Behavioral Activity Research Articles

High Behavioral Reactivity to Novelty as a Susceptibility Factor for Memory and Anxiety Disorders in Streptozotocin-Induced Neuroinflammation as a Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Individual differences in responsiveness to environmental factors, including stress reactivity and anxiety levels, which differ between high (HR) and low (LR) responders to novelty, might be risk factors for development of memory and anxiety disorders in sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (sAD). In the present study, we investigated whether behavioral characteristics of the HR and LR rats, influence the progression of sAD (neuroinflammation, β-amyloid peptide, behavioral activity related to memory (Morris water maze) and anxiety (elevated plus maze, white and illuminated open field test) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced neuroinflammation as a model of early pathophysiological alterations in sAD. Early (45 days) in disease progression, there was a more severe impairment of reference memory and higher levels of anxiety in HRs compared with LRs. Behavioral depression in HRs was associated with higher expression of β-amyloid deposits, particularly in the NAcS, and activation of microglia (CD68+ cells) in the hypothalamus, as opposed to less inflammation in the hippocampus, particularly in CA1, compared with LRs in late (90 days) sAD progression. Our findings suggest that rats with higher behavioral activity and increased responsivity to stressors show more rapid progression of disease and anxiety disorders compared with low responders to novelty in the STZ-induced sAD model.

UnDErstanding consumer food choices & promotion of healthy and sustainable Mediterranean diet and LIfestyle in Children and adolescents through behavIOUral change actionS: the DELICIOUS project

Abstract Over the last decades, the abandonment of traditional dietary patterns and engagement in unhealthy lifestyles (including poor physical activity, prolonged screen time, poor sleep behaviours) in children and adolescents has been considered an important threat for the future health of the younger generations living in the Mediterranean area and the safeguard of the environment. The DELICIOUS project aims to promote healthy lifestyles among children and adolescents by implementing activities and tools to increase the adherence to the Mediterranean diet with an attention to the environmental impacts of dietary habits. The DELICIOUS project as a single-arm, uncontrolled behavioral intervention program providing formal and non-formal education activities, development of new snacks and recipe reformulation, web/mobile app development, and physical activities to school children and adolescents in five European countries. Over 2000 families joined a preliminary survey to investigate potential determinants of adherence to a healthy diet. Children and adolescents recruited from schools in the parterns’ countries are now currently being recruited to participate to the intervention activities. A web application for school canteen and a mobile application for parents have been developed to help both schools and families to track and provide healthy and sustainable meals. The project aims to increase awareness of the nutritional benefits and the sustainability aspects of the Mediterranean Diet and to promote consumers’ empowerment through an online platform for sustainable and healthy meal planning in the school canteen.

DiScO: novel rapid systems mapping to inform digital transformation of health systems

BackgroundGlobal health systems are confronting challenges that intersect climate change with evolving communicable and non-communicable public health risks. Addressing these challenges requires systems integration via citizen big data that exist outside health systems. However, systems integration across jurisdictions is a complex challenge that requires stakeholder input. This study’s purpose was to conduct rapid systems mapping with international health system stakeholders to inform the development and implementation of a global digital citizen science observatory (DiScO), which aims to catalyze digital transformation of health systems across jurisdictions.MethodsA rapid qualitative systems mapping study was conducted during the International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Annual Global Summit in Uppsala, Sweden, in June 2023. The choice of the venue and approach was informed by three key criteria: (1) Established evidence linking physical activity and nutrition with non-communicable diseases; (2) Concrete existing methods of obtaining citizen big data by physical activity and nutrition researchers; (3) Precedence of physical activity and nutrition researchers conducting citizen science as well behavioral/clinical big data collection. The design of this study was an innovative pre-post systems map development, which consisted of (1) real-time rapid systems mapping (pre/initial map) by engaging with international stakeholders and (2) adjustment of the real-time systems map (post/final map) after analyzing stakeholder discussion data.ResultsRapid systems mapping resulted in a complex network that included key themes to successfully develop and implement DiScO: priorities, opportunities, risks, challenges, partnerships, and resources. Additionally, a new theme emerged organically through stakeholder group discussions – mitigation strategies. The adapted rapid systems map (i.e., after data analyses) depicts 23 key nodes of intervention across the seven key themes.ConclusionRapid systems mapping at international symposia is a novel methodological approach to capture stakeholder input, particularly to understand complexity across international jurisdictions – an approach that can be replicated across disciplines and sectors to inform digital transformation of health systems. The development and implementation of DiScO, a platform for decentralization and democratization of technology, will take into consideration all the key nodes of intervention identified in the rapid systems map to promote digital health for equity across global jurisdictions.

