Behavioral Alterations Research Articles

From oxygen shortage to neurocognitive challenges: behavioral patterns and imaging insights

Environmental hypoxia, resulting from reduced oxygen supply, poses a significant risk of dysfunctioning and damaging the neurocognitive system, particularly in relation to anxiety and stress. Inadequate oxygenation can lead to acute and chronic brain damage. Scholars used behavioral, hemodynamic, and electromagnetic neurofunctional techniques to investigate the effects of normobaric and hypobaric hypoxia on neurocognitive systems. They found a correlation between hypoxia, altered psychomotor responses, and changes in EEG alpha, theta, beta, and gamma rhythms, which affect spatial attention and memory. Hypoxia affects event related potential (ERP) components differently depending on latency. Perceptual responses N1 and P2 remain largely unaffected, while the amplitudes of preattentive MMN, vMMN, and P3a are significantly altered. Late latency components related to attention, particularly P3b, are also altered. These changes illustrate the spectrum from sensory detection to more complex cognitive processing, highlighting the brain's efficiency in managing information. Interestingly, the amplitudes of P3b, ADAN and CNV can increase with increased cognitive demands in hypoxia. This suggests a compensatory response. Prolonged exposure exacerbates these effects, resulting in compensatory delayed behavioral responses and alterations in behavioral monitoring and conflict inhibitory control, as reflected by reduced amplitudes in some attention related ERP components, including N2, N2pc, and ERN. Thus, neurocognitive function and integrity are under stress. ERP sources and hemodynamic images reveal that vulnerable brain regions include the frontal prefrontal cortices, hippocampus, basal ganglia, and parietal and visual cortices, which are essential for attention related processes like decision making and spatial memory. The auditory system appears less affected.

Repositioning Canagliflozin for Mitigation of Aluminium Chloride-Induced Alzheimer’s Disease: Involvement of TXNIP/NLRP3 Inflammasome Axis, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and SIRT1/HMGB1 Signalling

Background and Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder in the world. Due to failure of the traditional drugs to produce a complete cure for AD, the search for new safe and effective lines of therapy has attracted the attention of ongoing research. Canagliflozin is an anti-diabetic agent with proven efficacy in the treatment of neurological disorders in which mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy play a pathophysiological role. Elucidation of the potential effects of different doses of canagliflozin on AD induced by aluminium chloride in rats and exploration of the molecular mechanisms that may contribute to these effects were the primary objectives of the current study. Materials and Methods: In a rat model of AD, the effect of three different doses of canagliflozin on the behavioural, biochemical, and histopathological alterations induced by aluminium chloride was assessed. Results: Canagliflozin administered to aluminium chloride-treated animals induced dose-dependent normalisation in the behavioural tests, augmentation of the antioxidant defence mechanisms, inhibition of TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome signalling, modulation of the SIRT1/HMGB1 axis, interference with the pro-inflammatory and the pro-apoptotic mechanisms, and restoration of the mitochondrial functions and autophagy in the hippocampal tissues to approximately baseline values. In addition, canagliflozin exhibited an interesting dose-dependent ability to repress aluminium chloride-induced histopathological changes in the brain. Conclusions: The effects of canagliflozin on oxidative stress, mitochondrial functions, inflammatory pathways, and autophagy signals may open new gates towards the mitigation of the pathologic features of AD.

Fecal microbiota transplantation alleviates neuronal Apoptosis, necroptosis and M1 polarization of microglia after ischemic stroke

