Behavioral Inhibition Research Articles

The relationship between boredom proneness, the behavioral inhibition system, and anxiety in college students: variable-centered and person-centered analytic approaches.

To explore the relationship among boredom proneness, the behavioral inhibition system, and anxiety among college students based on variable-centered and person-centered analytic approaches. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 1,102 college students from a university in Hebei Province using the Boredom Proneness Questionnaire (BPQ) for College Students, the Behavioral Inhibition System Scale (BIS), and the General Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (GAD-7). The results reveal that boredom proneness was negatively correlated with scores on the behavioral inhibition system (r = -0.100, p < 0.01), and positively correlated with anxiety (r = 0.457, p < 0.001), while the behavioral inhibition system was positively correlated with anxiety (r = 0.086, p < 0.01). In the variable-centered analyses study, it was found that the behavioral inhibition system partially mediated the association between boredom proneness and anxiety. In the person-centered analyses study, three subtypes were identified: the high boredom-low inhibition group (9.35%), the moderate boredom-inhibition group (66.70%), and the low boredom-high inhibition group (23.95%). Individuals in these subtypes showed significant differences in anxiety scores (F = 4.538, p < 0.05), with the low boredom-high inhibition group scoring the highest. The results showed that the behavioral inhibition system partially mediates the relationship between boredom proneness and anxiety in college students; boredom proneness and the behavioral inhibition system exhibit group heterogeneity, with distinct classification features closely related to anxiety.

Inhibition of alloparental behavior by acute stress in virgin male California mice (Peromyscus californicus)

In many biparental mammals, such as California mice (Peromyscus californicus), fathers display affiliative behavior toward unfamiliar infants whereas reproductively naïve adult males show highly variable responses. Sources of this variability are not well understood, but evidence suggests that stress can either enhance or inhibit alloparental care. We evaluated immediate and delayed effects of acute stress on pup-directed behavior in adult virgin male California mice. Mice underwent three 10-minute tests with unfamiliar pups at 48-hour intervals. Stressed mice (N=22) received a subcutaneous oil injection immediately before tests 1 and 2, whereas controls (N=22) were left undisturbed. In controls, but not stressed mice, latency to approach the pup decreased and duration of alloparental behavior increased across the three tests. At each time point, stressed males were less likely than controls to perform alloparental behavior. Controls spent significantly more time performing alloparental behavior than stressed mice in tests 1 and 2 but not in test 3. Pup-directed aggression did not differ between the groups at any time point. These findings suggest that acute stress can both inhibit alloparental behavior in the short term and prevent the increase in alloparental behavior that typically occurs with repeated exposure to pups in virgin male California mice.

Investigating how HIV-1 antiretrovirals differentially behave as substrates and inhibitors of P-glycoprotein via molecular dynamics simulations

HIV-1 can rapidly infect the brain upon initial infection, establishing latent reservoirs that induce neuronal damage and/or death, resulting in HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder. Though anti-HIV-1 antiretrovirals (ARVs) suppress viral load, the blood-brain barrier limits drug access to the brain, largely because of highly expressed efflux proteins like P-glycoprotein (P-gp). While no FDA-approved P-gp inhibitor currently exists, HIV-1 protease inhibitors show promise as partial P-gp inhibitors, potentially enhancing drug delivery to the brain. Herein, we employed docking and molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate key differences in P-gp’s interactions with several antiretrovirals, including protease inhibitors, with known inhibitory or substrate-like behaviors towards P-gp. Our results led us to hypothesize new mechanistic details of small-molecule efflux by and inhibition of P-gp, where the “Lower Pocket” in P-gp’s transmembrane domain serves as the primary initial site for small-molecule binding. Subsequently, this pocket merges with the more traditionally studied drug binding site—the “Upper Pocket”—thus funneling small-molecule drugs, such as ARVs, towards the Upper Pocket for efflux. Furthermore, our results reinforce the understanding that both binding energetics and changes in protein dynamics are crucial in discerning small molecules as non-substrates, substrates, or inhibitors of P-gp. Our findings indicate that interactions between P-gp and inhibitory ARVs induce bridging of transmembrane domain helices, impeding P-gp conformational changes and contributing to the inhibitory behavior of these ARVs. Overall, insights gained in this study could serve to guide the design of future P-gp-targeting therapeutics for a wide range of pathological conditions and diseases, including HIV-1.