Resonance and beat perception of ballroom dancers: An EEG study.

The ability to synchronize the perceptual and motor systems is important for full motor coordination and the core determinant of motor skill performance. Dance-related training has been found to effectively improve sensorimotor synchronization, however, the underlying characteristics behind these improvements still warrant further exploration. This study was conducted to investigate the behavioral and neuroactivity characteristics of ballroom dancers relative to those of non-dancers. Thirty-two dancers (19.8 ± 1.8 years old) and 31 non-dancers (22.6 ± 3.1 years old) were recruited to perform a finger-tapping task in synchrony with audiovisual beat stimuli at two intervals: 400 and 800 ms, while simultaneously recording EEG data. Behavioral and neural activity data were recorded during the task. The dancers employed a predictive strategy when synchronizing with the beat. EEG recordings revealed stronger brain resonance with external rhythmic stimuli, indicating heightened neural resonance compared to non-dancers (p < 0.05). The task was more challenging with an 800-ms beat interval, as observed through both behavioral metrics and corresponding neural signatures in the EEG data, leading to poorer synchronization performance and necessitating a greater allocation of attentional resources (ps < 0.05). When performing the finger-tapping task involving audiovisual beats, the beat interval was the primary factor influencing movement synchronization, neural activity and attentional resource allocation. Although no significant behavioral differences were observed between dancers and non-dancers, dancers have enhanced neural resonance in response to rhythmic stimuli. Further research using more ecologically valid tasks and stimuli may better capture the full extent of dancers' synchronization abilities.

Assessing the factors associated with body image perception and quality of life of Palestinian women undergoing breast cancer treatment: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundWorldwide, breast cancer has replaced lung cancer and has become the most commonly diagnosed malignancy. Breast cancer poses a significant burden on the health and quality of life of women and can lead to substantial physical burdens and significant psychological problems, including distress, anxiety, depression, and sexuality-related issues, including negative body image. This study was conducted to assess how women diagnosed with, treated, and/or receiving treatment for breast cancer perceived their body image.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was used to assess body image perceptions among Palestinian women diagnosed with breast cancer. The study was conducted in four different hospitals located in the West Bank of Palestine where women with breast cancer received their treatments or visited for follow-up care in the period between November 2023 and March 2024. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Body perception was assessed using the body image self-rating questionnaire for breast cancer (BISQ-BC).ResultsIn this study, 376 women with breast cancer completed the interviewer-administered questionnaire (response rate = 75.2%. The mean age of the women was 44.0 ± 5.3 years. Of the women, 74.7% agreed or strongly agreed that they cared about their body image. On the other hand, 43.1% of the women were not satisfied with their body image and 58.8% did not think that their body image was attractive. Multiple linear regression showed that younger age, employment status, living in cities, marital status, educational level, presence of comorbidities, and longer time passes since diagnosis with breast cancer were associated with the different aspects of body image perception and behavior.ConclusionThe findings of this study indicated that Palestinian women with breast cancer were concerned about their body image. The findings also indicated that breast cancer and its treatment posed a significant burden on the physical and psychosocial well-being of the affected women and impacted the different dimensions of their lives, including their perceptions of their body image. Patients with significant physical and body image changes might benefit from reconstructive surgeries, psychosocial support, cognitive behavioral therapy, and nutritional, and physical activity interventions.

