajo presenta el método de Patrones Dinámicos de Vocalización-Silencio (PDVS) para el análisis de la coordinación en la conversación psicoterapéutica. Los objetivos de su desarrollo son dar cuenta empíricamente de los patrones de coordinación vocales en diálogos y examinar la asociación entre la coordinación interaccional y los resultados relacionales positivos. El método PDVS hace posible demostrar que la actividad vocal es un fenómeno no verbal entrelazado con y que influye en el código lingüístico. Los análisis que se pueden realizar a través de este método se ilustran con señales acústicas reales tomadas de segmentos de psicoterapia. El método PDVS es discutido teniendo en cuenta su utilidad para la investigación en psicoterapia, así como para el estudio de la conversación diádica dentro de otros escenarios.

Effects of Neck and Back Touch on Ultrasonic Vocalization and the Rat Grimace Scale in Rats Receiving Intramuscular Injections

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of neck and back touch on Ultrasonic Vocalization (UV) and the Rat Grimace Scale (RGS) in rats touched by the human hand as an intervention for reducing pain and anxiety associated with intramuscular injections. METHODS: This study was a randomized, controlled, pre-test/post-test design study. Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to either the experimental or control groups (n=10 rats/group). The experimental group was touched in a manner similar to massaging the rat's neck and back twice a day for one week. The two groups received two intramuscular injections. The 22kHz and 50kHz UV and the RGS scores were measured before and after each intramuscular injection. RESULTS: The 22kHz UV and RGS score were significantly higher in the control group than in the experimental group when the first intramuscular injection was administered; whereas, no difference between the experimental and the control groups were observed when the second intramuscular injection was administered. There was no statistical difference in the 50kHz UV between the two groups when the first and second injections were administered. CONCLUSION: This study found that touching was an effective intervention method to reduce negative emotions and pain in rats receiving their first intramuscular injection.

Effects of the Female Estrous Cycle on the Sexual Behaviors and Ultrasonic Vocalizations of Male C57BL/6 and Autistic BTBR T+ tf/J Mice

A primary characteristic of autism, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder, is impaired social interaction and communication. Furthermore, patients with autism frequently show abnormal social recognition. In mouse models of autism, social recognition is usually assessed by examining same-sex social behavior using various tests, such as the three-chamber test. However, no studies have examined the ability of male mice with autism to recognize the estrous cycle of female partners. In this study, we investigated the sexual behaviors, especially mounting and ultrasonic vocal communication (USV), of BTBR T+ tf/J (BTBR) mice, which are used as a well-known mouse model of autism, when they encountered estrus or diestrus female mice. As expected, C57BL/6 mice mounted more female mice in the estrus stage compared with the diestrus stage. We found that BTBR mice also mounted more female mice in the estrus stage than female mice in the diestrus stage. Although the USV emission of male mice was not different between estrus and diestrus female mice in both strains, the mounting result implies that BTBR mice distinguish sexual receptivity of females.

Strain- and context-based 50 kHz ultrasonic vocalizations and anxiety behaviour in the Wistar-Kyoto rat.

Rodent ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are influenced by immediate, prior contexts and have emerged as important indicators that monitor an individual’s ‘state’. They also index direct reflections of inherent ‘trait’ and are suggested to constitute non-invasive read-outs of pathological conditions. Analysis of USVs emitted under particular contexts could help discern strain-specific differences and existence of individual USV profiles. USVs of the Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) strain, a putative model of depression, could indicate social communication deficits. In the cage, USV emission was significantly reduced in WKYs. An elevated plus maze exposure led to no change in USV emission in WKYs, while it significantly reduced USVs in Wistars. Re-exposure induced strain-specific differences in behaviour and total calling time. Sonographic patterns indicated that the predominant USV subtype were flat 50 kHz USVs. EPMexposure induced a reduction in peak amplitude in WKY USVs and in USV length in both strains. USV peak frequency and amplitude, genetically determined spectral features, were strain-specific, while bandwidth and temporal features such as total calling time and USV duration were context-dependent. WKY USVs demonstrated characteristic spectral structures such as increased call length and reduced peak frequency while other parameters were not quantitatively different, reflecting the shared phylogeny between Wistars and WKYs.

