O presente estudo avaliou (1) a memória espacial de ratas Wistar expostas a diferentes formas de experiência maternal [primiparidade (PRIM), sensibilização maternal pela exposição a filhotes adotivos (SENS) e primiparidade com privação de contato com os filhotes por 6 horas diárias (PRIV), em comparação com a nuliparidade (NUL)] em tarefas espaciais de memórias de referência e operacional no labirinto aquático de Morris. Os resultados revelaram ausência de diferenças quando os animais são avaliados após o desmame dos filhotes, enquanto que o período de contato com os mesmos resultou em comportamentos relacionados à ansiedade em ratas SENS. Adicionalmente, ratas PRIV exibiram melhor desempenho no teste de memória operacional, possivelmente devido a um efeito de enriquecimento ambiental pela exposição intermitente e contínua aos filhotes durante o período de lactação. Ainda, comparou- se (2) o desempenho de ratas PRIM e NUL das linhagens Wistar (W) e Sprague-Dawley (SDW) nas mesmas tarefas comportamentais no labirinto aquático. As ratas PRIM-SDW exibiram melhores desempenhos em relação às NUL-SDW e também em relação às PRIM-W no teste de memória de referência, enquanto que no teste de memória operacional, as ratas PRIM-SWD exibiram um desempenho superior em relação às PRIM-W. Adicionalmente, ratas SWD, independentemente da experiência maternal, exibiram estratégias de busca mais eficientes para cumprir a tarefa. Por fim, (3) avaliou-se o desempenho de ratas PRIM e NUL da linhagem SWD expostas a um ambiente enriquecido (AE) em comparação com ratas PRIM e NUL mantidas em gaiolas comuns de laboratório (STD) em tarefas de localização e reconhecimento de objetos, bem como as taxas de neurogênese hipocampal desses animais. Os resultados mostraram que as ratas PRIM-AE foram mais sensíveis à alteração na disposição espacial de um objeto familiar em comparação com as NUL-AE. Adicionalmente, as ratas NUL e STD exibiram mais comportamentos relacionados com ansiedade e estresse. Os resultados anatômicos mostraram que a experiência maternal e a exposição ao AE por 45 dias não geraram alterações na neurogênese hipocampal em ratas SWD. Estes resultados mostram que diferentes formas de experiência maternal exercem alterações distintas sobre o comportamento de ratas, de forma dependente do momento em que os animais são avaliados e da linhagem de ratas utilizadas. Adicionalmente, mostram que o AE gera alterações de memória espacial e produz efeitos ansiolíticos, particularmente em ratas PRIM. / Maternal experience in rats induces changes in brain and behavior. This study compared (1) spatial memory performances of primiparous (PRIM), pup-induced maternal behaviors (SENS), 6h/daily pup-deprived primiparous (DEP) and nuliparous (NUL) Wistar rats in the reference and working memory versions of the Morris water maze task. No differences were found when the animals were tested after pup\'s weaning/exposure. On the other hand, lactation/pup exposure period induced anxiety-like behaviors in SENS rats when tested during this period. In addition, DEP rats showed better performances in the working memory task, which may be an \"environmental enrichment effect\" due the intermittent exposure to the offspring during lactation. We also compared (2) spatial performances of PRIM and NUL rats from 2 different strains, e, Wistar (W) and Sprague-Dawley (SDW) in the same tasks described in the first experiment. The results showed better performances of PRIM-SDW groups relative to both NUL-SWD and PRIM-W in the reference memory task, while PRIM-SWD outperformed PRIM-W rats in the working memory task. Additionally, SWD rats, regardless their reproductive status, showed better performance in relation to their search strategies to find the hidden platform. Lastly, we (3) evaluated performances of PRIM and NUL Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to an enriched environment (EE) compared to NUL and PRIM rats housed in standard laboratory cages (STD) in an object