Research on the aging-suitability of community outdoor spaces in Zhengzhou based on the analytic hierarchy process and semantic differential method

BackgroundAs global populations age, the suitability of community outdoor spaces for older adult residents has become a critical urban planning concern. However, comprehensive evaluation methods for assessing these spaces are lacking. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the aging-suitability of community outdoor spaces in Zhengzhou, China, and provide optimization suggestions for urban planners and policymakers.MethodsAn evaluation index system was established using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), with aging-suitability as the goal layer. The criteria layer included outdoor behavioral activities, green space configuration, transportation and road systems, and basic service facilities. The semantic differential (SD) method was employed to conduct a comprehensive evaluation among older adult residents in three communities (A, B, and C) in Zhengzhou city.ResultsThe evaluation revealed that older adult residents generally had a favorable assessment of their community spaces’ aging-suitability. Community A received the highest overall rating. Green space configuration and transportation systems emerged as critical factors influencing aging-suitability.ConclusionThe combined AHP-SD approach proved effective in evaluating the aging-suitability of community outdoor spaces. The study identified key areas for improvement in each community, with variations in strengths and weaknesses across the three sites. Implications: Based on the findings, optimization suggestions are proposed in four aspects: enhancing outdoor behavioral activities, improving green space landscapes, refining road transportation systems, and upgrading basic service facilities. These recommendations can guide urban planners and policymakers in creating more age-friendly community environments.

Nanotechnology strategy for inhibition of PARP1 and IL-17A-associated with neurotoxicity in rats exposed to hospital wastewater.

Hospital wastewater (HWW) poses a serious hazard to human health security concerning its high susceptibility to neurodegeneration. Water sources and ecosystems are exposed to a complicated pollution load from a variety of refractory organics and pharmaceutical active composites. This study evaluates the treated newly developed nanocomposite (NiFe2O4) HWW on the neural injury induced by HWW action in rats. Three groups of male Wistar rats were distributed, with eight rats in each: group I: tap water served as a control; group II: HWW; and group III: nano-HWW. Each group was intragastrical administrated with each type of water (2.5 ml/100 g b.wt/6 h) for 28 consecutive days. The open field test and Morris Water Maze assessed behavioral activity and spatial learning 2 days before the last day. The research demonstrated that HWW treated with nanocomposite (NiFe2O4) may exert decreased risks of the neural impairment effect of HWW. This improvement was achieved by reducing the neurotoxicity by lowering nitric oxide contents, lipid peroxidation, acetylcholinesterase, interleukin-17A (IL-17A), and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase1(PARP1) while restoring the antioxidant biomarkers and neurotransmitter levels (β-endorphin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin) of the treated groups in the cortex and brainstem and enhancement of the histopathology of the cortex as well. In conclusion, this study introduced a newly developed nanotechnology application for treating HWW to protect from neural injury. The findings of this research have significant value for policymakers, Ministry of Health management, and environmental organizations in their selection of suitable techniques and procedures to optimize hospital wastewater treatment efficiency.

A students’ behaviors in information security: Extension of Protection Motivation Theory (PMT)

ABSTRACT This study investigates information security behaviors among university students, focusing on the interplay of psychological and social factors influencing their behavioral intentions and actions. By integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior, Protection Motivation Theory, and General Deterrence Theory, the research offers a comprehensive understanding of factors such as self-efficacy, perceived risk vulnerability, response cost, and response efficacy. Utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM) and Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA), the study assesses the impact of these factors on students’ information security practices. Measurement items were developed based on recent empirical studies, ensuring relevance to the contemporary digital environment. The findings reveal significant associations between these factors and students’ security behaviors, providing insights into effective strategies for promoting information security awareness and practices. This research contributes to the academic discourse on digital security behaviors and offers practical implications for enhancing information security measures within university settings.

