Avoidance Reaction Research Articles

Active avoidance learning in rats with different audiogenic epilepsy proneness

The success of the formation of the conditioned reflex reaction of two-way avoidance in the shuttle chamber in rats of 3 strains was evaluated. These were rats predisposed to audiogenic epilepsy – the Krushinsky-Molodkina strain rats (KM), "4" strain (selected from a population of F2 hybrids of the KM strain and sound-insensitive Wistars) and rats of "0" strain, selected for the absence of audiogenic epilepsy from the same population (i. e. these strains, diametrically different in audiogenic epilepsy proneness, possessing a similar genetic background). Experiments have shown significantly more successful assimilation of this skill in rats of the "0" strain.

Immune Responses of Club Cells in Fish: A Review

The primary line of defense against pathogens from the environment is often fish epidermis tissue. Nevertheless, little is understood about the physiological mechanisms that underlie the non-specific and/or specific protection that these cells can offer. The exact nature of the relationship between the evolution of ostariophysan fish club cells and chemical warning signals is still unknown and controversial. Fish epidermis layer cells comprise mucus cells, lymphocytes, macrophage cells, cuboidal and squamous epithelial cells, and cells specific to certain fish species. Club cells, also called "alarm cells," are chemical alarms that sound in the event of a potentially hazardous scenario. These cells will burst in the presence of a predator, releasing pheromones that, if the skin is physically damaged, trigger an avoidance and terror reaction. In sturgeon larvae, mucus cells were visible in week 1, but club cells did not appear until week 4. Due to their later development during ontogenesis and after wounding, club cells may not have as much of a protective effect during wound healing as filament or mucus cells. Club cells are mostly found in the epidermis of the skin, and it is thought that when they work in tandem with mucus and goblet cells to fight infections, they serve as the body's first line of defense.

Food Neophobia and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake among Adults and Related Factors.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) includes age-inappropriate feeding behaviors in eating patterns, including food neophobia, defined as refusal or reluctance to eat new or unknown foods. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of ARFID and food neophobia among adults and determine the related characteristics of these risks. The study used an anonymous survey questionnaire consisting of three parts as the research tool. The first part of the questionnaire was a metric and concerned socio-demographic data. The Food Neophobia Scale (FNS) and the Nine-Item Avoidance/Restrictive Food Disorder Screen Questionnaire (NIAS) were used to evaluate the eating disorders. The survey included 309 people (60.2% women, 39.8% men) aged 18-77 years. NIAS results indicated that 15.2% of the subjects showed food selectivity, and 11.0% had food anxiety. In the FNS assessment, 42.4% had a low risk of food neophobia, 38.2% a medium risk, and 19.4% a high risk. A higher risk of food neophobia correlated with higher NIAS scores, indicating a higher risk of ARFID (p = 0.00231). The NIAS score increased with the risk of food neophobia (p = 0.000). Respondents at low risk of neophobia were most likely to avoid several products (83.97%), while in the high-risk group, 56.67% did not want to eat a favorite food enriched with a new ingredient. A higher risk of neophobia was correlated with more food avoidance and adverse reactions to new foods (p = 0.000). A higher risk of food neophobia is strongly correlated with a higher risk of ARFID. Although demographics did not significantly impact NIAS results, some trends were noted, such as higher scores among older and underweight people. Those with a higher risk of food neophobia show more food avoidance and a greater reluctance to experiment with new ingredients. Public education should emphasize that eating disorders affect both sexes equally, with tailored interventions for high-risk groups such as the elderly, rural populations, and those with lower education. Health policies should promote access to nutrition education, psychological support, and diverse food options, while further research is needed to improve targeted interventions.

MicroRNA-128-3p Affects Neuronal Apoptosis and Neurobehavior in Cerebral Palsy Rats by Targeting E3 Ubiquitin-Linking Enzyme Smurf2 and Regulating YY1 Expression.

