Behavioral Assessment Research Articles

Functional Communication Training in Schools: A Systematic Analysis of the Evidence for Ecological Validity.

Ecological validity refers to the meaningfulness or practical significance of research outcomes in everyday settings or the extent to which an intervention can be implemented by typical people during naturally occurring opportunities. In education, ecological validity may contribute to the adoption of interventions by teachers working with students in school settings. Our purpose in this review was to examine the evidence for ecological validity of functional communication training (FCT) used to address challenging behavior in school-age individuals with disabilities. We reviewed 19 single-case experimental design (SCED) studies published between 1985 and 2023. First, we used the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) Standards to evaluate the empirical evidence of each study. Second, we evaluated the extent to which behavioral assessment and FCT procedures were described in the 15 studies that met the WWC Standards. Third, we conducted a systematic analysis of the evidence for ecological validity of behavioral assessment and FCT. Results indicate that 95% of the SCED studies met the WWC Standards. The description of procedures was complete for 50% of the behavioral assessments and for 11% of the FCT. The overall evidence for ecological validity was moderate for 16.7% and low for 83.3% of the behavioral assessments. The evidence for ecological validity for all FCT procedures was low. Future research and implications related to ecological validity are discussed.

Factors associated with encounter-specific police procedural justice perceptions among Dutch detainees

ABSTRACT Previous research on police procedural justice shows that observed assessments of police behaviour, for example through systematic social observation, are not strongly correlated with citizen perceptions of the same police behaviour. There is a growing body of knowledge about how people form their perceptions of police behaviour and how personal and situational characteristics are associated with specific judgements about procedural justice. However, we know little about how this works for people who most frequently interact with the police and criminal justice system, such as offenders or arrestees. The present study uses data from the Prison Project to examine to what extent individual and situational characteristics relate to perceptions of encounter-specific police procedural justice among Dutch detainees. Male adults in pre-trial detention (N = 1380) were surveyed on how they perceived procedural justice during their arrest, which occurred approximately three weeks prior. In addition to individual characteristics (demographics, attitudes, psychosocial characteristics and criminal history), we measured characteristics that reflect the situation during arrest, such as location, police verbal abuse and unnecessary use of force. This allowed us to examine the relationship between situational factors and detainee perceptions, net of individual characteristics. Regression analyses show that next to pre-existing general attitudes towards the police, several situational characteristics (i.e. perceptions of use of force and verbal abuse, anger and outcome fairness) were strongly associated with encounter-specific procedural justice perceptions. Our results indicate that, beyond (pre-existing) individual characteristics, situational factors of the arrest play an important role in forming specific procedural justice perceptions of the police.

Multi-omics evaluation of clinical-grade human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells in synergistic improvement of aging related disorders in a senescence-accelerated mouse model

BackgroundThe prevalence of age-related disorders, particularly in neurological and cardiovascular systems, is an increasing global health concern. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy, particularly using human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (HUCMSCs), has shown promise in mitigating these disorders. This study investigates the effects of HUCMSCs on aging-related conditions in a senescence-accelerated mouse model (SAMP8), with a focus on DNA damage, gut microbiota alterations, and metabolic changes.MethodsSAMP8 mice were treated with clinical-grade HUCMSCs via intraperitoneal injections. Behavioral and physical assessments were conducted to evaluate cognitive and motor functions. The Single-Strand Break Mapping at Nucleotide Genome Level (SSiNGLe) method was employed to assess DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs) across the genome, with particular attention to exonic regions and transcription start sites. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, and carboxyl metabolomic profiling was performed to identify changes in circulating metabolites.ResultsHUCMSC treatment significantly improved motor coordination and reduced anxiety in SAMP8 mice. SSiNGLe analysis revealed a notable reduction in DNA SSBs in MSC-treated mice, especially in critical genomic regions, suggesting that HUCMSCs may mitigate age-related DNA damage. The functional annotation of the DNA breaktome indicated a potential link between reduced DNA damage and altered metabolic pathways. Additionally, beneficial alterations in gut microbiota were observed, including an increase in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria, which correlated with improved metabolic profiles.ConclusionThe administration of HUCMSCs in SAMP8 mice not only reduces DNA damage but also induces favorable changes in gut microbiota and metabolism. The observed alterations in DNA break patterns, along with specific changes in microbiota and metabolic profiles, suggest that these could serve as potential biomarkers for evaluating the efficacy of HUCMSCs in treating age-related disorders. This highlights a promising avenue for the development of new therapeutic strategies that leverage these biomarkers, to enhance the effectiveness of HUCMSC-based treatments for aging-associated diseases.

