Behavioral Responses Research Articles

Accurate Machine Learning-based Monitoring of Anesthesia Depth with EEG Recording.

General anesthesia, pivotal for surgical procedures, requires precise depth monitoring to mitigate risks ranging from intraoperative awareness to postoperative cognitive impairments. Traditional assessment methods, relying on physiological indicators or behavioral responses, fall short of accurately capturing the nuanced states of unconsciousness. This study introduces a machine learning-based approach to decode anesthesia depth, leveraging EEG data across different anesthesia states induced by propofol and esketamine in rats. Our findings demonstrate the model's robust predictive accuracy, underscored by a novel intra-subject dataset partitioning and a 5-fold cross-validation method. The research diverges from conventional monitoring by utilizing anesthetic infusion rates as objective indicators of anesthesia states, highlighting distinct EEG patterns and enhancing prediction accuracy. Moreover, the model's ability to generalize across individuals suggests its potential for broad clinical application, distinguishing between anesthetic agents and their depths. Despite relying on rat EEG data, which poses questions about real-world applicability, our approach marks a significant advance in anesthesia monitoring.

Here Comes Revenge: Peer Victimization Relates to Neural and Behavioral Responses to Social Exclusion.

The aim of this study was to examine whether repeated victimization relates to differential processing of social exclusion experiences. It was hypothesized that experiences of repeated victimization would modulate neural processing of social exclusion in the insula, anterior cingulate cortex, and lateral prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, we hypothesized that repeated victimization relates positively to intentions to punish excluders. Exploratively, associations between neural processing and intentions to punish others were examined. The sample consisted of children with known victimization in the past two years (n = 82 (behavioral) / n = 73 (fMRI), 49.4% girls, Mage = 10.6). The participants played Cyberball, an online ball-tossing game, which was manipulated so that in the first block participants were equally included and in the second block they were excluded from play. Victimization was not related to neural activation during social exclusion, although there were indications that victimization may be related to increased insula activation during explicit exclusion. Behaviorally, repeated victimization was related to more intention to punish excluders. Neural activation during social exclusion did not predict intentions to punish excluders, but results tentatively suggested that increased insula activation during social exclusion may be related to increased intentions to punish. Together, these results provide a replication of earlier Cyberball studies and point toward differential processing of social exclusion by children who are victimized.

Distinct medial amygdala oxytocin receptor neurons projections respectively control consolation or aggression in male mandarin voles

The individuals often show consolation to distressed companions or show aggression to the intruders. The circuit mechanisms underlying switching between consolation and aggression remain unclear. In the present study, using male mandarin voles, we identified that two distinct subtypes of oxytocin receptor (OXTR) neurons in the medial amygdala (MeA) projecting to the anterior insula (AI) and ventrolateral aspect of ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHvl) response differently to stressed siblings or unfamiliar intruders using c-Fos or calcium recording. Oxytocin release and activities of PVN neurons projecting to MeA increased upon consoling and attacking. OXTR antagonist injection to the MeA reduced consoling and attacking. Apoptosis, optogenetic or pharmacogenetic manipulation of these two populations of neurons altered behavioral responses to these two social stimuli respectively. Here, we show that two subtypes of OXTR neurons in the MeA projecting to the AI or VMHvl causally control consolation or aggression that may underlie switch between consolation and aggression.

A Multimodal, In Vivo Approach for Assessing Structurally and Phenotypically Related Neuroactive Molecules.

A recently reported behavioral screen in larval zebrafish for phenocopiers of known anesthetics and associated drugs yielded an isoflavone. Related isoflavones have also been reported as GABAA potentiators. From this, we synthesized a small library of isoflavones and incorporated an in vivo phenotypic approach to perform structure-behavior relationship studies of the screening hit and related analogs via behavioral profiling, patch-clamp experiments, and whole brain imaging. This revealed that analogs effect a range of behavioral responses, including sedation with and without enhancing the acoustic startle response. Interestingly, a subset of compounds effect sedation and enhancement of motor responses to both acoustic and light stimuli. Patch clamp recordings of cells with a human GABAA receptor confirmed that behavior-modulating isoflavones modify the GABA signaling. To better understand these molecules' nuanced effects on behavior, we performed whole brain imaging to reveal that analogs differentially effect neuronal activity. These studies demonstrate a multimodal approach to assessing activities of neuroactives.