Big Five personality traits, BIS/BAS dimensions and meteoropathy: a mediation model

BackgroundThe main goal of this cross-sectional study was to assess the relationship between Big Five personality traits and meteor-opathy and the role of the behavioural activation system (BAS) and the behavioural inhibition system (BIS) as mediators in this relationship.Participants and procedureThe sample consisted of 1,336 women and men gathered via the online recruitment platform from the general population. The participants’ ages ranged from 18 to 76 years (M = 29.52, SD = 11.67). The Polish version of the Ten Item Personality Inventory was used to assess Big Five personality traits. The BIS and BAS were diagnosed using the Polish version of the original BIS/BAS scales. Meteoropathy was assessed using the Polish adaptation of the METEO-Q questionnaire.ResultsMeteoropathy correlated negatively with emotional stability and positively with the BIS level and BAS Reward Responsive-ness. BIS negatively correlated with emotional stability. The correlations between meteoropathy and other personality vari-ables were nonsignificant. The analysis indicated a significant indirect relationship between emotional stability and meteor-opathy through BIS. We demonstrated the importance of neuroticism (low emotional stability) and the BIS dimension for the development of meteoropathy symptoms.ConclusionsNeuroticism and the BIS dimension were important for the development of meteoropathy symptoms. The results may be helpful in assessing the risk of developing meteoropathy in a healthy population.

Checking in to Check out? The Effect of Boredom on Craving, Behavioural Inhibition and Social Networking Site Use

Checking in to Check out? The Effect of Boredom on Craving, Behavioural Inhibition and Social Networking Site Use

Inhibition of silicon-based anode interfacial volume expansion behavior by 1,3,6-hexane trinitrile additive via induced interfacial solvation effect

Silicon(Si)-based anodes exhibit higher energy density than traditional graphite anodes but suffer from significant volume changes during lithiation/delithiation, destabilizing the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) and reducing cycle stability. This study explores the effect of 1,3,6-hexane trinitrile (HTCN) on mitigating Si@C electrode expansion. The inclusion of HTCN modifies the original solvation structure of Li+, and the HTCN additive undergoes preferential coordination with Li+ because its binding energy with Li+ is larger than that of ethylene carbonate (EC). This lowers the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the HTCN-containing solvation structure, promoting preferential reduction decomposition on the anode surface. This process increases inorganic Li3N formation and produces a rich carbon-organic SEI film, effectively reducing electrolyte decomposition and Si@C anode expansion from 72.98 % to 4.46 %. Adding 1 % HTCN to Si@C/Li half-cells enhances capacity retention to 72.4 % after 100 cycles at 0.2C, significantly outperforming cells without HTCN (50.9 %). This study provides a new idea for constructing high-performance SEI films to inhibit electrode expansion by adjusting the solvation structure of Li+.

Patterns of neuronal activation following ethanol-induced social facilitation and social inhibition in adolescent cFos-LacZ male and female rats

Alcohol-associated social facilitation together with attenuated sensitivity to adverse alcohol effects play a substantial role in adolescent alcohol use and misuse, with adolescent females being more susceptible to adverse consequences of binge drinking than adolescent males. Adolescent rodents also demonstrate individual and sex differences in sensitivity to ethanol-induced social facilitation and social inhibition, therefore the current study was designed to identify neuronal activation patterns associated with ethanol-induced social facilitation and ethanol-induced social inhibition in male and female adolescent cFos-LacZ rats. Experimental subjects were given social interaction tests on postnatal day (P) 34, 36, and 38 after an acute challenge with 0, 0.5 and 0.75 g/kg ethanol, respectively, and β-galactosidase (β-gal) expression was assessed in brain tissue of subjects socially facilitated and socially inhibited by 0.75 g/kg ethanol. In females, positive correlations were evident between overall social activity and neuronal activation of seven out of 13 ROIs, including the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens, with negative correlations evident in males. Assessments of neuronal activation patterns revealed drastic sex differences between ethanol responding phenotypes. In socially inhibited males, strong correlations were evident among almost all ROIs (90 %), with markedly fewer correlations among ROIs (38 %) seen in socially facilitated males. In contrast, interconnectivity in females inhibited by ethanol was only 10 % compared to nearly 60 % in facilitated subjects. However, hub analyses revealed convergence of brain regions in males and females, with the nucleus accumbens being a hub region in socially inhibited subjects. Taken together, these findings demonstrate individual and sex-related differences in responsiveness to acute ethanol in adolescent rats, with sex differences more evident in socially inhibited by ethanol adolescents than their socially facilitated counterparts.

