CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTINGS

Background of the Study

Learning, remembering and understanding are the important roles and innate

characteristics of your brain. These skills are called cognitive skills. Nowadays, people are

finding new ways to enhance their cognitive skills. There were various past researches about

enhancing cognitive skills to mice (Mus musculus) using different psychoactive substances.

These substances are caffeine and glucose, Piracetam and caffeine, and Panax Ginseng. All these

substance are known to enhance and to improve cognitive skills. It is for the reason that they

have nutrients like carbohydrates, vitamin B and other kinds of minerals.

The first research conducted by H. McAfee, C. Woods, and W. Hughes on September 22,

2013, used Panax Ginseng as their psychoactive substance. This study proves that Panax Ginseng

could improve the memory and learning of mice (Mus musculus). Another research conducted by

S. Danet, used caffeine and glucose as their psychoactive substance. This study shows that

glucose and caffeine does not have much of an effect on the brain and not readily increased

memory retention. The last research conducted by K. Good, K. Nikkhah and T. Dihn, used

Piracetam and caffeine. This study states that caffeine and Piracetam can affect learning and

memory of mice. Moreover, Piracetam showed better results than caffeine.

Two psychoactive substances that could also enhance the cognitive skills caught the

attention of the researchers. These are peanuts and grapes. Peanuts are nutritious foods for the

brain, containing protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber and primarily unsaturated fat. Since the brain

requires all of these nutrients to function properly, peanuts are a good natural source to nourish
the brain and nervous system (Armstrong, 2011). While grapes, according to Dr. Axe (2016),

also have nutrients that our brain requires and it gives significant beneficial effect on brain

function and the central nervous system.

To test if these psychoactive substances could enhance cognitive skills, mice (Mus

musculus) will also be used as a test subject. Mice are small rodent with a pointed nose, furry

round body, large ears and a long, often hairless, tail. Mice are highly intelligent rodents. They

are natural students who excel at learning and understanding concepts like humans this is why

laboratories use mice as test subjects for medicines and other items that may be used on humans.

Nearly all modern medicine is tested on mice before they go to human medical trials (Bradford,

2014). Also they are relatively inexpensive and can be bought in large quantities from

commercial producers that breed rodents specifically for research.

Statement of the problem

People always want to enhance their cognitive skills. In this study, the researchers would

like to know which psychoactive substance between peanuts and dried grapes could enhance the

cognitive skills of humans.

Major Problem

Which psychoactive substances between peanuts and dried grapes could greatly enhance

the cognitive skills of mice exposed to mazes with different level of difficulty?

Ho - If a set of mice is fed by peanuts and another set of mice is fed by dried grapes for one

month, there will be no significant difference in their completion time of their designated mazes.
Hi - If a set of mice is fed by peanuts and another set of mice is fed by dried grapes for one

month, there will be a significant difference in their completion time of their designated mazes.

Minor Problems

Do these psychoactive substances will increase the heart rate of the mice?

Ho - If a set of mice is fed by peanuts and another set of mice is fed by dried grapes for one

month, there will be no effect on the heart rate of the mice.

Hi - If a set of mice is fed by peanuts and another set of mice is fed by dried grapes for one

month, there will be an effect in the heart rate of the mice.

Do these psychoactive substances will increase the anxiety and stress of the mice?

Ho - If a set of mice is fed by peanuts and another set of mice is fed by dried grapes for one

month, there will be no significant difference in the anxiety and stress level of the mice.

Hi - If a set of mice is fed by peanuts and another set of mice is fed by dried grapes for one

month, there will be a significant difference in the anxiety and stress level of the mice.

Do these psychoactive substances will increase the weight and size of the mice?

Ho - If a set of mice is fed by peanuts and another set of mice is fed by dried grapes for one

month, there will be no significant difference in the weight and size of the mice.

Hi - If a set of mice is fed by peanuts and another set of mice is fed by dried grapes for one

month, there will be a significant difference in the weight and size of the mice.
Purpose of the Study

The purpose of the study is to identify which psychoactive substances between peanuts

and dried grapes could make the mice, exposed to mazes with different level of difficulty,

produce better mean completion time. This study also aims to know if these psychoactive

substances can cause anxiety and stress to mice and also if it can increase the heart rate of the

mice.