ObjectiveThis study aims to delve into the mechanisms underlying the improvement of neurological function in rats with ischemic stroke through fecal microbiota transplantation.Methods: A total of fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were categorized into three groups: sham surgery, model, and fecal transplantation. We assessed behavioral and pathological alterations in the rats using modified neurological function scoring and TTC staining. Additionally, Western blot and immunofluorescence techniques were employed to examine the expression levels of RIP1, RIP3, MLKL, p-MLKL, Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 in neurons of ischemic brain tissue, while iNOS and Arg1 were analyzed to evaluate microglial polarization.Results: The fecal transplantation group exhibited a decline in neurological function score compared to the model group, accompanied by a reduction in infarct volume (P < 0.05). Relative to the sham surgery group, the model group displayed a significant increase in the expression levels of necroptosis-related proteins RIP1, RIP3, p-MLKL, apoptotic proteins Bax and cleaved caspase-3, and the M1 microglial cell marker iNOS in ischemic brain tissue, while Bcl-2 expression was notably decreased (P < 0.05). Conversely, compared to the model group, the fecal transplantation group demonstrated decreased expression levels of RIP1, RIP3, p-MLKL, Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and iNOS, along with increased expression of Bcl-2.Conclusion: Fecal microbiota transplantation presents a promising avenue for enhancing neurological function in rats with ischemic stroke by inhibiting neuronal apoptosis, necroptosis, and M1 polarization of microglial cells.

Temporal development of seizure threshold and spontaneous seizures after neonatal asphyxia and the effect of prophylactic treatment with midazolam in rats

Birth asphyxia (BA) and subsequent hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the most serious birth complications affecting full-term infants and can result in severe disabilities including mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. Animal models of BA and HIE are important to characterize the functional and behavioral correlates of injury , explore cellular and molecular mechanisms, and assess the potential of novel therapeutic strategies. Here we used a non-invasive, physiologically validated rat model of BA and acute neonatal seizures that mimics many features of BA and HIE in human infants to study (i) the temporal development of epilepsy with spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) in the weeks and months after the initial brain injury, (ii) alterations in seizure threshold and hippocampal EEG that may precede the onset of SRS, and (iii) the effect of prophylactic treatment with midazolam. For this purpose, a total of 89 rat pups underwent asphyxia or sham asphyxia at postnatal day 11 and were examined over 8–10.5 months. In vehicle-treated animals, the incidence of electroclinical SRS progressively increased from 0 % at 2.5 months to 50 % at 6.5 months, 75 % at 8.5 months, and > 80 % at 10.5 months after asphyxia. Unexpectedly, post-asphyxial rats did not differ from sham-exposed rats in seizure threshold or interictal epileptiform discharges in the EEG. Treatment with midazolam (1 mg/kg i.p.) after asphyxia, which suppressed acute symptomatic neonatal seizures in about 60 % of the rat pups, significantly reduced the incidence of SRS regardless of its effect on neonatal seizures. This antiepileptogenic effect of midazolam adds to the recently reported prophylactic effects of this drug on BA-induced neuroinflammation, brain damage, behavioral alterations, and cognitive impairment in the rat asphyxia model of HIE.

Experimental Study of Airfoil Aerodynamic Behavior under Oscillating Motion in Ground Effect

When a flying vehicle approaches a water or land surface, it induces changes in the fluid flow field pattern known as the "ground effect." This research analyzes the ground effect phenomenon, exploring its impact on aerodynamic coefficients and flow patterns around the NACA0012 airfoil in an incompressible subsonic regime under static and dynamic conditions with pitch movements. Numerical simulations and experimental testing in an incompressible subsonic wind tunnel were deployed. The flow field solution is derived from the Navier-Stokes equations, incorporating the Transition SST turbulence model. Initially, the impact of the ground effect phenomenon was investigated at varying distances from the surface in the static state. Subsequently, the airfoil underwent a sinusoidal pitching oscillation at each distance with a specified frequency and amplitude. This allowed for examining its aerodynamic characteristics over time. The static analysis results reveal alterations in the curve's behavior and pressure distribution on the airfoil surface at close distances to the surface. This is attributed to the ground effect phenomenon, which reduces lift force to a certain height and then increases. Dynamic analysis further demonstrates changes in lift coefficient oscillation amplitude. It also exhibits a minimum and maximum lift point phase difference as the airfoil approaches the surface.

Non-coding RNA alterations in occlusal disharmony-induced anxiety-like behaviour.

