Behavioral Activity Research Articles

The Interactive Multimedia Learning Application for Visual Communication Classroom

Interactive multimedia is an excellent choice in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Building attractive, interactive multimedia requires special skills and an established framework, so many teachers find it difficult to build it. This study aims to explain the implementation of an integrated interactive multimedia framework in the learning process and the techniques used to build learning media. We explain the integration of the multi-media framework between the components of the learning environment, behavioral activity, cognitive/metacognitive activity. We implemented these three components in visual communication learning and managed to build an interactive multimedia learning media that can truly represent all the components of learning in schools. We conclude that the integration of the three components results in an interactive learning media that has good quality in the learning process.

Entomotoxic potential of hydroalcoholic extract of Eragrostis plana Nees in experimental model of Nauphoeta cinerea Olivier

The objective of this study was to evaluate the entomotoxic activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of Eragrostis plana Nees in an experimental model of cockroaches (Nauphoeta cinerea Olivier), for a possible bioinsecticide. For this purpose, aerial parts of E. plana were grounded to obtain the hydroalcoholic extract (EACA), after preparing the concentrations of (0.5; 2.5; 5.0; 12.5; 25.0; 50.0 100.0 μg g-1 per animal) a saline solution was used to control the treatment. To determine the receptors and pathways involved in responses to EACA doses of E. plana, a treatment with the drug octopamine and its inhibitor phentolamine were prepared. The effect of EACA on behavioral activities (grooming) and on cardiac activity were tested. All data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation, being analyzed by the two-way ANOVA test, followed by the Tukey test, considered significant when p<0.05. After carrying out the experiment, it was found that EACA induced a significant effect on leg grooming at all concentrations, except for the concentration of 100 μg g-1 per animal, but the same did not modulate antenna grooming. Regarding the receptors and pathways involved, it was observed that octopamine alone and together with the extract, had a significant effect on leg grooming, while phentolamine, together with the extract, influenced antennae grooming. Regarding the effect of the extract on the semi-isolated heart, it was noticed that the same doses that affected grooming, affected heart rate by decreasing it. At no concentration, at the end of the treatment, there was no recovery of the heart rate. The results point to a direct modulation of octopaminergic and cholinergic pathways in the insect nervous system.

Repetitive Low-Intensity Vestibular Noise Stimulation Partly Reverses Behavioral and Brain Activity Changes following Bilateral Vestibular Loss in Rats.

Low-intensity noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) can improve static and dynamic postural deficits in patients with bilateral vestibular loss (BVL). In this study, we aimed to explore the neurophysiological and neuroanatomical substrates underlying nGVS treatment effects in a rat model of BVL. Regional brain activation patterns and behavioral responses to a repeated 30 min nGVS treatment in comparison to sham stimulation were investigated by serial whole-brain 18F-FDG-PET measurements and quantitative locomotor assessments before and at nine consecutive time points up to 60 days after the chemical bilateral labyrinthectomy (BL). The 18F-FDG-PET revealed a broad nGVS-induced modulation on regional brain activation patterns encompassing biologically plausible brain networks in the brainstem, cerebellum, multisensory cortex, and basal ganglia during the entire observation period post-BL. nGVS broadly reversed brain activity adaptions occurring in the natural course post-BL. The parallel behavioral locomotor assessment demonstrated a beneficial treatment effect of nGVS on sensory-ataxic gait alterations, particularly in the early stage of post-BL recovery. Stimulation-induced locomotor improvements were finally linked to nGVS brain activity responses in the brainstem, hemispheric motor, and limbic networks. In conclusion, combined 18F-FDG-PET and locomotor analysis discloses the potential neurophysiological and neuroanatomical substrates that mediate previously observed therapeutic nGVS effects on postural deficits in patients with BVL.