Welfare and performance benefits of shade provision during summer for feedlot cattle in a temperate climatic zone.

There is increasing interest from cattle lot-feeders in the use of shade to mitigate the effects of a potential heat stress event, though it is unclear whether the reported benefits of shade in previous studies conducted in more high-risk heat stress zones are pertinent in cooler temperate zones. The objectives of this study were to measure the welfare and performance benefits of shade provision for lot-fed cattle at a commercial feedlot located in a mild heat-stress risk zone in Western Australia. Six blocks of black Angus (Bos taurus) steers were inducted into the feedlot over six time-windows across a southern hemisphere summer, with 80 cattle per block housed in a partially shaded pen (providing 3.125 m2 of shade per animal) and 80 in an unshaded pen. Parameters assessed in 960 cattle over the first 70 days in the feedlot included weight gain, feed intake, and physiological and behavioral indices of overall health and welfare. Over the months of October through to May in which the experiment was conducted, shaded cattle demonstrated a modest 0.13kg overall increase in average daily gain across the 70-day feedlot period (P = 0.13). There was no difference in dry matter intake between any block or treatment. The physiological and behavioral markers of health and welfare revealed that, even during to hottest times of the experiment, the cattle were quite able to thermoregulate, via increased panting and seeking shade (if available), to maintain physiological homeostasis. In addition, we measured the effect of heat stress and shade provision on the affective state of the cattle. Qualitative behavioral assessment was used to indicate that the cattle in the 'no stress' temperature humidity index (THI) category and the shaded cattle in the 'moderate stress' THI category displayed the most positive demeanor (P < 0.05), being described as more 'settled and sociable', while the unshaded cattle in the 'moderate stress' THI category and all cattle in the 'severe stress' THI category were described as more 'agitated/anxious' (P < 0.05). Overall, the findings from the present study suggest that there are definite welfare and modest performance benefits associated with providing cattle with shade in summer in a feedlot situated in a temperate climatic zone.

Necrostatin-1 as a Potential Anticonvulsant: Insights from Zebrafish Larvae Model of PTZ-Induced Seizures.

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder affecting around 70 million people worldwide. Despite significant research and advancements in pharmaceutical therapies, the exact mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis remain unclear. As a result, current antiepileptic drug treatments are ineffective for approximately 30% of patients, providing only symptomatic relief. The epileptic process is influenced by the signaling of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), which affects neuronal excitability. The TNFα/TNFR1 signaling pathway and the role of RIPK1 in initiating inflammatory cell death pathways are well studied in human disorders. Dysregulation of RIPK1 is linked to inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) selectively inhibits RIPK1 in various pathological conditions. The current study aimed to investigate the anticonvulsant properties of Nec-1 (a selective RIPK1 inhibitor) in PTZ-induced seizures in zebrafish larvae. Before the onset of seizures, zebrafish were treated with Nec-1 (15µM) for 24h at 6days post-fertilization (dpf), followed by exposure to 15mM of PTZ for 30min. Behavioral assessments were conducted to observe changes in locomotor activity. Additionally, c-Fos expression was measuredas an indicator of neuronal activation and analyzed mRNA levels of the astrocyte activation marker (GFAP) along with various inflammatory cytokines. Western blot analysis was conducted to evaluate GABAA receptor expression. Pretreatment with Nec-1 restored normal behavior and reversed the expression of c-Fos in zebrafish larvae induced by PTZ. Additionally, Nec-1 reduced the elevated mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines and significantly suppressed TNF/TNFR1 signaling, thereby inhibiting the enhanced internalization of GABAA receptors. Our findings indicate that Nec-1 reduced the severity of PTZ-induced seizures in zebrafish by regulating behavior changes, suppressing inflammatory mediators, and enhancing the expression of GABAA receptors, suggesting potential anticonvulsant properties.

