Behavioral Assessment Research Articles

Functional Behavior Assessment: What Are We Teaching and What Are We Doing?

Functional Behavior Assessment: What Are We Teaching and What Are We Doing?

Regular exercise ameliorates high-fat diet-induced depressive-like behaviors by activating hippocampal neuronal autophagy and enhancing synaptic plasticity

Exercise enhances synaptic plasticity and alleviates depression symptoms, but the mechanism through which exercise improves high-fat diet-induced depression remains unclear. In this study, 6-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were administered a high-fat diet (HFD, 60% kcal from fat) to a HFD model for 8 weeks. The RUN group also received 1 h of daily treadmill exercise in combination with the HFD. Depressive-like behaviors were evaluated by behavioral assessments for all groups. The key mediator of the effect of exercise on high-fat diet-induced depressive-like behaviors was detected by RNA-seq. The morphology and function of the neurons were evaluated via Nissl staining, Golgi staining, electron microscopy and electrophysiological experiments. The results showed that exercise attenuated high-fat diet-induced depressive-like behavior and reversed hippocampal gene expression changes. RNA-seq revealed Wnt5a, which was a key mediator of the effect of exercise on high-fat diet-induced depressive-like behaviors. Further work revealed that exercise significantly activated neuronal autophagy in the hippocampal CA1 region via the Wnt5a/CamkII signaling pathway, which enhanced synaptic plasticity to alleviate HFD-induced depressive-like behavior. However, the Wnt5a inhibitor Box5 suppressed the ameliorative effects of exercise. Therefore, this work highlights the critical role of Wnt5a, which is necessary for exercise to improve high-fat diet-induced depression.

Experimental and Numerical Investigations on the Slate Shearing Mechanical Behavior

Multi-scale assessment of shear behavior in the tunnel carbonaceous slate is critical for evaluating the stability of the surrounding rock. In this study, direct shear tests were conducted on carbonaceous slates from the Muzhailing Tunnel, considering five bedding dip angles (β) and four normal stresses (σn). The micro-mechanism was also examined by combining acoustic emission (AE) and energy rate with PFC2D Version 5.0 (particle flow code 2D Version 5.0 software) numerical simulations. The results showed a linear relationship between peak shear stress and normal stress, with the rate of increase inversely related to β. Cohesion increased linearly with β, while internal friction angle and AE activity decreased; the energy release rate is 3.92 × 108 aJ/s at 0° and 1.93 × 108 aJ/s at 90°. Shearing along the preset fracture plane was the main failure mode. Increased normal stress led to lateral cracks perpendicular to or intersecting the shear plane. Cracks along the bedding plane formed a broad shear band with concentrated compressive force, and inclined bedding was accompanied by a dense tension chain along the bedding plane.

Residents’ place attachment and tourist sexual behaviour in a European coastal tourist destination

PurposeDespite extensive research into residents’ attitudes towards tourist behaviour, little has been explored about the extent to which visitors’ practices contribute to the formation of residents’ bonds with their place of residence, which is also a tourist destination. Therefore, this research aims to determine how residents’ perception of tourist sexual behaviour affects their engagement with the urban environment and the image of the city and tourist destination in which they live. To structure and interpret the various attitudes of the residents surveyed, the authors used a conceptual framework based on identity process theory (IPT) in relation to residents’ attitudes and the impact of a particular dimension of tourist behaviour – their sexual practices – on their perceived connection to their place of residence.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was administered to a sample of 457 residents in Salou to collect data regarding their assessments of the sexual behaviour of tourists in their community. A cluster analysis was used to classify residents according to their attitudes and stances towards the different sexual practices of visitors and their evaluation of the importance of those practices for current and future tourism at the destination. Finally, an analysis of variance was performed to compare significant differences in attitudes towards tourist behaviour and the attachment to Salou among the different segments of residents identified.FindingsThe study identified four groups of residents classified by their attitudes towards tourist sexual behaviour: permissive bystanders, supportive expectants, ambivalent pragmatics and opposed rejectors. Two attitudinal components explain the differences between the groups: tolerance and personal interest, which are associated with how residents construct their bond with Salou in terms of place attachment (PA). These results align well with IPT, as they highlight processes of assimilation, evaluation and the contribution of symbolic significance to the place of residence, mediated by the perception of tourist sexual behaviour.Practical implicationsSome practical recommendations are offered to tourist destination administrations regarding the differences among residents’ attitudes towards tourist behaviour and PA. The findings can serve as a valuable tool for designing tourism policies aimed at selecting markets, as well as for marketing and promoting tourist destinations.Originality/valueThe originality of this study lies in that it considers the role of tourist sexual behaviour as a compositional element of the identity of the place – a tourist destination – where residents live, providing new empirical data on an under-researched academic issue. This article attempts to contribute to a critical perspective by conceptualising and introducing new elements for understanding the identity, attraction and sexuality of tourist sites. The study also connects with the urban analysis of tourist destinations, incorporating the role of sex into the social construction of the tourist city, the creation of identity and image and the attribution of symbolic meaning to destination settings.