Teat order affects postweaning behaviour in piglets / A ordem da teta afeta o comportamento pós-desmame em leitões

The objective of this study was to investigate if piglets that suck anterior teats differ from the others in the litter in birth weight, if they have higher growth rate during lactation, and if this affects behaviour and post-weaning weight gain, when piglets change to a solid diet. For this, the teat order of 24 litters was determined during suckling. Piglets were weaned on the 28^thday of age, and 24 groups were formed, composed of one piglet that sucked on the first two pairs of teats (AT) and three piglets that sucked on the other teats (OT). Even though weight at birth did not vary according to teat order, weight gain at weaning differed between the groups (AT: 6.64, S.E. 0.20kg, OT: 5.73, S.E. 0.13kg; P<0.001). After weaning, AT piglets spent more time lying (P<0.01) and less time eating (P<0.01) and vocalizing (P<0.01), than the other piglets. Other behaviours (agonistic interaction, escape attempt and drinking) did not differ between the groups. Piglets that sucked anterior teats gained more weight until weaning, suggesting they took in more milk; this fact might have lead them to have less contact with solid food before weaning, influencing their post-weaning alimentary behaviour.

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se leitões que mamam nas tetas anteriores diferem dos demais da leitegada no peso ao nascimento e tem maior taxa de crescimento durante a lactação, e se isso influencia o comportamento e ganho de peso pós-desmame, quando os leitões passam a receber dieta exclusivamente sólida. Para isso, a ordem da teta foi determinada durante a fase de amamentação em 24 leitegadas. Aos 28 dias de idade, os leitões foram desmamados e foram formados 24 grupos, compostos por um leitão que mamava nos dois primeiros pares de tetas (AT) e três leitões que mamavam nas demais tetas (OT). Embora o peso ao nascimento não tenha diferido de acordo com a ordem da teta, o ganho de peso até o desmame diferiu entre os grupos (AT: 6,64, EP 0,20kg, OT: 5,73, EP 0,13kg; P<0,001). Após o desmame, AT passaram mais tempo em repouso (P<0,01) e menos tempo comendo (P<0,01) e vocalizando (P<0,01), quando comparado com os demais. Outros comportamentos (interação agonística, tentativa de fuga e bebendo) não diferiram entre os grupos. Os leitões que mamavam nas tetas anteriores ganharam mais peso até o desmame, o que sugere que ingeriam mais leite; isso pode ter levado a um menor contato com alimento sólido antes do desmame, por sua vez, influenciando o comportamento alimentar pós-desmame

Genetic studies on speech and language disorders / 동물의과학연구지

Speech and language are uniquely human-specific traits that have contributed to humans becoming the predominant species on earth from an evolutionary perspective. Disruptions in human speech and language function may result in diverse disorders, including stuttering, aphasia, articulation disorder, spasmodic dysphonia, verbal dyspraxia, dyslexia, and specific language impairment (SLI). These disorders often cluster within a family, and this clustering strongly supports the hypothesis that genes are involved in human speech and language functions. For several decades, multiple genetic studies, including linkage analysis and genomewide association studies, were performed in an effort to link a causative gene to each of these disorders, and several genetic studies revealed associations between mutations in specific genes and disorders such as stuttering, verbal dyspraxia, and SLI. One notable genetic discovery came from studies on stuttering in consanguineous Pakistani families; these studies suggested that mutations in lysosomal enzyme-targeting pathway genes (GNPTAB, GNPTG, and NAPGA) are associated with non-syndromic persistent stuttering. Another successful study identified FOXP2 in a Caucasian family affected by verbal dyspraxia. Furthermore, an abnormal ultrasonic vocalization pattern (USV) was observed in knock-in (KI) and humanized mouse models carrying mutations in the FOXP2 gene. Although studies have increased our understanding of the genetic causes of speech and language disorders, these genes can only explain a small fraction of all disorders in patients. In this paper, we summarize recent advances and future challenges in an effort to reveal the genetic causes of speech and language disorders in animal models.

