The integration of demand response (DR) and renewable energy generation (REG) introduces significant uncertainties that challenge the reliability of integrated energy system (IES) planning. This research proposes a comprehensive interval multi-objective optimization (IMOO) framework designed to simultaneously optimize operational economy, energy efficiency, and carbon emissions while ensuring robustness against multi-source uncertainties. Box uncertainty sets are employed to characterize DR and REG fluctuations, and the resulting uncertain model is transformed into a deterministic equivalent using reliability-based interval probability degrees and interval order relations. To solve the non-linear, high-dimensional planning problem, a novel constrained multi-objective chaotic evolution algorithm (CMOCEO) is developed, incorporating a shift-based penalty constraint-handling mechanism and a reference-point-based non-dominated sorting strategy. Simulation results on a typical IES case demonstrate that the proposed method effectively identifies the optimal equipment capacities. For the case study with uncertainty level 0.2 and objective preference coefficient 0.5, the obtained intervals are total cost [9259587,10372911] yuan, energy efficiency [0.9281,1.0281], and carbon emission [5958025,7367503] kg; for the deterministic model, CMOCEO achieves a runtime of 43.4 s, which is comparable to NSGA-III and significantly faster than other recent algorithms, whose runtimes range from 154.2 s to 482.8 s. Furthermore, decision-makers can flexibly balance system performance and robustness by adjusting objective weights. This study provides a practical tool for the scientific planning of modern energy systems in the presence of volatile demand and intermittent supply.

Novel object recognition (NOR), referring to the cognitive ability to differentiate familiar/novel objects, is a fundamental cognitive function essential for daily life. However, the mechanisms underlying the encoding of novel preference information remain incompletely understood. Here, we demonstrate that the fibronectin1-expressing subiculum-entorhinal circuits selectively govern NOR retrieval. Subicular pyramidal neurons are able to differentiate between familiar and novel objects, and bidirectionally regulate the retrieval of NOR. At the circuit level, subicular-entorhinal projections, rather than those targeting the anterior nucleus of thalamus, mammillary bodies or retrosplenial cortex, encode novel object preference and regulate NOR retrieval. Importantly, fibronectin1 is identified as a key functional molecular component expressing within this glutamatergic circuit, gates neuronal excitability by regulating the large conductance Ca2+-activated potassium channel, and selectively governs the NOR retrieval. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular and circuit-level mechanisms of NOR and highlight potential therapeutic targets for cognitive disorders targeting fibronectin1-expressing subicular circuits.

GABAergic medial septal neurons play a key role in regulating hippocampus-dependent spatial memory, but the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. In male mice, we establish an object-place recognition impairment model using an acute sleep deprivation protocol. Here we show that parvalbumin-positive neurons in the medial septum regulate object-location memory specificity during encoding by modulating hippocampal place cell population activity. Using in vivo electrophysiology combined with optogenetics, we characterize the role of medial septal parvalbumin-positive neurons in object-place recognition during memory encoding. Preference for objects relocated to novel positions parallels directional shifts in place fields of remapping neuronal populations, as well as decreased co-activity among place cells in dorsal CA1 during the encoding phase. Activating medial septal parvalbumin-positive neurons during memory encoding rescues object-place recognition impairments. These findings suggest that parvalbumin-positive neurons in the medial septum play a causal role in object-place recognition memory.

When presented with temperature related options that metaphorically reflect loneliness or non-loneliness, lonely people choose the non-lonely option. Less is known about the reasons for this preference, or whether it also extends to the visual domain. Across six experiments (Total N = 1,725) we investigate whether background lighting that evokes a conceptual metaphor of loneliness activates undesired self-schemas and motivates preferences for objects presented with bright versus dark background lighting. Studies 1-2 found that chronic and state loneliness were associated with preferences for objects in brightness rather than darkness. Study 3 replicated results from Study 2 and provided evidence for the idea that lonely people do not prefer objects in darkness because they evoke a negative self-congruity with the object. Study 4 demonstrated that engaging in conscious information processing of dark background lighting eliminated the effects of loneliness on object preference and the associated negative emotions. Studies 5 and 6 provided evidence that the effects of loneliness were only for objects that had self-referent salience, supporting an ideal self-object congruity hypothesis. This research reveals a novel link between loneliness and lighting preferences, and as such advances understanding of the metaphorical mapping of loneliness, and the implications of individual differences in loneliness for decision-making and consumer behavior.