Nattokinase Attenuated Excitatory Amino Acids and Cytokines Release and Restored Cerebral Blood Flow in a Thrombolytic Focal Cerebral Ischemic Rat Model.

Nattokinase (NK), a protease enzyme present in traditional fermented Japanese food, has shown fibrinolytic properties in vitro as well as in cardiac ischemia. In the present study, the Neuroprotective effect of standardized NK was evaluated in the thrombolytic focal cerebral ischemic model. The parameters of behavioural assessment, cerebral blood flow, inflammatory mediators, excitatory amino acids, and immunohistochemistry were measured to support the NK effect. NK was administered at 150 and 300 mg/kg, and its effects were compared with streptokinase (STK) (100μl/rat). Each mg of NK contains 5.5 Units of the enzyme, which can cause lysis of the fibrin. The results indicate that 7 days of treatment of 300 mg NK restored the cerebral blood flow and prevented the release of cytokine and excitatory amino acids. Similarly, neurological scores were reduced, and grip strength increased significantly with NK treatment. The GFAP and synaptophysin staining of the hippocampus (CA1) and cerebrum have shown recovery of neurons from ischemic damage in comparison to vehicle-treated ischemic-reperfused rats. The NK (300 mg/kg) fibrinolytic effect is comparable to STK treatment. To conclude, NK, a serine protease, protects the brain from ischemic degeneration in thrombolytic cerebral ischemia. Consumption of this Japanese food might exhibit prophylactic activity.

Digital assessments for children and adolescents with ADHD: a scoping review.

In spite of rapid advances in evidence-based treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), community access to rigorous gold-standard diagnostic assessments has lagged far behind due to barriers such as the costs and limited availability of comprehensive diagnostic evaluations. Digital assessment of attention and behavior has the potential to lead to scalable approaches that could be used to screen large numbers of children and/or increase access to high-quality, scalable diagnostic evaluations, especially if designed using user-centered participatory and ability-based frameworks. Current research on assessment has begun to take a user-centered approach by actively involving participants to ensure the development of assessments that meet the needs of users (e.g., clinicians, teachers, patients). The objective of this mapping review was to identify and categorize digital mental health assessments designed to aid in the initial diagnosis of ADHD as well as ongoing monitoring of symptoms following diagnosis. Results suggested that the assessment tools currently described in the literature target both cognition and motor behaviors. These assessments were conducted using a variety of technological platforms, including telemedicine, wearables/sensors, the web, virtual reality, serious games, robots, and computer applications/software. Although it is evident that there is growing interest in the design of digital assessment tools, research involving tools with the potential for widespread deployment is still in the early stages of development. As these and other tools are developed and evaluated, it is critical that researchers engage patients and key stakeholders early in the design process.

Clinical and imaging correlates of hyperorality in syndromes associated with frontotemporal lobar degeneration.