Types of play behavior in the expression of the category of relations in the English and Italian languages

The article offers a comparative analysis of the semantic and pragmatic characteristics of the types of play relations in the linguistic world view of non-closely related languages. It involves identifying similarities and differences in the play expression of the category of relations in English and Italian languages. The purpose of the study is a more detailed understanding of the category of relations in the behavioral aspect based on lexemes expressing the concept of play in unrelated languages. The relevance and theoretical novelty of the linguistic analysis of play relations is due to the lack of comparative studies on this issue based on the material of the Italian and English languages in the behavioral aspect. We introduce the concept of observer: the subject of perception and interpretation (ObserverP) and the subject of perception (ObserverA), as an interpreter of types of play relations as a linguistic research tool. The result of the study of the types of play relations is the analysis of lexical units as markers of play behavior in the semiotic and axiological aspects. Analysis of the definitions of lexemes of the compared languages, recorded in dictionaries, showed that, depending on the type of play relations, certain differences appear in the axiological aspect, and, subsequently, manifest themselves in the contexts. In Italian language, a negative assessment is much less common than a positive one when deciphering the semiotics of play behavior. In English language, playful relations reflect the intentions of transferring real behavioural actions into the play; in Italian language, they embellish real behavioral actions. A comparative analysis of language material makes it possible to clearly identify and demonstrate similarities and differences in the understanding and expression of play behavior using material of non-closely related languages.

Social Media Addiction and Cognitive Behavioral Physical Activity Among Adolescent Girls: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To measure a multivariate analysis of social media addiction and cognitive-behavioral physical activity associated with several sociodemographic characteristics in adolescent girls. A cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of adolescent girls studying in a vocational high-school in the Middle-Black-Sea region in Türkiye (n = 333). A questionnaire, Social Media Addiction Scale-for-Adolescents (SMAS-A), and Cognitive-Behavioral Physical Activity Questionnaire (CBPAQ) were used to collect the data. The mean age was 15.35(SD=1.15), and 29.4% were the ninth-class students. Of the adolescent girls, 85.9% were social-media users, 59.8% used the internet 2-hours-or-more/daily, 67.9% declared themselves as moderately-active. The mean scores of the SMAS-A and the CBPAQ were 3.40 (SD=1.61) and 21.03(SD=7.64), respectively. There was a significantly-negative correlation between cognitive-behavioral physical activity and social-media addiction levels. The One-Way MANOVA results showed significant differences in the academic level, family income, mother education, and physical activity measurement application usage affected to cognitive-behavioral physical activity. Social media usage habit affected to the social media addiction level. Daily internet usage time and self-declared physical activity level were the mutually affected factors. School nurses should act to improve healthy social media usage habits to promote well-being and encourage the positive attitudes towards regular physical activity in this population.

Effects of ketamine on GABAergic and glutamatergic activity in the mPFC: biphasic recruitment of GABA function in antidepressant-like responses.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with disruptions in glutamatergic and GABAergic activity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), leading to altered synaptic formation and function. Low doses of ketamine rapidly rescue these deficits, inducing fast and sustained antidepressant effects. While it is suggested that ketamine produces a rapid glutamatergic enhancement in the mPFC, the temporal dynamics and the involvement of GABA interneurons in its sustained effects remain unclear. Using simultaneous photometry recordings of calcium activity in mPFC pyramidal and GABA neurons, as well as chemogenetic approaches in Gad1-Cre mice, we explored the hypothesis that initial effects of ketamine on glutamate signaling trigger subsequent enhancement of GABAergic responses, contributing to its sustained antidepressant responses. Calcium recordings revealed a biphasic effect of ketamine on activity of mPFC GABA neurons, characterized by an initial transient decrease (phase 1, <30 min) followed by an increase (phase 2, >60 min), in parallel with a transient increase in excitation/inhibition levels (10 min) and lasting enhancement of glutamatergic activity (30-120 min). Previous administration of ketamine enhanced GABA neuron activity during the sucrose splash test (SUST) and novelty suppressed feeding test (NSFT), 24 h and 72 h post-treatment, respectively. Chemogenetic inhibition of GABA interneurons during the surge of GABAergic activity (phase 2), or immediately before the SUST or NSFT, occluded ketamine's behavioral actions. These results indicate that time-dependent modulation of GABAergic activity is required for the sustained antidepressant-like responses induced by ketamine, suggesting that approaches to enhance GABAergic plasticity and function are promising therapeutic targets for antidepressant development.

PSYCHOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF THE MASS CONSCIOUSNESS OF PEASANTS DURING PUGACHEV’S REBELLION

The article describes the prerequisites, factors and characteristics of mass consciousness of peasants during the years of Pugachev’s Rebellion (1773-1775). The analysis is carried out on the basis of the model of the functional system of the psyche, differentiation-integration theory of development, social constructivism, psychological- historical and intellectual-historical reconstruction. The peasant rebellion is considered as a result of the functioning of mass consciousness of this social group under the influence of historical, political and economic factors. It is shown that the peasant consciousness was based on communal identity, and its inherent values of stability and tradition were in conflict with the innovative values of secularism and rationalism that had entered Russia since the times of Peter the Great’s reforms. The inconsistency of the authorities’ actions with the needs of the population led to the emergence of social problems and determined behavioural activity in the form of riots.

Orthographic character complexity modulates dynamic neural activity in skilled handwriting.

Handwriting is an outstanding case of a highly complex and efficient fine motor skill. However, little is known about its neural underpinnings during continuous handwriting production. In the present study, we examined the effects of orthographic character complexity (i.e. the stroke number of a Chinese character) on both neural and behavioural activities during an EEG-based naturalistic fluent sentence-handwriting task from 102 adult Chinese native speakers. For each written character, the interval between finishing the preceding character and its onset (inter-character interval) as well as the amplitudes of the onset-synchronized event-related potential (ERP) in pre- and post-onset time windows was defined as dependent variables. The effects of character complexity and other confounding factors were analysed with linear mixed models. Character complexity increased the inter-character interval and significantly affected ERP amplitudes in both pre- and post-onset time windows. The ERP pattern in the pre-event time window exhibited a dipole-like activation in the left motor cortex, and its amplitude increased with character complexity in line with the documented relationship between the lateralized readiness potential and motor complexity. This study demonstrates the feasibility of studying neurocognitive processes in complex naturalistic motor tasks and extends our knowledge about the dynamic pattern of handwriting-related neural activities.

Individual and sex differences in the behavior of adolescents Macaque Rhesus (Macaca mulatta) united into a new social group

Introduction. Primates living in groups in the laboratory can exhibit a wide range of behaviors consistent with their natural behavioral repertoire. The study of adolescent macaques’ behavior grouped together in new social group is of interest for understanding the social organization of preschool children, as well as for anthropology in general. The goal of the work is to reveal the individual and sex differences of behavioral activity of unrelated adolescent rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta), grouped in new laboratory conditions. Materials and methods. We conducted focal observations recording the behavior activity of each macaque in the first two months of their cohabitation. We analyzed individual and sex differences in the manifestation of locomotor, exploratory and social behavior. Results. Individual characteristics of macaques for each type of behavior were identified. The group turned out to be the most heterogeneous in the degree of manifestation of exploratory behavior. The exploratory activity of females was significantly higher than that of males. Social activity was significantly higher in males due to the predominance of friendly reactions, although aggression was equally demonstrated in both sexes. However, females were significantly more often exposed to aggression from other individuals than they showed it themselves. As for males, aggression towards other individuals and aggression from other individuals did not differ significantly. Most individuals in the group demonstrated more friendliness reactions than aggression, but two macaques showed these types of behavior equally. There were no differences in the number of locomotor reactions between males and females. Conclusion. The analysis made it possible to trace the basic forms of behavioral activity of adolescent macaques in context of the new social group formation. The obtained results give us better understanding of the mechanisms of primates’ social behavior organization.