Occlusal disharmony (OD) may induce anxiety-like behaviours; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Herein, we explored the expression profiles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), along with their biological function and regulatory network, in anxiety-like behaviour induced by OD. Occlusal disharmony was produced by anterior crossbite of C57BL/6 mice. Behavioural tests, corticosterone (CORT) and serotonin (5-HT) levels were used to measure anxiety. In addition, RNA sequencing was used to screen all differentially expressed (DE) ncRNAs. Moreover, the RNA-binding proteins interacting with ncRNAs were predicted by the ENCORI database and confirmed using western blots. The significant differences in behavioural tests and CORT suggested the successful induction of anxiety-like behaviour by OD. In OD mice, ncRNAs were significantly dysregulated. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses suggested that the DE ncRNAs were enriched in anxiety-related pathways. CircRNA10039 was upregulated, and PTBP1 was predicted to interact with circRNA10039. In addition, KEGG pathway analysis showed that PTBP1 may be associated with messenger RNA biogenesis and spliceosomes. OD induced by anterior crossbite can lead to the anxiety-like behaviours. During this process, ncRNA also changes. CircRNA10039 and PTBP1 may play a role in OD-induced anxiety-like behaviours.

Dynamical non-locality in the near-horizon region of a black hole with quantum time

The formalization of the modular energy operator within the curved spacetime is achieved through the timeless approach proposed by Page and Wootters. The investigation is motivated by the peculiar behavior of the near horizon region of a black hole and its quantum effects, leading to a restriction of the study to the immediate vicinity. The focus lies on the perspective of a static observer positioned close to the horizon. This paper highlights the alteration of the modular energy's behavior in this region compared to flat spacetime. Furthermore, it is observed that the geometry of the spacetime influences the non-local properties of the modular energy. Moreover, within the event horizon of the black hole, the modular energy exhibits a completely distinct behavior, rendering its modular behavior imperceptible in this specific region.

Dietary Intervention with Omega-3 Fatty Acids Mitigates Maternal High-Fat Diet-Induced Behavioral and Myelin-Related Alterations in Adult Offspring.

Maternal high-fat diet (HFD) during pregnancy and lactation induces depression- like phenotype and provokes myelin-related changes in rat offspring in the prefrontal cortex (PFCTX), which persist even to adulthood. Due to the plasticity of the developing brain, it was decided to analyze whether depressionlike phenotype and myelin-related changes in the early lifetime induced by maternal HFD (60% energy from fat) could be reversed by the omega-3 fatty acid-enriched diet (Ω3D) given from the postweaning period until adulthood (63rd day of life) in offspring. We analyzed the effect of post-weaning Ω3D on the depressive-like phenotype (assessed by the forced swimming test) and myelin-related changes (measured using RT-qPCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence staining) in the PFCTX of adult offspring. Ω3D reversed increased immobility time in adult offspring induced by maternal HFD, without affecting the animals' locomotor activity. Molecularly, Ω3D normalized the reduced expression levels of myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), as well as myelin and lymphocyte protein (MAL) in males and MOG in females in the PFCTX, changes initially induced by maternal HFD. Additionally, Ω3D normalized the quantity of oligodendrocyte precursor cells and mature oligodendrocytes in the prelimbic, infralimbic, and cingulate cortex in males, which were reduced following maternal HFD exposure. In females, the Ω3D effect was less pronounced, with normalization of oligodendrocyte precursors occurring only in the infralimbic cortex. These findings suggest that Ω3D may play a significant role in correcting behavioral and neurobiological changes caused by adverse prenatal conditions.

The Effects of Phishing Attacks on Mobile Phone Users in Tanzania: A Case of Kariakoo Market, Dar es Salaam

This study aimed at understanding phishing attacks targeting mobile phone users in Tanzania, focusing on the investigation of effects of these attacks on the mobile phone users. The study used technology threat avoidance theory as its theoretical framework. Respondents were selected using a purposive stratified sampling method to ensure diverse representation across various demographics and business sectors. A descriptive research design was employed and traders in Kariakoo market, Dar es Salaam were the target population. A sample size of 394 respondents was chosen and data obtained through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, while qualitative data were examined with Deedose. The study revealed social, economic, and psychological effects of phishing attacks to mobile phone users in Tanzania. Socially, there was a noticeable decline in trust toward digital communications, leading to altered online behaviors and interactions. Economically, the effects included substantial financial losses and disruptions to business operations, impacting both individuals and organizations. Psychologically, the study found that victims experienced emotional distress, anxiety, and a heightened sense of vulnerability, prompting an increased awareness and caution regarding cyber security practices. The study concluded that phishing attacks posed significant social, economic, and psychological challenges for mobile phone users in Tanzania, with effects varying across different demographic groups. It also revealed that users' age, gender, education, and business sector influenced their susceptibility to phishing attacks, leading to diverse experiences and vulnerabilities within the population. The study recommends implementation of targeted awareness campaigns through popular communication channels, such as social media ads and television, to maximize reach and engagement, especially among younger users who are frequently online.

