Publications by authors named "Rachel Dennis"

Asphyxiated neonates often undergo therapeutic hypothermia (TH) to reduce morbidity and mortality. As perinatal asphyxia and TH impact neonatal physiology, this could also influence enzyme functionality. Therefore, this study aimed to unravel the impact of age, hypothermia and hypoxia on porcine hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) gene expression, protein abundance and activity.

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Background And Objectives: The recommended initial tests for suspected Cushing's syndrome are late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC), 24-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC) and the 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (ONDST). These tests have higher sensitivity and specificity than serum cortisol. The aim of this study was to determine the relative frequency of these requested tests in primary care.

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The search for humane methods to euthanize piglets is critical to address public concern that current methods are not optimal. Blunt force trauma is considered humane but esthetically objectionable. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is used but criticized as aversive.

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1. Serotonin (5-HT) is a primary regulating neurotransmitter involved in aggressive and impulsive behaviours in mammals. Previous studies have also demonstrated that the function of the serotonergic system in regulating aggression is affected by both genetic and environmental factors.

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Prenatal stress can alter the serotonin (5-HT) system in the developing and adult brain and lead to mood and behavioral disorders in children and adults. The chicken provides a unique animal model to study the effects of embryonic stressors on childhood and adolescent behavior. Manipulations to the egg can be made in the absence of confounding maternal effects from treatment.

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Genetic selection for chickens of high (HGPS) and low (LGPS) group productivity and survivability, resulted in two distinct genetic lines characterized by differences in cannibalism, flightiness, and immunocompetence. Additionally, birds exhibited differences in behaviour and social stress coping strategy. HGPS birds have a superior stress coping strategy compared with birds of LGPS or Dekalb XL (DXL), a commercial strain.

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