Empirical research investigating hyperorality in syndromes associated with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is limited. The present study aims to assess and describe hyperorality and its clinical and imaging correlates in patients with FTLD-associated syndromes. This retrospective longitudinal study included consecutive patients with FTLD who underwent a clinical, cognitive, and behavioral assessment. The presence and severity of hyperorality was assessed using the Frontal Behavior Inventory. A total of 712 patients with FTLD were included in the study. Hyperorality was reported by 29% (204 of 712 [95% CI: 25-32%]) of patients; was more frequent in those with severe dementia than in those with prodromal or mild to moderate dementia (P < 0.05); was associated with younger age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.96 [95% CI: 0.94-0.99]), (P = 0.003) and positive family history for dementia (OR = 2.03 [95% CI: 1.18-3.49], P = 0.010); was overall more probable in the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and frontotemporal dementia with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis phenotypes, and less probable in other language or motor phenotypes; and was associated with higher severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms (OR = 1.08 [95% CI: 1.06-1.10], P < 0.001) and with the presence of several behavioral symptoms (P < 0.05). Moreover, hyperorality severity increased over time only in patients with bvFTD (β = +0.15, P = 0.011) or semantic variant of primary progressive aphasia (β = +0.34, P = 0.010). Finally, the presence of hyperorality was significantly associated with greater atrophy in the right anterior insula and right orbitofrontal region (false discovery rate-corrected P < 0.05). Hyperorality is common in certain FTLD-associated syndromes. Understanding its correlates can help clinicians define pharmacological and educational interventions and clarify related anatomical circuits.

An Experimental Approach for the Quantitative Assessment of Downstream Swimming Fish Behavior

ABSTRACTBehavior of fish influences the mortality risk during turbine and pump passages. Knowledge about species‐specific behavior and its triggers is necessary for improving numerical models and the development of autonomous sensor probes to estimate fish mortality in turbines and pumps. A primary objective of the RETERO project is the study of fish behavior in hydraulic conditions similar to turbine and pump intakes in controlled conditions. For this purpose, an experimental conduit was constructed at the Hubert‐Engels Laboratory of the TUD Dresden University of Technology (Germany) equipped with a 3D camera infrared tracking system. The conduit was designed to model hydraulic conditions typical for turbine and pump intakes. In the experimental setup, the effects of flow velocities exceeding the maximum swim speed of fish, as well as spatial velocity gradients and illumination conditions on the fish behavior are studied. The data from brown trout (Salmo trutta) allow for an analysis of how these fish react to flow accelerations and velocities surpassing their sprint speed, using quantitative metrics for movement and activity. An initial evaluation of these experiments highlights the potential of this approach for further research.

Neuropharmacological Assessment of Sulfonamide Derivatives of Para-Aminobenzoic Acid through In Vivo and In Silico Approaches

Background/Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a complex neurogenerative disorder, manifests as dementia and concomitant neuropsychiatric symptoms, including apathy, depression, and circadian disruption. The pathology involves a profound degeneration of the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, leading to the impairment of both short-term and long-term memory. The cholinergic hypothesis is among the various theories proposed, that assume the loss of the cholinergic tract contributes to the onset of AD and proves clinically effective in managing mild to moderate stages of the disease. This study explores the potential therapeutic efficacy of sulfonamide-based butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors in mitigating scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats. Methods: Behavioral assessments utilizing Y-maze, Barnes maze, and neurochemical assays were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the test compounds. Results: Results demonstrated a significant reduction in the impact of scopolamine administration on behavioral tasks at a dose of 20 mg/kg for both compounds. Correspondingly, neurochemical assays corroborated these findings. In silico docking analysis on rat butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) was performed to elucidate the binding mode of the compounds. Subsequent molecular dynamics studies unveiled the formation of stable complexes between the test compounds and rat BChE. Conclusions: These findings contribute valuable insights into the potential therapeutic role of sulfonamide-based butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors in addressing memory deficits associated with AD, emphasizing their in silico molecular interactions and stability.