Machine learning reveals prominent spontaneous behavioral changes and treatment efficacy in humanized and transgenic Alzheimer's disease models

Computer-vision and machine-learning (ML) approaches are being developed to provide scalable, unbiased, and sensitive methods to assess mouse behavior. Here, we used the ML-based variational animalmotion embedding (VAME) segmentation platform to assess spontaneous behavior in humanized App knockin and transgenic APP models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to test the role of AD-related neuroinflammation in these behavioral manifestations. We found marked alterations in spontaneous behaviorin AppNL-G-F and 5xFAD mice, including age-dependent changes in motif utilization, disorganized behavioral sequences, increased transitions, and randomness. Notably, blocking fibrinogen-microglia interactions in 5xFAD-Fggγ390-396A mice largely prevented spontaneous behavioral alterations, indicating akey role for neuroinflammation. Thus, AD-related spontaneous behavioral alterations are prominent in knockin and transgenic models and sensitive to therapeutic interventions. VAME outcomes had higherspecificity and sensitivity than conventional behavioral outcomes. We conclude that spontaneous behavior effectively captures age- and sex-dependent disease manifestations and treatment efficacy in AD models.

Neuronal connectivity, behavioral, and transcriptional alterations associated with the loss of MARK2.

Neuronal connectivity is essential for adaptive brain responses and can be modulated by dendritic spine plasticity and the intrinsic excitability of individual neurons. Dysregulation of these processes can lead to aberrant neuronal activity, which has been associated with numerous neurological disorders including autism, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease. Nonetheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying abnormal neuronal connectivity remain unclear. We previously found that the serine/threonine kinase Microtubule Affinity Regulating Kinase 2 (MARK2), also known as Partitioning Defective 1b (Par1b), is important for the formation of dendritic spines invitro. However, despite its genetic association with several neurological disorders, the invivo impact of MARK2 on neuronal connectivity and cognitive functions remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the loss of MARK2 invivo results in changes to dendritic spine morphology, which in turn leads to a decrease in excitatory synaptic transmission. Additionally, the loss of MARK2 produces substantial impairments in learning and memory, reduced anxiety, and defective social behavior. Notably, MARK2 deficiency results in heightened seizure susceptibility. Consistent with this observation, electrophysiological analysis of hippocampal slices indicates underlying neuronal hyperexcitability in MARK2-deficient neurons. Finally, RNAseq analysis reveals transcriptional changes in genes regulating synaptic transmission and ion homeostasis. These results underscore the invivo role of MARK2 in governing synaptic connectivity, neuronal excitability, and cognitive functions.

Honey Enriched with Additives Alleviates Behavioral, Oxidative Stress, and Brain Alterations Induced by Heavy Metals and Imidacloprid in Zebrafish