Labelling has a pronounced effect on increasing infants' attention to objects. At the same time, infants actively seek social cues when presented with novel objects and early signs of communicative intent are considered essential for language learning. Although no other species has been shown to possess language in its integrity, a small group of rare individual dogs (Gifted Word Learners, GWL) shows a limited subset of language-related skills: the capacity to form an extensive vocabulary of object verbal labels rapidly. Comparing these dogs to typical dogs that lack this capacity provides a unique opportunity to study the relationship between vocabulary acquisition and other cognitive traits in a non-human, non-linguistic species that evolved and developed in the human environment. The present study compares the object preferences and tendency to seek social interactions of GWL (N = 10) and typical (N = 21) dogs. During a two-week familiarisation phase, the caretakers and the dogs engaged in play with four dog toys, only two of which were labelled. In contrast, the other two were not labelled during the playful interaction. The subsequent test phase consisted of two trials in which these four toys, along with two novel ones, were placed on the floor, and the caretakers remained passive. The dogs were given 90s to explore freely. The results did not provide evidence for significant differences between GWL dogs and T dogs' exploration of the labelled, unlabelled and novel objects. GWL dogs, however, demonstrated a significantly higher propensity to interact with their caretakers while holding a toy in their mouths, notably, mainly presenting the novel toy to their caretakers. GWL dogs' tendency to interact with the passive caretaker may suggest a greater interest in the social aspect of interacting with objects.

To address key limitations in traditional bionic image design, including the lack of quantitative analysis of user preferences and the poor controllability of AI-driven picture generation, which often leads to homogeneous outputs with limited emotional resonance, this study proposes a data-driven bionic image generation method empowered by StyleGAN (DL-BBI). The proposed approach unfolds in three stages. First, a Multimodal Emotion Cognition Experiment was conducted by integrating visual-linguistic-expression data with emotional cognitive saliency to extract biological image features. Second, an Affective Weighted Quantification Method was proposed to process users’ multimodal subjective and objective emotional preference data, thereby constructing an image stimulus graphic aligned with user preferences. Finally, by applying a StyleGAN latent space linear interpolation technique, the controllable fusion of product-biological image features was achieved, enabling intelligent generation of bionic product forms. Using a companion robot as an example, the method’s feasibility and superiority were validated. Results show that this approach effectively enhances the emotional resonance between the generated design solution and users, with the “Friendly” score of the design solution improving by approximately 22.6% compared to the original solution.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-026-37257-9.

IntroductionNeuropathic pain (NeuP) remains a major clinical condition, and the existing interventions often fail to provide sufficiently satisfactory symptom control. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has gained attention as a potential non-invasive therapy for NeuP. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the effects of rTMS remain elusive.ObjectiveThis study explores the potential neurophysiological mechanisms of rTMS in NeuP, focusing on its modulation of the methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3)/N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor subtype 2B (NMDAR2B)/NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) axis and microglial polarization.MethodsCCI rats began to receive rTMS treatment once daily 7 days after the operation, and the treatment continued for 4 weeks. Pain and depression-like behaviors were evaluated by measuring the paw-withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT), thermal pain-induced paw-withdrawal latency (PWL), sciatic nerve function index (SFI), forced swimming test (FST) results, and new object preference index (NPI). The expression levels of relevant indicators were detected by immunofluorescence and western blot analyses, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). BV2 microglia were cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle medium. After adding agonists and inhibitors of METTL3 and NMDAR2B, the microglia were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 100 µg/mL) for 12 h. The cells are divided into seven groups: Control (Con), LPS, LPS + magnetic stimulation (MS), LPS + METTL3 inhibition (sh-METTL3), LPS + METTL3 overexpression + magnetic stimulation (LPS+METTL3-OE+MS), LPS + NMDAR2B inhibition (sh-NMDAR2B), and LPS + NMDAR2B overexpression + magnetic stimulation (LPS+NMDAR2B-OE+MS). The expression levels of cell polarization markers, inflammatory factors, and related proteins were detected by methods such as immunofluorescence and western blot analyses, qRT-PCR, and ELISA.ResultsrTMS improved pain thresholds (PWMT, PWL, and SFI) and depressive-like behaviors, reduced immobility in the FST, and increased the NPI. It inhibited the levels of the pro-inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, NLRP3,TMEM119 and iNOS in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), while increasing the expression of IL-10 and Arg1. Moreover, rTMS decreased the expression levels of the M1-type marker CD86 of microglia and increased those of the M2-type marker CD206 and simultaneously decreased the expression of microglia activation marker Iba-1. rTMS simultaneously downregulated METTL3, N6-methyladenosine (m6A), NMDAR2B, and YTH domain-containing family 1 (YTHDF1). In the in vitro experiments, LPS-induced BV2 cells showed increased expression of CD86 increased (p < 0.01) as well as NLRP3, IL-6, TNF-α, and METTL3/m6A/YTHDF1/NMDAR2B (p < 0.01), and decreased expression of CD206 and IL-10. Magnetic stimulation reversed these effects, promoted the reduction of microglial marker Iba-1, increased M2 polarization and alleviated inflammation (p < 0.01). Inhibition of METTL3 or NMDAR2B alleviated LPS-induced inflammation. However, activation of METTL3 or NMDAR2B counteracted the effects of magnetic stimulation in improving inflammation (p < 0.01). In addition, suppressing or overexpressing METTL3, YTHDF1, and NMDAR2B correspondingly decreased or increased these effects, but modulation of NMDAR2B did not change the expression of METTL3/YTHDF1.ConclusionrTMS can affect the polarization state of microglia and neuroinflammation by regulating the METTL3/NMDAR2B/NLRP3 signaling pathway, thereby improving NeuP.