The telencephalon is a neuronal substrate for systemic inflammatory responses in teleosts via polyamine metabolism

Systemic inflammation elicits sickness behaviors and fever by engaging a complex neuronal circuitry that begins in the preoptic area of the hypothalamus. Ectotherms such as teleost fish display sickness behaviors in response to infection or inflammation, seeking warmer temperatures to enhance survival via behavioral fever responses. To date, the hypothalamus is the only brain region implicated in sickness behaviors and behavioral fever in teleosts. Yet, the complexity of neurobehavioral manifestations underlying sickness responses in teleosts suggests engagement of higher processing areas of the brain. Using in vivo models of systemic inflammation in rainbow trout, we find canonical pyrogenic cytokine responses in the hypothalamus whereas in the telencephalon and the optic tectum il-1b and tnfa expression is decoupled from il-6 expression. Polyamine metabolism changes, characterized by accumulation of putrescine and decreases in spermine and spermidine, are recorded in the telencephalon but not hypothalamus upon systemic injection of bacteria. While systemic inflammation causes canonical behavioral fever in trout, blockade of bacterial polyamine metabolism prior to injection abrogates behavioral fever, polyamine responses, and telencephalic but not hypothalamic cytokine responses. Combined, our work identifies the telencephalon as a neuronal substrate for brain responses to systemic inflammation in teleosts and uncovers the role of polyamines as critical chemical mediators in sickness behaviors.

A Descriptive Study to Assess Neonatal Stress Behavior Among Preterm Neonates Admitted in NICU, Nehru Hospital, PGIMER, Chandigarh

Background Preterm neonates are repeatedly exposed to many stressors in initial days of life such as environmental stressor (light and noise) and caregiver interventions (weighing, oral and tracheal suctioning, drawing blood samples, etc.). If preterm neonates’ stress is not recognized and left untreated, there may be long-term effects. Objective To assess the neonatal stress behavior among preterm neonates admitted in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Nehru Hospital, PGIMER, Chandigarh. Methodology A descriptive study was conducted to assess neonatal stress behavior among preterm neonates admitted in NICU, Nehru Hospital, PGIMER, Chandigarh. Ethical clearance was taken from Institutional Ethics Committee of PGIMER, Chandigarh. Total 100 participants admitted in NICU during the period of July–December 2022 were enrolled for the study using consecutive sampling technique. Data was collected by interviewing mother using interview schedule. It comprised of sociodemographic cum clinical profile of the preterm neonate. Observation was made by using—(a) modified infant positioning assessment tool (IPAT), (b) neonatal stress scale, and (c) preterm neonate’s behavior assessment scale. Results The present study shows that 88% of the preterm neonates show moderate stress and 70% of preterm neonates exhibit suspected abnormal behavioral response in terms of autonomic visceral subsystems, while 54% of the preterm neonates show suspected abnormal behavioral response in terms of state regulation attention interaction subsystem. Conclusion The present study concluded that moderate stress level and suspected abnormal behavioral response were found among hospitalized preterm neonates.

PSIV-4 Effectiveness of maternal bovine appeasing substance on growth, physiological, and behavioral responses of high-risk stocker cattle