Comprehensive sexuality education: indicators to evaluate interventions in Italian schools

Abstract Background Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is globally acknowledged as the most effective approach to promoting sexual health and preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). However, in Italy, CSE is not consistently part of the school curriculum. The EduForIST project, funded by the Ministry of Health, introduced and tested a unique CSE model in a sample of secondary schools across six Italian regions, aiming to develop an evaluation model for potential nationwide implementation. Methods The EduForIST partnership, comprising experts from various institutions, devised a framework for monitoring and evaluating CSE interventions. Through monthly focus group discussions from April 2023 to February 2024, they established indicators for short-, medium-, and long-term evaluation of clinical and behavioral outcomes, as well as process indicators to assess intervention implementation. Results A total of 35 indicators were developed, including clinical and behavioral ones for medium and long-term outcomes, short-term behavioral outcomes, and process indicators. Data for clinical and behavioral indicators can be obtained from administrative sources like the Ministry of Health and Regional Health Authorities. The National Institute of Health provides data from relevant surveillance programs. However, many process indicators require specific data collection and calculations. Challenges such as under-reporting and underestimation persist, especially in regions with limited CSE implementation. Conclusions Creating an effective monitoring system for CSE interventions necessitates integrating diverse data sources, including health records, administrative data, and behavioral assessments. The proposed model’s effectiveness will be fully assessed by comparing pre- and post-intervention after widespread implementation in secondary schools. Meanwhile, the selected indicators serve as a foundation for evaluating baseline status of STIs and behaviors in Italy. Key messages • The EduForIST project establishes a robust framework for evaluating Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) interventions in secondary schools, addressing gaps in nationwide implementation. • By devising indicators encompassing several measures, the project lays the groundwork for a comprehensive monitoring system, vital for assessing the effectiveness of CSE interventions in Italy.

Electromagnetic fields exposure and neuropsychological effects in young people

Abstract Background In recent years, there has been a large increase in the use of communication/connected devices and technologies. This raises a question about radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) exposure levels and neuropsychological effects of RF-EMF in young people. The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of use of communication/connected devices and technologies and its impact on cognition and mental health of early school age children in Poland. Methods The study population consists of 293 children from Polish Mother and Child Cohort (REPRO_PL). The study was based on questionnaire data covering type and duration of usage of communication/connected devices and technologies by mothers during pregnancy and children at age of 7 years. The environmental exposure to RF-EMF was also taken into account. Based on such data RF-EMF exposure was assessed. Child emotional and behavioral assessment was done by Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire whereas IQ and psychomotor development of children was performed by psychologist using Intelligence and Development Scales. Results About 75% of young people used smartphones (2% for voice calls and 7% for Internet browsing at least one hour per day). Tablet or laptop use was declared by 59% and 56% of respondents, respectively. More than 10% declared that they use these devices at least one hour a day. The main factors determining the use of new technology devices were parental age and education (p &amp;lt; 0.05) and the age at which youth started school education (p = 0.06). In multivariable regression model higher level of RF-EMF was associated with total difficulties and emotional problems (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusions This study presents the pattern of use of new technology devices by early school age children in Poland and the association between the exposure to RF-EMF and child mental health. Key messages • The use of communication/connected devices and technologies is common among young people in Poland. • The exposure to RF-EMF can increase mental health problems among young people.

Preventing type 2 diabetes in Portugal: a novel person-centered digital intervention