Food security and Mediterranean diet in five countries: the DELICIOUS project

Abstract Food security is a universal need assuring access to healthy diet in both developing and developed countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between factors related to food security and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in 5 Mediterranean countries (Italy, Spain, Portugal, Egypt, and Lebanon) participating to the EU funded project DELICIOUS (UnDErstanding consumer food choices & promotion of healthy and sustainable Mediterranean diet and LIfestyle in Children and adolescents through behavIOUral change actionS). Data were retrieved from a survey involving 2011 parents of children and adolescents aged 6-17 years old. The KIDMED score was used to assess the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Information regarding easiness to retrieve foods characteristic of the Mediterranean diet, working status, economic allowance, and place of living were collected. The association with adherence to the Mediterranean diet were investigated by performing logistic regressions. The analyses revealed that individuals living in rural areas and reporting difficulty to retrieve all food items explored were less likely to have higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Moreover, higher adherence was also associated with household income higher than €3,500. No associations with family status nor working situation were found. There were no evident differences across countries, although there was nearly an inverse trend toward lack of association between economic allowance and higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet in Italy. In conclusion, the progressive abandonment of traditional dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, may not just depend on a cultural shift toward unhealthier industrial alternatives, but also on family budget and easiness to retrieve food stuff. Key messages • Food security may play a role in adherence to the Mediterranean diet. • The food market may be responsible for changes in cultural culinary habits.

Mediterranean diet in five Mediterranean countries: the DELICIOUS project

Abstract An abandonment of traditional dietary patterns is growingly observed in Mediterranean countries, especially among younger generations. This study aimed to explore determinants of Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence in 5 Mediterranean countries (Italy, Spain, Portugal, Egypt, and Lebanon) within the context of the EU funded project DELICIOUS (UnDErstanding consumer food choices & promotion of healthy and sustainable Mediterranean diet and LIfestyle in Children and adolescents through behavIOUral change actionS). The sample consisted of 2011 parents of children and adolescents aged 6-17 years old. The main background characteristics, including age, sex, education, family situation, weight status, physical activity levels, sleep and screen time duration, were collected. The level of adherence to the MD was assessed using the KIDMED index. Eating habits (i.e., breakfast, place of eating, etc.) were also investigated. Logistic regression analyses were performed to test for likelihood of higher adherence to the MD. The mean KIDMED score in the study sample was 6.1 [standard deviation (SD) 2.0] with significant differences across countries [Lebanon 5.7 (SD 2.0), Italy 5.8 (SD 2.1), Spain 6.3 (SD 2.1), Egypt 6.5 (SD 1.9), and Portugal 6.5 (SD 2.0)]. A total of 865 participants were deemed as highly adherent to the MD [highest tertile, mean KIDMED score = 8.0 (SD 0.9)]. Major determinants of higher adherence to the MD were the following: among background characteristics, younger age group, higher physical activity level and adequate sleep duration; regarding dietary habits, having breakfast, out-of-home eating, eating with family members and at school, and home-cooked meals were associated with higher MD adherence. Parents’ younger age and higher education were also determinants of higher adherence. In conclusion, a cluster of healthy lifestyle behaviors can be observed among Mediterranean children and adolescents as determinant of higher adherence to the MD. Key messages • Lifestyle habits tend to cluster into healthy behaviors. • Differences in Mediterranean diet adherence may occur across countries.

The characteristics of audiovisual temporal integration in streaming-bouncing bistable motion perception: considering both implicit and explicit processing perspectives.

This study explored the behavioral and neural activity characteristics of audiovisual temporal integration in motion perception from both implicit and explicit perspectives. The streaming-bouncing bistable paradigm (SB task) was employed to investigate implicit temporal integration, while the corresponding simultaneity judgment task (SJ task) was used to examine explicit temporal integration. The behavioral results revealed a negative correlation between implicit and explicit temporal processing. In the ERP results of both tasks, three neural phases (PD100, ND180, and PD290) in the fronto-central region were identified as reflecting integration effects and the auditory-evoked multisensory N1 component may serve as a primary component responsible for cross-modal temporal processing. However, there were significant differences between the VA ERPs in the SB and SJ tasks and the influence of speed on implicit and explicit integration effects also varied. The aforementioned results, building upon the validation of previous temporal renormalization theory, suggest that implicit and explicit temporal integration operate under distinct processing modes within a shared neural network. This underscores the brain's flexibility and adaptability in cross-modal temporal processing.

Evaluation of crystalline amino acids as potent stimulatory chemoattractants for the slipper lobster Thenus orientalis.