Frontal alpha asymmetries and behavioral immune system: moderating role of behavioral inhibition system

Background and purpose: Behavioral immune system is a cluster of psychological mechanisms enabling detection and avoidance of pathogens in one’s immediate environment. Its presumed activation has been implicated in myriads of psychological phenomena, stemming from pathogen related disgust to more complex behaviors, such as mate choice and xenophobic cognitions. However, little is known about its biological underpinnings. The aim of this preliminary study was twofold: 1) to explore the role of another neuropsychological system governing avoidant motivations, the behavioral inhibition system, in pathogen-induced disgust and 2) to determine if frontal hemispheric asymmetries (a neural correlate of avoidant motivations) might serve as indicators of behavioral immune system activation. Materials and methods: 62 participants completed the Behavioral inhibition scale. Based on their z-scores, two extreme groups were formed: high (n=9) and low behavioral inhibition (n=9) group. After the baseline EEG recordings, participants were exposed to a set of neutral stimuli, followed by a set of pathogen disgust inducing stimuli. The frontal asymmetry (FAA) indexes (lnR-LnL) were calculated within both low (8-10 Hz) and high (11-13 Hz) alpha frequency bands on analogue pairs of frontal electrodes. Results: There were no baseline FAA differences between groups. However, compared to low behavioral inhibition group, high behavioral inhibition group showed larger shifts in FAA on frontopolar locations while watching the pathogen related disgust-inducing stimuli, as compared to neutral photographs. Conclusions: This pattern of FAA shifts suggests that high behavioral inhibition individuals attend to pathogen threat related cues more readily, i.e., have a more reactive behavioral immune system. With this preliminary study we are proposing a new line of research in order to determine if there is evidence of a calibrated response in terms of interplay between one’s immune status and pathogen treat related neural reactivity.

Skin-like n-type stretchable synaptic transistors with low energy consumption and highly reliable plasticity for brain-inspired computing

Artificial synaptic devices with high transconductance, low energy consumption and good stretchability are important for efficient and energy-friendly neuromorphic computations in the field of bionics. Here, we propose a stretchable substrate inspired by wrinkled surface of human skin, and achieve a low energy operation stretchable synaptic transistor (SST) based on n-type oxide semiconductor. The SSTs exhibit excellent performance, including high mobility (4.08 cm2V−1s−1) and high transconductance (over 12 mS) under ultra-low operation voltage of 0.1 V. They can stand against multi-directional stretching of 10 % and up to 400 stretch/release cycles. In addition, the n-type SSTs achieve synaptic performance at ultra-low energy consumption (0.36 fJ) with dual-mode operation characteristics of excitatory and inhibitory behaviors. Under tensile strain, they exhibit typical synaptic behavior, including short-term/long-term plasticity, pair pulse facilitation, spike voltage/frequency/duration/number-dependent plasticity. More importantly, the SSTs exhibit excellent “learning-forgetting-relearning” feature and good stability under potentiation-depression cycle test, showcasing tremendous potential in brain-inspired computation. Finally, a high recognition accuracy (89.6 %) is attained simulated by handwritten digital datasets. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first stretchable synaptic transistor with oxide semiconductors, and it is also a major breakthrough in n-type stretchable synaptic transistors for high-speed and low-energy calculation and storage for brain-inspired computing.