This study was dedicated to investigating the effects of microRNA-128-3p (miR-128-3p) on neuronal apoptosis and neurobehavior in cerebral palsy (CP) rats via the Smurf2/YY1 axis.In vivo modeling of hypoxic-ischemic (HI) CP was established in neonatal rats. Neurobehavioral tests (geotaxis reflex, cliff avoidance reaction, and grip test) were measured after HI induction. The HI-induced neurological injury was evaluated by HE staining, Nissl staining, TUNEL staining, immunohistochemical staining, and RT-qPCR. The expression of miR-128-3p, Smurf2, and YY1 was determined by RT-qPCR and western blot techniques. Moreover, primary cortical neurons were used to establish the oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) model in vitro, cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay, neuronal apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry and western blot, and the underlying mechanism between miR-128-3p, Smurf2 and YY1 was verified by bioinformatics analysis, dual luciferase reporter assay, RIP, Co-IP, ubiquitination assay, western blot, and RT-qPCR.In vivo, miR-128-3p and YY1 expression was elevated, and Smurf2 expression was decreased in brain tissues of hypoxic-ischemic CP rats. Downregulation of miR-128-3p or overexpression of Smurf2 improved neurobehavioral performance, reduced neuronal apoptosis, and elevated Nestin and NGF expression in hypoxic-ischemic CP rats, and downregulation of Smurf2 reversed the effects of downregulation of miR-128-3p on neurobehavioral performance, neuronal apoptosis, and Nestin and NGF expression in hypoxic-ischemic CP rats, while overexpression of YY1 reversed the effects of Smurf2 on neurobehavioral performance, neuronal apoptosis, and Nestin and NGF expression in hypoxic-ischemic CP rats. In vitro, downregulation of miR-128-3p effectively promoted the neuronal survival, reduced the apoptosis rate, and decreased caspase3 protein expression after OGD, and overexpression of YY1 reversed the ameliorative effect of downregulation of miR-128-3p on OGD-induced neuronal injury. miR-128-3p targeted to suppress Smurf2 to lower YY1 ubiquitination degradation and decrease its expression.Inhibition of miR-128-3p improves neuronal apoptosis and neurobehavioral changes in hypoxic-ischemic CP rats by promoting Smurf2 to promote YY1 ubiquitination degradation and reduce YY1 expression.

Relationships between boldness and fecal steroid hormone levels in captive alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) in China

Animals adapt to environmental changes through behavioral and physiological regulation, and there are individual differences in their ability to adapt to the environment, which are associated with individual personality. Boldness is a fundamental axis of animal personality, characterizing an animal's response to unfamiliar environments and threats. From June 1 to July 28, 2023, a personality assessment experiment utilizing a novel stimulus test with an unfamiliar human was conducted on 39 captive alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) at the Zhuanglang Musk Farm in Gansu Province, China. We recorded avoidance reaction indicators of musk deer in the presence of an unfamiliar human, and measured the level of the musk deer's boldness, influencing factors, and the relationships with fecal steroid hormone levels. Based on cluster analysis, 39 captive musk deer could be divided into bold (boldness score, BSS = 0.994 ± 0.008, n = 3) and shy groups (BSS = 0.327 ± 0.145, n = 36) and the average BSS in 39 musk deer was 0.378 ± 0.228. Factors such as age, sex, and density of enclosures did not have a significant effect on the boldness of musk deer. There was a significant negative correlation between the musk deer's boldness and the level of fecal cortisol metabolites. However, the correlations between boldness and testosterone levels in males and estradiol levels in females were not significant. Based on the results of our study, in the practice of musk deer farming, the measurement of the boldness can help predict the individual's adaptation to environmental stress, and it can also provide a new research perspective for the study of the boldness of solitary animals that are forced to live in groups.

My manager endorsed my coworkers' voice: Understanding observers' positive and negative reactions to managerial endorsement of coworker voice.