Intensive research on the effectiveness of chemoattractants has been widely explored to improve the feed qualities in expanding crustacean farming. Taste preferences in slipper lobster remained unknown despite their significant contribution to the lobster fisheries. Chemoattractants allow better performance in aquaculture species by increasing food attractiveness and palatability. Amino acids (AA) have been leading in previous research on crustacean feeding behavior. Given that slipper lobster possesses chemoreceptors to detect and orient towards food, this study investigated an approach to identify the AA with the most potent chemoattractant in eliciting a response from slipper lobster. Behavioral assays were performed to evaluate the responses of slipper lobster Thenus orientalis (carapace length, 52.34 ±1.52 mm) on 15 crystalline AA and three derivatives of AA (DAA) at three concentrations between 10-1 and 10-3 M as test substances (TS). Meretrix sp. extract was used as a positive control and clean filtered seawater as a negative control. The behavioral responses of 14 T. orientalis were evaluated based on their antennular flicking rate, third maxillipeds activity, and substrate probing by the pereiopods. T. orientalis responded to the solutions of single AA down to a concentration of 10-3 M, excluding histidine and serine. The behavioral activity displayed by T. orientalis increased with the TS concentrations. L-glutamic acid monosodium salt monohydrate, betaine, and glycine solutions elicited the most behavioral responses, whereas histidine exhibited the lowest behavioral responses. Conclusively, L-glutamic acid monosodium salt monohydrate, betaine, and glycine can be potential chemoattractants for T. orientalis.

Behavioral activity and range patterns of the endemic Gelada monkey (Theropithecus gelada) in and around Jer Silase Monastery in North Shoa Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract The present study investigated the activity, range, and habitat utilization patterns of the Endemic Gelada Monkey (Theropithecus gelada) in and around Jer Silase Monastery in North Shoa Zone, Ethiopia. The study was conducted from January 2021 to October 2021 by considering the dry and wet seasons and stratifying the study area into natural forest, cliff/rocky, and farmland habitats. An instantaneous scan sampling method was employed to collect behavioral data. The activity patterns of three selected focal groups of Gelada monkeys were studied. GPS points of their predominant behavioral activities were recorded daily every 15 minutes from 7:00 to 18:00 for 12 days every month. A total of 5,592 individual activity records were obtained from 2312 scan samplings taken over 120 study days. Feeding comprised 54.52% of the activity time, followed by moving at 20.67% and socialization at 11.95%. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed that the time allocated to different activity types varied significantly over the year with the month (Roy’s Largest Root = 2.7, F4,22 = 13.2, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.653). The longest mean monthly travel distance was 2817.61 ± 582.57 m, recorded at the Cliff/rocky habitat during the wet season. Gelada monkeys’ daily range length and home range size extended more in the dry season. These findings may be explained by reduced habitat quality associated with livestock grazing, agricultural expansion, and charcoal production. Therefore, appropriate conservation measures should be implemented to minimize such adverse effects and conserve the endemic Gelada Monkey.

CONTRIBUTIONS ON THE ROLE OF PERSONALITY IN THE SELECTION OF CHILDREN AND JUNIOR FOOTBALL PLAYERS

The efficiency of the use of games in the physical education lesson is given by a series of aspects, such as: sports games, which represent for children and juniors, the most attractive global activity, through which one can act on a background of motor and mental stress. in order to fulfill the instructive-educational objectives of the physical education lesson. Thus, elements of basic sports such as football, basketball, handball, volleyball, etc. are rarely applied in physical education lessons.Applying the technical elements of these games will lead to a significant increase in the effectiveness of physical education lessons on the development of motor skills, learning and improvement of motor skills and abilities. The means of physical education and sports are tools that help achieve both physical education and sports goals. As an organized educational instructional process, physical education is a bilateral process in which, under the guidance of specialized teachers, subjects are systematically subjected to influences in constant accordance with the objectives of education, in general and those for each stage of improving physical development. and motor skills.The organization of physical education represents a complex action of orderly, rational and coherent assurance of the formative activity, of the human and material resources necessary to achieve the general and operational objectives of physical and sports education, and secondly, the educational resources we have. In the training of the specialist, the high-performance footballer, a very important role is played by his tendency towards self-affirmation as a concretization of his aspirations. By mastering these behavioural action patterns, the player becomes able to effectively resolve situations on the field of play. In this case, we can talk about the awareness of our own game and the choice of the most favourable development direction. The personality traits of high performance footballers define personality as stable indicators of behaviour, state, dynamics and performance. The qualities that distinguish one personality from another belong to the field of consistency, level of development, structure, mobility and the degree of integration of mental states. Personality is not a definitive, closed structure, but on the contrary, a dynamic one with a permanent tendency of development.