Environmental concerns have consistently been a focal point for the scientific community. Pollution is a critical ecological issue that poses significant threats to human health and agricultural production. Contamination with heavy metals and pesticides is a considerable concern, a threat to the environment, and warrants special attention. In this study, we investigated the significant issues arising from sub-chronic exposure to imidacloprid (IMI), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd), either alone or in combination, using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an animal model. Additionally, we assessed the potential protective effects of polyfloral honey enriched with natural ingredients, also called honey formulation (HF), against the combined sub-chronic toxic effects of the three contaminants. The effects of IMI (0.5 mg·L−1), Hg (15 μg·L−1), and Cd (5 μg·L−1), both individually and in combination with HF (500 mg·L−1), on zebrafish were evaluated by quantifying acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, lipid peroxidation (MDA), various antioxidant enzyme activities like superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (SOD and GPx), 2D locomotor activity, social behavior, histological and immunohistochemical factors, and changes in body element concentrations. Our findings revealed that all concentrations of pollutants may disrupt social behavior, diminish swimming performances (measured by total distance traveled, inactivity, and swimming speed), and elevate oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers of SOD, GPx, and MDA in zebrafish over the 21-day administration period. Fish exposed to IMI and Hg + Cd + IMI displayed severe lesions and increased GFAP (Glial fibrillary acidic protein) and S100B (S100 calcium-binding protein B) protein expression in the optic tectum and cerebellum, conclusively indicating astrocyte activation and neurotoxic effects. Furthermore, PCNA (Proliferating cell nuclear antigen) staining revealed reduced cell proliferation in the IMI-exposed group, contrasting with intensified proliferation in the Hg + Cd group. The nervous system exhibited significant damage across all studied concentrations, confirming the observed behavioral changes. Moreover, HF supplementation significantly mitigated the toxicity induced by contaminants and reduced OS. Therefore, the exposure to chemical mixtures offers a more complete picture of adverse impacts on aquatic ecosystems and the supplementation with bioactive compounds can help to reduce the toxicity induced by exposure to environmental pollutants.

Exploring the Safety of the Sustainable Toxicity Testing in Zebrafish and Brine Shrimp Using Nanoemulsions Formulated from Fish Byproducts and Lemon Oil

Nanoemulsions, characterized by their nanosized particles ranging from 20 to 200 nm, are effective carriers for drug molecules. Our novel oil-in-water nanoemulsion, NE-FLO™, formulated from lemon and fish byproduct oils, demonstrates promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, with initial studies indicating nontoxicity to normal skin cells. This study investigated the safety of NE-FLO™ using brine shrimp (Artemia salina) and zebrafish (Danio rerio) models, focusing on concentration-dependent effects and LC50 values. At lower concentrations (0.1 mg·L−1, 0.01 mg·L−1, and 0.001 mg·L−1), NE-FLO™ showed minimal toxicity without adverse effects. However, at 1 mg·L−1, reduced survival rates indicate potential toxicity. Specifically, this concentration also induces altered swimming behaviors in zebrafish. LC50 values are 8.7474 mg·L−1 for brine shrimp and 0.316 mg·L−1 for adult zebrafish. These results underscore the necessity for further detailed investigations into NE-FLO™, balancing its therapeutic benefits with potential toxicity risks. This study emphasizes the importance of optimizing nanoemulsion formulations from fish oil and conducting comprehensive safety assessments to meet regulatory standards.

Unveiling the Gut Microbiome of Malaysia's Colobine Monkeys : Insights into Health and Evolution.

Colobines are primarily leaf-eating primates, depend on microbiota of gastrointestinal tracts for food digestion. However, the gut microbiota of Malaysia's colobines specifically langurs remains unstudied. Hence, we aim to analyze the fecal microbiomes of Malaysia's langurs using Presbytis femoralis, Presbytis robinsoni, Trachypithecus obscurus, and Trachypithecus cristatus from various landscapes as models. We collected samples from all four species across several areas in Peninsular Malaysia and performed 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing using the Illumina sequencing platform. Presbytis femoralis exhibited the highest bacterial diversity, followed by T. obscurus, T. cristatus, P. robinsoni and the lowest, P. siamensis. Over 11 million operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified across Malaysia's langurs spanning 26 phyla, 180 families, and 329 genera of microbes. The OTUs were dominated by Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. There are 11 genera of pathogenic bacteria were identified across all host species. Nine pathogenic bacterial genera inhabit both T. obscurus, indicating poor health due to low bacterial diversity and heightened pathogenicity. In contrast, P. robinsoni with the fewest pathogenic species is deemed the healthiest among Malaysia's langurs. This study demonstrates that alterations in diet, behavior, and habitat affect bacterial diversity in Malaysia's langurs' gut microbiota. Even though this is the first comprehensive analysis of langur microbiomes in Malaysia, it is important to note the limitations regarding the number of samples, populations sampled, and the geographical origins and landscapes of these populations. Our results suggest that Malaysia's langurs may harbor pathogenic bacteria, potentially posing a risk of transmission to humans. This highlights the critical need for the conservation and management of Malaysia's langurs, particularly considering their interactions with humans. This data can serve as a foundation for authorities to inform the public about the origins and significance of animal health and the management of zoonotic diseases.