Significance of the Study

This study about the outcome of dried grapes and peanuts to the cognitive skills of mice

(Mus musculus) will benefit the following:

For the public, to be more informed about the positive and negative effects of peanuts and

dried grapes to their mind and body.

For the students, to be erudite about the effects of peanuts and dried grapes to their

cognitive skills.
For the future researchers who will conduct a research about psychoactive substances.

The result of this study can be used as their foundation and as their literature.

Scope and Limitation

The scope of this study will focus on the effects of peanuts and grapes to how fast the

mice will finish the maze. The study will only be limited to 45 samples of mice. The gender and

age of the mice will be neglected when choosing the 45 samples of mice. The researchers will

use 15 mice for peanuts, 15 for dried grapes and 15 mice for the controlled sample.
Delimitation of the Study

This research will explore the psychological and physiological effects of grapes and

peanuts to mice. This study can cover, if peanuts and grapes will affect the heart rate, the anxiety

level and the weight of the mice. This study can also cover if the amount of psychoactive

consumed can cause a different effect to the cognitive skills of mice.

 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Cognitive skills play an important role in the brain of a human being. Cognitive skills are

brain-based skills we need to carry out any task from the simplest to the most complex.

Cognitive abilities or skills are supported by specific neuronal networks. They have more to do

with the mechanisms of how we learn, remember, problem-solve, and pay attention, rather than

with any actual knowledge (Michelon, 2006). The brains cognitive skills include long and short-

term memory auditory processing, visual processing, processing speed and logic and reasoning.

Cognitive skills play an important role in processing new information, so it means that no matter

what kind of information is coming your way, grasping, retaining, or using that information is

impacted.

According to Kravetz (2013), Puzzles are an outstanding way to build new connections in

the brain. There are many types of puzzles other than crosswords. These include many other

word-oriented brain teasers. Some brain teasers dont involve words at all, such as Sudoku. Its

particularly good for your brain to seek out a variety. Or start with one type, and as you get

better, switch to another type of puzzle. Your brain will be challenged with each particular type

of puzzle. Switching from a puzzle thats easy to a more difficult or unfamiliar type stimulates

new brain activity, or learning, as your brain now has to generate new memories in order to

master the puzzles and the mazes.

According to Anne (2004), there are 3 common types of mazes used for mice. The first

maze is the classical maze. The classical maze consists of a large platform with a series of

vertical walls and a transparent ceiling. The rat starts in one location, runs through the maze, and
finishes at a reward in another location. The second maze is the T-maze. The T-maze is shaped

like a T. It starts at the base of the T, then a reward may be placed in one arm of the maze, or

different rewards may be placed in each arm. The rat would walk forward and could choose left

or right arm of the maze. The third type is the Morris water maze. The Morris water maze is a

large round tub of opaque water with two small hidden platforms located 1-2 cm under the

water's surface. The rat is placed on a start platform. The rat swims around until it finds the other

platform to stand on. External cues, such as patterns or the standing researcher, are placed around

the pool in the same spot every time to help the rat learn where the end platform is. The

researcher measures how long it takes for a rat to find hidden platform. These mazes will be the

puzzle for the mice that will test if the following boosts will affect their cognitive skills when

they explore mazes.

There are a lot of foods that can help boost your cognitive skills. Peanuts and grapes as

they say can help boost the cognitive skills. Peanuts are nutritious foods for the brain. They

contain many essential nutrients the brain and body require, while being low in sodium.

Accodring to Rudrappa (2009), the nuts are packed with many important B-complex groups of

vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin and pantothenic acid. 100 g of peanuts provide about

85% of recommended daily intake of niacin, which can contribute to brain health and blood flow

to brain, can boost brain experienced and learning, and can prevent Alzheimer's disease and age-

related degeneration.

Peanuts are excellent source of vitamin E (a-tocopherol); containing about 8 g per100 g.

Vitamin E is a powerful lipid soluble antioxidant which helps maintain the integrity of cell

membrane of mucus membranes and skin by protecting from harmful oxygen free radicals.
Peanuts can provide protein and other nutrients less expensively than many other foods

(Armstrong, 2011).