Area-based conservation remains the principal strategy for preserving biodiversity, yet current planning approaches inadequately consider two critical uncertainties: future trajectories of socio-environmental drivers of environmental degradation and preferences for alternate conservation objectives. This study demonstrates how spatial conservation prioritization can be integrated with scenario-based simulation modelling to systematically evaluate conservation strategies under these uncertainties. We simulated conservation area expansion strategies (e.g. timing and extent of interventions) in Switzerland (2020-2060) using a comprehensive full-factorial design testing approaches across five scenarios of climate change, land-use change, and conservation priorities, with strategy robustness assessed through impacts on ten ecosystem services (ES) characterized across both space and time. Results revealed substantial variation in ES provision under alternative futures, with pronounced spatial shifts in service delivery. Critically, only limited spatial overlap existed between regions displaying the highest ES robustness and areas prioritized for protection based on current ecological value, demonstrating the inadequacy of planning approaches that ignore future uncertainties. The most consistently robust strategy for securing ES provision involved rapidly expanding conservation areas to 30% coverage (aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework target), prioritizing small patches in human-dominated landscapes, and employing mixed management combining both preservation and restoration. However, strategy effectiveness varied across different ES and scenarios, indicating that optimal approaches must account for societal preferences regarding trade-offs between services. This research addresses a recognized gap in conservation planning science and provides both methodological guidance for uncertainty-informed planning and specific recommendations for Switzerland's pursuit of the 30x30 target under accelerating environmental change.

To observe the effect of Tongdu Xingshen (unblocking the Governor Vessel and refreshing the spirit) needling on hypoxia-induced factor-1α/pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (HIF-1α/PDK1) pathway and hippocampal glycolysis level in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI), so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of learning and memory ability. SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation, model, acupuncture and acupuncture + inhibitor groups (n=12 in each group). The CIRI model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R). EA (1 Hz/20 Hz) was applied to "Shenting" (GV24) and "Baihui" (GV20) for 30 min, once daily for 14 consecutive days. In the acupuncture + inhibitor group, 2ME2 (5 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 30 min before modeling. Learning and memory ability were evaluated by using open field test and new object recognition experiment. TTC staining was used to detect cerebral infarction volume. The pathological changes of hippocampus were observed by HE staining. The contents of lactic acid and ATP in hippocampal tissue were detected by colorimetric assay kit. The protein and mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α, PDK1, hexokinase 2 (HK2), phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK1) and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) in hippocampal tissues on the ischemic side were detected by Western blot and qPCR, respectively. Compared with the sham operation group, the rats in the model group had a significant decrease in the proportion of central distance, the number of crossing platform and the new object preference index (P<0.01), and a significant increase in percentage of cerebral infarction volume (P<0.01). The content of lactic acid in hippocampus, the protein and mRNA expression of HIF-1α, PDK1, HK2, PFK1 and PKM2 were increased significantly (P<0.01), while the content of ATP was decreased (P<0.01) in the model group compared with those in the sham operation group. Following the interventions, modeling induced increase and decrease of the indexes mentioned above were all reversed in the acupuncture group (P<0.01), and the therapeutic effects of acupuncture + inhibitor were better than those of acupuncture alone (P<0.01, P<0.05). H.E. staining showed disordered cell arrangement, abnormal morphology, and evident nuclear rupture and nuclear pyknosis in the hippocampus tissue in the model group, which was relatively milder in the two intervention groups. Tongdu Xingshen needling can improve the learning and memory function of CIRI rats, which may be associated with its function in down-regulating the expression of HIF-1α/PDK1 signaling pathway, inhibiting anaerobic glycolysis in the hippocampus, reducing lactic acid accumulation and increasing ATP production.