Effects of Vitamin C on Aluminum Chloride- Induced Neurotoxicity on the Hippocampal Cortex of Adult Wistar Male Rats

This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of Vitamin C on aluminum chloride (AlCl₃)- induced brain damage, focusing on behavioral, biochemical, and histomorphological outcomes in a rodent model. Study Design: A total of 42 healthy male rats were randomly assigned to three groups: control, AlCl₃ -only, and AlCl₃ plus Vitamin C (500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg). The AlCl₃ groups received daily doses of AlCl₃, while the Vitamin C groups received concurrent Vitamin C supplementation. Methodology: Body weight, behavioral changes, biochemical markers of oxidative stress (MDA, SOD, GSH), and inflammation (TNF-α, IL-6) were assessed. Histomorphological analysis of the hippocampus was performed to evaluate structural damage. Behavioral assessments included locomotor and exploratory activity tests. Biochemical analyses measured oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activities. Results: AlCl₃ administration resulted in significant body weight loss, increased oxidative stress (elevated MDA, and SOD levels), and heightened inflammation (elevated TNF-α and IL-6). Behavioral tests showed increased excitatory activities, and increased anxiety levels as seen in increased rearing and grooming activities. Histomorphological examination revealed significant hippocampal damages as seen in the pale staining, shrunken pyramidal cells. Vitamin C co- administration mitigated these adverse effects, demonstrating reduced body weight loss, lower oxidative stress, decreased inflammation, and improved behavioral performance. Histological analysis indicated less hippocampal damage in the Vitamin C treated groups. Conclusion: As an antioxidant, Vitamin C effectively attenuates the neurotoxic effects of AlCl₃ by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and by protecting the hippocampal cellular integrity. These findings suggest that Vitamin C holds potential as a therapeutic agent for mitigating neurotoxicity induced by aluminum compounds.

Brain Specific RagA Overexpression Triggers Depressive-Like Behaviors in Mice via Activating ADORA2A Signaling Pathway.

Neuroinflammation hallmarks the pathology of depression although the etiological complexity has not yet been resolved. Previous studies demonstrate that bacterial lipopolysaccharide induces depressive-like behaviors by activating RagA-mTOR-p70S6K signaling pathway. The current project aims to investigate whether and how brain-specific RagA overexpression triggers depressive-like behaviors in mice. Full-length RagA cDNA is cloned into the mammalian expression vector under the control of brain specific promoter, and subsequently overexpressed in the brain of mouse embryos. Indeed, RagA transgenic mice exhibit depressive-like behaviors and memory impairments. RNA-seq profiling of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) transcriptome highlights adenosine A2a receptor (ADORA2A) as a key differentially expressed gene (DEG). Western blotting confirms that ADORA2A and phospho-p70S6K are markedly elevated in RagA transgenic mice. Behavioral assessments demonstrate that ADORA2A inhibitor istradefylline markedly attenuates depressive-like behaviors. Further metabolomics reveals that N-acetylserotonin and several depression-related metabolites are downregulated while proteomic profiling showed that OLIG1 and other proteins are significantly regulated in RagA transgenic mice. Collectively, RagA overexpression alters the expression patterns of signaling proteins and the metabolism of depression-associated metabolites. RagA may cause depressive-like behaviors in mice via activating p70S6K/ADORA2A signaling pathway. Thus, RagA-p70S6K-ADORA2A signaling pathway may be a target for the development of new antidepressant therapies.

Huntington Disease Health Related Quality of Life, Function and Well Being: The Patient's Perspective.