Pressure Building Against the Clock: The Impact of Circadian Misalignment on Blood Pressure.

Misalignment between the endogenous biological timing system and behavioral activities (i.e., sleep/wake, eating, activity) contributes to adverse cardiovascular health. In this review, we discuss the effects of recurring circadian misalignment on blood pressure regulation and the implications for hypertension development. Additionally, we highlight emerging therapeutic approaches designed to mitigate the negative cardiovascular consequences elicited by circadian disruption. Circadian misalignment elicited by work schedules that require individuals to be awake during the biological night (i.e., shift work) alters 24-h blood pressure rhythms. Mechanistically, circadian misalignment appears to alter blood pressure via changes in autonomic nervous system balance, variations to sodium retention, dysregulation of endothelial vasodilatory responsiveness, and activation of proinflammatory mechanisms. Recurring circadian misalignment produced by a mismatch in sleep timing on free days vs. work days (i.e., social jetlag) appears to have no direct effects on prevailing blood pressure levels in healthy adults; though, circadian disruptions resulting from social jetlag may increase the risk of hypertension through enhanced sympathetic activation and/or obesity. Furthermore, social jetlag assessment may be a useful metric in shift work populations where the magnitude of circadian misalignment may be greater than in the general population. Circadian misalignment promotes unfavorable changes to 24-h blood pressure rhythms, most notably in shift working populations. While light therapy, melatonin supplementation, and the timing of drug administration may improve cardiovascular outcomes, interventions designed to target the effects of circadian misalignment on blood pressure regulation are warranted.

The Effectiveness of Providing Rewards and Punishment for Moral Development of Early Childhood

The events that are currently occurring are indeed a lot of problems related to the provision of rewardsand punishment, especially in the parenting patterns given by parents to their children. So it can increaseor even reduce children’s moral development. Therefore, there are many cases of beatings and variouspunishments received by children, such as locking children in their rooms, hitting their body parts, andusing harsh words. This research is a form of social research which aims to analyze and summarizevarious conditions, as a social reality phenomenon in the form of rewards and punishments in the moraldevelopment of early childhood. It involved 39 children from KB Permata Kita Hadiwarno MejoboKudus. Data collection takes the form of observation, interviews, and documentation. The results ofthis research are that through rewards children are more confident and brave in making decisions, whilepunishment can be done through behavioral actions, education and strengthening motivation to avoidunwanted behavior. The conclusion of this research is that through reward and punishment, childrenknow what behavior is right and wrong, so that it has an impact on the child’s character effectively andefficiently to be applied in everyday life.

Effects of monensin in supplements for beef cattle in tropical grazing systems during the rainy season.

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of monensin in supplements for grazing heifers. In experiment I, treatments consisted of protein supplements (low intake - 0.5 kg/animal/day and high intake - 1.0 kg/animal/day) associated or not with monensin. Animal performance, nutrient intake, and digestibility were evaluated. Forty crossbred heifers with an initial body weight (BW) of 213.8 ± 4.5 kg were used. There was no difference in average daily gain between treatments (average of 0.588 kg/animal/day). There was no interaction between monensin and supplements for intake parameters and digestibility. Dry matter (DM) intake was equal between treatments (~ 2% of BW). However, there was a reduction in pasture intake with the high-intake supplement. In experiment II, treatments consisted of two types of supplements (protein or mineral) associated or not with monensin. The variables analyzed were productive performance, ingestive behavior, and thermal comfort, evaluated through the index of thermal stress for cows (ITSC). Forty crossbred heifers with a BW of 159.2 ± 1.3 kg were used. The type of supplement did not influence the performance of the animals. However, monensin promoted greater weight gain in the animals (110 g/animal/day). There was an interaction effect between supplementation and monensin addition on behavioral activities, except for idle time. The inclusion of monensin in the protein supplement reduced the grazing time. The ITSC value influenced the activities of ingestive behavior, and the increase of this index reduced the grazing time in all treatments. Forage quality influences the response to monensin use, and the addition of monensin in supplements for grazing cattle during the rainy season is recommended for forages with high CP content.