In supply chain management practices, supplier selection (SS) is a critical strategic planning activity that usually constitutes an ex ante decision made under uncertainty, whereas order allocation (OA) represents a subsequent operational decision determined ex post, contingent upon both the selected suppliers and actual operational conditions observed during the execution phase—specifically, the realized scenarios of uncertain circumstances. The practical performance of an SS decision inherently depends on its subsequent OA outcomes, while the OA decision itself is constrained by the preceding SS choices. Nevertheless, existing studies typically tackle the SS and OA problems separately or formulate them within a single-stage programming model, failing to adequately capture their sequential interdependence and the impact of OA on SS evaluation. To address this gap, this study develops novel two-stage bi-objective stochastic programming models in which the first-stage SS decisions are evaluated based on two key criteria—total cost and purchasing value—both of which depend on the second-stage OA decisions in response to realized operational scenarios. The stochastic performance of a given SS scheme, arising from adaptive OA decisions under uncertainty, is measured by expected value and conditional value-at-risk. An integrated approach combining weighted-satisfaction sum, linearization, Monte Carlo simulation, and genetic algorithm is developed to solve the models. Computational experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology and reveal the influence of objective preferences and risk-aversion levels on the optimal supplier selection.

To achieve a scientific evaluation of land ecological resilience in mining areas and promote the green transformation and sustainable development of the mining industry, this study is based on the core concept of Nature-based Solutions (NbS), coupling the “Driving force–Pressure–State–Impact–Response” (DPSIR) framework, and constructs an evaluation system for mine land ecological resilience (MLER) focusing on sustainability. This system covers multiple aspects, including natural ecology, socio-economics, and policy management, comprising 21 secondary indicators that comprehensively respond to NbS’ fundamental principles of “nature-guided, multi-party collaboration, and long-term adaptation.” In terms of evaluation methodology, this study proposes a combined weighting model that integrates AHP-CRITIC game theory with Vague sets. First, subjective expert experience and objective data variance are balanced through combined weighting. Based on game theory, the optimal combination coefficients were determined (α1 = 0.624, α2 = 0.376) to reconcile subjective and objective preferences. Subsequently, the three-dimensional interval structure of Vague sets is utilized to effectively accommodate fuzzy information and data gaps. By characterizing the restoration process through interval membership, the model enhances the representational capacity of the evaluation results regarding complex ecological information. Empirical research conducted in the mining areas of Gan Xian, Xing Guo, Yu Du, and Xun Wu in Jiangxi Province effectively identified differences in resilience levels: the resilience of the Xing Guo mining area was classified as I, Gan Xian and Yu Du as II, and Xun Wu as IV. These results are fundamentally consistent with the AHP-Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation method, verifying the robustness and reliability of the model. The NbS-guided evaluation system and model constructed in this study provide scientific tools for identifying differences in the sustainability of MLER and key constraints, promoting the transformation of restoration models from “engineering-driven” to “nature-driven, long-term adaptation” in the context of NbS in China.