Pathophysiological dynamics of acute myocardial infarction rats under chronic psychological stress at different time points

There is a lack of in-depth research on the impacts and changes in chronic psychological stress (CPS) on the cardiovascular system after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study aims to explore the comorbid mechanism and dynamic evolution of AMI exposed to CPS. 120 Wistar rats were randomly divided into Sham Operation group, Sham Operation + Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS) group, AMI group and AMI + CUMS group, with each group further divided into subgroups at days 7, 14, and 28. The AMI model was created by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery, and CUMS model was used to induce CPS in rats. Behavioral changes were assessed through open field tests and sucrose preference tests. Cardiac function and structure were evaluated via echocardiography. The serum levels of TNFα, IL-6, NO, ET, CK-MB, cTNT, and ANP were measured using assay kits. Pathological changes in cardiac and brain tissues were observed under an optical microscope. Comparative analysis across different models revealed that CUMS significantly reduced behavioral activities in rats, with an interaction between CUMS and AMI affecting total distance (P < 0.05). Both CUMS and AMI significantly reduced cardiac function indicators, with their interaction effects on LVEF, LVFS, and CO (P < 0.05). AMI significantly altered cardiac structural parameters, particularly on day 28 (P < 0.05); while the impact of CUMS on cardiac structure was not significant, except for a notable reduction in LVAW/s on day 7 in AMI + CUMS group (P < 0.05). AMI caused significant changes in the serum biomarkers, while CUMS only significantly increased cTnT on day 7, ANP, TNFα, and IL-6 on day 14, and CK-MB on day 28, with their interaction effects on the three myocardial injury markers and TNFα (P < 0.05). Comparative analysis across different time points demonstrated that behavioral activity, cardiac function, CK-MB, cTnT, ANP, TNFα, and ET levels decreased significantly over time in the AMI model rats, while the left ventricular mass increased significantly (P < 0.05). Pathologically, compared with stress or AMI alone, the AMI + CUMS group exhibited more severe myocardia cellular degeneration and inflammatory infiltration, causing larger infract areas in myocardial tissue, as well as cell number decreases and morphological changes in hippocampal tissue. AMI with CPS exacerbates myocardial injury through sustained inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, leading to heart-brain pathology manifestations characterized by decreased cardiac function and hippocampal tissue damage.

Unveil the toxicity induced on early life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and its enantiomers

The increased detection of the recreational drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in aquatic ecosystems, has raised concern worldwide about its possible negative impacts on wildlife. MDMA is produced as racemate but its enantioselective effects on non-target organisms are poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive study of the toxicity of MDMA and its enantiomers in the early life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Zebrafish embryos (≈3 h post fertilization) were exposed to different concentrations (0.02, 0.2, 2, 20, and 200 μg/L) of (R,S)-MDMA and both pure enantiomers.Both enantiomers induced effects on embryonic development, DNA integrity, and behaviour and enantioselective effects were noted. (S)-MDMA exhibits higher toxic effects on embryonic development level with increased mortality and severity of teratogenic effects, and behavioural abnormalities in acoustic startle-habituation response. (R)-MDMA affected general activity and avoidance behaviour, showing greater inhibitory effects on behavioural activity. Additionally, (R,S)-MDMA induced higher genotoxic effects than the two isolated enantiomers. These results are of concern at populational levels since effects on mortality, development, and behaviour were observed even at environmentally relevant concentrations, which can cause a reduction of larval viability and in the number of individuals in each generation, and an increase in the risk of predation of the organisms. Yet, the bioaccumulation studies showed that MDMA is not accumulated in zebrafish.Therefore, this work demonstrated for the first time the occurrence of MDMA enantiotoxicity in the early life stages of zebrafish, which should be considered in further environmental risk assessments involving fish species or other non-target aquatic organisms.

Implementation Of A Behavioral Physical Activity Program In Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Implementation Of A Behavioral Physical Activity Program In Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The Effect of Metoclopramide on the Antinociceptive, Locomotor and Neurobehavioral Effects of Metamizole in Mice