Sex difference in cardiac performance in individuals with irregular shift work

Background: sex differences existed in animal behavioral adaption and activity rhythms when exposed to chronic disruption of the circadian rhythm. Whether these differences extend to cardiac performance has not been fully investigated by cardiac imaging technology. MethodsOne hundred and thirty patients enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into the day shift (DS) group and the irregular shift (IRS) group based on whether involved in the night shift and the frequency of the night shift. Comparisons of clinical data and cardiac imaging parameters were performed to identify the sex difference in cardiac function in the participants with day shift work or irregular shifts. ResultsThe absolute value of GLS was significantly lower in male IRS group than in male DS group. In females, no significant difference was tested in left ventricular function between the two groups. In male participants, Weekly work hours (WWH) was positively correlated with HR (r = 0.51, p = 0.02) and QTc duration (r = 0.68, p < 0.00), and weakly negatively correlated with the GLS (r = -0.38, p = 0.05). Amongst patients, there was a 2.67-fold higher relative risk (RR) for impaired GLS in males than in females, with a 95 % confidence interval (CI) of 1.20–5.61. Moreover, there was an increased risk in the male IRS group compared to the female IRS group to develop impaired GLS (RR:3.14, 95 % CI 1.20–7.84). ConclusionsThe present study suggests that chronic circadian disruption brings cardiac dysfunction in people with night-shift work. Gender differences exist in the impact of circadian rhythmicity on cardiac function and may help to guide the work schedule and breaks in shift workers and bring forward prevention strategies in response to chronic circadian disruption.

Reproductive Behavior of Bubalus arnee (Kerr, 1792) (Mammalia: Artiodactyla: Bovidae) in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and Chitwan National Park, Nepal

The Asiatic wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee Kerr), an endangered species featured on the IUCN Red List, is distributed across Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bhutan, Cambodia, and Thailand. This investigation delves into the reproductive and certain social behaviors exhibited by Bubalus arnee across distinct habitats and herd types within Nepal’s Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR) and Chitwan National Park (CNP) during the premonsoon and postmonsoon spans of 2018. The data were amassed through direct observations employing focal animal sampling, continuous sampling, and scan sampling methodologies. Eight primary behavioral activities were noted: chasing, courtship, grazing, mating, mowing, sniffing, urination, and wallowing. We carefully structured the gathered data and input it into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to facilitate analysis. For a more comprehensive visualization of reproductive behavior, we utilized the ggplot2 package within R-studio, enabling the creation of informative graphical depictions. During the premonsoon phase, Bull A exhibited six reproductive behaviors in KTWR. Notably, sniffing was the most frequently observed behavior, recorded six times (37.5%) daily, succeeded by fighting and urination with four (25%) and three (18.35%) daily observations, respectively. Chasing, mating, and courtship were each observed once (6.25%) daily. In contrast, during both seasons, Bulls B, M, and J were not observed partaking in mating activities. When analyzing the postmonsoon reproductive behavior of the observed B. arnee in KTWR and CNP, a notable distinction emerged. In KTWR, there were four more instances of sniffing behavior compared to CNP. In addition, courtship behavior was slightly more frequent in KTWR, occurring three times, whereas it was observed only twice in CNP. Similarly, urination activity was recorded twice as often in KTWR as compared to CNP. As a suggestion for future research, exploring the specific factors influencing the observed variations in reproductive behaviors and habitat preferences of Bubalus arnee could provide valuable insights into the conservation and management of these endangered species.