Anthropomorphism (i.e., assigning human characteristics to nonhuman objects) is a normative behavior that supports adaptive socioemotional development by facilitating play. Anthropomorphic features (e.g., faces, names) are salient, but sensitivity to such features may vary by age or sex or be linked to emerging psychopathology, including callous-unemotional (CU) traits. The present study examined whether anthropomorphic features increased children's preference for novel objects and tested whether age, sex, or CU traits moderated these preferences. A total of 162 children (50% female; 31.90% non-White; age, M = 52.60, SD = 10.50 months) completed a computer task, choosing between two objects with a face, a name, both a face and name, or neither. Children were more likely to pick novel objects with a face or name, but the presence of both features did not increase preference rate. In addition, the effect of name on object preference was stronger for boys than girls, and children with high CU traits were less likely to pick objects with a face than children with low CU traits. Findings demonstrate that young children are sensitive to anthropomorphic features, including names. Results point to future intervention targets for young children with high CU traits that focus on increasing the salience of anthropomorphic features. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Combination treatment with medium dose THC and CBD had no therapeutic effect in a transgenic mouse model for Alzheimer's disease but affected other domains including anxiety-related behaviours and object recognition memory.

Fluent (i.e., rapid and efficient) processing of perceptual objects is vital for humans to successfully navigate their environments. The experience of fluent processing per se tends to trigger positive affect; however, this affect is often misattributed by perceivers to the objects themselves, meaning that easy-to-perceive objects are judged more positively. These fluency-based preference effects have been robustly demonstrated unimodally, and specifically in situations in which fluency and preference are manipulated and measured for the same objects. However, little is known about how this effect operates crossmodally, when manipulations of fluency in one domain are combined with preference judgements for unmanipulated objects in another domain. In six experiments, we manipulated perceptual fluency in a simple auditory task which participants performed whilst viewing visual objects, which they rated for liking. We found that visual objects presented with easier (more fluent) auditory stimuli received higher liking ratings. This effect persisted when a temporal lag was introduced between the auditory/visual components, but was less reliable for static (as opposed to moving) objects. These results show that fluency-based preference effects can operate crossmodally. They have implications for a range of real-world contexts involving preference and attitude change.

Dopamine D4 receptors (D4Rs) have been implicated in the pathophysiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), yet their precise role and therapeutic relevance remain underexplored. Highly selective D4R compounds may provide a valuable tool to elucidate D4R function and assess their potential as non-stimulant ADHD treatments. This study examined the behavioral effects of two novel D4R drugs, namely, FMJ-01-38 (high-efficacy partial agonist) and FMJ-01-54 (full antagonist) in adolescent spontaneously hypertensive (SHR/NCrl) rats, a validated ADHD model, and Wistar controls. Rats received intraperitoneal FMJ-01-38 or FMJ-01-54 (5-10 mg/kg) or vehicle prior to behavioral assays assessing locomotor activity (open field tests), recognition memory (novel object preference), attention and working memory (Y-maze test), and impulsivity (delay discounting task). FMJ-01-38 dose-dependently reduced locomotor hyperactivity and improved spontaneous alternation behavior in SHR/NCrl; at 5 mg/kg it enhanced novel-object preference and decreased impulsive choice and action, indicating attenuation of ADHD-like symptoms and cognitive enhancement. FMJ-01-54 produced similar improvements in Y-maze and novel-object performance without altering locomotor activity or impulsivity of SHR/NCrl, suggesting selective cognitive improvement. In Wistar rats, FMJ-01-38 increased novel-object preference only at the 5 mg/kg dose, while FMJ-01-54 treatment did not produce any significant behavioral effects. These findings demonstrate that D4R modulation, through either partial agonism or antagonism, differentially ameliorates ADHD-related behaviors. Both FMJ-01-38 and FMJ-01-54 produced minimal effects in control animals, suggesting pathology-specific efficacy and highlighting D4R ligands as promising non-stimulant therapeutic candidates for ADHD.

Waterfront wilderness landscapes in mountainous cities, such as Chongqing, play a vital role in sustaining urban biodiversity and human well-being amid steep topography and hydrological variations that create unique habitats. However, public recognition of their ecological values and potential ecological–aesthetic conflicts remain underexplored. This study investigated biodiversity features and public preferences in Chongqing’s central urban waterfront wilderness through field surveys of 218 quadrats for biodiversity assessment (e.g., Shannon–Wiener and Simpson indices, cluster analysis identifying 12 typical communities) and two questionnaire surveys (N = 260 and 306) evaluating spatial features and plant attributes, with correlation and regression analyses examining relationships between ecological indices and preference scores. Results recorded 116 plant species from 41 families, dominated by herbaceous plants (77.6%), with herbaceous, shrub-herbaceous, and tree-herbaceous communities prevalent. No significant correlations existed between objective diversity indices and preference scores; instead, structure (β = 0.444, p &lt; 0.001) and color (β = 0.447, p &lt; 0.001) drove preferences (explaining 96.7% variance), favoring accessible mid-successional shrub-herbaceous structures over dense, low-diversity evergreen types. These findings reveal ecological–aesthetic conflicts in mountainous settings where aesthetic dominance limits biodiversity recognition. Implications include user-centered zoning: restrict access in low-preference steep areas with buffers for conservation, while enhancing high-preference flat zones via selective pruning and native colorful species introduction, supplemented by educational signage. This research provides a mountainous city archetype, enriching global urban wilderness studies and informing sustainable management in rapidly urbanizing regions.