Age and Gender Identity in the Relationship Between Minority Stress and Loneliness: A Global Sample of Sexual and Gender Minority Adults

ABSTRACT Loneliness is prevalent among sexual minority adults and is associated with minority stress. Yet there is limited understanding of how loneliness and minority stress vary across key demographic variables. This cross-sectional study explored age and gender differences in a minority stress model linking sexual orientation marginalization to social and emotional loneliness via proximal stress (internalized homonegativity, concealment, and stigma preoccupation) and via social anxiety and inhibition. The study also assessed age and gender differences in the protective influence of LGBTQ community involvement. 7,856 sexual minority adults from 85 countries completed an online survey. They were categorized as emerging adults (18−24, n = 3,056), young adults (25−34, n = 2,193), midlife adults (35−49, n = 1,243), and older adults (50−88, n = 1,364). Gender identity groups were cisgender men (n = 4,073), cisgender women (n = 3,017), and transgender individuals (n = 766). With each successive age group, there was a lower prevalence of sexual orientation marginalization, proximal stress, social anxiety, inhibition, and emotional loneliness, along with more community involvement. Sexual orientation marginalization was more pronounced among cisgender women and, especially, transgender individuals. The latter also exhibited the most social anxiety, inhibition, loneliness, and community involvement. Proximal stress was more prevalent among cisgender men than cisgender women and transgender individuals. Multiple group structural equation modeling supported the applicability of the loneliness model across age and gender groups, with only a few variations; these mainly related to how strongly community involvement was linked to marginalization, internalized homonegativity, and social loneliness.

A Reconfigurable All-Optical-Controlled Synaptic Device for Neuromorphic Computing Applications.

Retina-inspired visual sensors play a crucial role in the realization of neuromorphic visual systems. Nevertheless, significant obstacles persist in the pursuit of achieving bidirectional synaptic behavior and attaining high performance in the context of photostimulation. In this study, we propose a reconfigurable all-optical controlled synaptic device based on the IGZO/SnO/SnS heterostructure, which integrates sensing, storage and processing functions. Relying on the simple heterojunction stack structure and the role of energy band engineering, synaptic excitatory and inhibitory behaviors can be observed under the light stimulation of ultraviolet (266 nm) and visible light (405, 520 and 658 nm) without additional voltage modulation. In particular, junction field-effect transistors based on the IGZO/SnO/SnS heterostructure were fabricated to elucidate the underlying bidirectional photoresponse mechanism. In addition to optical signal processing, an artificial neural network simulator based on the optoelectrical synapse was trained and recognized handwritten numerals with a recognition rate of 91%. Furthermore, we prepared an 8 × 8 optoelectrical synaptic array and successfully demonstrated the process of perception and memory for image recognition in the human brain, as well as simulated the situation of damage to the retina by ultraviolet light. This work provides an effective strategy for the development of high-performance all-optical controlled optoelectronic synapses and a practical approach to the design of multifunctional artificial neural vision systems.

Unraveling the corrosion inhibition behavior of prinivil drug on mild steel in 1M HCl corrosive solution: insights from density functional theory, molecular dynamics, and experimental approaches.

The deterioration of mild steel in an acidic environment poses a significant challenge in various industries. The emergence of effective corrosion inhibitors has drawn attention to studies aimed at reducing the harmful consequences of corrosion. In this study, the corrosion inhibition efficiency of Prinivil in a 1M HCl solution through various electrochemical and gravimetric techniques has been investigated for the first time. The results demonstrated that the inhibition efficiency of Prinivil expanded from 61.37% at 50ppm to 97.35% at 500ppm concentration at 298K. With a regression coefficient (R 2) of 0.987, Kads value of 0.935 and Ea value of 43.024kJ/mol at 500ppm concentration of inhibitor, a strong affinity of Prinivil for adsorption onto the metal surface has been significantly found. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and contact angle measurement analyses further support the inhibitory behavior of Prinivil, demonstrating the production of a defensive layer on the surface of mild steel. Additionally, molecular dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo simulations were employed to investigate the stability and interactions between Prinivil and the metallic surface (Fe (1 1 0)) at the atomic level. The computed results reveal strong adsorption of Prinivil upon the steel surface, confirming its viability as a corrosion inhibitor.

Measuring Pain-related Behavioral Inhibition and Behavioral Activation System Responses: Further Validity Evidence for the Pain Responses Scale.