Peanuts could also decrease anxiety because it is also a source of omega-3 fatty acid and

omega 6 fats. According to Scott (2015), consuming plenty of omega-3 fatty acids may offer

powerful protection against depression. A large Norwegian study of nearly 22,000 participants

revealed that those who regularly took cod liver oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, were

about 30% less likely to have symptoms of depression than those who did not. The longer the

participants took cod liver oil, the less likely they were to have high levels of depression.

Omega-3 fatty acids may also help improve mood in those who already suffer from depression.

Although, this study needs more evidence and experiments.

On the other hand, eating a handful of peanuts daily may lower your risk of developing

heart disease, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. However, the Harvard report

also points out that gobbling peanuts in addition to consuming your usual snacks and meals

could undo the health benefits. In spite of their nutrients and antioxidants, peanuts are high in

calories, and eating too many of them could interfere with the absorption of minerals, and if you

buy salted peanuts, youll consume a lot of sodium. As long as you buy unsalted nuts, you wont

have to worry about their impact on your blood pressure because peanuts are naturally sodium

free. However, 1 ounce of salted dry-roasted peanuts contains 189 milligrams of sodium,

according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This amount represents 13 percent of the daily

intake of 1,500 milligrams that the Institute of Medicine recommends. Numerous servings of

salted peanuts, together with sodium from other sources in your diet, can easily put you over the

recommended intake. Consuming too much sodium boosts your blood pressure, which increases
your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. So many experts recommend to consume the right

amount of peanuts and only buy unsalted peanuts (Busch, 2015).

While grapes are basically as good as peanuts. Grapes can help boost the cognitive skills

and according to Szalay (2016), grapes has a nutrients of a total of 9% of carbohydrate, 5% of

dietary fiber,5% of Vitamin B-6, 2% of Vitamin A, 27% of Vitamin C, 2% of calcium, 3% of iron

and 1% of magnesium that can give an antioxidant power, it can help fight diabetes, it can help

the recycle of digestion, it can even help you longer your life, it can also help fight against

cancer, it can help maintain your healthy heart and can boost your cognitive skills according to a

research. It showed that 12 older adults who had memory issues showed a significant

improvement of verbal learning with drinking two cups of Concord juice everyday within 12

weeks. Also Grapes are one of the foods that can help the cognitive factors of the brain. Studies

suggest that the consumption of flavonoid-rich grape products may have a significant beneficial

effect on brain function and the central nervous system.

According to Dr. Axe (2016), Grape flavonoids, specifically anthocyanins, can prevent

neurodegenerative processes both by inhibition of neuro-inflammation and by reducing oxidative

stress. A clinical study demonstrated that 12 weeks supplementation with purple grape juice in

the diet may have neurocognitive benefits in older adults with early memory decline.

Consumption of grape juice was also found to improve memory functions in older adults with

mild memory decline, possibly helping work as an Alzheimers natural treatment. According to

Samadi (2016) same results have been found that grapes give a boost to the cognitive health of

the brain, according to this, Concord grape juice can help slow progression of age-related

cognitive decline, which can help the rain to remember the past memories that have been learned

or experienced.
 Grapes also a source of vitamin B and magnesium that could prevent depression and

stress. According to Scott (2015), If you take individual B vitamins, also take a good B complex

supplement to help prevent imbalances among these vitamins, which work together. Specific B

vitamins have been shown to be deficient in patients with agoraphobia. Good food sources of the

B vitamins could decrease anxiety or prevent it. But this study needs more evidence.

Besides boosting our cognitive skills, preventing depression and age-related

degeneration, grapes are also good for our heart. Studies have shown that eating a variety of

grapes may help support a healthy heart by promoting relaxation of blood vessels to help

maintain healthy blood flow and function. Heart-healthy grapes may also help promote healthy

aging.

According to Hendrick, B. (2008), the University of Michigan, studied the effects of

regular table grapes that were fed to rats in powdered form. After 18 weeks, rats that ate the

grape-enriched powder had lower blood pressure, better heart function, and reduced

inflammation throughout their bodies than comparable rodents that didn't receive the mixture.

Rats on salty diets plus hydralazine, a blood pressure medicine, had lower blood pressure, but

their hearts weren't as protected from damage as the animals fed grapes. This study supported

their theory that there is something within the grapes has a direct impact on cardiovascular risk,

beyond the simple blood-pressure-lowering impact that comes from fruits and vegetables. The

University of Michigan says the study suggests that a grape-enriched diet can have broad effects

on hypertension, but that more work is needed to see if the beneficial effects will apply to

humans. The study notes that grapes and other fruits high in antioxidant could have good effects

on our heart health.