Introduction: Hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) is associated with neurological damage. During HCA, antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) supports neuroprotection by perfusing the brain with oxygenated blood. Optimal ACP flow rates aim to maintain near-physiological conditions and provide neuroprotection by preventing ischemia and subsequent immune activation, therefore improving cognition and memory. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that an ideal neuroprotective ACP flow rate exists that impacts immune activation and function, resulting in altered levels of peripheral inflammatory proteins, immune reactivity, and cognition. Methods: Animals and Surgery: Eighteen canines were randomized into three groups with different ACP flow rates 2.5, 5, and 10 mL/kg/min. Canines were anesthetized, cannulated for peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass, and cooled to 18 °C. Cognition was assessed using Novel Object Recognition. Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Isolation, Culture, and Challenge: At 48 hours post-operation, blood was collected and serum separated. PBMCs were isolated and cultured; some cells were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After 4 and 24hrs of culture, the cells and media were collected. Inflammatory markers were evaluated with ELISA. Results: 24h following HCA, no experimental group demonstrated preference for novelty. 48 hours post-op, canines in the 10 mL/kg/min ACP group had intact and improved cognition and the lowest levels of immune activation and inflammatory biomarkers. Canines receiving 10mL/Kg/min demonstrated preference for the novel objects and nearly doubled interaction time (p&lt;0.05). This improvement in cognition was concomitant with the lowest levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNFa, and MCP-1/CCL2 in the PBMC secretome. Indeed, for PBMC reactivity, flow rate and inflammatory drive were inversely related, with the 2.5 mL/kg/min group secreting the highest levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNFa, and MCP-1/CCL2 at baseline. After the challenge with a secondary inflammatory stimulus in culture (LPS), PBMCs isolated from the 5mL/kg/min group expressed the highest levels of each inflammatory marker, with the lowest response in the 10 mL/kg/min group. Conclusion: Our findings support the incorporation of ACP during cardiac surgery as a reliable neuroprotection strategy in patients undergoing HCA. 10 mL/kg/min ACP flow rate showed evidence of neuroprotection with improved object recognition alongside decreased inflammatory response and reactivity.