Vocal patterns of adult females and juveniles Caiman yacare (Crocodilia: Alligatoridae) in Brazilian Pantanal wetland / Patrones de vocalización de jóvenes y hembras adultas de Caiman yacare (Crocodilia: Alligatoridae) en el Pantanal de Brasil

The Paraguayan caiman (Caiman yacare) is the main Caimaninae species occurring in the Brazilian Pantanal Wetland. Despite the relative availability of works focused on biology and conservation of the Paraguayan caiman, almost nothing is known about its vocal structure and behavior. We recorded aggressive calls of adult caiman females guarding nests and, afterwards, the distress calls of the new born juvenile caimans in seasonally flooded areas of the Nhecolândia (Southern Pantanal). The results of both observations and sonographic analyses diverged from studies with other crocodilian species. Aggressive vocalization of adult females of the Paraguayan caiman was longer and more complex than the same vocalization of larger Alligatoridae species. Vocalizations of the young caimans presented interspecific differences with other crocodilian offsprings. Moreover, we found statistically significant intraspecific variation in the distress call structure among different pods, even separated by few kilometers. Differences in distress call structure were tested by Canonical Discriminant Analysis (CDA). We obtained the squared Mahalanobis distances between the acoustic multivariate spaces of each pod provided by the CDA and compared with the geographic distance between the bays of origin of each pod through Mantel Test. The geographic distance by itself did not explain the differences found in the structure of the vocalization of young caimans from different pods. The adult females of Paraguayan caiman positively responded to playbacks of calls from juvenile caimans from pods of other regions, as well as to rough imitations of distress call. Since the adult caimans showed protective responses to quite heterogeneous vocalizations of distress by juveniles, we hypothesized that the variation in the distress call pattern may be associated to a low specificity in sound recognition by adult caimans.

Poco se conoce sobre la estructura vocal del Caiman yacare del Pantanal brasileño. Llamadas agresivas de hembras adultas que cuidaban de los nidos fueron registradas durante enero y febrero y llamadas de socorro de caimanes jóvenes, en abril de 1992. Hembras adultas de C. yacare presentaron una vocalización agresiva más larga y compleja que en otras especies más grandes de Alligatoridae. Las vocalizaciones de los jóvenes caimanes también presentaron diferencias interespecíficas con otros cocodrilos y variaciones intraespecíficas entre grupos separados por pocos kilómetros. Se utilizó la Prueba de Mantel para comparar las distancias de Mahalanobis entre la estructura de las vocalizaciones de los jóvenes de acuerdo con sus grupos y las distancias geográficas donde ellos estaban. La distancia geográfica en sí no explica las diferencias en las vocalizaciones de jóvenes de diferentes grupos. Hembras adultas de C. yacare han respondido a grabaciones de llamadas de caimanes de grupos de otras regiones, así como a imitaciones de llamada de socorro. Se postula que las variaciones en las llamadas de socorro pueden estar asociadas con una baja especificidad en el reconocimiento de sonido por caimanes adultos que han respondido de la misma forma protectora a las más heterogéneas expresiones de peligro de los jóvenes.

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of rat pup ultrasonic vocalization sounds induced by a hypothermic stimulus / 한국실험동물학회지

Ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are essential communicative sounds used between rodent pups and their mother. Rat pups emit USVs in stressful situations, such as when they are cold or separated from the nest. We verified the ontogenetic changes in USVs emitted by infant rats isolated from their mother during the pre-weaning period. The number of calls, and the median frequency and first peak of frequency of the calls were measured at 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, and 14 days postnatal age in Wistar-Imamichi rats. Pups were placed in a cold glass beaker and USVs were recorded for 5 min. The number of calls increased to a peak on day 5 and then gradually decreased. The median frequency of calls decreased slowly during the first 12 days, and then increased slightly on day 14. Similarly, the first peak frequency of calls was the highest on day 1, and then decreased gradually by day 12. A small increase was observed on day 14. These changes in frequency were correlated with the physical development of the pups, whose body weights increased significantly with age except during postnatal days 7-10.

Effects of group size on agonistic behaviors of commercially housed growing pigs / Efecto del tamaño del grupo sobre la conducta agonística de cerdos en crecimiento alojados en instalaciones comerciales / Efeitos do tamanho do grupo sobre a conduta agonística de suínos em crescimento alojados em instalações comerciais

Objective: this study was conducted to understand the effects of group size on the agonistic behaviors of pigs reared at differing pen densities. Methods: thirty groups of pigs (a total of 350 individuals) housed at low, medium, and high group density (5, 10, or 20 individuals in 6.0 m x 6.0 m pens) were consecutively observed for 10 h on days 30, 90, and 180 with the aid of video technology. Results: the frequency of vocalizations was lower at low group density and higher at high group density on all investigated days. Pigs housed at high group density showed significantly more agonistic behaviors than those at low group density. Conclusions: the study reveals a higher level of aggression in older pigs and at high group density. It is concluded that group density is a major cause of the observed agonistic behaviors.