Research on managerial voice endorsement has primarily focused on the processes and conditions through which voicers receive their managers' endorsement. We shift this focus away from the voicers, focusing instead on the dual reactions that endorsement generates for observing employees. Drawing from an approach-avoidance framework, we propose that managerial endorsement of coworker voice could be perceived as a positive and negative stimulus for observers, prompting them to approach opportunities and avoid threats, respectively. Results from a preregistered experiment and a multiwave, multisource field study revealed that managerial endorsement of coworker voice was positively related to observers' voice instrumentality, thus prompting them to engage in approach behaviors (i.e., voice). We also found that managerial endorsement of coworker voice was positively related to observers' voice threat, triggering avoidant behaviors (i.e., avoidance-oriented counterproductive work behaviors). Further, we found that the avoidant reactions more pronounced for observers with higher (vs. lower) neuroticism. Overall, our research extends theory by demonstrating the rippling effects that voice endorsement can ignite throughout the workgroup. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Nutritional safety and status following a 12-week strict low FODMAP diet in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

A low FODMAP diet (LFD) is an established dietary treatment for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, knowledge on the extended effects of the restriction phase regarding nutrient intake, symptom severity, and quality of life (QoL) is sparse. Therefore, our objectives were to evaluate the safety of a dietitian-led 12-week strict LFD on measures of blood biochemistry, nutritional status, symptom severity, and QoL. In this open-label dietitian-led 12-week strict LFD intervention for IBS patients with predominantly diarrhea or mixed stool pattern (IBS-D/-M), we collected data on diet intake (3-day dietary record), overnight fasting routine blood samples, body weight, IBS symptoms (IBS Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS)), and IBS-related QoL (IBS-QoL) at baseline and after 12 weeks. Thirty-six participants completed the 12-week follow-up (mean age: 37 years, 67% women, IBS-SSS: 242 (101)). All blood parameters measured were within established reference values at both time points. We found no change in intake of macro- or micronutrients, but several micronutrients were below the recommendations both before and after 12 weeks. BMI slightly decreased, primarily driven by participants with BMI >25 (p < 0.005). QoL improved among most subdomains (p ≤ 0.002), except food avoidance and social reaction. An extended dietitian-guided LFD (12 weeks) is not inferior to the participants' baseline diet, since no clinically meaningful changes in nutritionally related blood samples and no changes in macro- or micronutrient intake were observed. However, the intake of several nutrients was below the recommendations at both time points indicating low diet quality.

Tourists’ approach or avoidance reaction to crowding in wellness tourism

ABSTRACT This study explores how perceived crowding stimulates tourists’ emotional reactions and affects their experience quality as well as satisfaction. Based on Stimulus-Organism-Response theory, it examined and verified relationship between perceived crowding and tourist satisfaction with mixed-methods approach. The qualitative study was conducted to establish research model, and multigroup analysis was conducted with data collected from hot springs and coastal destinations. The results indicated that human crowding is no longer a positive signal in both sites. Experience quality mediates relationship between emotional reactions aroused by perceived crowding and tourist satisfaction. The findings deepen understanding of crowding and provide effective management strategies.

INFLUENCE OF LOPHANTHUS CHINENSIS DRY EXTRACT ON THE MORPHOFUNCTIONAL STATE OF WISTAR RATS THE BRAIN DURING LONG-TERM ALCOHOLIZATION

The study purpose – to evaluate the effect of the Lophanthus chinensis dry extract on the Wistar rats brain morphofunctional state against the back-ground of long-term alcoholization. Material and methods. Alcohol intoxication was induced by long-term administration (6 weeks) of 40% ethanol in rats. Lophanthus chinensis dry ex-tract at a dose of 100 mg/kg was administered from the 3rd week of the experiment. On days 42-45, the animals were tested in an "open field", an el-evated plus maze, and they developed a conditioned passive avoidance reaction. After which a neurons pathomorphological study in the cerebral cor-tex was carried out. Results. It has been established that L. chinensis dry extract exhibits a neuroprotective effect during long-term alcohol intoxication, preventing the de-velopment of structural disorders in the cerebral cortex, thereby reducing anxiety and emotionality in animals, enhancing orientation-exploratory activity and normalizing mnestic functions. Conclusion. L. chinensis dry extract has a neuroprotective effect during long-term alcohol intoxication.