Abstract Introduction Diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes (T2D), stands as one of the leading noncommunicable diseases worldwide. In Portugal, the prevalence of diabetes has surged, with T2D affecting 14% of adults in 2021. Its repercussions extend beyond individual health, deeply impacting familial, social, and community dynamics, presenting a significant public health challenge globally. Objectives The VA|PREVENTION project (https://doi.org/10.54499/2022.02969.PTDC) aims to assess the (cost-) effectiveness and implementation of an innovative person-centered digital intervention to prevent T2D among high-risk adults. Methodology A comprehensive approach encompasses the Behavior Change Wheel for intervention design, scalability principles, the WHO guidelines for digital health interventions, co-design, and the ISO framework for usability assessment. Evaluation will be pursued through a type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation study (randomized controlled trial), supplemented by qualitative and economic studies. Results The web application prototype features Ema, an automated virtual human coach (VHC), educational menus and a dashboard (version 1.0). Co-design included 2 workshops with 11 representatives of end-users and health professionals. Ema uses standardized techniques from an ontology to support behavior change, based on an initial assessment of low-level target behaviors (e.g. walking, fruit consumption, and reducing red meat intake), and barriers to performing these behaviors. Ema communicates in a helpful-cooperative style using a synthetic voice in European Portuguese, with its speech also appearing as subtitles on the interface. Users interact with Ema by pressing buttons or entering data, such as the daily number of steps. Ethics approval was granted for usability assessment with end-users. Conclusions The project is expected to yield health, scientific, technological, and policy impacts, powered by an exploitation and sustainability roadmap. Key messages • Innovative type 2 diabetes prevention through a scalable web app with a virtual human coach. • Comprehensive and robust approach for developing and evaluating the digital behavior change intervention.

8.M. Skills building seminar: Mental health and substance use in Europe

Abstract The impact of social factors on individual and population mental health are well established (Kirkbride, et al., 2024). The same social factors may trigger the substance use behavior developing into substance use disorders. Mental health disorders can contribute to the substance use and substance use disorders with worsening effects over time (EMCDDA, 2016). This association between substance use, substance use disorders and mental health disorders is a key objective for the scientific consideration and policy development. Respective phenomena are universal and a broader perspective would be useful for a better understanding of how the issue of comorbidities of substance use and mental disorders are addressed on a European level. Identification of the substance use problem, especially among populations in vulnerable situations, like migrants, becomes utterly important. Heterogenous systematic reviews show that there is a need for socially and culturally refugee sensitive instruments to measure the substance use in migrants. Oftentimes substance use is followed by the substance use disorders and drug use related infections. Injecting drug use is also a risk factor for having drug use related infections, such as hepatitis B and C, HIV, tuberculosis. Assessment of risk behaviour patterns among people who inject drugs may contribute to a higher participation in treatment and health programmes, reduce the burden of substance use and tackle comorbidities of substance use and mental health disorders. The skill building seminar aims to increase the knowledge and capacities on substance use and comorbidities, applied methodological approaches and tools in different European contexts. This workshop will support researchers, policy makers, public health planners by providing evidence base to address substance use and mental health issues. The added value of this workshop is based on the structure, content and mode of presentations - presentations will be followed by questions from participants and short discussions. The workshop will start with the general introduction to the topic of comorbidities of substance use and mental health disorders (EUPHA-PMH and EUDA). Then the European level perspective on comorbidities of substance use and mental health disorders will be presented including recent policy developments (1 presentation by Linda Montanari, EUDA). It will be supported with research results from the study conducted in Germany on substance use assessment tool development in migrant population (2 presentation by Kim-Julian Behr, Germany) and behavioural risk factor assessment study among people who inject drugs in Lithuania (3 presentation by Marija Jakubauskiene, Lithuania). Key messages • Participatory approach is useful to address the substance use problem in assessment tool development and further monitoring. • Better understanding of comorbidity of substance use and mental disorders leads to a more effective prevention.

Regenerative Outcomes of Combining siCOL1A2 Hydrogel with Acupuncture in a Rat Model of Chronic Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a significant cause of chronic pain and disability, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. This study investigates the combined effect of a novel siCOL1A2-encapsulated hydrogel and acupuncture on IVDD in a rat model. We developed a hydrogel system, siCOL1A2-encapsulated G5-PBA hydrogel (siCOL1A2@G5-PBA@Gel), designed for sustained siRNA delivery to the degenerated discs and assessed its therapeutic efficacy alongside acupuncture treatment. Key inflammatory genes were identified through RNA-seq analysis, with COL1A2 highlighted as a crucial regulator of inflammatory responses in IVDD. Our in vivo experiments involved treating rats with hydrogel alone, acupuncture alone, and combining both. The treatments were evaluated through behavioral pain assessments, imaging techniques (X-ray and MRI), and histological analyses. Results indicated that the combination therapy significantly alleviated pain, reduced inflammation, and promoted disc regeneration more effectively than individual treatments. The hydrogel proved biocompatible and facilitated targeted gene silencing, while acupuncture enhanced therapeutic outcomes by improving local blood circulation and modulating inflammatory responses. These findings suggest that integrating siCOL1A2 hydrogel with acupuncture offers a promising approach to treating IVDD.