Highly demarcated structural alterations in the brain and impaired social incentive learning in Tbx1 heterozygous mice.

Copy number variants (CNVs) are robustly associated with psychiatric disorders and changes in brain structures. However, because CNVs contain many genes, the precise gene-phenotype relationship remains unclear. Although various volumetric alterations in the brains of 22q11.2 CNV carriers have been identified in humans and mouse models, it is unknown how each gene encoded in the 22q11.2 region contributes to structural alterations, associated mental illnesses, and their dimensions. Our previous studies identified Tbx1, a T-box family transcription factor encoded in the 22q11.2 CNV, as a driver gene for social interaction and communication, spatial and working memory, and cognitive flexibility. However, it remains unclear how TBX1 impacts the volumes of various brain regions and their functionally linked behavioral dimensions. In this study, we used volumetric magnetic resonance imaging analysis to comprehensively evaluate brain region volumes and behavioral alterations relevant to affected structures in congenic Tbx1 heterozygous mice. Our data showed that the volumes of the anterior and posterior portions of the amygdaloid complex and its surrounding cortical regions were most robustly reduced in Tbx1 heterozygous mice. In an amygdala-dependent task, Tbx1 heterozygous mice were impaired in their ability to learn the incentive value of a social partner. The volumes of the primary and secondary auditory cortexes were increased, and acoustic, but not non-acoustic, sensorimotor gating was impaired in Tbx1 heterozygous mice. Our findings identify the brain's regional volume alterations and their relevant behavioral dimensions associated with Tbx1 heterozygosity.

A numerical study on the oscillatory dynamics of tip vortex cavitation

In this paper, we numerically study the mechanism of the oscillatory flow dynamics associated with the tip vortex cavitation (TVC) over an elliptical hydrofoil section. Using our recently developed three-dimensional variational multiphase flow solver, we investigate the TVC phenomenon at Reynolds number $Re = 8.95 \times 10^5$ via dynamic subgrid-scale modelling and the homogeneous mixture theory. To begin, we examine the grid resolution requirements and introduce a length scale considering both the tip vortex strength and the core radius. This length scale is then employed to non-dimensionalize the spatial resolution in the tip vortex region, the results of which serve as a basis for estimation of the required mesh resolution in large eddy simulations of TVC. We next perform simulations to analyse the dynamical modes of tip vortex cavity oscillation at different cavitation numbers, and compare them with the semi-analytical solution. The breathing mode of cavity surface oscillation is extracted from the spatial-temporal evolution of the cavity's effective radius. The temporally averaged effective radius demonstrates that the columnar cavity experiences a growth region followed by decay as it progresses away from the tip. Further examination of the characteristics of local breathing mode oscillations in the growth and decay regions indicates the alteration of the cavity's oscillatory behaviour as it travels from the growth region to the decay region, with the oscillations within the growth region being characterized by lower frequencies. For representative cavitation numbers $\sigma \in [1.2,2.6]$ , we find that pressure fluctuations exhibit a shift of the spectrum towards lower frequencies as the cavitation number decreases, similar to its influence on breathing mode oscillations. The results indicate the existence of correlations between the breathing mode oscillations and the pressure fluctuations. While the low-frequency pressure fluctuations are found to be correlated with the growth region, the breathing mode oscillations within the decay region are related to higher-frequency pressure fluctuations. The proposed mechanism can play an important role in developing mitigation strategies for TVC, which can reduce the underwater radiated noise by marine propellers.