Limited information is available on patients' experience living with Huntington's disease (HD). The primary objective of this study was to assess the health-related quality of life and well being of patients with HD. A non-interventional, cross-sectional study was conducted in 17 hospitals-based movement disorders units in Spain. Patients aged≥18years, genetically HD diagnosed [with a diagnostic confidence level score of 4, and an Independence Scale (IS) score≥70] were included. The primary variables were the Huntington's Disease Health-related Quality of Life (HDQLIFE) scores and results of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Secondary outcomes include the Unified HD Rating Scale (UHDRS), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness (SSCI-8), Beck Depression Inventory-Fast Screen (BDI-FS) and Problem Behaviours Assessment for HD short Version (PBA-S). A total of 102 patients were included. The mean age (SD) was 53.1 (12.1) years and 56% were male. Most of the patients (99.0%) showed motor symptoms (87.3%), behavioural and psychiatric disturbances (59.8%), or cognitive impairment (20.6%). HDQLIFE domain score means (SD) includes concern with death and dying 45.97 (9.60) end-of-life planning 37.91 (8.84), and meaning and purpose 44.74 (9.05). SWLS score mean was 24.25 (7.33). Depressive symptoms were found in 37.4% of patients and moderate-to-severe feelings of hopelessness in 32.9%. The prevalence of stigma was 55.9% (n=57). HD impacted quality of life, with prevalent motor, psychiatric symptoms and cognitive impairment. Patient perspectives may provide complementary information to implement specific interventions.

Initiated Breastfeeding and Physiological Patterns in Newborn Infants When Reunited With Mother After Separation Due to Elective Cesarean Birth.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two caregiving models on full-term healthy infants' wakefulness, rooting and sucking reflexes, initiation of breastfeeding, and physiological parameters when reunited with their mothers after a mother-infant separation of 130 min after elective cesarean birth. Ninety-five mother-infant pairs participated in a randomized controlled trial, in which full-term healthy infants were allocated to be either dressed in their mothers' arms (n = 56) or skin-to-skin with their mother (n = 39) when reunited with the mother within 130 min after cesarean birth. Data were collected by the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) to assess the infants' wakefulness and prebreastfeeding behaviors. Physiological parameters were assessed at 15 min intervals, from 130 to 205 min after birth. Time to first breastfeed was measured in minutes from the reunion with the mother. The primary finding was that physiologic parameters did not differ but time for initiation of breastfeeding after the reunion with the mother was significantly faster in the skin-to-skin group compared to the infants in the mothers' arms group (p = 0.005). Over the full study period, a more relaxed state and drowsy were found in the skin-to-skin group compared to the infants in the mothers' arms group. Healthy full-term infants born by elective cesarean, who were cared for by their mothers when reunited within 130 min of separation and cared for by their fathers during the mother-infant separation, initiated breastfeeding successfully and showed stable physiological patterns.

Quercetin ameliorates depressive-like phenotypes and memory deficits in hypoxia-induced murine model of stress

BackgroundHypoxia is believed to induce a form of stress that contributes to the exacerbation of certain disease conditions such as heart diseases. Most of these conditions revolve around the central nervous system (CNS) since the brain consumes a significant percentage of oxygen. PurposeThis study aims to determine the specific effect of hypoxia on mood and cognitive behaviours using behavioural assessment and histological methods in mice. Additionally, this study investigated the counter effect of quercetin (QCN) on the hypoxia-induced changes. MethodsA total of thirty (30) mice were equally divided into five (5) groups. Group 1 and 2 received 5 % DMSO while only the latter was subjected to the hypoxia protocol. Groups 3–5 received graded doses of quercetin (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg), respectively. Approximately 24 h after a consecutive seven-day treatment, the mice were tested for depressive-like symptoms as well as dysfunctional memory function using recognized pharmacological tests. Afterwards, histology of specific brain regions was conducted. Finally, the data were analysed by one-way ANOVA and statistical significance was set at p<0.05. ResultsIn comparison with the normal control, mice of the model control group scored significantly (p<0.05) higher in the tests that assess depression and significantly (p<0.05) lower in the tests that assessed memory function, both indicators of adverse effects of hypoxia. Also, the contributing brain regions were also negatively affected by hypoxia. However, a significant attenuation of these effects was observed in the groups that received quercetin. ConclusionIn conclusion, quercetin is a nutritional flavonoid that possesses the ability to improve behaviour and cognition in individuals regularly exposed to hypoxia or suffering from conditions that affect oxygen delivery within the body.