Impact of Abl2/Arg deficiency on anxiety and depressive behaviors in mice

Abl2/Arg (ABL-related gene) is a member of the Abelson family of nonreceptor tyrosine kinases, known for its role in tumor progression, metastasis, tissue injury responses, inflammation, neural degeneration, and other diseases. In this study, we developed Abl2/Arg knockout (abl2-/-) mice to explore its impact on sensory/motor functions and emotion-related behaviors. Our findings show that abl2-/- mice exhibit normal growth and phenotypic characteristics, closely resembling their wild-type (WT) counterparts. Behavioral tests, including the elevated plus maze, marble-burying behavior test, and open field test, indicated pronounced anxiety-like behaviors in abl2-/- mice compared to WT mice. Furthermore, in the tail suspension test, abl2-/- mice showed a significant decrease in mobility time, suggesting depressive-like behavior. Conversely, in the Y-maze and cliff avoidance reaction tests, no notable differences were observed between abl2-/- and WT mice, suggesting the absence of working memory deficits and impulsivity in abl2-/- mice. Proteomic analysis of the hippocampus in abl2-/- mice highlighted significant alterations in proteins related to anxiety and depression, especially those associated with the GABAergic synapse in inhibitory neurotransmission. The expression of Gabbr2 was significantly reduced in the hippocampus of abl2-/- compared to WT mice, and intraperitoneal treatment of GABA receptor agonist Gaboxadol normalized anxiety/depression-related behaviors of abl2-/- mice. These findings underscore the potential role of Abl2/Arg in influencing anxiety and depressive-like behaviors, thereby contributing valuable insights into its broader physiological and pathological functions.

Comparison of improvement in learning and memory ability of walnut oil extracted by aqueous enzymatic extraction and cold pressing extraction

AbstractRich in unsaturated fatty acids, walnut oil provides a number of physiological benefits, including a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease and a delay in the aging process. In this work, walnut oil was prepared using the aqueous enzyme process and cold pressing method, and it was then analyzed using HPLC and FTIR. The characterization results show that the walnut oil extracted by the aqueous enzyme method outperformed the pressing oil in content of LLL by 11.64%, LLLn by 9.16% and OLL by 4.08%. But this oil had significantly less OLnLn (‐) than the pressing oil (7.90%). The Morris water maze and shuttle box tests of ICR mice revealed a notable improvement in the memory of the animals administered walnut oil. Among them, mice fed the walnut oil extracted by aqueous enzyme method showed a much shorter escape latency and a significantly higher rate of active avoidance reaction (p &lt; 0.05, p &lt; 0.01) than mice fed cold pressing method. With the prolongation of time, the mice even performed better than the positive control PIR group in all aspects. In summary, the quality of walnut oil extracted by aqueous enzyme method is better than that by cold pressing method.Practical Applications: Walnut oil prepared by aqueous enzymatic extraction can improve learning ability, is healthy and pollution‐free, and can be utilized as a dietary supplement in ordinary life.

Tourism crowding and resident approach/avoidance reactions through sustainable tourism: moderating role of proenvironmental behavior

Purpose In line with the stimulus overload theory, this study seeks a comprehensive understanding of tourism crowding by examining residents’ perceived tourism crowding and their corresponding avoidance and approach reactions through sustainable tourism. In addition, the study aims to investigate whether residents’ proenvironmental behavior moderates’ tourism’s negative impacts on the local ecosystem, delving into its potential mitigating role. Design/methodology/approach Using purposive sampling, the authors engaged residents associated with government and nongovernment organizations, universities, colleges and schools, as well as individuals from the business sector encompassing hotels, restaurants and cafeterias, markets and dedicated social activists actively involved in community affairs. Findings The analysis, conducted on 920 questionnaires using structural equation modeling, demonstrates that tourism crowding exhibits a negative correlation with sustainable tourism and approach reactions but a positive correlation with avoidance reactions. Furthermore, the moderation analysis suggests that as residents’ proenvironmental behavior improves, the detrimental effect of tourism crowding on sustainable tourism diminishes. Practical implications The study presents numerous implications for policymakers and the tourism industry, emphasizing the need to comprehend residents’ perceptions of tourism crowding and sustainable tourism. It underscores the importance of engaging residents in the tourism process to achieve sustainability goals. Originality/value The novel theoretical contribution lies in applying the stimulus overload theory to examine tourism crowding and sustainable tourism, specifically from the residents’ perspectives.