Abstract Combining analgesic medications with distinct pharmacodynamics may result in effective analgesia and reduced adverse effects by lowering dosages of one or both medications. The objective was to investigate the nature of interactions of metoclopramide and metamizole by measuring the antinociceptive and neurobehavioral effects in mice. The drugs were administered intraperitoneally (ip) in mice. The antinociceptive effect was determined by the up-and-down method. Isobolographic analysis was performed by simultaneous injection of the two drugs at ED50 ratios of 1:1 and 0.5:0.5. The treated mice were also subjected to an open-field behavioral test as well as dorsal immobility and negative geotaxis behavioral paradigms. The ED50 of metoclopramide and metamizole were 33.71 and 43 mg/kg ip, respectively. Lower ED50 was established for metoclopramide and metamizole by 48.44% and 47.49%, respectively when given at a ratio of 0.5:0.5, and by 35.81% and 29.88%, respectively at a ratio of 1:1. The combined dose of metoclopramide and metamizole (8 and 10 mg/kg, ip, respectively) significantly decreased the open field-activity test in mice. This was observed by lower number of squares crossing compared to the control. Additionally, the drug combination resulted in a substantial increase in the duration of dorsal immobility response and delayed the negative geotaxis task when compared with the control group. The results indicated that the interaction between metoclopramide and metamizole in lower dose ratio with ED50 50:50, was synergistic in producing analgesia in mice with reduced risk for adverse reaction but with decreased behavioral and motor neuronal activity.

Neuropeptide Y Y2 receptors in acute and chronic pain and itch

Pain and itch are regulated by a diverse array of neuropeptides and their receptors in superficial laminae of the spinal cord dorsal horn (DH). Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is normally expressed on DH neurons but not sensory neurons. By contrast, the Npy2r receptor (Y2) is expressed on the central and peripheral terminals of sensory neurons but not on DH neurons. Neurophysiological slice recordings indicate that Y2-selective agonists inhibits spinal neurotransmitter release from sensory neurons. However, behavioral pharmacology studies indicate that Y2 agonists exert minimal changes in nociception, even after injury. Additional discrepancies in the behavioral actions of the Y2-antagonist BIIE0246 – reports of either pronociception or antinociception – have now been resolved. In the normal state, spinally-directed (intrathecal) administration of BIIE0246 elicits ongoing nociception, hypersensitivity to sensory stimulation, and aversion. Conversely, in the setting of nerve injury and inflammation, intrathecal BIIE024 reduced not only mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity, but also a measure of the affective dimension of pain (conditioned place preference). When administered in chronic pain models of latent sensitization, BIIE0246 produced a profound reinstatement of pain-like behaviors. We propose that tissue or nerve injury induces a G protein switch in the action of NPY-Y2 signaling from antinociception in the naïve state to the inhibition of mechanical and heat hyperalgesia in the injured state, and then a switch back to antinociception to keep LS in a state of remission. This model clarifies the pharmacotherapeutic potential of Y2 research, pointing to the development of a new non-opioid pharmacotherapy for chronic pain using Y2 antagonists in patients who do not develop LS.

The infant parasympathetic nervous system is socially embedded and dynamic at multiple timescales, within and between people.

Human interpersonal capacities emerge from coordinated neural, biological, and behavioral activity unfolding within and between people. However, developmental research to date has allocated comparatively little focus to the dynamic processes of how social interactions emerge across these levels of analysis. Second-person neuroscience and dynamic systems approach together to offer an integrative framework for addressing these questions. This study quantified respiratory sinus arrhythmia and social behavior (∼360 observations per system) from 44 mothers and typically developing 9-month-old infants during a novel modified "still-face" (text message perturbation) task. Stochastic autoregression models indicate that the infant parasympathetic nervous system is coupled within and between people second by second and is sensitive to social context. Intraindividual, we found positive coupling between infants' parasympathetic nervous system activity and their social behavior in the subsequent second, but only during the moments and periods of active caregiver engagement. Between people, we found a bidirectional coregulatory feedback loop: Mothers' parasympathetic activity positively predicted that of their infant in the subsequent second, a form of synchrony that decreased during the text message perturbation and did not fully recover. Conversely, infant parasympathetic activity negatively predicted that of their mother at the subsequent second, a form of synchrony that was invariant over social context. Findings reveal unidirectional parasympathetic coupling within infants and a complementary allostatic feedback loop between mother and infant parasympathetic systems. They offer novel evidence of a dynamic, socially embedded parasympathetic system at previously undocumented timescales, contributing to both basic science and potential clinical targets to better support adaptive, multisystem social development. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).