 On the other hand, grapes also have side effects. According to Rajan R. (2016), eating

large quantities of grapes, can lead to indigestion. In some cases, it can even cause diarrhea.

Those who have fructose intolerance can also experience abdominal pain along with indigestion.

People with fructose intolerance should avoid eating grapes as it may even harm the liver and

kidney function. A milder condition is fructose malabsorption, which exhibits the same

symptoms but with less intensity. Grapes also lead to vomiting. If you do not eat a lot of fiber on

a regular basis, you can feel nauseous on eating too many grapes. This is because it becomes

difficult for the digestive system to digest all that fiber from the grapes. And it ends up creating

discomfort in the stomach. This can lead to nausea and vomiting. Some preservatives in grapes

can also trigger such a reaction.

Some studies use mouse to test if a certain substance like caffeine, glucose and etc. could

affect cognitive skills. Mouse is a small rodent with a pointed nose, furry round body, large ears

and a long, often hairless, tail. Mice are nocturnal, meaning they like to sleep during the day.

This is why pet mice or house mice can be heard playing or foraging during the night. Mice are

much like humans in how their bodies and minds work (Bradford, 2014). But mice do not have

good eyesight; they cannot see certain colors, including red. They are basically blind at birth and

need at least two weeks to be able to see but luckily, they posses good hearing, courtesy of their

big ears so they are capable of picking up on sounds that are far too shrill for people to hear.

Their senses for feeling, smelling and tasting are also outstanding. This conveniently assists them

in staying away from approaching potential predators. (Whalerock Digital Media, LLC, 2016),

Scientists and researchers rely on mice and rats for several reasons. One is convenience:

rodents are small, easily housed and maintained, and adapt well to new surroundings. They also

reproduce quickly and have a short lifespan of two to three years, so several generations of mice
can be observed in a relatively short period of time. Mice and rats are also relatively inexpensive

and can be bought in large quantities from commercial producers that breed rodents specifically

for research. The rodents are also generally mild-tempered and docile, making them easy for

researchers to handle, although some types of mice and rats can be more difficult to restrain than

others. Another reason rodents are used as models in medical testing is that their genetic,

biological and behavior characteristics closely resemble those of humans, and their anatomy,

physiology and genetics are well-understood by researchers, making it easier to tell what changes

in the mice's behaviors or characteristics are caused by. (Melina, 2010)

According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (2016), rats and mice are

highly intelligent rodents. They are natural students who excel at learning and understanding

concepts just like humans. They are capable of thinking and figuring things as good as dogs are,

they are at least got good memories like elephants have and they almost have the same cognitive

skills of a human.

Mice can also be stressed. Mice experience stress for a variety of reasons. They give

different clinical signs when they are distress and when in pain. These are the signs indicating

pain, distress, or discomfort:

Their breathing becomes shallow and when they exhale, you will hear grunting.
They always squeal when handling
They become more docile or aggressive
They eat their bedding
They have bald patches
They have unusual color of feces
They are not eating and drinking

Studies on the effects of various psychoactive substances that could enhance the cognitive

skills of mice.
 A study conducted by H. McAfee, C. Woods, and W. Hughes, aims to know if their

psychoactive substance could enhance the cognitive skills of mice. Their psychoactive substance

was Panax Ginseng. The researchers in this study used 15 male mice (Mus musculus) and were

divided into three groups of five. One group of mice served as the control group, another group

was treated with Panax Ginseng, and the other group was treated with Panax Ginseng and

Scopolamine. The use of Scopolamine, according to the researchers, was to create a cognitive

deficit in the mice and simulate memory impairment similar to Alzheimers disease and to know

if the Panax Ginseng has a positive effect on their ability to go through the mazes even though

they have cognitive deficit because of the Scopolamine. All three groups in this study were tested

using a Multiple T Maze and a Morris Water Maze once per week for five weeks. The results that

the researchers have gathered in their study were the group treated with only Panax Ginseng

completed the maze faster than the other groups. This indicates had a positive effect on the

mices ability to go through both of the mazes, indicating a possible link between Panax Ginseng

and memory and cognition. While the group treated with Panax Ginseng and Scopolamine

finished the maze slower than the other groups. This indicates that Scopolamine had more

negative effect than the positive effect of Panax Ginseng on the mices ability to go through the

maze. Overall, this study proved that Panax Ginseng could improve memory and learning of

mice.