Th2 cells in rapid immune responses and protective avoidance reactions.

Type 2 helper cells (Th2 cells) differentiate from CD4 helper T cells under the influence of IL-4 and conventional or monocyte-derived CD11b+ dendritic cells. Th2 cells are capable of generating IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, as well as evoking immunoglobulin class-switch to IgE. Three types of rapid immune responses are Th2 cell-dependent: (1) mast cell-IgE mediated allergic reactions, (2) Th2 cell-derived cytokine-mediated reactions that complement allergic reactions and protect the host from toxins, xenobiotics, environmental irritants, and helminthic parasites, and (3) IgE-stimulated mast cell-derived cysteinyl-leukotriene mediated avoidance of toxins. The contributions of Th2 cell-derived cytokines to eosinophilia (IL-5), IgE class-switch, and epithelial barrier activation, mucous secretion, and metaplasia (IL-4 and IL-13) in asthma, allergic rhinitis with polyps and atopic dermatitis have led to anti-cytokine monoclonal antibody treatments. Anti-IL-5 neutralizing monoclonal antibody in asthma and anti-IL-4/IL-13 receptor neutralizing monoclonal antibody in asthma and atopic dermatitis are proven successful therapies in appropriately selected patients who are not sufficiently improved by conventional treatments.

Exploring fear from a psychodramatic perspective

The article presents an attempt to describe the phenomenon of fear from a psychodramatic perspective. The perception of fear as an innate component of the psyche and as a phenomenon shaped by learning, experience and its cognitive processing is deciphered, very briefly outlining the criteria for classifying fear. Factors that provoke fear are elucidated, namely congenital triggers, social internalization of sources of danger and personal experience, as well as fear avoidance reactions, in particular avoidance of the experience of shame. The adaptive function of fear and that of understanding the self and one`s own picture of the world are specified. Fears based on a realistic assessment of situations and imaginary ones are delimited; the difficulties in identifying the causes of illusory fears and the ways of working with this kind of fears. The need for psychotherapeutic interventions in managing this emotion and freeing oneself from its consequences is highlighted, giving a concrete example of how psychodrama explores, through roleplaying, the individual`s relationship with his/her own fear and awareness of the causes of its occurrence. All this emphasizes the need to develop internal resources, creativity and spontaneity, the ability to communicate and build relationships, the capacity for operational self-regulation, which make it possible to generate solutions in unusual and extreme situations, in order to face challenges and avoid psychological trauma caused by various fears.

Cow's Milk: A Benefit for Human Health? Omics Tools and Precision Nutrition for Lactose Intolerance Management.

Cow's milk (CM) is a healthy food consumed worldwide by individuals of all ages. Unfortunately, "lactase-deficient" individuals cannot digest milk's main carbohydrate, lactose, depriving themselves of highly beneficial milk proteins like casein, lactoalbumin, and lactoglobulin due to lactose intolerance (LI), while other individuals develop allergies specifically against these proteins (CMPA). The management of these conditions differs, and an inappropriate diagnosis or treatment may have significant implications for the patients, especially if they are infants or very young children, resulting in unnecessary dietary restrictions or avoidable adverse reactions. Omics technologies play a pivotal role in elucidating the intricate interactions between nutrients and the human body, spanning from genetic factors to the microbiota profile and metabolites. This comprehensive approach enables the precise delineation and identification of distinct cohorts of individuals with specific dietary requirements, so that tailored nutrition strategies can be developed. This is what is called personalized nutrition or precision nutrition (PN), the area of nutrition that focuses on the effects of nutrients on the genome, proteome, and metabolome, promoting well-being and health, preventing diseases, reducing chronic disease incidence, and increasing life expectancy. Here, we report the opinion of the scientific community proposing to replace the "one size fits all" approach with tailor-made nutrition programs, designed by integrating nutrigenomic data together with clinical parameters and microbiota profiles, taking into account the individual lactose tolerance threshold and needs in terms of specific nutrients intake. This customized approach could help LI patients to improve their quality of life, overcoming depression or anxiety often resulting from the individual perception of this condition as different from a normal state.