The Pain Responses Scale and its Short Form (PRS-SF) were recently developed to assess the affective, behavioral, and cognitive responses to pain based on the behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and behavioral activation system (BAS) model of chronic pain. The purpose of this study was to provide additional tests of the psychometric properties of the PRS-SF in a new sample of individuals with chronic pain. A sample of Spanish adults (N = 190) with chronic non-cancer pain completed a translated version of the PRS-SF and a battery of questionnaires measuring validity criteria hypothesized the be associated with BIS and BAS activation, including measures of sensitivity to punishment, sensitivity to reward, pain intensity, pain interference, catastrophizing, and pain acceptance. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a 4-factor structure for the PRS-SF assessing despondent, escape, approach, and relaxation responses (S-B χ 2 [5] = 1.49, Comparative Fit Index = 0.99, Non-Normed Fit Index = 0.99, root-mean-square error of approximation = 0.051, Akaike Information Criterion = 4113.66), with marginal internal consistency for 1 scale (relaxation) and adequate to good internal consistency for the others. The pattern of associations found between the PRS-SF Scale scores and the validity criterion supports the validity of the instrument. The results provide additional support for the validity of the 4 PRS-SF Scale scores, and the reliability of 3 of the scales. If these findings are replicated in future research, investigators may wish to administer more items from the original Relaxation Scale when assessing this domain to ensure adequate reliability for this scale. The other items from the PRS-SF assessing despondent, escape, and approach responses appear to provide at least adequate reliability. When used in this way, the PRS-SF may be used to measure BIS and BAS responses to pain to: (1) provide further tests of the BIS-BAS model of chronic pain and/or (2) understand the potential mediating effects of BIS and BAS responses on the effects of psychological pain treatments to help determine which specific responses are most responsible for the benefits of treatment, and, therefore, which responses should be specifically targeted to enhance treatment response.

DSP-6745, a novel 5-hydroxytryptamine modulator with rapid antidepressant, anxiolytic, antipsychotic and procognitive effects.

Current treatment of major depressive disorder is facing challenges, including a low remission rate, late onset of efficacy, and worsening severity due to comorbid symptoms such as psychosis and cognitive dysfunction. Serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission is involved in a wide variety of psychiatric diseases and its potential as a drug target continues to attract attention. The present study elucidates the effects of a novel 5-HT modulator, DSP-6745, on depression and its comorbid symptoms. In vitro radioligand binding and functional assays showed that DSP-6745 is a potent inhibitor of 5-HT transporter and 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT7 receptors. In vivo, DSP-6745 (6.4 and 19.1mg/kg as free base, p.o.) increased the release of not only 5-HT, norepinephrine, and dopamine, but also glutamate in the medial prefrontal cortex. The results of in vivo mouse phenotypic screening by SmartCube® suggested that DSP-6745 has a behavioral signature combined with antidepressant-, anxiolytic-, and antipsychotic-like signals. A single oral dose of DSP-6745 (6.4 and 19.1mg/kg) showed rapid antidepressant-like efficacy in the rat forced swim test, even at 24h post-dosing, and anxiolytic activity in the rat social interaction test. Moreover, DSP-6745 (12.7mg/kg, p.o.) led to an improvement in the apomorphine-induced prepulse inhibition deficit in rats. In the marmoset object retrieval with detour task, which is used to assess cognitive functions such as attention and behavioral inhibition, DSP-6745 (7.8mg/kg, p.o.) enhanced cognition. These data suggest that DSP-6745 is a multimodal 5-HT receptor antagonist and a 5-HT transporter inhibitor and has the potential to be a rapid acting antidepressant with efficacies in mitigating the comorbid symptoms of depression.

Responses of colonization and development of periphytic biofilms to three typical tire wear particles with or without incubation-aging in migrating aqueous phases