Adaptive behavior in primary agenesis of the corpus callosum

Background and aimsPrimary agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) is a congenital neurological disorder characterized by the absence, either partial or complete, of the corpus callosum in individuals who do not have intellectual disability and are otherwise neurologically asymptomatic. While mild to moderate neurocognitive deficits have been observed in individuals with primary ACC using neuropsychological assessments, the impact of this syndrome on adaptive behavior remains insufficiently understood. MethodsThis study used self- and informant-ratings on the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Second Edition (ABAS-II) to evaluate adaptive behavior in 35 adults diagnosed with primary ACC. ResultsWhile adults with primary ACC reported adaptive functioning comparable to an age-adjusted normative sample, family informants rated their adaptive ability below norms in several skill domains, particularly social skills. ConclusionsThis pattern of lower ratings by informants than self-ratings suggests adults with ACC may have poor understanding of their own behavior and its consequences. This study demonstrates that informants observe significant deficiencies in the conceptual, social, and practical aspects of adaptive behavior in persons with primary ACC, and that these deficiencies are not seen as clearly by the persons themselves.

Injured inflammatory environment overrides the TET2 shaped epigenetic landscape of pluripotent stem cell derived human neural stem cells

Spinal cord injury creates an inflammatory microenvironment that regulates the capacity of transplanted human Neural Stem Cells (hNSC) to migrate, differentiate, and repair injury. Despite similarities in gene expression and markers detected by immunostaining, hNSC populations exhibit heterogeneous therapeutic potential. This heterogeneity derives in part from the epigenetic landscape in the hNSC genome, specifically methylation (5mC) and hydroxymethylation (5hmC) state, which may affect the response of transplanted hNSC in the injury microenvironment and thereby modulate repair capacity. We demonstrate a significant up-regulation of methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 gene (TET2) expression in undifferentiated hNSC derived from human embryonic stem cells (hES-NSC), and report that this is associated with hES-NSC competence for differentiation marker expression. TET2 protein catalyzes active demethylation and TET2 upregulation could be a signature of pluripotent exit, while shaping the epigenetic landscape in hES-NSC. We determine that the inflammatory environment overrides epigenetic programming in vitro and in vivo by directly modulating TET2 expression levels in hES-NSC to change cell fate. We also report the effect of cell fate and microenvironment on differential methylation 5mC/5hmC balance. Understanding how the activity of epigenetic modifiers changes within the transplantation niche in vivo is crucial for assessment of hES-NSC behavior for potential clinical applications.

AUTOMATED TECHNOLOGY OF MEASUREMENT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF FARM ANIMALS

Abstract. The development and application of automated technologies in the agricultural sector have significantly transformed the management and monitoring of farm animals. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of existing technical systems for measuring the physiological parameters of farm animals, particularly focusing on cows. The primary goal of these technologies is to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of health monitoring and to optimize livestock management through continuous data collection and analysis. Key technological solutions include the use of wireless data transmission systems, radio monitoring devices, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These technologies enable real-time tracking of animal health parameters such as body temperature, heart rate, movement patterns, and other critical indicators. The use of various sensors, including ear, neck, and intra-body sensors, plays a crucial role in collecting primary physiological data. These sensors are integrated into a broader system that includes radio modules with built-in controllers for converting raw data into digital formats, enabling wireless transmission to central systems for processing and storage. The radio monitoring of animals allows for the continuous tracking of physiological and behavioral parameters across large areas, providing crucial insights into their well-being. It is particularly beneficial in detecting early signs of disease or health issues, ensuring timely intervention, and preventing potential economic losses for farmers. The integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) further expands the capabilities of monitoring systems, enabling the visual assessment of animals' behavior and movement across vast pastures. Equipped with video cameras and data relays, UAVs collect video footage that is transmitted to a central processing unit for real-time analysis and storage. The combined use of radio monitoring and UAV technology forms a comprehensive framework for livestock management, allowing farmers to make data-driven decisions, optimize resource allocation, and improve overall herd health and productivity. By leveraging these automated systems, it becomes possible to reduce the dependency on manual labor, minimize human error, and ensure that animals are closely monitored without the need for constant physical presence. This represents a significant advancement in modern animal farming, aligning with global trends toward smart farming and precision agriculture. In conclusion, the integration of automated physiological monitoring technologies in farm animal management presents an innovative solution for enhancing animal welfare, improving farm efficiency, and reducing operational costs. These systems hold considerable potential for further advancements in the field of animal health monitoring, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and productive farming practices.