Exploring the psychopathological profile of fibromyalgia: insights from the personality assessment inventory and its association with disease impact.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex rheumatic disorder characterized by chronic nociplastic pain and central sensitization. Psychopathological conditions can influence FM symptoms, which worsen their condition. However, not all patients with FM have psychopathological disorders, indicating a heterogeneous population. To investigate the psychopathological profile and personality disorders in patients with FM and its relationship impact on this disease. An observational and cross-sectional comparative study was conducted with a sample of 90 women, mean age 48.7 years (SD = 8.12), from Hospital del Mar, Barcelona. The Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) were used for assessment. FM patients predominantly exhibited psychopathological profiles resembling affective disorders (37.7%) and Cluster C personality disorders (58.8%). The severity of FM's impact was related to affective disorder symptoms, hypervigilance, derealization, somatization, and Cluster B personality disorder (emotional instability). Different rheumatic symptoms correlated with specific psychopathological patterns. Increased somatic symptoms on the FIQ were related to an unstable and dependent personality, while heightened emotional symptoms on the FIQ were associated with avoidance, borderline traits, and passive-aggressive reactions. Recognizing psychopathological aspects is crucial for managing FM. The PAI is a valuable tool for establishing its psychopathological multidimensional profile, which predominantly shows an affective spectrum conditions and comorbid Cluster C personality disorder, exacerbating the disease's impact.

Intraspecific and interspecific comparison of toxicity of ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) with contrasting colouration

Ladybirds (Coccinellidae) use toxic compounds, mostly alkaloids in their haemolymph, for defence against predators and other enemies. The toxicity of ladybirds to predators cannot be directly assessed because predators show avoidance reactions without ingesting the beetles. The alkaloid of ladybird Harmonia axyridis showed wide range toxicity to diverse non-target organisms. Thus, we used a quick, inexpensive and easy-to-perform method using bioassays on water flea Daphnia magna for comparative quantification of the toxicity (LD50) of whole body extracts from several species of ladybirds that differ in their warning colouration. Alien invasive aposematic polymorphic ladybird H. axyridis was more toxic than all the other species examined: aposematic Adalia bipunctata > cryptic Cynegetis impunctata > aposematic Coccinella septempunctata > slightly aposematic Calvia quatuordecimguttata. Three month old adults of H. axyridis were 3.8 times more toxic than two week and one month old adults. The two most common colour morphs (non-melanic novemdecimsignata and melanic spectabilis) did not differ in their toxicity. High toxicity of H. axyridis as compared to all other species examined may contribute to the invasiveness of this species.

Perception of Paternal Postpartum Depression among Healthcare Professionals: A Qualitative Study.

The pathway to parenthood constitutes a fundamental and transformative stage in every individual's life. While postpartum depression in mothers has been increasingly studied and acknowledged, paternal postpartum depression (PPD) has garnered only moderate research attention. This study aims to delve into the comprehension and knowledge of healthcare professionals who may encounter men suffering from postpartum depression. Within the framework of this qualitative research, we conducted six semi-structured interviews with various healthcare professionals. The data were subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis, revealing the following themes: (1) the professionals' uncertainty in the face of paternal PPD; (2) the context and timing of healthcare professionals' involvement appeared unsuited for detecting paternal PPD; (3) the experiences of fathers were found not to be shared with healthcare professionals due to their inhibitions and avoidance reactions; (4) the social representation of the role of fathers influenced professionals in their considerations of this aspect. Strengthening the training and confidence of healthcare professionals in France would lead to an enhancement in the screening and management of paternal PPD. Additionally, the healthcare system should better organize postnatal support to enable caregivers to be more available during the peak of depression occurrence.