Behavioral observation and assessment protocol for language and social-emotional development study in children aged 0–6: the Chinese baby connectome project

BackgroundThe global rise in developmental delays underscores the critical need for a thorough understanding and timely interventions during early childhood. Addressing this issue, the Chinese Baby Connectome Project (CBCP)’s behavior branch is dedicated to examining language acquisition, social-emotional development, and environmental factors affecting Chinese children. The research framework is built around three primary objectives: developing a 0–6 Child Development Assessment Toolkit, implementing an Intelligent Coding System, and investigating environmental influence.MethodsUtilizing an accelerated longitudinal design, the CBCP aims to enlist a minimum of 1000 typically developing Chinese children aged 0–6. The data collected in this branch constitutes parental questionnaires, behavioral assessments, and observational experiments to capture their developmental milestones and environmental influences holistically. The parental questionnaires will gauge children’s developmental levels in language and social-emotional domains, alongside parental mental well-being, life events, parenting stress, parenting styles, and family relationships. Behavioral assessments will involve neurofunctional developmental evaluations using tools such as the Griffiths Development Scales and Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence. Additionally, the assessments will encompass measuring children’s executive functions (e.g., Head-Toe-Knee-Shoulder), social cognitive abilities (e.g., theory of mind), and language development (e.g., Early Chinese Vocabulary Test). A series of behavior observation. experiments will be conducted targeting children of different age groups, focusing primarily on aspects such as behavioral inhibition, compliance, self-control, and social-emotional regulation. To achieve the objectives, established international questionnaires will be adapted to suit local contexts and devise customized metrics for evaluating children’s language and social-emotional development; deep learning algorithms will be developed in the observational experiments to enable automated behavioral analysis; and statistical models will be built to factor in various environmental variables to comprehensively outline developmental trajectories and relationships.DiscussionThis study’s integration of diverse assessments and AI technology will offer a detailed analysis of early childhood development in China, particularly in the realms of language acquisition and social-emotional skills. The development of a comprehensive assessment toolkit and coding system will enhance our ability to understand and support the development of Chinese children, contributing significantly to the field of early childhood development research.Trial registrationThis study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov NCT05040542 on September 10, 2021.

Neuroprotective impact of glycitin on memory impairment in a pentylenetetrazol-induced chronic epileptic rat model: insights into hippocampal histology, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Epilepsy, characterized by recurrent seizures, often accompanies neurocognitive impairments and is associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation. This study investigates the possible neuroprotective properties of glycitin, a soy isoflavone, on memory impairment, its impact on oxidative stress responses, and inflammatory gene expression in a chronic epileptic rat model induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). Glycitin was administered at varying doses to evaluate its potential neuroprotective impact on memory, oxidative stress, and inflammation in this model. Behavioural assessments, memory retention and recall capabilities, histopathological examinations, measurements of oxidative stress biomarkers, and molecular assessments were employed for comprehensive evaluation. The results demonstrated that glycitin significantly improved memory impairment and reduced oxidative stress in epileptic rats. Additionally, glycitin treatment decreased the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), indicating its potential to modulate the inflammatory response associated with epilepsy. These observations underscore the potential of glycitin as a therapeutic candidate for mitigating memory impairments linked to chronic epilepsy due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, offering insights into novel avenues for the development of targeted interventions aimed at preserving cognitive function and ameliorating oxidative damage and inflammation in epileptic conditions.

Childhood language development and alexithymia in adolescence: an 8-year longitudinal study.