Objetivo: este estudio busca comprender los efectos del tamaño del grupo sobre los comportamientos agonísticos de cerdos criados en corrales bajo diferentes densidades de animales por unidad de espacio. Métodos: treinta grupos de cerdos (un total de 350 animales) alojados en baja, media y alta densidad de animales (5, 10 ó 20 animales en corrales de 6.0 x 6.0 m) fueron observados durante 10 horas consecutivas en los días 30, 90, y 180 con la ayuda de tecnología de vídeo. Resultados: la frecuencia de vocalizaciones fue menor en el grupo de baja densidad de animales, y mayor en el grupo de alta densidad durante todos los días estudiados. Los cerdos alojados en grupos con alta densidad animal mostraron un comportamiento significativamente más agonístico que aquellos en baja densidad. Conclusiones: este estudio revela que existe un mayor nivel de agresión en los cerdos más viejos y en grupos con mayor densidad de animales. Se concluye que la densidad de alojamiento es una causa importante de la conducta agonística observada.

Objetivo: este estudo busca compreender os efeitos do tamanho do grupo acerca dos comportamentos agonísticos dos suínos criados em corrais sobre diferentes densidades de animais por unidade de espaço. Métodos: trinta grupos de suínos (um total de 350 animais) alojados em baixa, meia e alta densidade de animais (5, 10 ou 20 animais em corrais de 6.0 x 6.0 m) foram observados durante 10 horas consecutivas nos dias 30, 90 e 180 com a ajuda de tecnologia de vídeo. Resultados: a frequência de vocalizações foi menor no grupo de baixa densidade de animais, e maior no grupo de alta densidade durante todos os dias estudados. Os suínos alojados em grupos com alta densidade animal mostraram um comportamento significativamente mais agonístico que aqueles em baixa densidade. Conclusões: este estudo revela que existe um maior nível de agressão nos suínos mais velhos e em grupos com maior densidade de animais. Concluiu-se que a densidade de alojamento é uma causa importante da conduta agonística observada.

Ultrasound call detection in capybara / Detecção de chamados de ultrassom em capivara

The vocal repertoire of some animal species has been considered a non-invasive tool to predict distress reactivity. In rats ultrasound emissions were reported as distress indicator. Capybaras[ vocal repertoire was reported recently and seems to have ultrasound calls, but this has not yet been confirmed. Thus, in order to check if a poor state of welfare was linked to ultrasound calls in the capybara vocal repertoire, the aim of this study was to track the presence of ultrasound emissions in 11 animals under three conditions: 1) unrestrained; 2) intermediately restrained, and 3) highly restrained. The ultrasound track identified frequencies in the range of 31.8±3.5 kHz in adults and 33.2±8.5 kHz in juveniles. These ultrasound frequencies occurred only when animals were highly restrained, physically restrained or injured during handling. We concluded that these calls with ultrasound components are related to pain and restraint because they did not occur when animals were free of restraint. Thus we suggest that this vocalization may be used as an additional tool to assess capybaras[ welfare.

O repertório vocal de algumas espécies de animais tem sido considerado uma ferramenta não invasiva para predizer o distresse. Em ratos, emissões de ultrassom foram registradas como indicador de distresse. O repertório vocal de capivaras foi relatado recentemente e parece haver a presença de chamados em ultrassom que ainda não foram confirmados. Assim para associar o estado de bem-estar empobrecido em capivaras e a possibilidade de ocorrência de ultrassom em seu repertório vocal, o presente estudo teve como objetivo rastrear a presença deste tipo de vocalização em 11 animais submetidos a três condições diferentes: 1) sem contenção; 2) média contenção e 3) alta contenção. O rastreamento revelou a presença de faixas de frequência de 31,8±3,5 kHz em adultos e 33,2±8,5 kHz em filhotes. Estas emissões encontradas na faixa de ultrassom ocorreram apenas durante a alta contenção, quando contidos fisicamente ou feridos durante o manejo. Concluímos que tais emissões, com componentes de ultrassom, estão relacionadas à dor e ao distresse de contenção pois não ocorreram quando os animais estavam livres de contenção. Assim sugerimos que esta vocalização pode ser usada como uma ferramenta adicional para acessar o estado de bem-estar em capivaras.