Abstract Stocker cattle purchased at auction can be susceptible to disease due to the stressors associated with the auction process. These cattle are labeled “high-risk” due to their decreased immune system during transportation, handling, and vaccination processes. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a maternal bovine appeasing substance, FerAppease, on growth performance and fearfulness of stocker cattle. Male beef calves (n = 80) were purchased at auction and transported to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Savoy Research Complex Beef Stocker Unit. Steers and bulls were of varying age, breed, and temperament. Upon arrival to the facility (d 0), bulls (n = 48) were castrated by banding and cattle were assigned to 8 pens (n = 10 calves/pen; 4 bulls and 6 steers/pen). On d 0, cattle in 4 pens were treated with FerAppease (FA) on the nuchal skin (n = 40) and cattle in the other 4 pens were not treated and served as controls (CON, n = 40). All cattle received commercial clostridial and respiratory vaccines and were treated with an anthelmintic. Cattle were offered bermudagrass hay for ad libitum intake and were fed a grain supplement (1.8 kg/d) to meet or exceed nutrient requirements. To measure growth performance, body weight (BW) was recorded on d 0, 3, 14, 28, 41, 42 of the study and used to calculate average daily gain (ADG). Body weights on d 41 and 42 were averaged to calculate final BW. To measure fearfulness, exit chute velocity (ECV) was measured with a rodeo timer and recorded on d 3, 14, 28, 41, and 42. To measure inflammation, blood was collected from 5 calves/pen (n = 3 bulls and 2 steers/pen) on d 0, 3, 28 and 42 and haptoglobin (Hp) was measured in blood serum. A two-way ANOVA with the fixed effects of sex (arrived as steer or bull) and treatment (FA, CON) and random effect of pen was used for analysis. Serum Hp was log transformed to improve normality. There was not a treatment effect on any of the measures collected. Steers had a greater BW throughout the study (P ≤ 0.05), weighing more than bulls at the end of the study (261 kg vs 241 kg, respectively). Steers also had a greater (P < 0.0001) ADG than bulls (1.14 vs. 0.84 kg/d, respectively). On d 3 and 14, steers exited the chute more rapidly (P < 0.05) than bulls. There was an interactive effect on serum d 28 Hp concentrations (P = 0.04), where CON bulls had greater Hp concentrations (111,261 ng/mL) than CON steers (13,055 ng/mL), with FA steers and bulls intermediate. The results from this study indicate that there was no consistent effect of the treatment on the measures collected.

Night work, circadian rhythm, and cognitive performance: A field study with airport security screeners

The effects of circadian rhythms and night work on performance have been extensively studied using standardized, non-work-related tasks in laboratory settings. However, field research on work performance is scarce in this domain. This study addresses this gap by analyzing four million behavioral responses from 1437 security officers at an international airport. We compared threat detection performance during the routine security screening of passengers' baggage X-ray images across night shifts (shift starting between 0:00 and 2:59), early morning shifts (starting between 3:00 and 5:59), and standard morning shifts (starting between 6:00 and 7:59). Processing times followed the circadian rhythm of attention found in laboratory studies, indicating that the rhythm affects real-life work performance. False alarm rates (i.e. false target present responses) were slightly higher during night and early morning shifts than during standard morning shifts, with no significant difference in the security-relevant hit rates (i.e. true target present responses). Furthermore, we found no performance differences between night work and early morning shifts, suggesting that both can disrupt employees’ natural sleep patterns with implications on performance.

Anxiety matters: a pilot lab study into food, weight, and virtual body exposure in anorexia nervosa

BackgroundAnxiety is a core characteristic of anorexia nervosa and a potential target of exposure therapy, which requires a profound understanding of the patients’ fears in order to be successful. The knowledge about fears in anorexia nervosa that should be targeted during exposure therapy can be enriched by laboratory research to the precise emotional and behavioral responses of anorexia nervosa patients when they are exposed to disorder relevant fear stimuli.MethodsIn the laboratory, patients with anorexia nervosa (n = 15) and healthy controls (n = 51) were exposed to 1. their own body weight and a 10% higher body weight on the scale, 2. a standardized lab breakfast, and 3. five virtual bodies with different BMIs ranging from extreme underweight to lower healthy weight. The participants emotional (anxiety, disgust, satisfaction, acceptance) and behavioral responses (calorie consumption) were assessed. Patients with anorexia nervosa but not the healthy controls then received an intensive exposure treatment (~ 30 individual exposure sessions) targeting their individual fears, next to standard care. After the exposure treatment, it was investigated whether the patients’ responses to the laboratory tasks changed.ResultsAcross all tasks, the patients reported more anxiety than healthy controls. The patients also consumed less calories during the breakfast and accepted the different body weights on the scale less than healthy controls. During the virtual body exposure, the patients’ emotional responses did not differ per avatar but they reacted more negatively towards avatars with healthier weights than did healthy controls. After the exposure treatment, the patients reported less fears and they consumed more calories while their BMIs had increased. They were also more accepting of healthier weights.ConclusionsExposure to food-, body- and weight-related stimuli in the laboratory induces emotional reactions in patients with anorexia nervosa that are informative for the identification of exposure therapy treatment targets. In addition, exposure therapy targeting individual fears in patients with anorexia nervosa led to symptom reduction and is a promising intervention for the treatment of anorectic fears, though more research is needed to optimize its efficacy.