Alexithymia (difficulties identifying and describing feelings) predicts increased risks for psychopathology, especially during the transition from childhood to adolescence. However, little is known of the early contributors to alexithymia. The language hypothesis of alexithymia suggests that language deficits play a primary role in predisposing language-impaired groups to developing alexithymia; yet longitudinal data tracking prospective relationship between language function and alexithymia are scarce. Leveraging data from the Surrey Communication and Language in Education cohort (N = 229, mean age at time point 1 = 5.32 years, SD = 0.29, 51.1% female), we investigated the prospective link between childhood language development and alexithymic traits in adolescence. Results indicated that boys with low language function at ages 4-5 years, and those who later met the diagnostic criteria for language disorders at ages 5-6 years, reported elevated alexithymic traits when they reached adolescence. Parent-reported child syntax abilities at ages 5-6 years revealed a dimensional relationship with alexithymic traits, and this was consistent with behavioral assessments on related structural language abilities. Empirically derived language groups and latent language trajectories did not predict alexithymic traits in adolescence. While findings support the language hypothesis of alexithymia, greater specificity of the alexithymia construct in developmental populations is needed to guide clinical interventions.

Numerical modeling and experimental assessment of dynamic behavior of aluminum alloy 7075-T6 in machining process

Numerical modeling and experimental assessment of dynamic behavior of aluminum alloy 7075-T6 in machining process

Therapeutic potential of oleanolic acid in modulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR/STAT-3/GSK-3β signaling pathways and neuroprotection against methylmercury-induced neurodegeneration

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that gradually deteriorates motor neurons, leading to demyelination, muscle weakness, and eventually respiratory failure. The disease involves several pathological processes, such as increased glutamate levels, mitochondrial dysfunction, and persistent neuroinflammation, often exacerbated by environmental toxins like mercury. This study explores the therapeutic potential of Olea europaea active phytoconstituents oleanolic acid (OLA) against ALS by targeting the overactivated PI3K/Akt/mTOR/STAT-3/GSK-3β signalling pathways. Methods involved in-silico studies, in vitro and in vivo experiments in which varying doses of methylmercury 5 mg/kg, p.o. and OLA (100 and 200 mg/kg, i.p.) were administered to rats for 42 days. Behavioural assessments, gross morphological, histopathological, and neurochemical parameters were measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood plasma, and brain homogenates (cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum, midbrain, cerebellum) along with complete blood count (CBC) analysis. Results revealed OLA's significant neuroprotective properties. OLA effectively modulated targeted pathways, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, restoring normal levels of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofilament light chain (NEFL), and reducing histopathological changes. Gross pathological studies indicated less tissue damage, while CBC analysis showed improved hematology parameters. Additionally, the combination of OLA and edaravone (10 mg/kg, i.p.) demonstrated enhanced efficacy, improving motor functions and extending survival in ALS model rats. In conclusion, OLA exhibits significant therapeutic potential for ALS, acting as a potent modulator of key pathological signaling pathways. The findings suggest the feasibility of integrating OLA into existing treatment regimens, potentially improving clinical outcomes for ALS patients. However, further research must validate these findings in human clinical trials.

Impact of PRECEDE-PROCEED Model Audits in Cancer Screening Programs in Lombardy Region: Supporting Equity and Quality Improvement.

Health disparities related to socio-economic factors impact access to preventive health interventions. The PRECEDE-PROCEED model, a multidimensional approach to health promotion, has been adapted to optimise cancer screening programs in Lombardy, Italy, addressing these disparities. This study evaluated the application of systemic audits based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model across Lombardy cancer screening programs. A systematic region-wide audit was performed in 2019, and follow-up audits were performed in 2022-2023. Data were collected using structured analysis methodologies, including epidemiological, behavioural, and organisational assessments. The 2019 audit showed strengths in participation and quality standards but identified challenges in cervical cancer screening coverage and waiting times for assessments. Improvements plans included the digitisation of processes and stakeholder engagement. The 2022-2023 audits reported increased coverage for breast and colorectal screenings, but a slight decline in participation rates and examination coverage. Organisational improvements were noted, yet gaps in training and equity-targeted actions remained. The PRECEDE-PROCEED model audits led to notable improvements in the quality and equity of cancer screening programs in Lombardy. Sustained focus on digital integration, continuous re-training, and targeted equity interventions is essential for further progress.