On the relationships between ultrasonic calling and anxiety-related behavior in rats

In the present review, the phenomenon of ultrasonic vocalization in rats will be outlined, including the three classes of vocalizations, namely 40-kHz calls of pups, and 22- and 50-kHz calls of juvenile and adult rats, their general relevance to behavioral neuroscience, and their special relevance to research on anxiety, fear, and defense mechanisms. Here, the emphasis will be placed on 40- and 22-kHz calls, since they are typical for various situations with aversive properties. Among other topics, we will discuss whether such behavioral signals can index a certain affective state, and how these signals can be used in social neuroscience, especially with respect to communication. Furthermore, we will address the phenomenon of inter-individual variability in ultrasonic calling and what we currently know about the mechanisms, which may determine such variability. Finally, we will address the current knowledge on the neural and pharmacological mechanisms underlying 22-kHz ultrasonic vocalization, which show a substantial overlap with mechanisms known from other research on fear and anxiety, such as those involving the periaqueductal gray or the amygdala.

Percepções maternas acerca das habilidades sociocomunicativas de bebês / Maternal perceptions about babies' sociocommunicative skills / Percepciones maternas acerca de las habilidades socio-comunicativas de bebés

O presente estudo investigou as percepções maternas acerca das habilidades sociocomunicativas de bebês no primeiro ano de vida. Partiu-se da ideia de que a percepção dos pais sobre a capacidade de comunicação intencional infantil pode influenciar a dinâmica das interações iniciais e as estratégias parentais para responder aos comportamentos dos bebês. Participaram da pesquisa 45 mães de bebês nas idades de seis, nove e doze meses. Para conhecer as percepções maternas acerca das habilidades de comunicação intencional dos bebês, foi utilizado o The Pragmatic Profile of Everyday Communication Skills in Children, uma entrevista semiestruturada que tem como centro os aspectos sociocomunicativos da linguagem. Os resultados indicaram variações nas percepções maternas em função da idade dos bebês, demonstradas por meio do relato de diferentes modalidades sociocomunicativas que, aos doze meses, englobaram o uso de gestos com vocalizações intencionais. Percebeu-se que parte das mães parecia desconhecer a presença de habilidades sociocomunicativas em seus bebês, o que pode repercutir nas interações estabelecidas. Considera-se que os dados deste estudo são importantes para a compreensão de pais e profissionais acerca da dimensão sociocomunicativa da linguagem, para a detecção precoce de alterações nas habilidades sociocognitivas de atenção conjunta e comunicação intencional bem como para o planejamento de intervenções que favoreçam o desenvolvimento infantil....(AU)

The purpose of this study was to analyse the maternal perceptions about babies’ sociocommunicative skills in their first year of life. The study was based on the premise that the parents` perception about the baby’s intentional communication can influence the dynamics of the initial interactions and the parental strategies to respond to the babies’ behaviours. This research involved the participation of 45 mothers of babies aged six, nine and twelve months old. In order to know the maternal perceptions about the babies’ intentional communicative skills The Pragmatic Profile of Everyday Communication Skills in Children, a structured interview focused on sociocommunicative aspects of language, was used. The results indicated variation on the maternal perception related to the baby’s age, indicated by the mothers’ descriptions about different sociocommunicative abilities of their babies which, at twelve months, included the use of gestures with intentional vocalization. It showed, also, that some of the mothers seemed to ignore the presence of sociocommunicative abilities in their babies, what can influence the way they interact with their children. It is considered that the data of this study are important to the parents and professionals comprehension about the socioecommunicative dimension of language, to the detection of alterations on sociocommunicative abilities of joint attention and intentional communication, as well as for planning interventions to promote child development....(AU)