Another study conducted by S. Danet, also aims to know if her psychoactive substances,

caffeine and glucose, could enhance the cognitive skills of mice. Forty mice (Mus musculus)

were housed two to a bedded cage, separated by sex, at room temperature with food pellets and

water available in the animal room at McKendree University. The mice were kept under a

twelve-hour light period where the lights were constantly on. Each treatment had cages of eight
mice, four females and four males, and the cages for each treatment were grouped together. The

five solution treatments that were used to study the effects of glucose and caffeine on memory

and learning time were 9% saline solution for control, 2mg/kg glucose, 4mg/kg glucose, 2mg/kg

caffeine, and 4mg/kg caffeine. The first group was treated with 9% saline solution for control,

2mg/kg glucose for the second group, 4mg/kg glucose for the third group, 2mg/kg caffeine for

the forth group, and 4mg/kg caffeine for the last group. All of the groups were tested in the same

type of maze. The result of the study was there is no descending pattern of averages between the

control and the other treatments. Some of the groups had a longer time average than the control.

Overall, the result of this study was glucose and caffeine does not have much of an effect on the

brain, not readily increasing memory retention.

On a study conducted by K. Good, K. Nikkhah and T. Dihn, aims to know if caffeine and

piracetam on memory and learning of mice. Ten mice were used in this study and were separated

into 2 groups and housed in controlled environments of cages lined with pine bedding The first

group was treated with caffeine using a syringe and the second group was treated with piracetam

using also a syringe. The two groups were tested every day for 5 days. A two-tailed, paired t-test

along with an ANOVA test was conducted, and the p-values were appropriately evaluated to

establish results. The results the researchers of this study showed the mean maze completion

times for both groups compared were significantly short, with the piracetam having also a

significantly shorter completion time than the caffeine group. This means that the substances

caffeine and piracetam can potentially affect learning and memory of mices.

Conclusion
 This chapter II of our research discussed the physiological and physical effects of grapes

and peanuts to the human body. This chapter consists of the meaning of cognitive skills and

mice, the three different types of mazes used to test the cognitive skills of mice, benefits of

grapes and peanuts to the human body and the clinical signs indicating pain, distress, or

discomfort of mice. This chapter also shows 3 Studies on the effects of various psychoactive

substances that could enhance the cognitive skills of mice. Overall, this chapter will provide the

readers some background information about our research paper.

CHAPTER III
 METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the research design, research locale, research variables, sample and

sampling technique, research instruments, research methods, data collection procedure, data

sources, data selection process and statistical treatment that the study will utilize.

Research Design

Experimental designs will be used in this quantitative research because this study will

determine which psychoactive substance between peanuts and dried grapes could enhance

cognitive skills. An experimental design is a systematic and scientific approach to research in

which the researcher manipulates one or more variables, and controls and measures any change

in other variables. This experimental research design will identify the positive and negative

effects of peanuts and grapes to the cognitive skills. This study will prove what psychoactive

substance will enhance the cognitive skills.

Research Locale

This research will be held in one of the house of the researchers here in Pleasant Hills

Subdivision, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. The researchers will conduct the research there so the

mice will avoid harm from other animals and other humans.

Research Variables

Dependent Variables

The dependent variable of this research is the time completion of the mice (Mus

musculus) in the maze. The researchers will record the time using a stopwatch.

Independent Variables
 The independent variables of this research are the psychoactive substances and different

levels of maze. Two psychoactive substances will be used in this research, namely: peanuts and

dried grapes. The researchers will use two different levels of maze. The first level will just be the

maze while the second level will have different types of obstacle.

Controlled Variables

The controlled variables are water and the mice pellets that will be used to feed the mice.

Sample and Sampling Technique

Purposive sample will be used in this research. A purposive sample is a non-probability

sample that is selected based on characteristics of a population and the objective of the study.