Parental acceptance of dental treatment with SDF in children with CP.

This study aims to evaluate parental acceptance of dental treatment with silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The present study is a case-control study with 80 children in the age range of 6-11 years. Group I consisted of children diagnosed with CP and Group II consisted of children without any Special Health Care Needs and systemic conditions. Preoperative and postoperative behavior assessment was done using Frankl's behavior Rating Scale. 38 % SDF application was done in any one primary molar with occlusal dentinal caries. A well-designed validated structured questionnaire with 10 questions was developed to assess the parental acceptance of dental treatment with SDF. The questionnaire comprised 10 close-ended questions with subdivisions on socio-demographic details, the reason for the previous and current dental visit, and acceptance of dental treatment with SDF. The data were analyzed using SPSS (version 26, IBM, Chicago, USA). Continuous variables were expressed as mean±standard deviation (M±SD). Categorical variables were expressed as frequency (n) and percentage (%). The chi-square test was used for qualitative analysis. The level of significance was set at 5%. The number of children showing positive behavior on Frankl's behavior Rating Scale increased from 55% to 70% after dental treatment with SDF and this difference was statistically significant in Group I (p-value<0.001). 87.5% of parents in Group I had accepted the discoloration caused after dental treatment with SDF compared to 80% in Group II. In Group I, 95% of parents agreed strongly, while in Group II, 82.5% agreed strongly that SDF can be done on un-cooperative and special health care needs children. This difference in agreement seen between parents of Group I and Group II was found to be statistically significant (p-value=0.02). Also, the acceptance of SDF was found to be higher in parents who were educationally more qualified in Group I. This difference in the acceptance level of SDF seen based on the educational status of parents was statistically significant (p-value<0.001). Parental acceptance of SDF for dental treatment was higher in Group I (children with CP) as a greater number of parents accepted dental treatment despite discoloration with the modality being noninvasive and less time-consuming. Improved behavior rating was observed among children in both groups after dental treatment with SDF.

Crocin has a greater therapeutic role in the restoration of behavioral impairments caused by maternal social isolation in adolescent than in adult offspring probably through GSK-3beta downregulation

Parental stress drastically impairs cognitive and behavioral functions of the offspring. Social isolation, as one of the most stressful conditions for social animals including rats induces a wide range of destructive effects on behavioral functions. On the other hand, Crocin (active component of Crocus sativa) induces pro-cognitive and neuroprotective effects. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of prolonged maternal social isolation (pre-gestational) and crocin treatment on cognitive and behavioral functions in both adolescent and adult offspring. Female adult rats (mothers) were socially isolated from PND 30 to PND 80 (50 days). The treatment was performed by intraperitoneal injections of crocin (10, 30, and 50 mg/kg) during PND 39–45 or PND 59–65 (7 consecutive days), in the rat offspring. Behavioral assessments were done when the offspring were on PND 45 (adolescent) or PND 65 (adult). The expression level of Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3beta) in the hippocampus was measured using real-time PCR. The results showed maternal social isolation decreased locomotion and impaired memory in adolescents, and increased anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors and GSK-3beta level, and decreased pain threshold in both adolescents and adults. Crocin (30 and 50 mg/kg) restored or attenuated the effect of maternal social isolation on behavioral functions and GSK-3beta in adolescents and adults, with more effect in adolescents. In conclusion, we showed that crocin treatment can restore the destructive effects of maternal social isolation stress in the offspring, with stronger therapeutic effects in adolescents. Also, GSK-3beta downregulation may underlie the beneficial effects of crocin.