Ascendancy of Folk Tales on Children’s Cognitive Skills: a Behavioral Perspective

India is a nation rich in cultural diversity. Every culture has a unique way of knowing things. All of India's major languages have seen a significant increase in interest in the gathering, preservation, analysis, and study of folk literature since the country's independence. Every civilization's language and culture are fundamentally shaped by its folk literature. Folk literature, sometimes referred to as oral tradition or folklore, is the customary knowledge and beliefs of non-written societies. This essay demonstrates how folktales affect children's cognitive development. It also looks at the alterations in behaviour that take place. Fairy tales not only aid in a child's growth but also offer a multitude of therapeutic uses. This gives a fantastic way to get into children's imaginations through the investigation of fairy tale recollections and the nonthreatening, entertaining application of these too painful or frightening events. For instance, the struggle between good and evil is a recurring theme in fairy tales all throughout the world.

Brivaracetam and rufinamide combination increased seizure threshold and improved neurobehavioral deficits in corneal kindling model of epilepsy.

Besides seizures, a myriad of overlapping neuropsychiatric and cognitive comorbidities occur in patients with epilepsy, which further debilitates their quality of life. This study provides an in-depth characterization of the impact of brivaracetam and rufinamide individually and in combination at 10 and 20 mg/kg doses, respectively, on corneal kindling-induced generalized seizures and behavioral alterations. Furthermore, observed convulsive frequency and behavioral changes were correlated to post-kindling-induced changes in the activity of markers of oxidative stress. Adult C57BL/6 mice were kindled via twice-daily transcorneal 50-Hz electrical stimulations (3 mA) for 3 s for 12 days until animals reached a fully kindled state. After the kindling procedure, animals were tested using a set of behavioral tests, and neurochemical alterations were assessed. Corneal-kindled animals exhibited intense generalized convulsions, altered behavioral phenotypes typified by positive symptoms (hyperlocomotion), negative symptoms (anxiety and anhedonia), and deficits in semantic and working memory. BRV 10 + RFM 20 dual regime increased convulsive threshold and propensity toward the start of stage 4-5 seizures and improved phenotypical deficits, that is, anxiety, depression, and memory impairments. Moreover, this combination therapy mitigated kindling-induced redox impairments as evidenced by reduced malondialdehyde and acetylcholinesterase levels and increased glutathione antioxidant activity in the brain of animals subjected to repetitive brain insult. Based on our outcomes, this dual therapy provides supporting evidence in alleviating epilepsy-induced neurobehavioral comorbidities and changes in redox homeostasis.

Nanoparticle Clustering in Supraparticles to Control Magnetic Long‐Range Interactions

AbstractTo tailor superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) to the specific needs of diverse application fields, it is essential to understand not only their intrinsic properties but also their interactions with each other. Theoretical models predicting/explaining the magnetization behavior of macroscopic samples containing millions of SPIONs are intricate due to the complexity of the underlying relaxation mechanisms in alternating fields. This study introduces supraparticles (SPs) as model architectures to empirically investigate magnetic interactions within and between large SPION clusters (&gt;100 nanoparticles (NPs)). For this purpose, NP dispersions containing SPIONs and silica (SiO2)NPs as non‐magnetic building blocks are spray‐dried to form binary SPs. Selective salt‐induced agglomeration of the two building block types before spray‐drying is utilized to tailor SP architectures, including control over SPION cluster size, shape, and proximity. Magnetic particle spectroscopy (MPS), operating under ambient conditions, reveals altered magnetization behavior for different cluster structures. Not only the nearest SPION neighbors, but the whole cluster structure up to several micrometers is decisive for the magnetization behavior. This highlights the importance of long‐range magnetic interactions. This work presents a versatile approach for designing model architectures to advance empirical interaction studies between SPIONs in macroscopic samples.

The Role of Digital Startups in Addressing Shifts in Fashion Consumer Behavior

This research paper explores the role of digital startups in addressing the evolving consumer behavior within the fashion industry. The paper first uses Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as a conceptual framework to analyze the various factors that influence consumer purchasing decisions in the aforementioned industry before evaluating how the increasing impact of digital transformation and advanced technologies, coupled with a rising emphasis on sustainability, has significantly altered fashion consumer behavior. The latter half of the paper entails case studies of innovative digital startups such as DressX and the Metaverse Fashion Week hosted on Decentraland to understand how these companies are responding to and shaping the future of fashion by addressing these emerging consumer needs. The findings underscore the pivotal role of digital startups in fostering innovation and offering consumers more accessible, convenient, and sustainable fashion experiences.