The researchers purposely picked mice as their sample to test the psychoactive substances. The

researches chose the mice because their genetic, biological and behavior characteristics closely

resemble humans and the use of mice as a sample for an experiment is approved by the

government.

Research Instruments

The research instruments that will be used in the research are time-and-motion logs, and

screening assessment sheets. Time-and-motion logs is the systematic investigation and analysis

of the motions and the time required to perform a specific operation or task with a view to

seeking more efficient methods of production as well as setting time standards. The researchers

will also use stopwatch as the timer for the completion of time. Screening assessment sheets will

be used to evaluate the anxiety level of the mice. Screening assessment sheets will be answered

using yes or no. The screening assessment sheets will be used every data collection.
Research Method

Observation.
The observation that the researchers will do is the non-participant observation. In non-

participant observation the researcher does not participate in the activities being observed but

rather, he or she sits on the sidelines and watches the subjects or respondents. The researchers

will observe the variables while they are doing their maze task. The researchers will observe on

how the psychoactive substances will work on their variables cognitive skills. The researchers

will also observe the variables when they stopped.

Documentation.
The researchers will take a video and photographs each time they will collect their data.

These videos and photographs will be interpreted later on.

Data Collection Procedure

Preparation of Maze

The maze will be 18 by 25 inches. The researchers will use a wood cutter to cut the 4-

meter plywood. To assemble the maze, the researchers will use a wood glue to attach the all the

plywood. The researchers will also use two same mazes. After 2 weeks, the researchers will

make the maze more difficult by adding mirrors and treadmill, and changing the course of the

maze.

Preparation of the Psychoactive substances

The researchers will prepare 20 grams of peanuts that will be mixed to 20 grams of mice

pellets for each mouse in the peanut group of 15 mice. While 20 grams of dried grapes will also

be mixed with 20 grams of mice pellets for each mouse in the dried grapes group of 15 mice.

Picking the Participants

 The researchers will disregard the age and the gender of the mice and will randomly pick

45 mice. The 30 mice will be used to test the effects of dried grapes and peanuts on their

cognitive skills. The mice will be separated into 3 groups of 15, and will be housed in controlled

environments of cages.

Data collection process

The researchers will prepare the materials for recording and documentations, a digital

single lens reflex camera or smart phone will do. For observation, the researchers will use their

sensory glands to observe them. For transcribing, the researchers will use a pen and a customize

notebook will do. A stethoscope will be used to get the heart rate of the mice. While a weighing

scale with a 10-gram calibration will be used to get the weight of the mice, dried grapes and

peanuts. Measuring distribution is very important because it will really show the results how the

comparative analysis will move.

Data Sources

Maze Completion Time The researchers will use a stopwatch to gather the maze

completion time of mice.

Heart Rate of Mice The researchers will use a stethoscope to assess the heart rate of the

mice.
Weight of Mice The researchers will use a weighing scale with a 10 gram calibration to

measure the weight of the mice.

Anxiety level of Mice The researchers will use screening assessment sheets to collect

the anxiety level of the mice.

Statistical Treatment
 T-test will be used in this research. A t-test is an analysis of two population means

through the use of statistical examination; a t-test with two samples is commonly used with small

sample sizes, testing the difference between the samples when the variances of two normal

distributions are not known.

Appendix
Signs of Distress Screening For Mice Fed With Peanuts

Mice #: _____ Heart Rate: _____

Weight: _____ Length: _____

Physical Abnormalities Yes:___ No:___

Bald Patches Yes:___ No:___
Eat their beddings Yes:___ No:___
Docile or Aggressive Yes:___ No:___
Squeal When Handling Yes:___ No:___
Unusual Breathing Yes:___ No:___
Color Change in Feces Yes:___ No:___
Unusual behaviors Yes:___ No:___
Not Eating Yes:___ No:___
Not Drinking Yes:___ No:___

Signs of Distress Screening For Mice Fed With Grapes

Mice #: _____ Heart Rate: _____

Weight: _____ Length: _____

Physical Abnormalities Yes:___ No:___

Bald Patches Yes:___ No:___
Eat their beddings Yes:___ No:___
Docile or Aggressive Yes:___ No:___
Squeal When Handling Yes:___ No:___
Unusual Breathing Yes:___ No:___
Unusual Color of Feces Yes:___ No:___
Unusual behaviors Yes:___ No:___
Not Eating Yes:___ No:___
Not Drinking Yes:___ No:___
Adapted from:

Morton, D. B. and P. H. M. Griffiths. 1985. Guidelines on the recognition of pain, distress and discomfort
in experimental animals and a hypothesis for assessment. Vet Record 116:431-436.