Understanding the behavior of tire wear particles (TWPs) and their impact on aquatic environments after aging is essential. This study explored the characteristics of TWPs generated using different methods (rolling friction, sliding friction, and cryogenic milling) and their transformation after exposure to environmental conditions mimicking runoff and sewage, focusing on their effects on river water and periphytic biofilms. Laboratory experiments indicate that at low exposure levels (0.1 mg/L), TWPs promoted biofilm growth, likely due to zinc release acting as a nutrient and the aggregation of particles serving as biofilm scaffolds. However, at higher concentrations (100 mg/L), TWPs inhibited biofilm development. This inhibition is linked to toxic byproducts like N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine-quinone and environmentally persistent free radicals, which reduce biofilm biomass, alter algal diversity, and decrease the production of essential biofilm components such as proteins and polysaccharides, consistent with the inhibitory behavior of TWPs on bis-(3′-5′)-cyclic diguanosine monophosphate and quorum sensing signals, including acyl-homoserine lactone and autoinducer-2. Aging processes, particularly after simulated sewage treatment, further affect ecological impacts of TWPs, reducing the benefits observed at low concentrations and intensifying the negative effects at high concentrations. Contribution of here lies in systematically revealing the impact of TWPs on the development of aquatic biofilms, emphasizing the logical relationship between their aging characteristics, environmental behavior, and ecological risks. It assesses not only the release effects of typical additives and conventional size effects but also highlights the emerging photochemical toxicity (persistent free radicals), thus providing valuable insights into the aquatic ecological risk assessment of TWPs.

Behavioral Inhibition and Social Anxiety Disorder as Predictors of Long-Term Outcomes of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Youth Anxiety Disorders

The temperamental trait behavioral inhibition (BI) is related to the development and maintenance of anxiety, particularly much so to social anxiety disorder. We investigated if BI and social anxiety disorder predicted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) outcomes for youth anxiety. Youth (N = 179; Mage = 11.6 years) were assessed 4 years following a randomized controlled CBT effectiveness trial. BI was measured by the parent-reported Behavioral Inhibition Questionnaire at baseline. The outcomes were diagnostic recovery, youth- and parent-reported anxiety symptoms, and clinical severity at post-treatment, 1-year, and 4-year follow-up. Having social anxiety disorder negatively predicted diagnostic recovery and predicted higher clinical severity at all assessment points and was the only significant predictor of outcomes at 4-year follow-up. Higher BI negatively predicted diagnostic recovery and predicted higher clinical severity and parent-reported symptom levels at post-treatment and 1-year follow-up, and predicted higher youth-reported anxiety levels at 1-year follow-up. Higher BI was the only predictor of youth- and parent-reported anxiety symptoms. BI and social anxiety disorder seem to be unique predictors of CBT outcomes among youth with anxiety disorders. CBT adaptations may be indicated for youth with high BI and social anxiety disorder.

Synthetic Peptides Capable of Potent Multigroup Staphylococcal Quorum Sensing Activation and Inhibition in Both Cultures and Biofilm Communities.

The pathogen Staphylococcus epidermidis uses a chemical signaling process, i.e., quorum sensing (QS), to form robust biofilms and cause human infection. Many questions remain about QS in S. epidermidis, as it uses this intercellular communication pathway to both negatively and positively regulate virulence traits. Herein, we report synthetic multigroup agonists and antagonists of the S. epidermidis accessory gene regulator (agr) QS system capable of potent superactivation and complete inhibition, respectively. These macrocyclic peptides maintain full efficacy across the three major agr specificity groups, and their activity can be "mode-switched" from agonist to antagonist via subtle residue-specific structural changes. We describe the design and synthesis of these non-native peptides and demonstrate that they can appreciably decrease biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces, underscoring the potential for agr agonism as a route to block S. epidermidis virulence. Additionally, we show that both the S. epidermidis agonists and antagonists are active in S. aureus, another common pathogen with a related agr system, yet only as antagonists. This result not only revealed one of the most potent agr inhibitors known in S. aureus but also highlighted differences in the mechanisms of agr agonism and antagonism between these related bacteria. Finally, our investigations reveal unexpected inhibitory behavior for certain S. epidermidis agr agonists at sub-activating concentrations, an observation that can be leveraged for the design of future probes with enhanced potencies. Together, these peptides provide a powerful tool set to interrogate the role of QS in S. epidermidis infections and in Staphylococcal pathogenicity in general.