El presente estudio investigó las percepciones maternas acerca de las habilidades sociocomunicativas de bebés en el primer año de vida. Se partió de la idea de que la percepción de los padres sobre la capacidad de comunicación intencional infantil puede influenciar la dinámica de las interacciones iniciales y las estrategias parentales para responder a los comportamientos de los bebés. Participaron en la pesquisa cuarenta y cinco madres de bebés en las edades de seis, nueve y doce meses. Para conocer las percepciones maternas acerca de las habilidades de comunicación intencional de los bebés fue utilizado el The Pragmatic Profile of Everyday Communication Skills in Children, una entrevista semi-estructurada, centrada en los aspectos socio-comunicativos del lenguaje. Los resultados indicaron variaciones en las percepciones maternas en función de la edad de los bebés, demostradas por medio del relato de diferentes modalidades socio-comunicativas que, a los doce meses, englobaron el uso de gestos con vocalizaciones intencionales. Se percibió que parte de las madres parecían desconocer la presencia de habilidades socio-comunicativas en sus bebés, lo que puede tener repercusiones en las interacciones establecidas. Se considera que los datos de ese estudio son importantes para la comprensión de padres y profesionales acerca de la dimensión socio-comunicativa del lenguaje, para la detección precoz de alteraciones en las habilidades socio-cognitivas de atención conjunta y comunicación intencional así como para la planificación de intervenciones que favorezcan el desarrollo infantil....(AU)

Acoustic communication and vocalization microhabitat in Ameerega braccata (Steindachner, 1864) (Anura, Dendrobatidae) from Midwestern Brazil / Comunicação acústica e microhabitat de vocalização em Ameerega braccata (Steindachner, 1864) (Anura, Dendrobatidae) do centro-oeste do Brasil

Ameerega braccata is an aposematic, small dendrobatid anuran known from its type-locality, Chapada dos Guimarães, in the State of Mato Grosso, and from a few additional localities in Mato Grosso do Sul and Goiás States, Brazil. The advertisement call of A. braccata is composed of a single unpulsed note, with a frequency range from 3.5 to 4.2 KHz (N = 110), and average duration of 65.8 ms (N = 110, SD = 11.6). The territorial call is composed of five or six repeated notes, structurally similar to advertisement call notes. The courtship call is emitted in close-range interactions between male-female during the courtship event and may reach frequencies of 2.2 to 5.3 KHz (N = 10), with shorter notes (average duration 43 ms; N = 10; SD = 4.9). Call duration, note duration and call rate of the advertisement call showed high variation (>15 percent of coefficient of variation), and dominant frequency showed low variation (<4 percent). The properties with higher variation possibly respond to climatic features and male social position. When producing advertisement calls, males were usually found at an average height of 31.4 cm (N = 19, SD = 12.2 cm), mainly on leaves of shrubs and herbaceous plants (59 percent). Individuals of A. braccata were found in open physiognomies in the Cerrado ("campo sujo" and "cerrado stricto sensu"), as opposed to that found by previous researchers, who reported an association of the species with gallery forests in the Cerrado.

Ameerega braccata é um pequeno anuro aposemático da família Dendrobatidae, conhecido de sua localidade-tipo, Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso e outras localidades adicionais em Mato Grosso do Sul e Goiás, Brasil. A vocalização de anúncio de A. braccata é composta de uma única nota, não pulsionada, com amplitude de frequência entre 3,5 e 4,2 KHz (N = 110) e duração média de 65,8 ms (N = 110, DP = 11,6). A vocalização territorial é composta por cinco ou seis notas repetidas, estruturalmente similares às notas da vocalização de anúncio. Vocalização de corte é emitida em interações de proximidade entre machos e fêmeas durante o processo de corte, podendo alcançar frequências entre 2,2 e 5,3 KHz (N = 10), com notas curtas (duração média 43 ms; N = 10; DP = 4,9). A duração do canto, a duração da nota e a taxa de repetição de canto de anúncio apresentam alta variação (>15 por cento de coeficiente de variação), ao passo que a frequência dominante apresenta baixa variação (<4 por cento). As propriedades com variação alta podem variar de acordo com características climáticas e possivelmente em função do contexto social do macho emissor. Quando em exibição de anúncio, os machos foram usualmente encontrados a uma altura média de 31,4 cm (N = 19, DP = 12,2 cm), principalmente sobre folhas de arbustos e plantas herbáceas (59 por cento). Indivíduos de A. braccata foram encontrados em fisionomias abertas no cerrado ("campo sujo" e "cerrado stricto sensu"), em oposição aos relatos prévios, os quais registraram uma associação da espécie com floresta de galeria no cerrado.