placement and object recognition task. All groups were injected with BrdU in order to assess hippocampal cell proliferation, differentiation/migration, and cell survival in these animals. In the place object task, PRIM-AE rats exhibited better performances compared to NUL-AE rats. In addition, NUL and STD rats showed more anxiety and stress-related behaviors. The anatomical data showed no differences among all groups, indicating that enriched environment in a regimen of 45 days exposure or maternal experience had no influence on the hippocampal neurogenesis in Sprague-Dawley rats. Taken together, these data show that different forms of maternal experience in rats induce different effects on behavior, in a time and strain-dependent manner. Also, the results showed that exposure to an enriched environment induced spatial memory alterations and anxyolitic effects, mainly in PRIM rats.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:35:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2005-02-02Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:47:13Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 toledo_lm_dr_jabo.pdf: 782304 bytes, checksum: 596fcc0d38c03737b5833f9cb589c806 (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar os fatores ambientais que modulam o comportamento materno-filial nas primeiras horas após o parto, período essencial para desenvolver os laços da mãe com o bezerro. Os dados foram obtidos durante sete anos de pesquisa com o rebanho da Estação Experimental de Zootecnia de Sertãozinho, SP, com quatro raças de bovinos de corte: Nelore, Guzerá, Gir e Caracu. No primeiro artigo destaca-se uma análise dos principais fatores ambientais e seus efeitos no comportamento de vaca e bezerro e a relação do comportamento do bezerro com sua sobrevivência até os 120 dias de idade. O segundo artigo mostra as diferenças nos comportamentos exibidos pelas vacas e pelos bezerros da raça Nelore em função da experiência materna e o terceiro trata da descrição de um potencial predador, o urubu (Coragyps atratus) e sua influência no comportamento materno-filial nas primeiras horas após o parto. Nessas três abordagens os principais fatores considerados foram: ano do parto, raça, número de partos da fêmea, local do parto, hora do parto, tempo que a mãe passa em contato com a cria, agilidade do bezerro e presença do predador. Os resultados sugeriram ser necessário acompanhamento mais detalhado dos partos, monitorando as causas que prejudicaram a relação vaca e bezerro e mostraram que a latência para ficar em pé pode ser utilizada como indicador de vigor do bezerro recém nascido. / The objective of this study was to determine the environmental factors that modulate maternal-offspring behaviour during the first hours after parturition, period, in which, the bond between mother and calf is developed. The data were recorded during seven years at Estação Experimental de Zootecnia de Sertãozinho, located in São Paulo State, Brazil. Four breeds of beef cattle (Nelore, Guzerá, Gir and Caracu) were studied. In the first article the main environmental factors and their effects upon cow and calf behaviour is analyzed as well as he relationship between calf behaviour and its survival up to 120 days of age. The second article shows behavioural differences of Nelore cows and calves induced by the mother's experience and, finally, the third article is related to the presence the black vulture (Coragyps atratus), a potential predator, at calving site, as well as its influence upon maternal-offspring first hours after the birth. The main factors considered in these three studies were: year of birth, breed, cow's parturition number, birth site, birth time, grooming time devoted of mother to its calf, calf agility and predator presence. These results suggest the need of more detailed birth keep up, monitoring cow and calf relationship's harmful causes. Furthermore suggests that latency so stand up could be used as an indicator of calf vigour.