Sex-Specific Behavioral and Molecular Responses to Maternal Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Immune Activation in a Murine Model: Implications for Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Sex-Specific Behavioral and Molecular Responses to Maternal Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Immune Activation in a Murine Model: Implications for Neurodevelopmental Disorders

416 Implementation of virtual fencing in heifers for mountain summer grazing

Abstract A virtual fencing (VF) system is based on a smartphone application that defines an invisible grazing boundary based on global positioning. Animals are tracked via GPS collars. When reaching the virtual boundary, the collar emits an ascending audio tone, followed by a mild electric pulse (0.2 Joule) when crossing it. The technology is particularly promising in rough and extensive mountainous areas where physical fencing is difficult and more time-consuming. Environmental conditions may also affect the functionality of the VF system, with potential impacts on animal behavior. Therefore, the present study tested a VF system on 30 female heifers in a rotational grazing system on Swiss mountain pastures (approximately 1,300 to 1,500 m above sea level). Each heifer was equipped with a VF collar (Nofence AS, Batnfjordsør, Norway) for individual recording of audio tones and electric pulses. After two wk of VF training in the lowlands (approximately 700 m above sea level), during which the heifers learned to interpret the VF signals correctly, they were transported to the mountain pasture. For mountain grazing, the herd was divided into three groups of 10 heifers each, balanced for age (mean ± SD: 11.9 ± 1.6 mo) and breed (Holstein-Friesian, Montbeliarde, crossbreeds). The outer perimeter of the mountain pasture was surrounded by an electric fence. Its inner area was divided into 3 electrically fenced and 6 virtually fenced paddocks. For 83 d, all groups grazed simultaneously in separate paddocks and rotated sequentially through the 9 paddocks. Video cameras were placed along the virtual fences to record animal responses after receiving audio tones or electric pulses. Moreover, grass height was measured using a rising plate meter to estimate forage availability in the currently grazed paddocks. Throughout mountain grazing, each heifer received an average of 4.9 ± 6.9 audio tones and 0.3 ± 0.7 electric pulses per day. Generalized mixed-effects models revealed that the number of audio tones and electric pulses did not change over grazing periods or among days after paddock change. Behavioral responses of the animals were less pronounced once the heifers had learned the VF system. In addition, grazing interruptions after receiving an audio tone or electric pulse were shorter during mountain grazing compared with the training period (P < 0.001). Furthermore, lower grass heights (P < 0.05) as well as the occurrence of (common but) unpredictable events (P < 0.001), such as the presence of wildlife (e.g., lynx, deer) or neighboring cattle, increased the number of audio tones and electric pulses during mountain grazing. The VF system was still effective in keeping the heifers within their assigned paddocks under mountainous conditions. However, a well-considered handling when changing paddocks as well as a careful placement of the virtual fence is essential to avoid negative effects on the animals.

Comparing the effects of pristine and UV–VIS aged microplastics: Behavioural response of model terrestrial and freshwater crustaceans