Behavioral physical activity intervention coupled with standard post-cancer directed treatment care to mitigate chronic pain in childhood cancer survivors: A protocol for a single-center, pilot randomized controlled trial

BackgroundLong term survivors of childhood cancer have a high prevalence of chronic pain. Novel, multidisciplinary approaches to manage pain, are needed to allow for a reduction in the use of opioids for pain management. Physical activity is highly effective in managing chronic pain in children and adolescents, however, evidence about the combination of physical activity intervention and pain medications in chronic pain management in childhood cancer survivors is lacking. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effects of a behavioral physical activity intervention integrated into standard post cancer directed treatment care to mitigate chronic pain in this unique population. MethodsThis is a single site pilot randomized controlled trial of a 16-week physical activity intervention coupled with standard care. The primary aim is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the physical activity intervention in childhood cancer survivors with chronic pain. Secondary aims include evaluating the differences in functional and psychosocial outcomes along with self-reported pain scores and cumulative dose of pain medications between the exercise group and standard cancer care group. The physical activity intervention is a home-based program structured to increase patients' physical activity behavior and to favor low intensity bodily movement using aerobic exercise and resistance training. ConclusionsThis study will demonstrate that behavioral supportive measures like physical activity may be a novel means to improve cancer related chronic pain in young survivors of childhood cancer and decrease medication usage for pain along with improvement in functional and psychosocial outcomes.

Afghan Consumers Beliefs, Attitudes, And Behaviors Towards Social Media Advertising: A Case Study on Parwan-Afghanistan

Purpose–This study aims to examine how consumer behavior toward social media advertising among Afghan consumers relates to belief determinants, attitudes, and consumer behavior. The study also examines the impact that social media advertising has on consumer behavior in Afghanistan in order to properly comprehend how it impacts men's and women's consumption patterns separately.Design/methodology/approach–Data were collected from Parwan city in Afghanistan. A total of 433 questionnaires delivered functional data and were examined using IBM SPSS 26 and IBM AMOS 24. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the participant's demographic traits (frequencyand percentage). The structural equation model (SEM) is used to test the research hypothesis.Findings–Information, entertainment, credibility, economy, and value corruption were shown to be the five belief elements that affect Afghan consumers' attitudes regarding social media advertising. The attitude toward social media advertising was significantly predicted by entertainment, credibility, economy, and value corruption. The attitude of Afghan customers was discovered to be a highly important and favorable predictor of behavioral actions related to social media advertising. The association between Afghan consumers' attitudes and behaviors about social media advertising is unaffected by the moderator (gender).Discussion–Understanding how people from a potentially rising market view social media as a method of advertising might be beneficial for Afghan marketers. As a result, the study will help companies and organizations employ social media advertising in their regional marketing campaigns more successfully and effectively. Since there hasn't been any previous research on the subject from an Afghanistan perspective, the investigation of Afghan consumers' attitudes about social media advertising enhances existing research on attitudes in Afghanistan and may have important consequences for growing the economy nationwide.

The integration of ceramic art design and color visual aesthetics on hyperactivity disorder viewers

Background ADHD, also known as Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has inattention, hyperactivity, conduct disorder, and impulsive behavior as its main clinical manifestations. Visual working memory load is one of the factors that can affect the individual’s attentional performance, so the study proposes to intervene in patients with ADHD with the help of a training form that combines artistic design and the visual aesthetics of colors.Subjects and Methods Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), meeting the American Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition criteria, were selected as the study subjects and divided into experimental and control groups using the random table method. Both groups underwent color vision training therapy, strengthening the experimental group regarding graphic design and color aesthetics. The practical test tools included Rey’s Complex Graphic Memory Task and Chinese Children’s Attention Level Scale, and the statistical analysis tool was SPSS23.0, with P&lt;0.05 indicating statistical differences.ResultsIn the ceramic art design test experiment, the subjects in the experimental group scored better than the control group in terms of structure and detail (P&lt;0.05), and their concentration level was greatly improved.ConclusionsThe intervention of art design and color visual aesthetics integration has obvious applicability to ADHD patients, with significant efficacy, better control of their attention and behavioral actions, and help to improve the ability of self-management.