Exploring the Link between Transformational Leadership and Teacher Innovation

Transformational leadership is a shared belief between academic leaders and their followers. Studies support the significant and progressive influence of transformational leadership behavior on academic followers, especially teachers. The close relationship between transformational leadership in the university and teachers’ organizational commitment paved the way for a proposed theoretical analytical model to understand how university leadership affected teachers’ organizational commitment. The technological demand, the innovation of teachers, and transformative leadership in the educational system are also faced in China. In the university context, Chinese university professors’ innovative work behavior is found to be directly linked to their transformational leadership and trust. For this reason, the study on transformational leadership and innovation was conducted for its influence on the university teachers’ enhancement plan in China. Through quantitative descriptive comparative design, the evaluation, experiences, and behaviors of university teachers across different areas of specialization were compared between transformational leadership and teacher innovation. This study was anchored on the elements of transformational leadership theory specifically the intellectual stimulation element of transformational leadership theory which was focused on innovation. Results revealed that teachers’ assessments regarding perceptions of transformational leadership “expects excellence” was more evident than “respect others.” While teachers’ innovative work behavior was generally average, teaching content was viewed as most favorable, and challenges/issues were the least. Since transformational leadership was positively correlated with the assessment of the innovative work behavior of teachers, recommendations were noted in designing the enhancement plan for university teachers to strengthen the link.

Functional Principal Component Analysis for Continuous Non-Gaussian, Truncated, and Discrete Functional Data.

Mobile health studies often collect multiple within-day self-reported assessments of participants' behavior and well-being on different scales such as physical activity (continuous scale), pain levels (truncated scale), mood states (ordinal scale), and the occurrence of daily life events (binary scale). These assessments, when indexed by time of day, can be treated and analyzed as functional data corresponding to their respective types: continuous, truncated, ordinal, and binary. Motivated by these examples, we develop a functional principal component analysis that deals with all four types of functional data in a unified manner. It employs a semiparametric Gaussian copula model, assuming a generalized latent non-paranormal process as the underlying generating mechanism for these four types of functional data. We specify latent temporal dependence using a covariance estimated through Kendall's bridging method, incorporating smoothness in the bridging process. The approach is then extended with methods for handling both dense and sparse sampling designs, calculating subject-specific latent representations of observed data, latent principal components and principal component scores. Simulation studies demonstrate the method's competitive performance under both dense and sparse sampling designs. The method is applied to data from 497 participants in the National Institute of Mental Health Family Study of Mood Spectrum Disorders to characterize differences in within-day temporal patterns of mood in individuals with the major mood disorder subtypes, including Major Depressive Disorder and Type 1 and 2 Bipolar Disorder. Software implementation of the proposed method is provided in an R-package.

Traumatic and Adverse Childhood Experiences and Developmental Differences in Psychiatric Risk

While adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are known to impart significant risk for negative mental health and cognitive outcomes in youth, translation of ACE scores into clinical intervention is limited by poor specificity in predicting negative outcomes. This work expands on the ACE framework using a data-driven approach to identify 8 different forms of traumatic and adverse childhood experiences (TRACEs) and reveal their differential associations with psychiatric risk and cognition across development. Building upon the traditional ACEs model, this study aimed to characterize unique components of commonly co-occurring TRACEs and to examine moderation of longitudinal change in mental health and cognitive development during adolescence. This work draws from youth and their caregivers who completed up to 4 annual behavioral assessments from 2016 to 2021 as part of the ongoing Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. Data collection was performed at 21 regionally-distributed sites across the United States. Analyses for this work were conducted January 2023 through November 2023. Youth participants in the ABCD study's exposure to 268 different TRACEs, which were distilled into adversity components using nonlinear principal components analysis. Mixed-effects and latent change score models considered TRACEs components as moderators of longitudinal change in internalizing and externalizing mental health problems, as well as longitudinal change in cognitive ability. Data were distilled from 11 876 youth participants, who were grouped into dyads with a caregiver. ABCD study youth participants were 9 to 10 years old at baseline assessment (year 0) and 12 to 13 years old at ABCD year 3. A total of 5679 participants (47.8%) were female. Analyses revealed that TRACEs organized into 8 thematic adversity components (e.g., family conflict, interpersonal violence). At baseline assessment (year 0), exposure to nearly every adversity component was associated with poorer mental health and diminished cognitive ability. Yet across time, it was observed that different forms of adversity were variably linked to both increases and decreases in internalizing and externalizing problems. For example, while peer aggression (t = 5.31) and family conflict (t = 5.67) were associated with increases in both internalizing and externalizing problems over early adolescence, community threat (t = 2.82) and poverty (t = 2.07) were linked to decreased problems, potentially representing adaptive suppression of symptoms. Finally, adversity types related to resource deprivation (eg, poverty, caregiver maladjustment) were associated with declines in cognitive ability over early adolescence. In this cohort study, distinct forms of TRACEs differentially moderated developmental changes in psychiatric risk and cognitive ability in different ways, offering the possibility for precision-based prediction of risk for youth. Such findings could be used in targeted early prevention and intervention strategies for at-risk youth.