Bacterial neuraminidase inhibitory chalcones from flowers of Coreopsis lanceolata, their kinetic characterization and antibiofilm effect

BackgroundBacteria within biofilms are thousand times more resistant to antibiotics. Neuraminidase is a crucial enzyme for bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, it hydrolyzes glycosidic residue of glycoproteins, glycolipids, and oligosaccharides. Coreopsis lanceolata L. flowers may have a significant potential of bacterial neuraminidase (BNA) inhibition because of high natural abundance of chalcones. PurposeThe investigation of bacterial biofilm inhibitors has emerged as a novel therapeutic strategy against antibiotic resistance. Therefore, individual chalcones were isolated from C. lanceolata and their capacity to inhibit BNA and formation of Escherichia coli biofilm were evaluated. MethodsDifferent chromatographic techniques were used to isolate the compounds (1-12). Enzyme inhibition and detailed kinetic behavior of compounds was determined by estimation of kinetic parameters (Michaelis-Menten constants (Km), maximum velocity (Vmax), dissociation constant for binding with the free enzyme (KI) and enzyme-substate complex (KIS)). Binding affinities (KSV) and binding modes of inhibitors were elucidated by fluorescence quenching and molecular docking, respectively. The natural abundance of chalcones was established through UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. The most potent inhibitor (1) was tested for its ability to inhibit the formation of E. coli biofilm, which was examined by crystal violet assay, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). ResultsA series of eight chalcones (1-8) and four chalcone glucosides (9-12), inhibited BNA in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 of 8.3 ∼ 77.0 µM. The most potent chalcones were butein (1, IC50 = 8.3 µM) and its glucoside 9 (IC50 = 13.8 µM). The aglycones (1-8) showed non-competitive inhibition, while chalcone glucosides (9-12) displayed a mixed type I (KI < KIS). Inhibitory behaviors were doubly confirmed by KSV and matched with tendency of IC50. The functional group responsible for BNA inhibition were disclosed as 4ʹ-hydroxyl group on B-ring by structure activity relationship (SAR) and molecular docking experiments. Butein (1) suppressed E. coli biofilm formation by > 50 % at 100 µM according to crystal violet assay, which was confirmed by SEM and CLSM imaging. ConclusionThe results showed that chalcones (1-8) and chalcone glucosides (9-12), metabolites isolated from the flowers of C. lanceolata, had BNA inhibitory and antibiofilm formation effect on E. coli.

The development and validation of the food insecurity physical activity concerns scale

Food insecurity – defined as having limited access to nutritious foods – is linked with obesity. Previous research has also shown that food insecurity is associated with lower levels of leisure-time physical activity (physical activity performed outside of essential activities). This association may occur in part due to concerns about preserving levels of energy during times of food shortage. Currently, no scale exists which measures this construct. Therefore, we aimed to develop and validate such a scale – the food insecurity physical activity concerns scale (FIPACS). Participants (N = 603, individuals with food insecurity = 108) completed an online survey, consisting of the FIPACS, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short-form (IPAQ), the restraint subscale of the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ), the amotivation subscale of the Behaviour Regulation In Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2), and the Behavioural Inhibition System/Behavioural Approach System Reactivity scale (BIS/BAS) to assess convergent and divergent validity. An exploratory factor analysis revealed a four-factor model of the FIPACS - namely ‘Concerns relating to hunger’, ‘Concerns of replenishment and calories’, ‘Concerns of physiological effects of exercise’ and ‘Compensatory behaviours’ which was verified through a confirmatory factor analysis. To assess test-retest reliability, 100 participants completed the FIPACS again two weeks later. The FIPACS had good internal, test-retest reliability and divergent validity. However, there was limited evidence of convergent validity. Future studies could incorporate this scale when investigating the association between food insecurity and physical activity.

Norepinephrine changes behavioral state via astroglial purinergic signaling.

Both neurons and glia communicate via diffusible neuromodulatory substances, but the substrates of computation in such neuromodulatory networks are unclear. During behavioral transitions in the larval zebrafish, the neuromodulator norepinephrine drives fast excitation and delayed inhibition of behavior and circuit activity. We find that the inhibitory arm of this feedforward motif is implemented by astroglial purinergic signaling. Neuromodulator imaging, behavioral pharmacology, and perturbations of neurons and astroglia reveal that norepinephrine triggers astroglial release of adenosine triphosphate, extracellular conversion into adenosine, and behavioral suppression through activation of hindbrain neuronal adenosine receptors. This work, along with a companion piece by Lefton and colleagues demonstrating an analogous pathway mediating the effect of norepinephrine on synaptic connectivity in mice, identifies a computational and behavioral role for an evolutionarily conserved astroglial purinergic signaling axis in norepinephrine-mediated behavioral and brain state transitions.