Physico-chemical properties of microplastics (MPs) change during weathering in the environment. There is a lack of knowledge about the effects of such environmentally relevant MPs on organisms. We investigated: 1) the physico-chemical changes of MPs due to UV–VIS weathering, and 2) compared the effect of pristine and aged MPs on the behaviour of the water flea Daphnia magna and terrestrial crustacean Porcellio scaber. Dry powders of MPs were produced from widely used polymer types: disposable three-layer polypropylene (PP) medical masks (inner, middle and outer), polyester textile fibres, car tires and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags and were subjected to accelerated ultraviolet–visible (UV–VIS) ageing. Our results show that the extent of transformation depends on the type of polymer, with PP showing the most changes, followed by LDPE, textile fibres and tire particles. Obvious fragmentation was observed in PP and textile fibres. In the case of PP, but not polyester textile fibres, changes in FTIR spectra and surface properties were observed. Tire particles and LDPE did not change in size, but clear changes were observed in their FTIR spectra. Most MPs, aged and pristine, did not affect the swimming of daphnids. The only effect observed was a significant increase in path length and swimming speed for the pristine tire particles when the recording was done with particles remaining in the wells. After transfer to a clean medium, this effect was no longer present, suggesting a physical rather than chemical effect. Similarly, woodlice showed no significant avoidance response to the MPs tested, although there was a noticeable trend to avoid soils contaminated with pristine polyester textile fibers and preference towards the soils contaminated with aged MP of the middle mask layer. Overall, the apparent changes in physico-chemical properties of MPs after accelerated ageing were not reflected in their effects on woodlice and daphnids.

Exploring patient death experiences among Iranian nursing students

Patient death can be a stressful experience for nursing students, leading to various undesirable psychological and emotional effects. However, research documenting these experiences remains limited. This study explores the experiences of Iranian nursing students when facing patient death. This qualitative study employed a purposive sample of 14 undergraduate nursing students. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using conventional content analysis. Lincoln and Guba’s (2004) criteria guided the data management process. Data analysis revealed three primary categories with six corresponding subcategories. These categories encompassed the significance of death, reactions to death, and the transformation of professional perspectives. Subcategories included positive and negative meanings attributed to death, emotional and behavioral responses, and the positive and negative effects on participants. The findings reveal that experiencing patient death significantly impacts nursing students psychologically and emotionally. Consequently, it is recommended that nursing curricula incorporate essential training modules addressing appropriate responses to death and effective communication with bereaved families. Further research should explore strategies to mitigate negative impacts and optimize positive outcomes related to this phenomenon.

Trust in Automation (TiA): Simulation Model, and Empirical Findings in Supervisory Control of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS)

Over the past three decades, Trust in Automation (TiA) has been the subject of extensive research. However, a large portion of the research takes a “static” approach to modeling trust and views trust as a linear unidirectional phenomenon. This view fails to recognize that trust is a dynamic construct that changes over time as an outcome of prolonged interaction with automation. The present study aims to address this gap and explore the nonlinear dynamic nature of trust by developing a simulation model of Trust in Automation (TiA) that can demonstrate trust evolution, deterioration, and recovery within the context of supervisory control of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). Employing System Dynamics (SD) approach, the model captures trust’s non-linear and reciprocal nature through dynamic feedback loops, producing behavioral patterns consistent with empirical observations of trust. The simulation results showcase the crucial role of initial trust conditions and the alignment of expectations with system performance in fostering trust and effective automation use. The study also explores the timing of system malfunctions, revealing that early faults have a greater negative impact on trust compared to later faults of the same magnitude. We tested a segment of the proposed model in an experimental study involving 30 human participants to investigate the effects of automation malfunctions on operators’ trust and behavioral responses during the supervisory control of MASS. Results not only validated the proposed model but demonstrated a significant decline in perceived reliability and trust in automation as well as the monitoring strategy after the automation malfunction.

Attitudes towards statistics and statistical performance: A mediation model of statistics anxiety and academic procrastination.

Students often harbour negative attitudes towards research methods and statistics courses, and such attitudes may be associated with harmful cognitive and behavioural responses. Research on these effects has been restricted to the investigation of direct links between attitudes towards statistics, statistics anxiety, academic procrastination, and course performance. This study sought to examine the interconnected impact of attitudes towards statistics, statistics anxiety, and procrastination, on course performance in a cohesive model. It was predicted that attitudes towards statistics would indirectly affect statistical performance via statistics anxiety and procrastination in a sequential manner. The sample comprised 171 undergraduate psychology students from Australian universities. An online questionnaire collected information on participant demographics, attitudes towards statistics, statistics anxiety, procrastinatory behaviours, and performance in participants most recently completed statistics course. Data were collected cross-sectionally. All responses were anonymous. A sequential mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect effect of statistics anxiety and procrastination, controlling for age and gender. The results showed that more negative attitudes towards statistics are associated with greater statistics anxiety, which is in turn associated with greater procrastination, and finally with lower statistical performance. It was concluded that students who view their statistics courses as a threatening experience may fail to see value in their statistical education, which is associated with heightened statistics anxiety, increased avoidance of course-related activities, and in turn poorer course performance. Practical implications of the findings are also discussed.