O presente estudo avaliou (1) a memória espacial de ratas Wistar expostas a diferentes formas de experiência maternal [primiparidade (PRIM), sensibilização maternal pela exposição a filhotes adotivos (SENS) e primiparidade com privação de contato com os filhotes por 6 horas diárias (PRIV), em comparação com a nuliparidade (NUL)] em tarefas espaciais de memórias de referência e operacional no labirinto aquático de Morris. Os resultados revelaram ausência de diferenças quando os animais são avaliados após o desmame dos filhotes, enquanto que o período de contato com os mesmos resultou em comportamentos relacionados à ansiedade em ratas SENS. Adicionalmente, ratas PRIV exibiram melhor desempenho no teste de memória operacional, possivelmente devido a um efeito de enriquecimento ambiental pela exposição intermitente e contínua aos filhotes durante o período de lactação. Ainda, comparou- se (2) o desempenho de ratas PRIM e NUL das linhagens Wistar (W) e Sprague-Dawley (SDW) nas mesmas tarefas comportamentais no labirinto aquático. As ratas PRIM-SDW exibiram melhores desempenhos em relação às NUL-SDW e também em relação às PRIM-W no teste de memória de referência, enquanto que no teste de memória operacional, as ratas PRIM-SWD exibiram um desempenho superior em relação às PRIM-W. Adicionalmente, ratas SWD, independentemente da experiência maternal, exibiram estratégias de busca mais eficientes para cumprir a tarefa. Por fim, (3) avaliou-se o desempenho de ratas PRIM e NUL da linhagem SWD expostas a um ambiente enriquecido (AE) em comparação com ratas PRIM e NUL mantidas em gaiolas comuns de laboratório (STD) em tarefas de localização e reconhecimento de objetos, bem como as taxas de neurogênese hipocampal desses animais. Os resultados mostraram que as ratas PRIM-AE foram mais sensíveis à alteração na disposição espacial de um objeto familiar em comparação com as NUL-AE. Adicionalmente, as ratas NUL e STD exibiram mais comportamentos relacionados com ansiedade e estresse. Os resultados anatômicos mostraram que a experiência maternal e a exposição ao AE por 45 dias não geraram alterações na neurogênese hipocampal em ratas SWD. Estes resultados mostram que diferentes formas de experiência maternal exercem alterações distintas sobre o comportamento de ratas, de forma dependente do momento em que os animais são avaliados e da linhagem de ratas utilizadas. Adicionalmente, mostram que o AE gera alterações de memória espacial e produz efeitos ansiolíticos, particularmente em ratas PRIM. / Maternal experience in rats induces changes in brain and behavior. This study compared (1) spatial memory performances of primiparous (PRIM), pup-induced maternal behaviors (SENS), 6h/daily pup-deprived primiparous (DEP) and nuliparous (NUL) Wistar rats in the reference and working memory versions of the Morris water maze task. No differences were found when the animals were tested after pup\'s weaning/exposure. On the other hand, lactation/pup exposure period induced anxiety-like behaviors in SENS rats when tested during this period. In addition, DEP rats showed better performances in the working memory task, which may be an \"environmental enrichment effect\" due the intermittent exposure to the offspring during lactation. We also compared (2) spatial performances of PRIM and NUL rats from 2 different strains, e, Wistar (W) and Sprague-Dawley (SDW) in the same tasks described in the first experiment. The results showed better performances of PRIM-SDW groups relative to both NUL-SWD and PRIM-W in the reference memory task, while PRIM-SWD outperformed PRIM-W rats in the working memory task. Additionally, SWD rats, regardless their reproductive status, showed better performance in relation to their search strategies to find the hidden platform. Lastly, we (3) evaluated performances of PRIM and NUL Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to an enriched environment (EE) compared to NUL and PRIM rats housed in standard laboratory cages (STD) in an object placement and object recognition task. All groups were injected with BrdU in order to assess hippocampal cell proliferation, differentiation/migration, and cell survival in these animals. In the place object task, PRIM-AE rats exhibited better performances compared to NUL-AE rats. In addition, NUL and STD rats showed more anxiety and stress-related behaviors. The anatomical data showed no differences among all groups, indicating that enriched environment in a regimen of 45 days exposure or maternal experience had no influence on the hippocampal neurogenesis in Sprague-Dawley rats. Taken together, these data show that different forms of maternal experience in rats induce different effects on behavior, in a time and strain-dependent manner. Also, the results showed that exposure to an enriched environment induced spatial memory alterations and anxyolitic effects, mainly in PRIM rats.

Aims: The main aim of this research was to add depth of understanding and a human voice to existing research on the maternal experience of having a child with night-time sleep difficulties. It was hoped that this increased understanding could be used by counselling psychologists, not only in their own clinical practice but also when supporting physical health practitioners who have direct contact with this client group. Method: Five semi-structured interviews were conducted with mothers who had children over the age of one who were experiencing night-time sleep difficulties. The interviews were transcribed and analysed in accordance with grounded theory methods. A constructivist version of grounded theory was utilised as outlined by Charmaz (2006). Analysis: A central story line of ‘no choice but to function’ emerged. This refers to the place where these mothers found themselves after attempts to solve their child’s sleep problem had proved ineffective, and describes a state of both ‘coping’ and immense struggle. A number of categories were identified which contribute to this central storyline. A process was identified that outlined the stages that all participants moved through as they encountered and adapted to this experience. Personal Conflicts were also identified which described the experience and impact of fatigue, uncertainty and conflicting emotions. Categories of Responsibility and Isolation also emerged and were found to potentially lead to many personal needs not being met iii and a lack of engagement with support (including that of health professionals). Furthermore, a category of Coping highlighted not only the participants’ reflections on how they coped but also potential future avenues of support. Conclusion: The aims of this research were met with a deeper understanding of this population being obtained and a human voice being added to the existing research on this subject. Findings from this research offer a theoretical model which highlights not only the physical, emotional and systemic struggles encountered by the participants that were interviewed, but also provides suggestions based on these findings for future research and clinical practice.