GABAB modulate NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways in electroacupuncture prevention of depression in CUMS rats

BackgroundOur previous research has demonstrated that electroacupuncture (EA) has the potential to mitigate depression-like symptoms resulting from chronic stress. However, further investigation is required to fully understand the underlying mechanisms. The regulatory role of γ-aminobutyric acid type B (GABAB) in synaptic plasticity and the involvement of NF-κB/NLRP3-mediated inflammation in the lateral habenula nucleus (LHb) are key factors in the development of depression. This study sought to investigate the potential of EA in mitigating depression-like symptoms induced by chronic stress through mechanisms such as enhancing GABAB levels, regulating synaptic plasticity in the LHb, and suppressing NF-κB/NLRP3-mediated inflammation. MethodsSprague-Dawley rats were exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in order to create a model of depression. Subsequently, the weight and behavioral assessments of all rats were monitored, and samples of the lateral habenula and serum were collected. The protein expression levels were analyzed using western blotting. The 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HT), Dopamine (DA), and Norepinephrine (NE) in the LHb and serum were measured using ELISA. The alterations in GABAB and NF-κB in the LHb were observed through immunofluorescence. The neuronal damage in the LHb was assessed using Nissl staining. ResultsEA upregulated the expression of GABAB in the LHb of rats subjected to CUMS. Subsequent behavioral assessments indicated that blocking GABAB attenuated the antidepressant effects of EA in CUMS-exposed rats. Furthermore, EA enhanced synaptic plasticity in the LHb of CUMS-exposed rats and mitigated NF-κB/NLRP3-mediated inflammatory responses, with these effects potentially being reversed by GABAB inhibition. ConclusionThrough the promotion of GABAB levels, regulation of synaptic plasticity within the LHb, and inhibition of NF-κB/NLRP3-mediated neuroinflammation in the same region, electroacupuncture at Shangxing and Fengfu acupoints demonstrates efficacy in mitigating depression-like behaviors induced by CUMS.

Assessment of the impact behavior of CLF-1 steel with Charpy V-notch testing and miniature Charpy V-notch testing

China Low-activation Ferrite steel (CLF-1), as one of the structural materials developed in China for fusion reactors, is a Reduced activation Ferritic/Martensitic (RAFM) steel modeled after the traditional T91 steel (9Cr-1Mo-0.2V-0.08Nb). For fusion reactor materials, the Charpy impact testing is an important method to assess their notch sensitivity. In this study, Charpy impact tests were conducted on CLF-1 steel using Charpy V-notch specimens (CVN) and Miniature Charpy V-notch specimens (Kleinstprobe, KLST) to assess the impact behavior of CLF-1 steel, and data normalization was performed on the KLST specimen. The results show that as the specimen size of CLF-1 steel decreased, the curves of impact absorbed energy, lateral expansion, and shear fracture appearance shifted towards lower temperatures, and the impact absorbed energy significantly decreased. Both the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the specimens obtained from the experiments indicated that KLST specimens could achieve the same fracture characteristics as CVN specimens. Additionally, at the same experimental temperature, KLST specimens exhibited a higher proportion of ductile fracture regions.