The widespread use of plastics has led to significant environmental pollution, as large amounts of plastic waste are often buried, burned, or discarded into rivers. Since plastics break down slowly, they create microplastics (MPs) that accumulate in the environment, forming a new type of pollutant. In animal studies, oral intake of MPs results in their buildup in various organs, causing metabolic disorders, oxidative stress, decreased reproductive health, and neurotoxicity. The brain is especially vulnerable to MPs, as they can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and trigger neurobehavioral changes. Recent human research has found that a notable accumulation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a versatile and widely used polymer, has been observed in the brains of decedents diagnosed with documented dementia. In this study, we aimed to investigate the neurotoxic effects of MPs-LDPE both in vitro and in vivo. The murine MN-like cell line NSC-34 was treated with &lt;100 μm MPs-LDPE (0.5, 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 μg/mL), with fluorescent yields measured using Nile Red. Cells were tested in two states: undifferentiated for 4 days and differentiated for 4 days, 48 hours, or 24 hours. Quantitative analysis of cell viability, assessed by the MTS assay and maintained under standard growth conditions for 48 hours, showed a more pronounced toxic effect in differentiated cells compared to undifferentiated ones, especially at concentrations of 50 and 100 μg/mL. Additionally, at these concentrations, Neurotrack analysis indicated that the cells exhibited a significant reduction in neurite length. Adult male CD1 mice were chronically treated orally with a control solution (CON) and with a solution containing a suspension of the same MPs used in vitro at a dose of 50 μg/mL. A group of animals was sacrificed after 45 days of treatment (T1), and a second group after 90 days (T2). The animals were subjected to the initial treatment (T0) and before sacrifice to the NOR test (Novel Object Recognition) and the Morris test, two behavioral tests used to assess memory and cognition in rodents. The NOR test, which evaluates short-term memory through preference for new objects over familiar ones, showed at T1 a 20% decrease in exploratory activity in the LDPE-treated mice and a significant loss of interest in the new object. The Morris Water Maze, which assesses spatial memory, particularly the ability to learn and remember the location of a hidden platform, revealed a significant increase in latency in LDPE-treated mice at T1 in entering the quadrant containing the platform. Analyses at T2 are ongoing, as well as the analysis of brain tissues collected at sacrifice. Our results showed that MPs-LDPE has a dose-dependent toxic effect on NSC-34 cells, making differentiated cells more vulnerable at higher concentrations. In vivo, exposure as early as 45 days caused significant cognitive changes in the animals, affecting both recognition and spatial memory. Ongoing analysis will help clarify how the neurotoxic effect develops with long-term treatment using LDPE microplastics.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly recognized as a systemic condition with neuropsychiatric comorbidities, including depression. Growing evidence for the neuroprotective, antidepressant, and anxiolytic potential of Portulaca oleracea (PO) extract, provides a compelling rationale for investigating its effects in the interaction between dietary models of NAFLD and vulnerability to stress-related disorders. Fifty-four 14- to 18-week-old male and female C57BL/6N mice were distributed in two equal groups and fed either a methionine- and choline-deficient diet (MCD) or a methionine- and choline-controlled diet (MC). Subsequently, half of each group was subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and PO treatment. MCD caused significant weight loss, whereas MC promoted weight gain. Behaviorally, MCD induced anhedonia- and anxiety-like behaviors, worsened by CUMS. MC diet reduced CUMS-induced anhedonia, though anxiety-like behavior emerged only under stress. Recognition memory was impaired in stressed MCD-fed mice, while MC-fed mice showed enhanced novel object preference. At the cellular level, MCD suppressed hippocampal microglia and caused cortical astrocyte dysfunction, whereas the MC diet promoted cortical neurogenesis potentiated through PO, abolished by chronic stress. These findings underscore the impact of dietary composition on PO’s systemic effects under chronic stress and support a mechanistic link between NAFLD-related dysfunction and depression-like phenotypes.

Abstract An increase in aggressive behaviors is observed when unfamiliar breeding-age gilts are mixed. High incidence of aggression can lead to injuries and ultimately affect gilts’ longevity, reproductive performance, and welfare. Research has found that environmental enrichment in the form of toys can help redirect undesired behaviors. However, gilts’ preference for enrichment toys of varying size, location, and food additives with the potential to reduce aggression when breeding-age gilts are mixed has not been thoroughly studied. The objective of this study was to assess breeding-age gilts’ preference for different enrichment objects. In Experiment 1 and 2, we evaluated gilts (N=32) preference for 3 different toys (Jolly Ball, Kong, Ring ball) at different locations (floor, hanging) and either alone or with a food additive (applesauce, peanut butter). Each combination of toy, location, and food was tested individually and in random order, and gilts’ behavior was recorded for 5 hours to measure interaction time. Experiment 1 showed gilts interacted significantly more with toys on the floor (4.9%, 95% CI [3.9%, 6.2%]) than hanging (3.1%, 95% CI [2.4%, 4.0%]) (p&amp;lt; 0.0001). The results also showed a statistical significant interaction where gilts interacted significantly more with Jolly Balls on the floor (5.3%, 95% CI [4.1%, 6.8%]), and Kongs on the floor (5.1%, 95% CI (4.0%, 6.5%]) and hanging (4.5%, 95% CI (3.5%, 5.8%]), than any other combination of toy and location (p&amp;lt;0.0001). A statistically significant 3-way interaction between location, toy, and food was observed in Experiment 2 (p=0.02). Overall, gilts interacted with the Jolly Ball on the floor filled with applesauce (7.9%, 95% CI [6.6%, 9.4%]) or peanut butter (8.9%, 95% CI [7.5%, 10.5%]) more than any other permutation of food, toy, and location. We are currently evaluating if providing the Jolly Ball filled with applesauce on the floor reduces the incidence of aggression when breeding-age gilts are mixed. Our work will provide insight as to enrichment that can be utilized to potentially reduce aggression in breeding-age gilts and thus improve gilt welfare and longevity.