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar os fatores ambientais que modulam o comportamento materno-filial nas primeiras horas após o parto, período essencial para desenvolver os laços da mãe com o bezerro. Os dados foram obtidos durante sete anos de pesquisa com o rebanho da Estação Experimental de Zootecnia de Sertãozinho, SP, com quatro raças de bovinos de corte: Nelore, Guzerá, Gir e Caracu. No primeiro artigo destaca-se uma análise dos principais fatores ambientais e seus efeitos no comportamento de vaca e bezerro e a relação do comportamento do bezerro com sua sobrevivência até os 120 dias de idade. O segundo artigo mostra as diferenças nos comportamentos exibidos pelas vacas e pelos bezerros da raça Nelore em função da experiência materna e o terceiro trata da descrição de um potencial predador, o urubu (Coragyps atratus) e sua influência no comportamento materno-filial nas primeiras horas após o parto. Nessas três abordagens os principais fatores considerados foram: ano do parto, raça, número de partos da fêmea, local do parto, hora do parto, tempo que a mãe passa em contato com a cria, agilidade do bezerro e presença do predador. Os resultados sugeriram ser necessário acompanhamento mais detalhado dos partos, monitorando as causas que prejudicaram a relação vaca e bezerro e mostraram que a latência para ficar em pé pode ser utilizada como indicador de vigor do bezerro recém nascido. / Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the environmental factors that modulate maternal-offspring behaviour during the first hours after parturition, period, in which, the bond between mother and calf is developed. The data were recorded during seven years at Estação Experimental de Zootecnia de Sertãozinho, located in São Paulo State, Brazil. Four breeds of beef cattle (Nelore, Guzerá, Gir and Caracu) were studied. In the first article the main environmental factors and their effects upon cow and calf behaviour is analyzed as well as he relationship between calf behaviour and its survival up to 120 days of age. The second article shows behavioural differences of Nelore cows and calves induced by the mother's experience and, finally, the third article is related to the presence the black vulture (Coragyps atratus), a potential predator, at calving site, as well as its influence upon maternal-offspring first hours after the birth. The main factors considered in these three studies were: year of birth, breed, cow's parturition number, birth site, birth time, grooming time devoted of mother to its calf, calf agility and predator presence. These results suggest the need of more detailed birth keep up, monitoring cow and calf relationship's harmful causes. Furthermore suggests that latency so stand up could be used as an indicator of calf vigour. / Orientador: Mateus José Rodrigues Paranhos da Costa / Coorientador: Valter U. Cromberg / Banca: Artur Andriolo / Banca: Alexandre Amstalden Moraes Sampaio / Banca: Evaldo Antonio Lencioni Titto / Banca: João Alberto Negrão / Doutor

Pregnancy is affected by multiple factors both within and outside of a woman’s control. For those who experience a preterm pregnancy, considerations about their experiences can be revelatory and meaningful in understanding concepts such as information sharing, support systems, and care models. This research uses qualitative description to further enhance our knowledge about women’s preterm birth experiences within the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant (HNHB) Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). Participant interviews (n=13), key informant interviews (n=2), and participant observations were conducted. Findings exposed 6 themes: 1) prenatal preparedness; 2) working while pregnant; 3) delivery expectations; 4) place and space; 5) supports and resource attainment; and 6) attitudes and knowledge. Collectively, the themes point to the need for improvements in service delivery and knowledge acquisition, and also suggest a new paradigm of employment involvement in pregnancy as well as reaffirmed or rebranded client-provider expectations during pregnancy. / Thesis / Master of Arts (MA)