Supplemental Material for Regulating the System: Development and Early Implementation of a Behavioral Escalation Response Team in Pediatric Primary Care

Supplemental Material for Regulating the System: Development and Early Implementation of a Behavioral Escalation Response Team in Pediatric Primary Care

Feasibility of Measuring the Behavioral and Electrophysiological Masking-Level Difference with Nonsense-Syllable Stimuli.

The masking-level difference (MLD) can be measured via voluntary behavioral responses (voluntary behavioral MLD [vMLD]) and/or via electrophysiological cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs; electrophysiological MLD [eMLD]). It may be possible to enhance the ecologic validity of the MLD by using nonsense-syllable speech stimuli. The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of measuring both the vMLD and eMLD with speech stimuli. The study also investigates whether certain nonsense-syllable stimuli (/α/, /dα/, /di/, /tα/, /wα/) may be more useful than others in measuring both the vMLD and eMLD. This is a descriptive feasibility pilot study. Seventeen young adults (age range 19-26 years; 15 women) with hearing thresholds of 0.25-8.0 kHz ≤ 25 dB HL, bilaterally, were recruited. Behavioral and electrophysiological MLDs were measured with similar methods. The MLD was defined as SoNo - SπNo thresholds. Stimuli were natural-sounding nonsense syllables (/α/, /dα/, /di/, /tα/, /wα/), which were presented in 65 dB HL continuous speech-weighted noise. The eMLD was measured with the CAEP P2. Group means, standard deviations, and distributions were presented. The feasibility of using nonsense syllables was evaluated by considering whether measurable vMLDs and eMLDs were produced. Useful nonsense syllables produced vMLDs and eMLDs with (1) comparatively large mean magnitudes, (2) few negligible MLDs, and (3) distributions with adequate spread and few extreme values. The stimuli /α/ (6.0 [1.9]) and /wα/ (7.5 [1.3]) produced vMLDs with the highest average magnitudes, with no vMLDs of 0 dB and with adequate spread. The stimulus /α/ produced eMLDs with the highest average magnitude (9.6 [2.8]), no eMLDs of 0 dB and adequate spread, whereas the stimulus /wα/ produced eMLDs with an adequate magnitude (6.9 [3.9]), no MLDs of 0 dB, but with a right-skewed distribution and an extreme value. The other stimuli produced vMLDs with low mean magnitudes and several vMLDs of 0 dB. These pilot data support the feasibility of using nonsense syllables to record vMLDs and eMLDs. The stimulus /α/ appeared most useful for both behavioral and electrophysiological modalities. Differences in MLDs across modalities may be attributed to low-level audibility of some high-frequency components of the stimuli.

Sensitivity assessment of Biomphalaria glabrata (SAY, 1818) using reference substance sodium dodecyl sulfate for ecotoxicological analyzes.

Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is a surfactant used and recommended by regulatory agencies as a reference substance in ecotoxicological analyzes. In this work, acute toxicity assays were performed with adults and embryos of the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata, an endemic organism with environmental and public health importance, to evaluate the effects of the surfactant and establish a sensitivity control chart. The organisms were exposed to SDS for 24 h to a range of concentrations, as well as a control group. Six assays were performed to establish the control chart for adults (with a median LC50 of 36.87 mg L-1) and differential sensitivity was observed at each embryonic stage (EC50 = blastulae 33.03, gastrulae 35.03, trochophore 39.71 and veliger 72.55 mg L-1). The following behavioral responses were observed in exposed adult snails: release of hemolymph and mucus, body outside the shell, and penile overexposure. Embryos at the blastulae and gastrulae stages were more sensitive, and teratogenic effects were accentuated in the trochophore stage. The difference in results obtained between adults and embryos underscore the importance of carrying out analyzes at different developmental stages. The serial assays established with SDS for B. glabrata demonstrated efficiency and constancy conditions in the assays with good laboratory practice standards. The wide distribution of Biomphalaria species in several countries, their easy maintenance and cultivation in the laboratory, in addition to ecological importance, make them economical alternatives for ecotoxicological assays.