Peripheral neural mechanism of visceral pain and acupoint sensitization in 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis model mice.

To explore the neural mechanism of visceral pain and related somatic (acupoints) sensitization by using in vivo calcium imaging of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. Eight BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control and model groups, with 4 mice in each group. The colitis model was induced by colorectal perfusion of 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) once daily for 7 days. Mice of the control group received colorectal perfusion of normal saline once daily for 7 days. The location and area of the somatic neurogenic inflammation (cutaneous exudation of Evans blue ［EB］) of the 2 groups of mice were observed after intravenous injection of EB. For pain behavioral tests, sixteen C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control and model groups, with 8 mice in each group, and a Von Frey filament was used to stimulate the referred somatic reactive regions in colitis mice, and the number of avoidance and paw withdraw reaction within 10 tests was recorded. For in vivo DRG calcium imaging tests, 24 Pirt-GCaMP6s transgenic mice were randomly and equally divided into control group and colitis model group. The responses of the neurons in L6 or L4 DRG to colorectal distension (CRD), lower back brushing, or mechanical stimulation at the hindpaw were observed using confocal fluorescence microscope. Compared with the control group, the area of EB exudation spot in the hindpaw and lower back regions was increased in the colitis model group (P<0.05), and the avoidance or paw withdraw numbers induced by Von Frey stimulation at the lower back and hindpaw were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), indicating that colitis induced regional skin (acupoints) sensitization in the lower back and hindpaw regions. Compared with the control group, the percentage of L6 DRG neurons activated by 60 mm Hg CRD in the colitis model mice were apparently increased (P<0.01), the activated neurons mainly involved the medium-sized DRG neurons (P<0.01). In Pirt-GCaMP6s transgenic mice, following brushing the skin of the receptive field (lower back) of L6 DRG neurons, the fluorescence intensity of the brushing-activated DRG neurons and small, medium and large-sized neurons were significantly higher in the colitis model group than those in the control group (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05). After brushing and clamping the skin of the right hindpaw (receptive field of L4 DRG neurons), the percentages of the activated L4 DRG neurons were obviously higher in the colitis model group than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05), while there were no significant changes in the proportion of small, medium and large-sized neurons between the control and colitis model groups. Colitis may lead to body surface sensitization at the same and adjacent neuro-segments as well as to an increase of the number and activity of the responsive lumbar DRG neurons, among which the L6 DRG neurons at the same neuro-segment as the rectum colon showed an increase in the number of responders and intensity of calcium fluorescence signal while L4 DRG neurons at the level adjacent to the rectum colon showed an increase in the number of responders, suggesting that there may be different mechanisms of peripheral neural sensitization.

Disease avoidance threatens social cohesion in a large-scale social networking experiment

People tend to limit social contacts during times of increased health risks, leading to disruption of social networks thus changing the course of epidemics. To what extent, however, do people show such avoidance reactions? To test the predictions and assumptions of an agent-based model on the feedback loop between avoidance behavior, social networks, and disease spread, we conducted a large-scale (2,879 participants) incentivized experiment. The experiment rewards maintaining social relations and structures, and penalizes acquiring infections. We find that disease avoidance dominates networking decisions, despite relatively low penalties for infections; and that participants use more sophisticated strategies than expected (e.g., avoiding susceptible others with infectious neighbors), while they forget to maintain a beneficial network structure. Consequently, we observe low infection numbers, but also deterioration of network positions. These results imply that the focus on a more obvious signal (i.e., infection) may lead to unwanted side effects (i.e., loss of social cohesion).