Dimorfismo sexual da traquéia e siringe de periquito (Touist sp. ) / Sexual dimorphism of the parakeet (Touist sp. ) trachea and syrinx

Investigaram-se as diferenças morfológicas da siringe do periquito Touist sp, cinco machos e cinco fêmeas. A traquéia e a siringe foram dissecadas com o auxílio de uma lupa estereoscópia e avaliaram-se o número de anéis, o comprimento da traquéia e da siringe e o comprimento e espessura do músculo traqueolateral. A traquéia do macho apresentou maior número de anéis e maior comprimento que a das fêmeas. O músculo traqueolateral dos machos é mais vigoroso e origina-se no 43º anel traqueal enquanto o das fêmeas origina-se no 30º anel traqueal e se insere no primeiro anel bronquial. A siringe do piriquito é constituída por anéis craniais, cinco nos machos e três nas fêmeas, anéis intermediários, com formato semelhante a uma bolha sulcada ventralmente, anéis caudais, quatro em ambos os sexos, e pessulo. O dimorfismo sexual está presente na morfometria da musculatura e das cartilagens, o que reflete no canto mais vigoroso dos machos

The morphologic differences of the trachea and syrinx of five male and five female Touist sp. parakeets were studied. Trachea and syrinx were dissected with the aid of a stereoscopic magnifying glass and the number of rings, the length of trachea and syrinx were evaluated, as well as the length and thickness of the tracheolateral muscle. Trachea of male parakeets had larger amount of rings and was lengther than the female. Tracheolateral muscle of the males was more vigorous and arised in the 43rd tracheal ring while in the females it originated in the 30th tracheal and inserted in first bronchi ring. The syrinx was constituted by cranial rings (five in males and three in females), intermediate rings (resembly a bubble furrowed ventrally), caudal rings (four in both sexes) and the pessule. Sexual dimorphism directly influenced on the syrinx, concerning the morfometry of the musculature and cartilages, making males sound more vigorously

Advertisement call of Hyla jimi and Hyla elianeae (Anura, Hylidae) in the Botucatu Region, São Paulo, Brazil

In this work we present a description of the advertisement call of H. jimi, the locality type, and of H. elianeae, until now unknown in the literature. Field activities were carried out from August 1997 through June 1999; recordings were made in two open-area environments in the Botucatu region, São Paulo State. Vocalizations of 100 individuals (49 H. jimi and 51 H. elianeae) were recorded; nine characteristics of the advertisement call were examined. The advertisement calls of both species consist of consecutive series of simple notes with relatively fast repetition rates. Males of H. jimi and H. elianeae presented two patterns of note emission: one emitted by individuals beginning vocalization activity or isolated from the aggregate, and another emitted by males in chorus activity interacting with closely neighboring males. A significant difference was verified in the temporal structure of the two vocalization patterns.

Neste trabalho apresenta-se a descrição do canto de anúncio de H. jimi, para a localidade tipo, e de H. elianeae, ainda desconhecida da literatura. As atividades de campo foram desenvolvidas de agosto de 1997 a junho de 1999. As gravações foram efetuadas em ambientes de área aberta na região de Botucatu, Estado de São Paulo. Foram registradas vocalizações de 100 exemplares, 49 de H. jimi e 51 de H. elianeae; foram analisadas nove características do canto de anúncio. O canto de anúncio de ambas as espécies consiste em uma série consecutiva de notas simples com taxa de repetição relativamente rápida. Machos de H. jimi e H. elianeae apresentaram dois padrões de emissão de notas. Um emitido por indivíduos iniciando a atividade de vocalização ou isolado do agregado e outro emitido por machos em atividade de coro, interagindo com machos vizinhos. Foram verificadas diferenças significativas na estrutura temporal nos dois padrões de vocalizações.

Reconstruction of trachea-esophagus vocalization by tunnel method in 12 cases / 中国组织工程研究

Objective To study the therapeutic effect of reconstruction in improving trachea esophagus vocalization after total laryngectomy.Method We reviewed the reconstruction of vocalization with trachea esophagus tunnel in 12 cases patients of total laryngectomy,i.e. a triangular mucous valve was made by incision of the posterior wall of the trachea with the correlative anterior wall of the esophagus made into a tunnel and the mucous valve would vocalize.Result 11 of the 12 cases obtained successful vocalization,counting for 91% of the total. Atresia of the vocalizing valve occurred in one case.Conclusion Trachea esophagus tunnel vocalization reconstruction has better therapeutic effect with good vocalization effect and fewer complications and easily performed.It avoided the shortcomings of necrosis and atresia of the vocalization valve and pharyngeal fistula formation,and the complexity of exchange of artificial vocalization tube again and again.