The following distress screening sheets have been developed to assess animals anxiety level.
This will also identify the height, heart rate and size of the mice. The size of the mice will be measured
from the tail to the head of the mice. The assessment sheet will be answered using yes or no. The
categories in this assessment are:

A. Physical Abnormalities (e.g., missing body part, includes tail, ears, limbs, etc.)

B. Bald Patches (e.g., lacking hair in the back part of the mice)

C. Eat their beddings

D. Docile or Aggressive (e.g., trying to bite your hand when handling their body)

E. Squeal When Handling

F. Unusual Breathing (e.g., shallow breathing)

G. Unusual Color of Feces (e.g., green feces)

H. Unusual behaviors (e.g., circling, repeated back and forth movements)

I. Not Eating

J. Not Drinking
 Definition of Terms

Age-related degeneration - is an intellectual, moral, or artistic decline due to age

Anthocyanins - are water-soluble vacuolar pigments that may appear red, purple, or blue

depending on the pH.

Antioxidant - is a substance that inhibits oxidation, especially one used to counteract the

deterioration of stored food products.

Anxiety - a nervous disorder characterized by a state of excessive uneasiness and apprehension,

typically with compulsive behavior or panic attacks.

Cardiovascular disease - generally refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood

vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina) or stroke. Other heart conditions, such

as those that affect your heart's muscle, valves or rhythm, also are considered forms of heart

disease.

Cognitive skills - are the skills of our brain used to remember, learn and collect the incoming

knowledge of the brain and store it for everyday use.

Erudite - having or showing great knowledge or learning.

Free Radicals - one that is produced in the body by natural biological processes or introduced

from an outside source and that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA by altering their chemical

structure

Fructose Malabsorption - this is experienced by the person as bloating, cramping, gas and

distention. Diarrhea may also occur due to the undigested particles of fructose.

Gobble - eat something hurriedly and noisily.

Hydralazine - a medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. This

includes high blood pressure in pregnancy and very high blood pressure resulting in symptoms

Impacted - pressed firmly together, in particular.

Niacin - is one of the 20 to 80 essential human nutrients.

Neuronal Network - is a specialized, impulse-conducting cell that is the functional unit of the

nervous system, consisting of the cell body and its processes, the axon and dendrites.

Neurodegenerative -is an umbrella term for the progressive loss of structure or function of

neurons, including death of neurons. Many neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic

lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's occur as a result of

neurodegenerative processes.

Neurocognitive cognitive functions associated with particular areas of the brain

Neuroinflammation - is an inflammation of the nervous tissue. It may be initiated in response to

a variety of cues, including infection, traumatic brain injury, toxic metabolites, or autoimmunity.

Panax Ginseng - a species of ginseng used as to increase energy and stamina and to give the

immune system a boost. It may also aid diabetes, may improve cognitive performance, and may

help in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Pantothenic acid - is a water-soluble vitamin. Pantothenic acid is an essential nutrient. Animals

require pantothenic acid to synthesize coenzyme-A (CoA), as well as to synthesize and

metabolize proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. The anion is called pantothenate.

Piracetam - is a kind of drug that when it is been supplemented, it gives an instant boost to the

brain to function properly.

Psychoactive substances - is a kind of substance that acts primarily upon the central nervous

system where it changes the brain function, resulting in changes in perception, mood,

consciousness and behavior.

Retention - is the action of absorbing and continuing to hold a substance.

Riboflavin - a vitamin found in food and used as a dietary supplement.. It may be given by

mouth or injection.

Scopolamine - is a medication used to treat motion sickness and postoperative nausea and

vomiting. It is also sometimes used before surgery to decrease saliva.

Thiamin - is one of the water-soluble B vitamins. It is also known as vitamin B1. Thiamin is

naturally present in some foods, added to some food products, and available as a dietary

supplement.

Unsaturated fats - are fats or fatty acids that are liquid a room temperature.
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