Emoxypine succinate modulates behavioral and molecular responses in zebrafish model of iron Overload-Induced neuroinflammation via CDK5/GSK3- β and NLRP3 inflammasome pathway

Excessive iron accumulation in the brain plays a significant role in neurodegenerative processes, contributing to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD, a prominent neurological disorder affecting the central nervous system, is characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid (Aβ) and tau phosphorylation. This accumulation leads to the subsequent development of cognitive impairments, particularly in learning and memory functions. This study investigates the neuroprotective effects of emoxypine succinate in a zebrafish model of iron overload-induced neurodegeneration. Iron was administered to the zebrafish for 28 days to induce neurodegeneration. Following induction, Emoxypine succinate was employed as a treatment intervention for 14 days (concentrations of 4 mg/L, 8 mg/L, and 12 mg/L). Following the end of the treatment, behavioral tests (Y maze test, Novel tank test) were conducted on the zebrafish, and the biochemical (MDA, Catalase, SOD, GSH) and molecular parameters (AchE, Iron levels, IL-1β, TNF-α, CDK-5, GSK-3β and NLRP3) of the zebrafish brain were also assessed. In the novel tank test, emoxypine succinate-treated groups exhibited significantly increased time in the upper zone (p < 0.001), higher distance travelled (p < 0.001), and shorter latency to the top (p < 0.001) compared to the negative control. Similarly, the Y-maze test revealed improved time in the novel arm (p < 0.001) and total distance travelled (p < 0.001) in treated groups versus the negative control. Assessment of oxidative stress parameters demonstrated significant reductions in oxidative stress in emoxypine succinate-treated groups. Furthermore, AChE activity decreased significantly (p < 0.001), and brain iron levels decreased substantially (p < 0.001) in treated groups, indicating positive therapeutic outcomes. Molecular analysis showed a significant reduction in pro-inflammatory markers like IL-1β, TNF-α, CDK-5, GSK-3β and NLRP3 (p < 0.001). This comprehensive study highlights the potential efficacy of emoxypine succinate in mitigating neurodegeneration associated with iron dysregulation.

BEYOND THE SCREEN: HOW VIRTUAL REALITY SHAPES SUSTAINABLE BEHAVIOURS IN ECOTOURISM THROUGH USES AND GRATIFICATIONS THEORY

This study examines the relationships between ascribed responsibility, uses and gratifications, behavioural involvement, and visit intentions among Sicilian tourists using virtual reality (VR) to explore Romanian rural ecotourism destinations. Utilizing the Uses and Gratifications theory, it investigates how VR content's informativeness, playfulness, and social interactivity impact user engagement and behavioural intentions. Findings reveal that higher ascribed responsibility enhances gratifications from VR experiences, which increases behavioural involvement, essential for ecotourism. However, ascribed responsibility alone does not directly influence visit intentions, indicating the role of additional factors. A significant contribution of this research is the identification of a serial mediation model where uses and gratifications and behavioural involvement totally mediate the ascribed responsibility-visit intention relationship. This model highlights the complex interplay between cognitive, affective, and behavioural responses, demonstrating that ascribed responsibility enhances uses and gratifications, leading to increased behavioural involvement and, ultimately, visit intentions. The study extends the Uses and Gratifications theory into VR and ecotourism, emphasizing environmental responsibility in media engagement. Practical implications include strategies for tourism marketers to foster environmental responsibility and for VR developers to create engaging, informative, and interactive experiences. Policymakers can use these insights to promote sustainable tourism through supportive VR content development.