Sericin alleviates pentylenetetrazole kindling epilepsy and associated comorbidities via modulation of GABA-T enzyme and mitochondrial activity

Objective: To assess the effect of sericin against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) kindling epilepsy and its associated comorbidities. Methods: Epilepsy was induced with PTZ at the dose of 30 mg/kg i.p. on alternative days for 25 days in rats. Sericin was administered orally at the doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg for 35 days. The behavioral activities were performed using an elevated plus maze, forced swim test, and Morris water maze test. A PTZ challenge test was conducted on day 32. On day 35, rats were sacrificed to perform oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, neurotransmitters, GABA-T activity, and histopathological analyses. Results: Sericin at 500 and 1000 mg/kg significantly reduced behavioral changes and neuroinflammatory cytokines, as well as improved oxidative stress, mitochondrial enzyme complex activity, neurotransmitter level, and GABA-T enzymatic activity (P&lt;0.05). Moreover, sericin improved the neuronal survival altered by PTZ kindling in rat hippocampus. Conclusions: Sericin mitigates epilepsy-associated secondary complications possibly by the modulation of mitochondrial enzyme complexes and GABA-T enzymatic activity.

Revealing Senior Mobility Patterns and Activities in Urban Transit Systems

Urban mobility plays a crucial role in maintaining seniors’ well-being and quality of life, with urban transit systems serving as their primary mode of travel. This study focuses on revealing seniors’ travel patterns and activities and predicting their demands in transit systems. We propose a spatio-temporal travel pattern model that extends the structural topic model from text mining, to detect senior mobility patterns from trip sequences at the rail station level and discover their activities hidden in passively collected data from a probabilistic generative procedure. The proposed model can incorporate a wide range of spatio-temporal covariates that help estimate the relative importance of travel patterns across stations and over time. Numerical experiments are conducted using transit smart card data collected in Nanjing, China. The results demonstrate that our proposed methodology successfully transforms massive mobility records into informative travel patterns, each of which characterizes a distinct distribution of trip attributes. We combine land use characteristics of station areas with detected patterns to explore seniors’ behavioral strategies and activities at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Moreover, by applying prior detected patterns to the station-level ridership prediction, we significantly improve the predictive performance of direct ridership models. This study contributes to detecting seniors’ travel patterns, discovering latent activities, predicting station-level travel demands, and creating senior-friendly mobility systems.

Central Effects of Peripherically Introduced Immune Cells Modulated by an Original Anticonvulsant in Experimental Alcoholism

Violation of neuroimmune regulatory interrelation, caused, in particular, by a change in the immune cell’s functional phenotype due to chronic ethanol intoxication, is an essential link in the pathogenesis of alcoholism. The unidirectional influence of most psychoactive drugs on the cells of the nervous and immune systems allows to consider immune cells as model objects for influencing intersystem functional interrelation. Based upon our own priority data on the presence of immunomodulatory properties in chronic alcohol intoxication at the original anticonvulsant acting on the molecular targets of ethanol influence in the central nervous system and the immune system, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the central effects of peripherally injected lymphocytes with in vitro modulated functional activity by a synthetic ligand of the GABAA-receptor complex meta-chlorobenzhydrylurea in long-term alcoholized animals. It was shown that transplantation of lymphocytes pre-cultivated with the anticonvulsant in syngeneic long-term alcoholic recipients achieves a decrease in alcohol motivation and stimulation of behavioral activity in the “open field” test. Editing of behavioral patterns characteristic for chronic alcohol intoxication was recorded against the background of a decrease in pathogenetically significant brain structures of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and an increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, as well as an increase in the level of BDNF in the hippocampus, which allows us to consider a decrease in neuroinflammation and stimulation neuroplasticity as possible mechanisms for editing the behavior of recipients. Visualization of functionally active lymphocytes pre-cultured with meta-chlorobenzydrylurea in the brain’s parenchyma of long-term alcoholized recipients also suggests a direct effect of injected lymphocytes on CNS cells. Thus, immune cells modulated in vitro with meta-chlorobenzydrylurea by relatively independent mechanisms have positive psychoneuromodulating effects in chronic ethanol intoxication, which makes it possible to consider adoptive immunotherapy as a promising method in the treatment of alcoholism.